Meet The Team

Neurosurgeon 

Dr. Samuel D. Critides

Dr. Critides served in the United States Navy for 20 years. After serving as a battalion surgeon with the United States Marines, he was selected for training as a neurosurgeon. He then served the remainder of his career in the Navy as a neurosurgeon, including tours at National Naval Medical Center Bethesda, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth and Wounded Warrior Regiment in Quantico, Virginia. While assigned to National Naval Medical Center Bethesda, he was called to treat U.S. servicemen and women injured in the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts. He deployed as the spine surgeon on the USNS Comfort, the forward deployed mobile Naval Hospital Ship, where he provided care for victims of the Haiti earthquake in 2010. In his spare time, Dr. Critides stays active with cross fit and running. He enjoys spending time with his wife, Maricarmen, and their four children.

Physician Assistant

Rachel Samuelson, PA-C

Hailing from Kansas, Rachel attended the University of Kansas for her undergraduate studies. Upon completion of her bachelor's degree, she felt Florida calling and attended the University of Florida for the Physician Assistant’s program. She has a history in plastic surgery and orthopedic spine. After spending some time working on Eglin Air Force Base supporting our military community, Rachel joined Homeport Neurosurgery & Spine. She joined the Homeport team in 2024. She has lived on the Gulf Coast for over five years, and loves being in a military community. With a decade in spine, Rachel has become well versed in treating a variety of neurosurgical needs and conditions. When she is not working, she enjoys traveling, playing beach volleyball, and hanging out with her two lovely dogs: Riley and Luna.

Nurse Practitioner

Amberlyn McNamara, AGNP – C

​Amberlyn McNamara is a board-certified Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner by the

American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board. As an NP, Amberlyn has

worked in the urgent care setting in Hawaii and was a part of the anesthesia team in the

perioperative setting to medically optimize patients prior to undergoing surgery at

Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO. Prior to obtaining her NP degree, Amberlyn

received a BS in Mathematics and Nursing. She spent most of her time as a bedside

nurse on a neuro step down unit and began travel nursing during the Covid19 pandemic.

Amberlyn is passionate about providing patient centered holistic care to those while

they are in their most vulnerable state. She loves spending time with her husband

Josh and their daughter. She was a four-year collegiate athlete playing volleyball at

Virginia Wesleyan University and now enjoys playing beach volleyball, all things

physical fitness, and being outdoors

Nurse Practitioner

Katie Moore Burnett

MSN, APRN, FNP-C

Katie joined Homeport in 2025. She began her nursing career at Florida State University, where she earned her BSN. From there, she went on to complete a Master’s Degree in Nursing Leadership and Management from Western Governors University. Still pursuing to further her education, she earned her Post-Master’s Certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner from Maryville University. Before transitioning to neurosurgery, Katie worked in primary care for over three years, where she honed her skills in managing a broad range of patient needs. She has a long standing passion for neurosurgical needs, which has fueled her commitment to delivering high quality, patient centered, care to individuals with complex neurological and spine conditions. Katie believes in taking the time each patient needs to feel heard and supported. Her care philosophy is grounded in providing holistic, evidence-based care that considers the whole person. Outside of work, Katie enjoys yoga, reading, and spending time with her three dogs.