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. After his time in the Navy, Dr. Critides wanted to help to continue to serve our military community, so Homeport Neurosurgery was created. Since 2021, Dr. Critides has returned to the beautiful Emerald Coast, choosing to serve his local community as well as active duty and retired service members. In his spare time, Dr. Critides stays active with cross fit and running. He enjoys spending time with his wife, Maricarmen, their four children, and his dogs. Dr. Critides is the Chief of Surgery at HCA Fort Walton Beach - Destin hospital.

Neurosurgeon 

Dr. Christopher Meredith

Dr. Meredith grew up in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, and brings a global perspective to his medical practice. He moved to the United States to attend Wesleyan University in Connecticut, where he majored in neuroscience and graduated Phi Beta Kappa in 1996. He earned his medical degree from the University of Connecticut School of Medicine in 2000, followed by an internship and neurosurgical residency at the University of Kansas Hospital, which he completed in 2006. Dr. Meredith has since dedicated his career to providing thoughtful, patient-centered spine care, with special clinical interests in adult degenerative spinal disorders, motion-preservation surgery, and endoscopic spine surgery. In addition to his medical training, Dr. Meredith pursued legal studies and earned his Juris Doctor from Mitchell Hamline School of Law in 2023, further strengthening his ability to advocate for patients and navigate the complex intersection of medicine and law. Outside of his professional life, Dr. Meredith is a devoted father to two sons, ages 11 and 13. He enjoys traveling, running, and maintaining an active lifestyle. He is fluent in Dutch and French, allowing him to connect with patients from diverse backgrounds. Dr. Meredith is known for his calm, approachable demeanor and his commitment to helping patients feel informed, supported, and confident throughout their care.

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.