About Fresno Inclusive
Our Story
Fresno Inclusive was founded by Dr. Julie Nicole and Dr. Sam Schmitz, two physicians who shared a vision: to create a clinic where LGBTQ+ individuals, allies, and underserved communities could access healthcare without fear, shame, or judgment.
They realized they didn’t need to wait for inclusive care to improve, they could build it themselves. That spark became the foundation for a different kind of clinic: one rooted in compassion, connection, and care that truly sees people.
Since then, Fresno Inclusive has grown quickly from a shared vision into a thriving, queer-owned, community-centered clinic. Fresno Inclusive officially incorporated in October 2024, and began offering telehealth just a few months later in February 2025. On March 18th 2025 Fresno Inclusive officially opened the doors to their temporary with a permanent location set to open in June 2025. Today, Fresno Inclusive provide inclusive gynecology, pediatrics, electrolysis, and soon, primary care
Our Values
At Fresno Inclusive, our values guide every aspect of our care. We are committed to:
Inclusivity: Welcoming individuals of all identities, backgrounds, and lived experiences.
Affirming Care: Providing gender-affirming care that respects and supports each person's identity and health goals.
Accessibility: Ensuring care is physically, financially, and emotionally accessible, including accepting most major medical insurance plans and being conveniently located near major bus lines.
Community Leadership: Being built by and for the LGBTQ+ community, with a team that reflects the people we serve.
Respect: Honoring each individual's story and needs, offering care guided by trust and without judgment.
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Fresno Inclusive is dedicated to creating a healthcare environment where diversity is celebrated, equity is pursued, and inclusion is a daily practice. We recognize the systemic barriers that have historically marginalized communities, particularly LGBTQ+ individuals, people of color, immigrants, and those with disabilities. Our commitment includes:
Representation: Building a diverse team that reflects our community's richness.
Continuous Learning: Engaging in ongoing education to deepen cultural understanding and unlearn biases.
Accountability: Actively seeking and incorporating feedback to improve our services and uphold our DEI principles.
We believe that equity is not a checkbox, it’s a continuous journey. At Fresno Inclusive, we’re committed to walking this path together with our community.
Our Team
Dr. Julie Nicole (she/her)
Gynecology
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Dr. Julie Nicole (she/her) is a board-certified gynecologist. Originally from Quebec City, Canada, Dr Nicole moved to the US in 1995 as a French Teacher before deciding to become a physician. After working 8 years in private practice, she opened Fresno Inclusive with Dr Schmitz with the idea to build a patient centered clinic that would deliver equitable care in an environment where everyone is welcomed. In her free time Dr Nicole enjoys pottery and knitting. She is married to Drew Harbaugh, a critical care nurse and Regional Director for PFLAG (mid-pacific). Together, they have a lot of cats and two adult human children.
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Bachelor's degree in French Linguistics - Université Laval
Bachelor's degree in Biology - Vermont State University
Medical School - University of Vermont College of Medicine
WPATH SOC 8 certified mentor
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French
English
Spanish
Dr. Sam Schmitz (she/they)
Family Medicine
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Dr. Sam Schmitz (she/they) is a family medicine physician who is passionate about integrating LGBTQ+ health into primary care. Originally from Madison, Wisconsin, Dr. Schmitz moved to Iowa for college before coming to Fresno in 2023 to complete their residency in Family Medicine at UCSF Fresno. As an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and equitable access to healthcare, Dr. Schmitz was thrilled when presented with the opportunity to co-found The Fresno Collective for Inclusive Medicine alongside Dr. Nicole, helping to address the healthcare disparities faced by underserved communities in Fresno. Outside of work, Dr. Schmitz enjoys exploring thrift shopping, spending time with their cats, and staying active through biking, volleyball, and yoga.
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Bachelor's Degree in Biomedical Sciences - University of Wisconsin La Crosse
Master of Public Health in Epidemiology - University of Iowa
Medical School - Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine
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English
Spanish
Pediatrics
Dr. Finnian Steele (they/them)
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Dr Finnian Steele (they/them) is a board certified pediatrician. They attended medical school on a US Navy scholarship and served in the Navy for 9 years after graduation. During this time, they became a pediatrician and also began providing gender affirming care for trans kids of military service members. After leaving the Navy, they started their own transition (non-binary, trans-masc). In 2021 Dr. Steele moved to Fresno, California to work as a general pediatrician. One of their goals is to provide accessable, knowledgable, supportive medical care for LGBTQ+ young people. Being part of the Fresno Inclusive team has helped make their own dream into a reality. Dr. Steele lives with their 4 dogs and 2 snakes. They fill their free time with friends, gardening, rock climbing, reading, and traveling.
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English
Electrology
Carlos Lopez (he/him)
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Carlos Lopez (he/him) is an electrologist at Fresno Inclusive, dedicated to creating safe and affirming spaces for transgender individuals seeking gender-affirming hair removal. Originally from Hanford, California, Carlos is deeply committed to equity and inclusion in his work. In partnership with Trans-E-Motion, he completed his electrolysis training in the fall of 2024. His passion for healthcare extends beyond his current role; he plans to further his education and pursue a nursing degree, continuing his journey to support and uplift those in need in the Central Valley. Outside of his professional life, Carlos enjoys immersing himself in sci-fi literature, exploring new destinations on road trips, and expressing himself through Folklórico dance.
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Electrologist Training- California Electrology Academy
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English
Spanish