Meet Our Staff
| Medical Clinic Gold Staff | top | |
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Kevin Sanville, MD, MS, FAAFP Dr. Kevin Sanville joined the health center staff in 2005. Dr. Sanville is a Diplomate of the American Board of Family Medicine and fellow in the American Academy of Family Physicians. He earned an MD from Georgetown University, an MS from Tufts University School of Nutrition, and a BS from Boston College. He completed a family practice residency in North Carolina in 1997. Dr. Sanville served in the National Health Service Corps in southwestern Montana from 1997- 1999. He carried out private sector practice in Greensboro, NC and served as a preceptor in a family medicine residency and a lecturer in college nutrition at UNC-G prior to coming to the UGA UHC. His areas of interest in his practice include general medical problems and injuries, and the interplay of physical activity, proper diet and maintenance of optimal health and life balance. Dr. Sanville is the Lead Physician in Medical Clinic Gold. |
| Aimee Martin, MD Dr. Aimee Martin joined the health center staff in 2008. She earned a BS in Animal Physiology and Neuroscience from the University of California, San Diego, and graduated from Tulane University School of Medicine in 2000. She completed her residency in emergency medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in 2003, and is board certified in Emergency Medicine. Dr. Martin served 2 years active duty as a captain in the United States Army at the General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, where she was a staff physician in the emergency room. She then practiced as a staff physician in the emergency room at Athens Regional Medical Center for 3 years. She has certifications in emergency ultrasonography and acupuncture. Her interests include acute care, acupuncture, and disease prevention. |
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Judd Caudell, PA-C Judd Caudell joined the health center staff in 2007. He earned a BS in education and MEd in counseling from Clemson University and then completed a Masters of Physician Assistant Studies from Towson University. He is certified by the National Commission on Certification for Physician Assistants (NCCPA) and the National Athletic Trainer Association as a certified athletic trainer. Most recently he worked for the New Hanover County Health Department in Wilmington, NC. Mr. Caudell's areas of interest are primary care, sports medicine and men's health. |
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Len DeRamus, PA-C Len DeRamus joined the health center staff in 2013. He earned a BS from Brenau College, a BS Physician Assistant from the Medical College of Georgia, and MPAS from the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Mr. DeRamus has four years of previous experience in pulmonary, allergy and internal medicine as well as 20 plus years in family medicine. He has served on the faculty and is on the clinical faculty for the Medical College of Georgia PA Program and is an adjunct faculty member for the EMS Programs at Athens Technical College. He is certified in ACLS, BCLS, PALS as Training Center Faculty, Advanced Burn Life Support (ABLS), Advanced Stroke Life Support (ASLS), and is a former paramedic. Mr. DeRamus' areas of interest are primary care and urgent/emergency care. |
| Medical Clinic Blue Staff | top | |
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Paul Peteet, MD Dr. Paul Peteet joined the health center staff in 1987. He received his BS from Davidson College and graduated from Emory University School of Medicine. He completed his residency in Internal Medicine at Providence Medical Center and is board certified in Internal Medicine. Before coming to the health center Dr. Peteet was in private practice for nine years. His special interests include alcohol and drug abuse, diabetes and HIV infection. Dr. Peteet is the Lead Physician in Medical Clinic Blue. |
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Garth Russo, MD Dr. Garth Russo joined the health center in 1991 after serving 4 years in the National Health Service Corps in North Georgia. His undergraduate degree is a BS in Biomedical Engineering from Vanderbilt University. He earned his medical degree at Bowman Gray School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, North Carolina and completed a family medicine residency at East Carolina University School of Medicine. Dr. Russo is a Diplomat of the American Board of Family Medicine and Fellow in the American Academy of Family Physicians. He has interests in Wilderness Medicine and Clinical IT. |
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Jenny Wares, MD Dr. Jenny Wares joined the health center staff in 2011. She earned a BA in ethics/philosophy of religion and a BS in chemistry from the University of Oklahoma and an MD from Wake Forest University. She completed a residency in emergency medicine from the University of New Mexico. Dr. Wares is Board Certified in Emergency Medicine FACEP (Fellow in American College of Emergency Medicine). She is currently in the University of Arizona Integrative Medicine Fellowship and will graduate in December 2012. Previously she worked at St. Mary's Emergency Department. Her special areas of interest include nutritional, herbal and mind-body medicine and acupuncture. |
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Michael P. Brugger, PA-C Michael Brugger has been a physician's assistant at the health center since 1988. He has a BS degree from University of Massachusetts, Amherst in zoology and a BS degree in Medical Science from Emory University. Mr. Brugger is certified by the NCCPA. He is a CPR instructor, a Smoking Cessation Counselor and Advanced Cardiac Life Support certified. |
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Christa Teasley, NP Christa Teasley joined the health center staff in 2007. She holds a BBA in Risk Management/Insurance from the University of Georgia, and a MS and BSN from Brenau University. She is a certified family nurse practitioner. Ms. Teasley worked in an OB/Gyn private practice for three years, for emergency departments for three years and in general surgery for one year. Her areas of interest include all aspects of women's health including contraceptive management, sexually transmitted infection diagnosis and treatment and general wellness. Her expertise also includes managing a variety of medical urgent care needs. |
| Medical Clinic Green Staff | top | |
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Natalie Russo, MD Dr. Natalie Russo has been on staff at the health center since 1988. She earned a BA in Chemistry from Bryn Mawr College and graduated from Bowman Gray School of Medicine (Wake Forest) in Winston-Salem, NC. She completed a family practice residency at East Carolina School of Medicine. Dr. Russo is board certified in Family Practice and a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians. She has also earned her Certificate of Additional Qualification in Sports Medicine and served for a time as a team physician for the UGA Athletic Association. Her interests include primary and preventive medicine with a focus on the medical home as a powerful advocate and valuable resource for patients in addition to her interest in exercise and musculoskeletal medicine. |
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Robert Van Gallera, MD Dr. Robert Van Gallera joined the health center staff in April 2004. He began his medical career as a hospital corpsman in the US Navy from 1970 -1976. He earned his BS degree in Pre-Medicine studies from Kansas State University in 1980 and and his MD from University of Kansas in 1984. He completed his residency in Family Practice at the Hamot Medical Center in Erie, Pennsylvania. He is board certified in Family Practice. He was on staff at the Wichita Clinic, Wichita, Kansas, from 1987 to 1993, and in private practice in Auburn, Georgia from 1993 to 1996. Dr. Van Gallera practiced emergency medicine from 1996 to 2004 at Walton Medical Center in Monroe, Georgia, and served as Medical Director of the Emergency Department from 1997 until 2004. His areas of interests include emergency medicine, orthopedics and preventive medicine. |
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Fran Beall, NP Fran Beall came to the University Health Center in 1973. Prior to that time, she spent two years as a critical care nurse in the ICU at NYU Medical center. She graduated from St. Joseph's School of Nursing in Patterson, NJ, and the University of Georgia Nurse Practitioner Program. She is certified as a Nurse Practitioner in Adult Health through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), and is a member of both ANA and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. Her areas of clinical interest include STD prevention and treatment, smoking cessation and asthma. She is a member of the A.T. E.A.S.E. Asthma Treatment Team at the University Health Center and is a "Put Prevention Into Practice" resource trainer for the UHC staff. |
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Angela Bouknecht, PA-C Angela Bouknecht joined the health center staff in 1993. She attended UGA then transferred to Medical College of Georgia where she earned a BS degree and is a nationally certified Physician's Assistant. Her special interests include women's health, general health issues and patient education. |
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Kimberly Brown-Clark, PA-C Kimberly Brown-Clark joined the health center staff in 2001. She is a graduate from Spelman College with a BS in Biology Pre-med and from Emory University School of Medicine's Physician Assistant Program where she received a Masters of Medical Science. She is certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. Her special areas of interest in her practice are women's health and preventive health. |
| Medical Clinic Red Staff | top | |
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Ron Elliott, MD Dr. Ron Elliott has been on staff at the University Health Center since 1985. A native of Macon, he received his BS degree from Georgia Tech, his medical degree from Medical College of Georgia and completed his Family Medicine residency in the Greenville, South Carolina Hospital system where he served as Chief Resident. He currently serves as Lead Physician for the Dr. John "Bud" Robinson Sports Medicine Clinic and has served as Team Physician for the UGA Athletic Association since 1988. Dr. Elliott is a member of the American Academy of Family Practice, a member of the Georgia Academy of Family Practice, a member of the American College of Sports Medicine, past chairman of the Georgia Academy Sports Medicine Committee, charter member of the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine and was among the first primary care physicians to receive his National Certification in Sports Medicine. Dr. Elliott is Lead Physician in Medical Clinic Red. |
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Fred Reifsteck, MD Dr. Fred Reifsteck joined the health center staff in December 2003. He earned a BA in biology from Knox College in Illinois, an MS in microbiology from Illinois State University and an MD from University of Illinois in Chicago. He completed a family practice residency in Peoria, Illinois. From 1990 – 2001 he practiced at Kaiser Permanente in Jonesboro, Georgia. In 2001 he joined the medical staff at The Doctor’s Office in Stockbridge. Dr. Reifsteck is board certified in family practice with a certificate of added qualification in sports medicine. He is a medical doctor for the UGA Athletic Department. |
| Rebecca Badach, PA-C Rebecca (Becky) Badach joined the health center staff in 2006. She earned a BS degree in sports medicine from Keene State College in New Hampshire and an MS in physical education from West Virginia University. She was a student of physician assistant studies at Albany-Hudson Valley PA program in New York where she earned an AS degree. In addition to being certified as a Physician Assistant, she is also a certified athletic trainer and strength and conditioning specialist. Before coming to UGA Becky worked as a PA in a small family practice office. She also was the head athletic trainer and instructor at a Division III college in New Hampshire. |
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| Allergy / Travel Clinic Staff | top | |
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Davelle Pursner, RN Davelle Pursner joined the staff as the registered nurse in the Travel Clinic in 2011. She earned her BSN from the University of Alberta in Canada. She has 18 years of experience working in five different states around the United States in hospital intensive care units. She is certified in neuroscience nursing. Ms. Pursner is an experienced traveler and has a vast knowledge of diseases which she uses while counseling travelers in the prevention of disease. |
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Amy Aycock RN, BSN Amy Aycock joined the health center staff in the Allergy Clinic in 2012. She is a registered nurse and earned her BSN at Brenau University in Gainesville, GA. Ms. Aycock has 15 years of Medical-Surgical experience at St. Mary's Hospital in Athens. |
| Dermatology Staff | top | |
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Benna Cunningham, FNP, BC Benna Cunningham joined the staff as a dermatology nurse practitioner in 2007. She graduated from the University of Evansville in Indiana with a BSN and earned a MSN at the University of Kentucky. She completed the Family Nurse Practitioner Program at Medical College of Georgia. Ms. Cunningham is Board Certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center and is a member of the Georgia Nurses Association. She worked for 12 years in a dermatology private practice and was an assistant professor of nursing at MCG for eight years. |
| Counseling and Psychiatric Services Staff | top | |
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Sandrine Bosshardt, PhD Dr. Sandrine Bosshardt joined the CAPS staff in 2012. Originally from the Netherlands, she received her PhD in psychology from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. She is a licensed psychologist who has worked as Coordinator of Mind-Body Programs at Georgia State University's Counseling and Testing Center. Dr. Bosshardt's special areas of interest include include family-of-origin issues, developmental/identity issues, holistic wellness and mindfulness practice, theories/assessment of personality, neuropsychology, psychopharmacology, and training and supervision. |
| Shannon Bowles, PhD Dr. Shannon Bowles joined the CAPS staff in 2010. She earned a BA and MEd from the University of Virginia. She completed her PhD from University of West Virginia, and she is a licensed counseling psychologist. Her past work experience includes Frostburg State University, Appalachian State University and Georgia State. Dr. Bowles' special areas of interest include college student development, alcohol and other drugs, family concerns, and LGBTQIQ. |
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Matthew Carlson, PsyD Dr. Matthew Carlson joined the CAPS staff in 2011. He earned a BS in psychology with a minor in philosophy, and a MEd in secondary school counseling from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania. He received a PsyD in clinical psychology from Chestnut Hill College, a program accredited by the American Psychological Association. He is a licensed psychologist. Dr. Carlson completed practicum and internships in two public school districts, a university counseling center and a state psychiatric hospital. In addition, he worked in a group practice as a professional counselor providing behavioral health services, consultation, psychotherapy and assessment for children, adolescents and adults. His areas of interest include depression, anxiety disorders, substance abuse, as well as family and interpersonal problems. He is also interested in evidence-based psychotherapies, psychological assessment and adolescent and young adult development. |
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Sarah Chatfield, MSW, LCSW Sarah Chatfield joined the CAPS staff in 2011. She earned a BS degree and MSW from Florida State University. She is a Licensed Social Worker. She worked at both the Victim Advocate Program and the University Counseling Center at Florida State. Most recently Ms. Chatfield was an adult advocate at The Cottage Sexual Assault Center and Children's Advocacy Center in Athens. She provided support at crisis services to survivors of sexual assault and childhood sexual abuse. Her areas of interest include trauma, sexual assault, grief, self-esteem, assertiveness, women's issues, family of origin issues and crisis intervention. |
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Al Clarke, PhD Dr. Al Clarke has been with the health center since September 1996. He received his PhD from Georgia State University. Dr. Clarke is Training Director of the postdoctoral fellowship program and practicum training, and his current clinical interests include supervision, sport psychology, stress management, anxiety disorders, substance abuse and eating disorders. Dr. Clarke also enjoys playing golf, participating in triathlons, yoga and hiking. |
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Tricia Coghlan, MSW, LCSW Tricia Coghlan is a licensed clinical social worker and joined the CAPS staff as case manager and therapist in 2010. She earned a BS in sociology with an emphasis in social services from Georgia Southern, and a MSW from University of Georgia. Her past experience includes working at a home for pregnant women, with survivors of abuse and in child welfare. Ms. Coghlan's special areas of interest include women's issues, family concerns, relationships, and adjustment to college. |
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Laura Duncan, BSN, MSN, ANCC Laura Duncan joined the CAPS staff in 2008. She holds a BA is psychology from UGA and earned both a BSN and MSN from Medical College of Georgia. She has certification as an adult mental health/psych clinical nurse specialist and an adult mental health/psych nurse practitioner. Her past experience includes inpatient and outpatient community mental health, private practice, inpatient detox, outpatient substance abuse treatment and psychiatric consults in hospitals and nursing homes. She was also a clinical instructor. Ms. Duncan's areas of interest include substance abuse and serving on the UHC eating disorder treatment team. |
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Sydney Felker, PhD Dr. Sydney Felker joined the CAPS staff in 2011. She earned a BS from the University of Georgia, and a PhD from Colorado State University. She completed a predoctoral internship with University of St. Thomas Counseling and Psychological Services in St. Paul, MN. She was a clinician for Colorado State University Health Network Counseling Services in Fort Collins, Colorado. Dr. Felker's areas of interest include psychology of women and gender, spirituality and substance abuse. |
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Ashley Gabriel, PhD Dr. Ashley Gabriel joined the CAPS staff in 2010. She holds a BS in Biology/Psychology from Birmingham-Southern College and an MA and PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University of Alabama. She is licensed psychologist. Dr. Gabriel's predoctoral internship was at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Training Consortium with a primary placement at the Birmingham Veteran Affairs Medical Center. She completed her postdoctoral fellowship at the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Her special areas of interest include psychological assessment, anxiety disorders, stress management, body image concerns, self esteem and health psychology. |
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Meladee Garst, PhD Dr. Meladee Garst joined the CAPS staff in 2012. She completed a BA in Psychology and Sociology from Wichita State University in Witchita, KS and earned her MS in Educational Psychology and PhD in Counseling Psychology from Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, OK. She completed a predoctoral internship at the Nebraska Internship Consortium in Professional Psychology at the University of Nebraska Lincoln Counseling and Psychological Services. Dr. Garst was a clinician at the Oklahoma State University Counseling Services, Associated Therapeutic Services in Enid, OK, and University of Nebraska Lincoln Counseling and Psychological Services. She is a generalist, and her special areas of interest include working with LGBTQI issues and concerns, international students, multicultural and diversity issues, anxiety/depression, relationship difficulties, and family of origin concerns. |
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Angela Nutt Hahn, PsyD Dr. Angela Hahn joined the CAPS staff in 2012. She holds a BA in Psychology and an MSW from UGA. She earned her MA in Clinical Psychology and PsyD from the Georgia School of Professional Psychology at Argosy/Atlanta. Her predoctoral internship was at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Counseling and Wellness Services. Dr. Hahn worked previously at Emory University Student Counseling Center, Oglethorpe University Counseling Center, Atlanta Forensic and Mental Health Institute, Athens Area Commencement Center, Advantage Behavioral Health Systems, Peachford Behavioral Hospital, and Postive Outcomes, Inc. Her special interests include working with clients with relationship concerns, eating disorders, and/or a history of interpersonal trauma. Dr. Hahn approaches her work from an integrative perspective and collaborates with clients to develop a treatment strategy that is individualized to meet their needs and personalities. |
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Janice Harewood, PhD Dr. Janice Harewood joined the health center staff in 2010. She holds a BSc in economics and management from the University of the West Indies and an MA in clinical psychology from Eastern Illinois University. She earned a PhD in counseling psychology from the University of Albany. She completed a pre-doctoral internship at the University of South Florida Counseling Center and a postdoctoral fellowship in university mental health at Emory University Counseling Center. Dr. Harewood is a generalist, and her interest areas also include multicultural counseling, psychological assessment, career development, outreach and consultation, working with traditionally underserved groups, and clinical supervision and training. Her research interests include examining factors that influence the use of counseling. |
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Jeffrey Henderson, PhD, ABPP Dr. Jeffrey Henderson is a licensed psychologist and is board certified in Counseling Psychology through the American Board of Professional Psychology. He joined the health center staff in 2007. He received his PhD from the University of Southern Mississippi and completed his internship at Texas A&M University Student Counseling Service. He completed masters' degrees in Sports Administration from the University of Southern Mississippi, and in Counseling and Personnel Services from the University of Memphis. Dr. Henderson was director of Counseling and Psychological Services at Mercer University, and also served as staff psychologist at the University of Southern Mississippi. His areas of interests include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), sport psychology, multicultural counseling, anxiety, and mindfulness. |
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Danneel Hubbell, MSW, LCSW Daneel Hubbell joined the CAPS staff as a licensed clinical social worker in 2007. Ms. Hubbell earned a BS in psychology from LSU and a MSW from UGA. She has a variety of past experiences including working in outpatient and inpatient mental health, substance abuse, developmental disabilities and dialysis. Her areas of interest are mental health and substance abuse. |
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Anne Layton, MA, MSW, LCSW Anne Layton joined the health center staff in 2012. She studied at Eastern Kentucky University where she earned Bachelor degrees in social work and psychology, and a Masters in counseling. She is a graduate from the master's program at the UGA School of Social Work, and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Before coming to the health center she worked at Advantage Behavioral Health Systems as a social worker and at Georgia Southern as a counselor. Her areas of interest include depression/anxiety, grief, graduate students, alcohol and other drugs, and LGBT. |
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Gayle Robbins, PhD Dr. Gayle Robbins is director of Counseling and Psychiatric Services at the health center and has been on staff since July of 2004. She earned a BA from Pacific Lutheran University and PhD in clinical psychology from University of North Dakota. Before coming to UGA, Dr. Robbins worked at Central Washington University as an assistant professor and as a staff psychologist. Her clinical interests include multicultural, gender, LGBT, stress, anxiety, depression, eating disorders and family of origin issues. Other areas of interest include individual, group and couples psychotherapy; outreach; training and supervision; and research. |
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Robert Shapiro, MD Dr. Robert Shapiro has been a psychiatrist with the health center since 1979. He graduated from the University of North Carolina School of Medicine and completed his residency at the University of North Carolina Memorial Hospital. |
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Austin Shedden, PsyD Dr. Austin Shedden joined the CAPS staff in 2011. He earned a BS in counseling and an MA in marriage and family therapy/family counseling from Johnson Bible College in Tennessee. He continued his studies at Argosy University in Atlanta where he earned a MA and PsyD in clinical psychology. His practicum experience includes working in college counseling centers, in private practice and at Northwest Georgia Regional Hospital. He completed a predoctoral internship at The College of William and Mary Counseling Center in Williamsburg, VA. He also worked at an alcohol and drug treatment facility. Dr. Shedden's areas of interest include anxiety, depression, relationship issues, family of origin issues, substance use issues, training/supervision and multicultural issues. |
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Kate Morrissey Stahl, MA, MSW, LCSW Kate Morrissey Stahl joined the CAPS staff in 2012. She earned a BA at Ripon college, an MA in Communication at Pennsylvania State University, and an MSW from the University of Georgia. She is certified in Marriage and Family Therapy and is a certified yoga instructor. Her past experience includes counseling in grief, chronic illness and pain, and yoga work at the Loran Smith Center for Cancer Support; individual, couples and group mind body counseling, including Yoga for Anxiety at Rubber Soul Yoga; community ACT group; individual and group counseling, including groups in anger management, mind body health, DBT and grief, at Advantage Behavioral Health Systems; and women's support group at AIDS Athens. Ms. Morrissey Stahl's areas of interest include mindfulness, yoga, meditation, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. |
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Stevie Stigler, LPC, NCC Stevie Stigler joined the CAPS staff in 2013. She earned a BS in Psychology from Georgia College and a MA in Professional Counseling from the Georgia School of Professional Psychology at Argosy/Atlanta. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor and also a Nationally Certified Counselor. Her previous experience includes providing in-home therapy for families facing loss, divorce, addiction issues, family instability and/or traumatic experiences. Her clinical interests are stress management, depression, adjustment disorders, anxiety, family/interpersonal problems and crisis intervention. Others areas of interest include mental health outreach programs and psychoeducation at both clinical and community levels. Ms. Stigler's methodology of service is supportive, inviting and client centered. She works together with clients to assist in creating a treatment approach tailored to their individual needs to foster awareness for personal growth. |
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Andrew Stochel, PhD Dr. Stochel joined the CAPS staff in 2010. He earned a PhD in counseling psychology from University of Georgia, and has a MA in mental health counseling from Boston College and a BA in psychology from Providence College. His internship was completed at the Counseling and Testing Center of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and his postdoc was completed at Georgia State University's Counseling and Testing Center. Prior to joining CAPS, he was a staff member Marquette University's Counseling Center, where he served as the coordinator for career counseling. Dr. Stochel's areas of interest include depression, anxiety, men's mental health, substance abuse treatment, and career and vocational counseling. |
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Ash Thompson, MD Dr. Ash Thompson joined the CAPS staff in 2011. He earned a BS from South Dakota State and a MD from the University of South Dakota School of Medicine. He completed a psychiatric residency and a fellowship in forensic psychiatry at the Medical College of Wisconsin. Dr. Thompson is Board Certified in General and Forensic Psychiatry. |
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Dudley Weems, MD Dr. Dudley Weems is Lead Physician of Counseling and Psychiatric Services at the Health Center and has been a staff psychiatrist since 1990. He had a similar position at Arizona State University for six years prior to coming to UGA. He graduated from the University of Florida and completed his Psychiatry residency at the University of Missouri, Columbia Medical School. |
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Chuck Zanone, PhD Dr. Chuck Zanone joined the health center staff in July 2005. Since July 2009 he has served as Associate Director for Clinical Services. From January 2006 to July 2009 he served as Associate Director for Education, Consultation and Outreach. He earned his degree in Counseling Psychology in 1997 from the University of Missouri-Columbia after completing his pre-doctoral internship at the University of Georgia. He was a Counseling Psychologist from 1997 to 2001 and an Assistant Director for Training from 2001 to 2005 at the Counseling and Career Development Center at Georgia Southern University. Dr. Zanone's training and general interests are in the areas of: individual and group psychotherapy, supervision and training, and counseling center administration. Specific clinical interests include: crisis intervention, depression, anxiety disorders, trauma/recovery, family of origin, LGBT, and multicultural issues. His approach to working with clients is client-centered and relationship focused. |
| Dental Clinic Staff | top | |
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John Leffert, DMD Dr. John Leffert, Lead Dentist for the University Health Center's Dental Clinic, has been on staff since 1999. He holds a BBA from UGA in marketing and a DMD from Medical College of Georgia. His areas of interest are endodontics and restorative dentistry. |
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Josh Zaleski, DMD Dr. Josh Zaleski joined the health center staff in 2011. He earned a BS in biology from the University of Georgia and DMD from Medical College of Georgia. He is a member of the American Dental Association and the Georgia Dental Association. Before coming to UGA he owned and operated a private practice outside of Atlanta. His special areas of interest are cosmetic dentistry, endodontics, and crowns and bridges. |
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Emily Shumate, RDH Emily Shumate joined the staff as a dental hygienist in 1998. She has an AA degree in dental hygiene from Meridian Community College in Meridian, Mississippi. Before coming to UHC, she worked for dentists in private practice in Meridian, Mississippi and in Watkinsville, Georgia. Ms. Shumate is a people person who makes every effort to ensure her patients are comfortable while having their teeth cleaned. |
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Niki Stephenson, RDH Niki Stephenson joined the UHC staff as a dental hygienist in 2011. She earned an Associate of Applied Science degree from Athens Technical College and is a Registered Dental Hygienist. Previously she worked in private practice in Athens. Ms. Stephenson enjoys making patients feel comfortable, educating patients about their oral health, and encouraging patients to make healthy choices for their oral and overall health. |
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Vada Timberlake, RDH Vada Timberlake joined the health center staff as a dental hygienist in 2004. She attended GA State University and GA Perimeter College and is a Registered Dental Hygienist. Before coming to the health center she worked in a private dental practice in the Atlanta area for 30 years. Her areas of interest include oral hygiene education, teeth cleaning and prophylactic procedures. Ms. Timberlake focuses on patient comfort, especially for individuals with dental anxiety. |
| Health Promotion Staff | top | |
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Mike Friedline, PhD, CAC11 Mike Friedline is the alcohol and other drug (AOD) counselor / intervention specialist. He has a PhD in Biopsychology from the University of Georgia and is a Certified Addiction Counselor (level II). Mike has been working in the addictions field since 1991. He offers counseling to anyone concerned about their or someone else's alcohol and/or drug use. Mike is part of the John Fontaine, Jr. Center for Alcohol Awareness and Education. mfriedline@uhs.uga.edu |
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Ben Gray, MS, RD, LD Ben Gray is the nutrition education coordinator and is a licensed and registered dietitian in the state of Georgia. He earned an AS in Culinary Arts from Johnson & Wales University, a BS in Dietetics from the University of Arizona, and a MS in Foods and Nutrition from The University of Georgia. Ben develops and implements nutrition education programming on campus including teaching healthy cooking classes in the UHC Nutrition Kitchen and giving nutrition education presentations in academic classrooms. He also co-advises the Peer Nutrition Educators and is available for individual nutrition counseling. bgray@uhs.uga.edu |
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Emily Thornton Jacobs, LMSW Emily Thornton Jacobs is an alcohol and other drug counselor. She is a Licensed Master Social Worker who earned a BSW and Women's Studies Certificate from Mississippi State University and a MSW from the University of South Carolina. Her previous experience working in AOD counseling and mental health encompasses such areas as adult AOD and mental health (specializing in working with survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault), hospital inpatient/detox, and intensive outpatient women's recovery group therapy. Emily also has experience in hospice, assisting terminally ill patients obtain needed resources and providing support for grief and loss issues. Emily is part of the John Fontaine, Jr. Center for Alcohol Awareness and Education. ejacobs@uhs.uga.edu |
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Katy Janousek, MS, CHES Katy Janousek is the sexual health specialist and student development coordinator. She received a BS in Psychology from Virginia Tech and a MS in Public Health Education from James Madison University. Katy provides interactive group presentations and classroom lectures, advises the volunteer student group SHHUGA, and is available for individual and couples educational counseling. Her areas of specialization include healthy sexual decision making, LGBTQ concerns, and pregnancy/STI prevention. kjanousek@uhs.uga.edu |
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Tara Misra, MS Tara Misra is the relationship and sexual violence prevention coordinator. She holds a BA in sexuality and gender studies, and an MS in community health education, both from the University of New Mexico. Her previous work experience includes providing sexual health education on college campuses, counseling in family planning and women's health, and coordinating a syringe exchange program. She is skilled in crisis intervention, public speaking, HIV counseling and community organizing. Tara implements and coordinates educational programming, training, and campus-wide awareness events, and provides support services for students impacted by relationship and sexual violence. tmisra@uhs.uga.edu |
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Liz Prince, MEd Liz Prince joined the University Health Center in 2012 as associate director of health promotion and the John Fontaine, Jr. Center for Alcohol Awareness and Education. She earned her BS in physical education from SUNY Brockport and a MA in counseling from Eastern Michigan University. Prior to coming to UGA, she was Assistant Director of the Student Wellness Center at Duke University and Assistant Director of Wellness and Prevention Services at the University of Connecticut. In addition, she has worked in college counseling centers and residence life. Her areas of interest include alcohol and other drug prevention, restorative justice, health coaching and adventure based counseling. lprince@uhs.uga.edu |
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Robert J. Ross, MSW, LMSW Robert Ross is an alcohol and other drug counselor. He holds a BA in biology from St. Cloud State University in Minnesota and a Masters in Social Work from Colorado State University. He is a Licensed Master Social Worker. His past experience includes working as an alcohol and other drug clinician and case manager at Colorado State University and a community dual diagnosis clinician and case manager in Fort Collins, CO. He also has sixteen years experience working in disability services for adults. He is interested in supporting students to achieve their academic and personal goals, as well as AOD program development and implementation for UGA students. Robert sees clients in the John Fontaine, Jr. Center for Alcohol Awareness and Education, housed in the Health Promotion Department. rross@uhs.uga.edu |
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Angie Ruhlen, MFCS, RD, LD Angie Ruhlen is the nutrition counseling coordinator. She graduated from the University of Georgia with a MFCS in Dietetics and a BA in Spanish. She is a licensed and registered dietitian in the state of Georgia. Angie provides nutrition counseling and education through individual consultations and presentations and is a member of the UHC Eating Disorder Team. She co-advises the student group For Loving Yourself (FLY), which promotes positive body image on campus and awareness about eating disorders. aruhlen@uhs.uga.edu |
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Betria Stinson, MPH, RHEd Betria Stinson is the alcohol and other drug (AOD) prevention health educator. She earned a BS in Community Health Education and MPH in Public Health at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She is a registered health educator. She has worked in the areas of public health in HIV/AIDs research with young women and tobacco education and cessation with college age students. Betria provides campus presentations and lectures for students on alcohol and drug abuse issues. She is part of the John Fontaine, Jr. Center for Alcohol Awareness and Education. bstinson@uhs.uga.edu |
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Deanna Walters, MEd Deanna Walters is the alcohol and other drug (AOD) prevention coordinator. She graduated from Indiana University with a BA in Psychology and a BS in Applied Health Science. She earned her MEd in Professional Counseling from the University of Georgia, and was a volunteer intern in Sexual Health for the Health Promotion Department during her master's degree program. Deanna provides campus presentations and training for student groups and organizations on alcohol and drug abuse issues. She also teaches PRIME for Life: Campus courses and the CHOICES program for athletes. Deanna is part of the John Fontaine, Jr. Center for Alcohol Awareness and Education. dwalters@uhs.uga.edu |
| Pharmacy Staff | top | |
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Bradford Upchurch, RPh, PharmD Dr. Bradford Upchurch is manager of the pharmacy having joined the UHC staff in 2007. He earned a BSPharm at UGA and a PharmD at the University of Florida. He is also certified in Medication Therapy Management. Previously Brad worked for Athens Regional Medical Center as well as numerous retail pharmacies. |
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Jodi C. Kearney, RPh, PharmD Dr. Jodi Kearney joined the UHC staff in 2011 and is the assistant manager of the pharmacy. She completed her undergraduate courses at Georgia Southern University and graduated Magna Cum Laude from Mercer University Southern School of Pharmacy with her PharmD in 2001. Jodi also holds APhA Immunization Certification and Basic Cardiac Life Support Certification. |
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Debra Gray, RPh Debra Gray joined the pharmacy staff in 1994. She earned her BSPharm from UGA. Debra loves her job, and sees the best part as working with the students. |
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Brenda Owens, RPh Brenda Owens joined the pharmacy staff in 2005. She holds a BSPharm from UGA and is certified in ACLS. Brenda has 24 years of experience in hospital pharmacy and many years of experience as an interpreter for the deaf. |
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Suzanne Poole, RPh Suzanne Poole has been part of the pharmacy staff since 1999. She earned an Associates Degree from East Georgia College and a BSPharm from UGA. Before coming to UHC, she worked for Village Drug Shop in Athens and Tomlinson Pharmacy in Dublin, GA. Suzanne enjoys working in the health center pharmacy because of our commitment to counsel on every new prescription and to serving students. |
| Physical Therapy Staff | top | |
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Andy Smith, PT, DPT, MTC T. Andy Smith joined the staff as manager of the physical therapy department in 2007. Mr. Smith earned a BSEd in exercise and sports science at UGA and a DPT at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. He is certified in Manual Therapy. He most recently worked as a rehabilitation coordinator at Southeastern Fitness and Rehabilitation, a sports medicine clinic in Asheville, NC. His areas of interest include spinal, peripheral joint and soft tissue mobilization/manipulation; orthopedic and sports medicine; and postural dysfunction. |
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Henry Pursner, PT, CYT Henry Purser joined the physical therapy staff in 2011. He earned a BS in Physical Therapy from SUNY Buffalo and received specialized training in Myofascial Release for the spine and peripheral joints. He is also a certified yoga instructor. Henry was a rehabilitation manager for a large outpatient clinic in Sunnyvale, CA treating ergonomic, sports medicine and chronic pain patients. Most recently he worked for Atlanta Falcons Physical Therapy/Athens Therapeutics in Bogart/Winder. His special areas of interest include treatment of the spine and extremities with an emphasis on diagnosing and treating the whole body as a unit. |
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Gaiea Goldberg, BA, LMT, NCTMB Gaiea Goldberg joined the health center staff in 2011. She graduated from the Sarasota School of Massage Therapy and holds a Bachelor's Degree in Art from Transylvania College in Lexington, Kentucky. She is a certified Massage Therapist with over 25 years professional experience. She has extensive training in multiple styles including Orthopedic, Neuromuscular, Swedish, Lymphatic, Prenatal, Shiatsu, Reflexology, Reiki, and Craniosacral. Gaiea specializes in pain management and sports injury therapeutic massage. With her massage clients, Gaiea enjoys creating a customized healing regimen specifically designed for their unique issues. She is also a passionate student of Marshal Rosenberg's non-violent communication, NVC. Her emphasis is on deep listening to the needs or values of others. |
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Renildo Guimaraes, NCTMB, LMT Renildo Guimaraes (Rene) joined the health center staff as a massage therapist in 2007. He is a graduate of the American Institute of Massage in Pompano Beach. He also studied and practiced massage in Thailand and Hong Kong. He is certified by the Georgia massage therapy licensing board. Rene is trained in a variety of massage techniques including deep tissue, medical massage, reflexology, Thai massage, Swedish massage, Hawaiian Lomi-Lomi, neuromuscular re-education, myofascial release and triggerpoint therapy. |
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Cassidy Knotts, NCTMB, LMT Cassidy Knotts joined the health center as a massage therapist in 2012. She is a graduate of the Spa Luna Holistic School in Maui, Hawaii and International Massage Training in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Cassidy is clinically trained in many modalities including lymph drainage, deep tissue, cranio-sacral, Thai massage, and has specialized in Hawaiian Lomilomi and Aromatherapy. Having practiced massage in Hawaii, Alaska, and Thailand, Cassidy has worked in many different therapeutic settings with diverse cultural expectations and has the ability to meet each client with an open mind and open heart. |
| Sports Medicine Clinic Staff | top | |
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Ron Elliott, MD Dr. Ron Elliott has been on staff at the University Health Center since 1985. A native of Macon, he received his BS degree from Georgia Tech, his medical degree from Medical College of Georgia and completed his Family Medicine residency in the Greenville, South Carolina Hospital system where he served as Chief Resident. He currently serves as Lead Physician for the Dr. John "Bud" Robinson Sports Medicine Clinic and has served as Team Physician for the UGA Athletic Association since 1988. Dr. Elliott is a member of the American Academy of Family Practice, a member of the Georgia Academy of Family Practice, a member of the American College of Sports Medicine, past chairman of the Georgia Academy Sports Medicine Committee, charter member of the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine and was among the first primary care physicians to receive his National Certification in Sports Medicine. |
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Fred Reifsteck, MD Dr. Fred Reifsteck joined the health center staff in December 2003. He earned a BA in biology from Knox College in Illinois, an MS in microbiology from Illinois State University and an MD from University of Illinois in Chicago. He completed a family practice residency in Peoria, Illinois. From 1990 – 2001 he practiced at Kaiser Permanente in Jonesboro, Georgia. In 2001 he joined the medical staff at The Doctor’s Office in Stockbridge. Dr. Reifsteck is board certified in family practice with a certificate of added qualification in sports medicine. He is a medical doctor for the UGA Athletic Department. |
| Rebecca Badach, PA-C Rebecca (Becky) Badach joined the health center staff in 2006. She earned a BS degree in sports medicine from Keene State College in New Hampshire and an MS in physical education from West Virginia University. She was a student of physician assistant studies at Albany-Hudson Valley PA program in New York where she earned an AS degree. In addition to being certified as a Physician Assistant, she is also a certified athletic trainer and strength and conditioning specialist. Before coming to UGA Becky worked as a PA in a small family practice office. She also was the head athletic trainer and instructor at a Division III college in New Hampshire. |
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| Vision Clinic Staff | top | |
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Brian Atkinson, OD Dr. G. Brian Atkinson joined the Vision Clinic staff in 2011. He holds a BS in business administration from Troy University, and a Doctor of Optometry from University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry. He completed a residency in geriatric optometry and low vision rehabilitation at Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Before coming to the health center, Dr. Atkinson worked as an optometrist in a private practice in northeast Georgia with an emphasis in pre and post op surgical care. |
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Angela Ellerman, OD Dr. Angela Ellerman is an optometrist in the Vision Clinic who joined the staff in 2010. She graduated from the University of Tennesee with a BS in biochemistry, and from the University of Alabama-Birmingham School of Optometry with a Doctor of Optometry. Her past experience includes working as an optometrist at Advanced Family EyeCare of Madison; Lee, Ellerman and Associates; and Athens Eye Doctors and Surgeons. Dr. Ellerman enjoys working with all areas of contact lens technology. |
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Amy Stowers, LDO Amy Stowers joined the health center staff as the Vision Clinic manager in 2009. She holds a B.S. in marketing from North Georgia College and State University and is a Licensed Dispensing Optician. She is certified by the American Board of Opticianry and National Contact Lens Examiners. She has worked as an optician for 15 years in both ophthalmology and optometry settings. |
| Women's Clinic Staff | top | |
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Margaret Cramer, MD Dr. Cramer joined the health center staff in 2004. She earned a BA in interdepartmental humanities from Michigan State and an MD from Emory University. She completed an OB/Gyn residencey at Emory and was in private practice at Athens Women's Clinic from 1992 - 2004. Dr. Cramer is a Fellow, American College of OB/Gyn and a Diplomate, American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Her areas of interest include women's health, hormonal and endocrine issues and preventing osteoparosis. |
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Clara Herrin, MD Dr. Herrin joined the health center staff in 2000. She received her undergraduate degree at Davidson College and earned her MD at Medical College of Georgia. Dr. Herrin's internship was in the area of OB/GYN, and her residency was in internal medicine at Johns Hopkins/Sinai Hospitals. Her interests include endocrinology, diabetes and eating disorders. |
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Beth Smith-Thompson, MD Dr. Smith-Thompson joined the health center staff in 2006. She earned a BA at Maryville College and an MD at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine. Dr. Smith-Thompson completed an internship and residency at Carilion Health System in Roanoke, Virginia. She is a Diplomate, American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and a Fellow, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Most recently, she was in private practice in Winchester, Tennessee. |
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Chandler B. Rosenberger, NP Chandler Rosenberger has been part of the health center staff since 1995. She graduated from Georgia State University with a BS in nursing and completed nurse practitioner training at Emory University. She is nationally certified as Gynecologic/Obstetric Nurse Practitioner. Prior to joining the health center staff, Ms. Rosenberger worked as a public health nurse and in private practice. |
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Anita Thornton, DNP, RN, FNP-C Dr. Anita Thornton joined the staff as a nurse practitioner in 2009. She earned a BS in Biology from Georgia College and State University, and then attended Baptist Hospital School of Nursing where she received a nursing diploma. She continued her education at Medical College of Georgia where she earned a BSN, then pursued a MSN at Georgia State. She returned to MCG and was awarded a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree in 2009. Dr. Thornton is certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and the Family Nurse Practitioner American Nurses Credentialing Center. She worked as an RN in intensive care units and emergency rooms, provided case management and hospital education, practiced as a FNP in family practice, internal medicine and indigent care clinics, and taught in undergraduate and graduate nursing programs. Her special areas of interest include cardiovascular disease, diabetes and women's health. |
