Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants
Dana Hoffman, PA-C
Locations
Glendale, Mesa & Paradise Valley
Bio
Dana Hoffman earned her undergraduate degree in nutrition science with a minor in chemistry at the University of Arizona. She practiced as a registered dietitian for 6 years before attending Midwestern University in Glendale, Arizona to become a Physician Assistant. She has been working in Rheumatology with AARA since 2011.
Rana Aoufe, PA-C
Locations
Gilbert & Mesa
Bio
Rana Aoufe, PA-C attended Arizona State University where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering. She subsequently worked as a Clinical Research Coordinator with AZ Arthritis and Rheumatology for two years where she gained a wealth of knowledge in the specialty of Rheumatology.
Jennifer Simpson, DNP
Locations
Glendale, Phoenix & Sun City
Bio
Jennifer Simpson is an Arizona native. She attended Arizona State University for her studies to become a Doctor of Nursing Practice. She is Board Certified as an Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.
Carol Swenson, CANP
Locations
Mesa & Paradise Valley
Bio
Carol Swenson attended Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. She received a Bachelors Degree in nursing and RN licensure in 1979. In 1983, following 5 years experience in other areas of nursing, Carol began her 23 years of experience in rheumatology. She graduated in 1988 with a masters in nursing and became nationally certified as a nurse practitioner. She has been an active sub-investigator in numerous clinical new drug trials. She is a member of the Allied Health Professional group of the American College of Rheumatology.
Miranda Isom, PA-C, MPAS
Locations
Mesa & Paradise Valley
Bio
iranda Isom PA-C, MPAS, was raised in North Carolina and moved to Arizona in the spring of 2012. She graduated from East Carolina University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Information Management in 2005 and then became an Implementation Specialist with NextGen Healthcare for over two years. Later, Miranda received her Masters in Physician Assistant Studies from East Carolina University and graduated in 2011. She has been working with AARA since 2012.
Randy Jay, PA-C
Locations
Glendale, Phoenix & Sun CIty
Bio
Randy Jay is a Physician Assistant (PA) working in rheumatology since 1987, providing team treatment approach patient care in the management of arthritis, other inflammatory and autoimmune disorders, and osteoporosis.
Randy graduated with honors from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She holds national board certification by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) since 1987. She worked and trained under national and internationally recognized rheumatologist, Dr. John Tesser. In 2014, Dr. Tesser and Randy received the distinguished American Academy Of Physician Assistants Physician -PA Partnership Award.
Rosemary Srisuk, PA-C
Locations
Glendale, Phoenix & Sun CIty
Bio
Rosemary graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelors Degree in Nursing. She worked as a registered nurse in telemetry. She returned to school to obtained her Masters Degree in Physician Assistant Studies from A.T. Still University. She worked in pediatrics for several years before joining AARA.
Daniel Hartle, PA-C
Locations
Gilbert & Mesa
Bio
Danielle has lived in Arizona for a total of 21 years. Danielle received her Bachelor’s of Science In Biology from Grand Canyon University In Phoenix, Arizona. She received her Master’s of Medical Science in Physician Assistant studies from Midwestern University in Glendale, Arizona in 2007. Danielle worked in Internal Medicine with emphasis in geriatrics for 8 years prior to joining MRA in the Summer of 2015.
Candace Ryan, PA-C
Locations
Glendale & Phoenix
Bio
Candace received her Bachelors of Science from the University of Southern Mississippi in 2004. She then moved to Phoenix and attended Midwestern University where she received her Physician Assistant degree with a Masters in Medical Science. Candace worked in pediatrics prior to joining AARA.
Cathrine Lynn, CFNP
Locations
Mesa & Paradise Valley
Bio
atherine Lynn, CFNP received her Bachelors Degree of Nursing in 1986 and her Masters Degree of Nursing in 2005 from Arizona State University – she graduated with honors. Prior to coming to AARA, Catherine worked with adult patients with neuromuscular disorders and gained experience in the organization and completion of several research projects. She is currently active as a sub-investigator with several new clinical drug trials at AARA.
During Catherine’s nursing career, she worked primarily in intensive care units and home health nursing. She executed the design, developments and implementation of a research project at the Arizona Burn Center in the burn intensive care unit, successfully completing her thesis. This project is currently being reviewed for publication.
Despina Ciocanel, NP-C
Locations
Flagstaff
Bio
Despina is originally from Romania where she practiced as a family physician for over a decade. After relocating to the United States, she joined the Orthopedics Department at the University of Toledo, Ohio where she worked nine years as a research associate , conducting multiple retrospective studies, biomechanical studies as well as randomized clinical trials. Most of her research has been published in top peer reviewed journals or has been presented at conferences nationwide. She moved to Northern Arizona and joined the Biology Department at Northern Arizona University as an instructor in 2008. She recently rejoined the clinical side of the medical field as a family nurse practitioner. Despina is a member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and is certified by the Education Commission of Foreign Medical Graduates.
Dora Quan, CFNP
Locations
Glendale & Paradise Valley
Bio
Dora Quan, FNP-C graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelors Degree in Nursing in 1984. She has over 20 years of nursing experience, working at Maricopa Integrated Health System in the areas of Internal Medicine, Cardiology, and Post Anesthesia Care. Subsequently, Dora obtained her Masters Degree in Nursing in the Family Nurse Practitioner’s Program at the University of Phoenix. Dora joined the staff at AARA in 2007.
Lexi Mickey, AGNP-C
Locations
Glendale & Phoenix
Bio
Lexi is originally from North Dakota but moved to Arizona in 2012. She attended Grand Canyon University and received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2014. After a couple years of acute care nursing, she received her Adult Gerontology Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from Arizona State University.
Theresa Frimel, FNP-C
Locations
Glendale, Phoenix, Paradise Valley & Sun City
Bio
Originally from Ohio, Theresa received her nursing diploma from Fairview General Hospital School of nursing in 1986. She worked in the areas of medical/surgical nursing, trauma, and surgical ICU at Metrohealth Medical Center and the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. After receiving a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1994 from the Medical College of Ohio she joined the traveling nurse corps and traveled to Phoenix to work at Barrows Neurological Institute. After her tour ended, she joined the Lutheran Healthcare System, now Banner Health, and worked in the areas of intensive care, emergency department, and telemetry. She completed her Master of Science in Nursing in 2000 from the University of Phoenix and was promoted to the position of Nursing Education Specialist with Banner until 2002. She has worked as nursing faculty for Maricopa Community Colleges with entry level nursing students and Grand Canyon University with graduate level nursing students. She received her post-master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate in 2013 from Grand Canyon University. As a nurse practitioner, she has worked in the areas of primary care, hospice and rheumatology. Theresa is an active member of the Arizona United Rheumatology Alliance and has been active with her state nursing association as well as a member of the Scope of Practice Committee at the State Board of Nursing. She is currently a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and the American College of Rheumatology. She is active in her church and volunteers with the Children’s Cancer Network.
Annie Bourgeois, NP-C
Locations
Glendale, Phoenix, Paradise Valley & Sun City
Bio
Born and raised in Staten Island, New York, Annie Bourgeois received a diploma in nursing from St. Vincent’s School of Nursing in 1994. As a Registered Nurse, she worked in internal medicine in both the hospital and clinical settings. As a Navy wife, Annie has lived and worked in California, Virginia and Mississippi. She earned her Bachelors of Science in nursing from the University of Southern Mississippi in 2011 and her Master’s of Science in nursing with focus on the adult-gerontology population from the University of South Alabama in 2015.
Mary Denton, DNP
Locations
Mesa & Paradise Valley
Bio
Mary attended the University of Missouri in Kansas City and completed a Master’s of Science in Nursing in 2000 and then in 2020, she completed her degree for a Doctor of Nurse Practitioner at Augsburg University in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She is accredited as an Adult Nurse Practitioner through ANCC and has worked with hematology/oncology and rheumatology patients. Mary transferred to Arizona in 2012. She is interested in improving functional limitations of those suffering from arthritic disabilities and has been active in community outreach programs that support the homeless.
Marilyn Mora, FNP-C
Locations
Tucson
Bio
Marilyn Mora is a Family Nurse Practitioner, She earned her Master’s degree and completed the NP program at the University of Phoenix in 2015. She completed a preceptorship with Banner Rheumatology in 2015. She has been a provider in the management of Rheumatological diseases for over 3 yrs. She has over 18 years experience in Nursing, to include Forensic Nursing Specialist, Kaplan University, Critical Care, Cardiac Cath., and Nursing Administration. Marilyn is a member of the American Association of nurse Practitioners, SIGMA THETA TAU, and the Association of Rheumatology Health Professionals.
Kristen Staniszewski, ANP-C
Locations
Phoenix
Bio
Kristin is originally from Pennsylvania and graduated from George Mason University with her BSN in 1994. She spent 5 years working as a nurse in adult medicine in settings including Johns Hopkins Hospital before returning to school to receive her MSN as an adult nurse practitioner from Villanova University in 2001. She has worked as a nurse practitioner in the settings of rheumatology, endocrinology and short term rehab/long term care. She moved to Arizona in 2016 where she practiced in rheumatology prior to joining AARA in 2018.
Dimple Patel, DNP, FNP-C
Locations
Mesa & Paradise Valley
Bio
Dimple was born in the U.K., but has lived in Arizona for over fifteen years, and absolutely loves it here! Unlike most people, she actually prefers warmer climates compared to colder ones. She obtained both, her Bachelors of Science in Nursing and her Doctorate of Nursing Practice as a Family Nurse Practitioner from Arizona State University. Her nursing background includes progressive care/telemetry and labor and delivery. Dimple has also spent some time teaching freshman-nursing students and as a graduate research fellow where wearable biosensors were used in an attempt to improve overall health care outcomes and reduce healthcare related costs.
Thea Davis, DNP
Locations
Gilbert & Mesa
Bio
Thea is originally a Wisconsin native, but after obtaining her Bachelors of Science in Nursing from Liberty University in Lynchburg Virginia, she realized that snow is somewhat overrated and moved to Arizona in 2013. While working as a nurse in the acute care setting, she earned her Doctorate of Nursing Practice from Arizona State University and achieved Board Certification as an Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner.
Edith Gazo, FNP-C
Locations
Mesa & Paradise Valley
Bio
Edith joined AARA in 2009. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Arizona State University and began her career in the maternal/fetal division at Honor Health Scottsdale. She worked as both a Staff Nurse and Nursing Supervisor. During that time, she also served as adjunct faculty as a Clinical Instructor for Scottsdale Community College. She then pursued her Master of Science at University of Phoenix, specializing in Family Medicine and earned her Master’s degrees as a Family Nurse Practitioner. She is certified through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners National Certification Board.
Dijana Music, PA-C
Locations
Mesa & Paradise Valley
Bio
Dijana earned her Bachelor of Science from Arizona State University. She worked in a higher education biosciences department providing coordination and administration support prior to earning her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from A.T. Still University – Arizona School of Health Sciences.
Hannah Inman, PA-C
Locations
Flagstaff
Bio
Hannah received her Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Leadership Studies from Chapman University in Orange, CA. Throughout her education, Hannah has been a medical volunteer at multiple hospitals in California as well as a women’s and children’s shelter in Las Vegas, NV. She then worked for a short period of time as a phlebotomist before continuing her education and earning a Masters of Physician Assistant Studies from Touro University Nevada. She then began work in an urgent care and family practice clinic in Kingman, AZ.
Sylvia Phommalinh, PA-C
Locations
Flagstaff
Bio
Sylvia is originally from San Diego and has lived in CA, AZ, IA, TX, and FL. She received her Bachelor of Art from the University of Northern Iowa in 2007 and a Masters in Education from Graceland University in 2010. She was a special education teacher for 6 years before pursuing a career in medicine. She received her Masters of Medical Science in Physician Assistant studies from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Myers, Florida in 2018. Prior to joining the team at AARA in 2019, Sylvia practiced geriatric psychiatry.
Natalie Marciales, PA-C
Locations
Tucson
Bio
Natalie earned her Bachelor of Science in public health from the University of Arizona. She then continued her education and earned a Masters in Physician Assistant Studies from Northern Arizona University. She has been working in rheumatology with AARA since 2018.
Halie Furrier, PA-C
Locations
Tucson
Bio
Halie was born and raised in Tucson, Arizona. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Arizona with a Bachelor of Science in Public Health. She continued her education in Miami, Florida, earning her Master of Clinical Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Barry University. She has been working in rheumatology with AARA since 2020.
Jennifer McGill, PA-C
Locations
Glendale, Phoenix, Sun City
Bio
Jennifer McGill completed her undergraduate studies in biology at Brown University and The University of Colorado Boulder. She taught high school science and worked as an EMT before becoming a PA in 2006 at The University of St Francis. McGill hails from northern New England and has been practicing rheumatology since 2007.
Kristen Sharma, PA-C
Locations
Paradise Valley & Mesa
Bio
Kristen is originally from Pennsylvania, but has lived in Arizona since 2011. She attended Penn State University where she studied Psychology with a concentration in neuroscience, and graduated with honors in 2003. She then moved to Boston to pursue a Master’s of Science degree in Psychiatric Rehabilitation at Boston University where she graduated at the top of her class in 2005. Kristen has a background in counseling and the clinical management of various psychiatric disorders. She also has several years of clinical research experience in both phase II-IV pharmaceutical trials and stroke rehabilitation. She earned a Master’s of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from A.T. Still University in 2014. She began her PA career by working in Primary Care for three and a half years, and joined AARA in 2017.