Naomi Amudala
CRNP, MSN
Naomi Amudala, CRNP, MSN, is a highly experienced nurse practitioner specializing in rheumatology at Penn Medicine in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. After graduating from MGH Institute of Health Professions in 2009 with a Master’s in Nursing, Naomi joined the division of Rheumatology at Boston University. Her primary focus was evaluating and managing patients with vasculitis as well as acting as co-investigator in multiple clinical trials in vasculitis. In 2018 she moved to Philadelphia and started working at Penn Medicine Rheumatology. The majority of her time continues to be dedicated to the clinical care of patients with vasculitis and other rare diseases as well as engaging in research. In 2022 Naomi joined the board of directors for RhAPP, which is a national organization for APPs and pharmacists in Rheumatology.
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Christine Anderson
NP-C
Christine Anderson, NP-C, is a nurse practitioner specializing in pulmonology at Duke Health in Durham, North Carolina. She is originally from Canada and graduated from The University of Western Ontario with a Bachelors in Science in Nursing in London, Ontario back in 1999. After graduation, she moved to Durham, NC to start a nursing career at Duke University Health System. The majority of her nursing career has been in cardiology from Cardiac Step-Down to Cardiac Intensive Care Unit to the Cardiac Cath Lab. In 2005, Christine obtained a Masters in Science in Nursing with a Leadership focus and became the nurse manager of the Electrophysiology Lab at Duke Hospital. After downsizing the department, she moved over to the Duke Clinical Research Institute as a nurse clinician working on cardiology clinical trials. She truly missed patient care and went back to school and graduated with a post-master’s certificate as an Adult-Gerontologic Nurse Practitioner in 2015. Christine worked at Duke Cardiology of Lumberton for one year before coming back to main campus of Duke University Hospital and starting a new career in pulmonary medicine. Now she is the nurse practitioner for the Duke Interstitial Lung Disease Clinic where she still practices. For her last hurrah, Christine went back to school for a Doctorate of Nursing Practice degree that was awarded in 2019. Her graduate project was “Using a Smart Phrase to Improve Documentation of Supportive Care Measures in Patients with IPF”. This paper was published in the Journal for Nurse Practitioners and was presented at conferences such as the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation and Chest. Christine loves working with ILD patients and have learned so much over the past 9 years working in our clinic. She have been speaking about IPF and progressive ILD for past several years and have so much fun sharing my knowledge with Advanced Care Providers and providers alike.
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Lisa Asfahani
PA-C
Lisa Asfahani DHSc, PA-C is a certified and state licensed Physician Assistant practicing in Rheumatology at Southland Arthritis in Temecula, California. Lisa graduated from California State Polytechnic University with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology, her Master’s degree in Physician Assistant Sciences from Loma Linda University in 2011 and her Doctorate degree in Health Sciences from A.T. Still University of Health Sciences in 2022. Lisa is experienced in both Rheumatology as well as in General Medicine and involved in numerous clinical studies in the field of Rheumatology. She is a member of several professional societies including the Association of Rheumatology Professionals (ARP), California Academy of Physician Assistants (CAPA), and RhAPP. Lisa’s goal in patient care is to treat each patient/provider interaction as an opportunity serve, to teach, and to heal. She enjoys traveling and spending time with family whenever she can.
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Heather Bachert
NP
Heather D. Bachert, NP, is a board-certified Adult Nurse Practitioner and specializes in interstitial lung disease (ILD) and pulmonary fibrosis (PF) at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan. She earned her advanced practice training at Wayne State University and the University of Saskatchewan and is certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. In addition to her clinical role, Heather leads patient support groups for individuals living with ILD and PF, providing education, guidance, and a sense of community. Known for her compassionate and thorough approach, she is highly regarded by patients for her ability to explain complex conditions clearly and provide attentive follow-up care. She is currently accepting new patients and also offers telehealth services.
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Shannon Benesh
DNP, NP-C
Shannon Benesh, DNP, RN-BC, AGNP-C, is a Nurse Practitioner specializing in Interstitial Lung Disease at Columbia University Irving Medical Center within the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care. She earned her BSN from James Madison University and her MSN from Adelphi University, later completing her Doctor of Nursing Practice at Stony Brook University with a project focused on early advance care planning in ILD. Shannon has clinical experience as an RN at leading academic hospitals across various specialties and is certified as a Progressive Care Certified Nurse and Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner. She is an active member of AANP, has contributed to published ILD research, and participates in national advisory boards dedicated to improving ILD care. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband and their dog and enjoys traveling, reading, running, and the occasional cocktail.
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Kelley Brant
NP
Kelley Brant, NP, is a nurse practitioner specializing in pulmonology at Intermountain Health in Salt Lake City, Utah. With over 17 years of diverse clinical experience, Kelley Brant is a dedicated healthcare professional with a passion for advancing pulmonary care. A graduate of San Diego State University with a BSN, Kelley began her career as a registered nurse in high-acuity settings, including the emergency room, ICU, and urgent care, where she honed her ability to excel in fast-paced, multidisciplinary environments. Kelley earned her MSN from the University of South Alabama and is double board-certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner and Emergency Nurse Practitioner.
For the past 2.5 years, Kelley has served as a nurse practitioner specializing in pulmonary medicine, with a particular focus in interstitial lung disease (ILD). As an ILD program coordinator, Kelley has gained experience in managing complex patient populations and remains actively involved in general pulmonary care, including COPD, asthma, and other respiratory conditions. Kelley also has a strong interest in research, supporting her facility’s participation in several randomized controlled trials to advance evidence-based practice.
Beyond clinical work, Kelley is committed to fostering connections within the healthcare community. As a member of AANP, CHEST, and Utah Nurse Practitioners, she emphasizes professional development and collaboration to improve patient outcomes and advance the field of pulmonary care.
Kelsey Cramer
MSN, AGACNP-BC, DNP
Kelsey Cramer, MSN, AGACNP-BC, DNP, is a board-certified adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner specializing in pulmonary medicine at Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin. She focuses on interstitial lung disease (ILD), pulmonary hypertension (PH), and sarcoidosis. Kelsey earned her MSN and DNP from Rush University and is dedicated to delivering patient-centered care, education, and support for those managing complex lung conditions.
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Kristy Delaney
APRN
Kristy Delaney, APRN, is a pulmonary nurse practitioner specializing in interstitial lung disease at The University of Kansas Health System. She has over 21 years of experience in medicine, beginning her career as a bedside RN in the Medical ICU before becoming an APRN. For the past 9 years, she has focused her practice on ILD. In addition to her clinical expertise, Kristy holds a degree in Education and is passionate about empowering patients, caregivers, and fellow healthcare professionals through education and support in the management of ILD.
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Rebekah Edwards
DNP, FNP-C
Rebekah Edwards, DNP, FNP-C, is a nurse practitioner specializing in pulmonology at Norton Thoracic Institute, St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Arizona State University and is experienced in pulmonology, cardiology, and thoracic surgery. She also received her Doctorate of Nursing Practice from Arizona State University and has practiced in pulmonology ever since.
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Heather Finlayson
PA-C
Heather Finlayson, MS, PA-C, is a certified Physician Assistant specializing in rheumatology for Summit Rheumatology in Littleton, Colorado. She previously worked at National Jewish Health Rheumatology and started at Colorado Arthritis Associates in Rheumatology in 2012. She has also taught rheumatology courses at Rocky Vista University PA program since 2022. Heather is a member of the Association of Rheumatology Professionals (ARP) (division of American College of Rheumatology-ACR), and the Association of Women in Rheumatology (AWIR). She is currently the AWIR Denver Local Chapter Co-Lead, a Rheumatology Advanced Practice Providers (RhAPP) faculty member and has served on several ACR/ARP committees.
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Cori Fratelli
MSN, FNP-C
Cori Fratelli, MSN, FNP-C, is a nurse practitioner specializing in pulmonology at National Jewish Health in Denver, Colorado. She has a unique background in both basic science and clinical research, which has informed her interest in clinical medicine. Her past basic science research includes asthma, airway hyperresponsiveness, cystic fibrosis, and lung cancer. Her past clinical research includes COPD and interstitial lung disease (ILD). Presently, she is interested in how research translates into personalized medicine. Her clinical focus is mainly on ILD, but she also sees general pulmonary medicine patients, as needed.
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Kyle George
PA-C
Kyle George, PA-C, is a physician assistant with over 16 years of experience in rheumatology at Saint Luke's Medical Center in Boise, Idaho. He specializes in managing autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis. Kyle collaborates with a multidisciplinary team, providing personalized and comprehensive care to his patients.
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Shannon Ghizzoni
PA-C
Shannon Ghizzoni, PA-C, is a board-certified Physician Assistant specializing in rheumatology at the Columbus Arthritis Center in Columbus, Ohio. With a passion for providing comprehensive care to patients with rheumatic conditions, Shannon focuses on patient education, disease management, and improving quality of life. She is dedicated to staying current with the latest advancements in rheumatology and fostering collaborative relationships with patients and healthcare teams to deliver personalized, evidence-based care.
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Audrey Gibson
PA-C, MsPAS
Audrey Gibson, MSPAS, PA-C is a board-certified rheumatology physician assistant at the Arthritis Center of North Georgia in Gainesville, Georgia. She holds dual bachelor’s degrees in biology and psychology from Lipscomb University and earned her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from South University in Savannah, Georgia.
Audrey is a certified densitometrist with a clinical focus on rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, lupus, spondyloarthropathies, inflammatory myopathies, and osteoporosis. She is an active member of the Society of Physician Assistants in Rheumatology, the Georgia Society of Rheumatology, the American College of Rheumatology, and the American Academy of Physician Assistants. Audrey also serves as a faculty advisor for the Rheumatology Advanced Practice Providers (RhAPP).
Jessica Glennie
MSN, APRN
Jessica Glennie, MSN, APRN, is a certified nurse practitioner, specializing in pulmonology, who has worked in outpatient pulmonary medicine at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio for 8 years. She manages patients in the interstitial lung disease program, including care of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, autoimmune related interstitial lung disease, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, occupational lung diseases, and drug-induced interstitial lung disease. She is co-director of the Cleveland Clinic’s ILD multidisciplinary conference.
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Jeanette Hart
PA-C
Jeannette Hart, PA-C, is a board-certified physician assistant with over 13 years of experience specializing in rheumatology at Kadlec Clinic Rheumatology in Richland, Washington. She earned her Master of Clinical Health Services (MCHS) through the University of Washington’s MEDEX Physician Assistant Program in 2012. She began her career in private practice and successfully navigated transitions through both a hospital acquisition and a merger with a large healthcare system—all while refining her clinical expertise and leading efforts to improve patient access, operational efficiency, and best practices in rheumatology care.
Committed to advancing healthcare delivery, Jeannette pursued a second master’s degree in Health Administration (MHA), further strengthening her leadership in clinical operations. She is now co-founder and co-owner of PNW Arthritis and Rheumatology, a private rheumatology practice opening October 1, 2025.
Jeannette is passionate about education and mentorship, regularly precepting PA students and family medicine residents in her community. She is also the Pacific Northwest Director for RhAPP (Rheumatology Advanced Practice Providers) and has proudly served on its faculty since its inception.
Stacey Johnson
NP-C
Stacey Johnson, FNP-C, is a dedicated nurse practitioner specializing in rheumatology at Montana Arthritis Center in Great Falls, Montana. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Georgetown University, with her initial training focused on internal medicine. Stacey’s clinical interests include managing complex rheumatic conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, lupus, and vasculitis. She is known for her patient-centered approach, combining evidence-based care with empathy to help patients improve their quality of life.
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Alanna Kavanaugh
APRN, FNP-BC, CNE, CHSE, FCCP, FNYAM, FFNMRCSI
Alanna Kavanaugh, APRN, FNP-BC, CNE, CHSE, FCCP, FNYAM, FFNMRCSI is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and advanced practice leader with substantial clinical and academic experience. She holds an MSN (Family Nurse Practitioner) and a BSN from the University of Mount Saint Vincent, and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Nursing Education at Teachers College, Columbia University. Her areas of interest include reducing health inequities, pulmonary therapies (e.g. oxygen, inhalers, biologics), leadership development, and optimizing transition into practice for new clinicians. She is active in professional and advocacy organizations, including the Nurse Practitioner Association of New York, the Association of Pulmonary Advanced Practice Providers, and the COPD / American Lung Association advisory efforts.
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Betsy Kirchner
DNP
Elizabeth “Betsy” Kirchner, DNP, is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner specializing in rheumatology at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio. She earned her undergraduate degree in English Literature and Medieval Studies from Ohio Wesleyan University, her Master of Science in Nursing from Case Western Reserve University, and her Doctor of Nursing Practice from The Ohio State University.
Dr. Kirchner has been a member of the Department of Rheumatic and Immunologic Diseases at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation since 2000. She is board-certified in Rheumatology Nursing, and is a co-founder and past co-President of RhAPP (Rheumatology Advanced Practice Providers). Dr. Kirchner has published numerous articles and book chapters and has spoken at select national and international meetings. Her work-related areas of interest besides general rheumatology include vaccines and the effects of nutrition and stress on the immune system.
Tyler Kuhk
NP-C
Tyler Kuhk, AGNP-C, is an Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner specializing in pulmonology at Overlake Medical Center & Clinics – Pulmonary Medicine in Bellevue, Washington. He earned his BSN from Lakehead University in Ontario, where he served as President of both the Lakehead University Nursing Association and the Canadian Nursing Students’ Association, as well as a board member of the Canadian Nurses Association and the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions. Tyler began his career as a medical-surgical RN specializing in orthopedics and cardiac telemetry, later transitioning to critical care in cardiovascular ICUs across the Pacific Northwest. He completed his Master of Nursing at the University of Toronto in 2015 and has practiced in outpatient pulmonology since 2016, with clinical interests in chronic cough, COPD, and asthma. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling, hiking, and stand-up paddleboarding.
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Kathy Lindell
PhD, RN, ATSF, FAAN
Kathleen Lindell, PhD, RN, ATSF, FAAN, is a nurse scientist and educator specializing in pulmonary fibrosis at the Medical University of South Carolina College of Nursing. Dr. Lindell is dedicated to advancing pulmonary care through research, education, and interdisciplinary collaboration, focusing on improving outcomes and quality of life for patients with pulmonary diseases.
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Erica Ludtke
NP
Erica Ludtke, NP, serves as a nurse practitioner and Advanced Practice Lead specializing in interstitial lung disease at the Vanderbilt Lung Institute in Nashville, Tennessee. Her career integrates clinical care and research, with a particular interest in autoimmune lung disease. She is passionate about lifelong learning and fostering strong, collaborative relationships with patients and colleagues.
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Felicia Mackey
MSN, FNP-BC, PCCN, CCRN
Felicia Mackey, FNP-BC, MSN, RN, PCCN, CCRN, is a nurse practitioner specializing in pulmonology at Pulmonary Medicine Associates in Roseville, California. She embarked on a multifaceted educational journey that culminated in her role as a skilled Advanced Practice Registered Nurse. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing, specializing in Family Nurse Practitioner, from Sonoma State University, following a Bachelor of Science in Nursing through the RN-BSN Program at California State University, Sacramento. Prior to these, she laid the groundwork for her nursing career with an Associates Degree in Nursing from Sacramento City College. Felicia's academic pursuits began at Indiana University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Telecommunications, with minors in Spanish and Art History, showcasing her diverse interests and commitment to lifelong learning. Currently Felicia is pursuing her Doctorate in Nursing Practice in Executive Leadership.
Today, she is providing pulmonary and sleep medicine care to the Sacramento region. She is also the Director of Outpatient Advanced Practice Providers working with executive leadership on quality improvement, clinic efficiency, improving APP workflow, mentoring and training outpatient APPs, and evaluate policies/procedures in the clinic. In addition to her professional accomplishments, she is a member of several organizations including, CHEST, Association of Pulmonary Advanced Practice Providers, ANA and California Nurses Association. She is actively engaged in her local community by coaching youth soccer, volunteering as a science docent at the local elementary school and co-leads a Girl Scout troop as assistant troop leader. She has served on various boards to help fund-raise for college scholarships and developed/monitored the school’s improvement plan on the School Site Council.
Heather Mambretti
PA-C
Heather Mambretti, PA-C, is a physician assistant specializing in rheumatology at Texas Rheumatology in League City, Texas. She has been practicing since 2011 and provides care for patients with autoimmune and musculoskeletal conditions. Heather is affiliated with Texas Rheumatology and works alongside other specialists to offer comprehensive treatment plans for her patients. She is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of individuals dealing with rheumatologic diseases.
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Jasmine McElhany
MPAS, PA-C
Jasmine McElhany, MPAS, PA-C, is a Physician Assistant with over 16 years of experience across clinical practice, academia, and industry, including PA education, lung transplant medicine, rheumatology, and critical care. She has served as a PA program professor and is an experienced national speaker. Jasmine is passionate about advancing the APP profession through education, clinical excellence, and interdisciplinary collaboration to enhance team-based care and patient outcomes.
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Amanda Mixon
PA-C
Amanda Mixon, PA-C, is a physician assistant specializing in rheumatology at UCHealth's Rheumatology Clinic in Fort Collins, Colorado. With over 17 years of experience, she focuses on managing inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and connective tissue diseases like lupus. Amanda emphasizes a team-based approach to care, working closely with both patients and specialists to ensure timely and effective treatment plans.
She is also a co-founder of the Rheumatology Advanced Practice Providers (RhAPP) group, where she contributes to educating and supporting colleagues in rheumatology. Amanda's dedication to patient care extends to fostering collaboration between rheumatology and dermatology, particularly in managing complex connective tissue diseases that involve both skin and joint manifestations
Erin Peterson
NP-AGPC
Erin Peterson, NP-AGPC, is a certified Adult and Gerontology Primary Care Nurse practitioner at Minnesota Lung Center & Minnesota Sleep Institute in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She is a graduate of Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN, and St. Catherine University in St. Paul, MN. She provides care for patients in multiple settings including the inpatient pulmonary consulting service at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis, outpatient pulmonary medicine clinic, and telemedicine sleep clinic.
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Lori Reed
NP
Lori Reed, NP, is a board-certified nurse practitioner specializing in pulmonology and critical care at Piedmont Physicians Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine in Atlanta, GA. She earned her BSN from Georgia Southern University and MSN from Georgia State University. With years of experience in cardiac care, Lori focuses on delivering compassionate, efficient care while educating patients about their conditions. Outside of work, she enjoys supporting the UGA Bulldogs, exercising, and spending time with her family.
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Monica Richey
MSN, ANP-BC
Monica Richey, MSN, ANP-BC, is a senior nurse practitioner specializing in rheumatology at Northwell Health in New York. She received her training at Hospital for Special Surgery in New York, where she worked for 10 years, and developed several different patient education programs including cardiovascular disease, contraception and preventive health prevention for lupus and APS patients. She served as the advocate member-at large for the Rheumatology Nurse Society (RNS). She is a faculty member of Rheumatology Association of Advance Practice Providers - RHAPP. She has been a nurse for 23 years, 19 of them in the field of rheumatology and is an adjunct professor at Hofstra University.
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Candace Ryan
PA-C
Candace Ryan, PA-C, is a physician assistant specializing in rheumatology at Arizona Arthritis and Rheumatology Associates in Glendale, Arizona. She attended the University of Southern Mississippi where she earned a bachelor's degree in Biologic. After relocating to Arizona, she attended Midwestern University and received a master’s in physician assistant studies. She initially worked in Pediatrics and then transitioned to Rheumatology where she has been for the past 17 years. Candace has been on faculty with RhAPP for the past 4 years. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, riding her bike, and playing with her dogs.
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William Saalfeld
DNP
William Saalfeld, DNP, is an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner specializing in Rheumatology at the Arthritis Center of Nebraska, in Lincoln, Nebraska. He has practiced since 2017 and holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice from the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Before specializing in rheumatology, he gained experience as a registered nurse in critical care and palliative care. Saalfeld is a member of the Association of Rheumatology Health Professionals.
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Shayla Sanders
FNP-BC
Shayla Sanders, FNP-BC, is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner specializing in rheumatology at the Kirksville Specialty Clinic in Missouri. She has extensive experience in providing comprehensive care to patients with complex medical conditions and is passionate about patient education and evidence-based practice. Shayla focuses on empowering individuals through personalized care plans. She is dedicated to fostering collaborative patient-provider relationships to optimize health outcomes.
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Janine Shinn
PA-C
Janine Shinn, PA-C, is a physician assistant specializing in rheumatology at the Rheumatology Associates in Dallas, Texas. She received her Master's Degree in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and she currently treats rheumatic diseases such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, Psoriatic Arthritis, Spondylitis, Vasculitis, and Osteoarthritis. She has participated in over 100 clinical research trials with Metroplex Clinical Research Center prior to its close in 2023. She frequently precepts PA students and is a guest lecturer at UTSW PA School.
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Wendy Simmons
PA-C, DFAAPA
Wendy Simmons, PA-C, is a skilled physician assistant at Carolina Arthritis Associates in Wilmington, North Carolina. With a focus on providing compassionate and comprehensive care, Wendy brings expertise in managing a wide range of rheumatologic conditions. She is dedicated to improving the quality of life for her patients by offering personalized treatment plans and staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in arthritis care.
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Jenny Williams
PA-C
Jenny Williams, PA-C, is Clinical Instructor of Medicine specializing in pulmonology at the University of Colorado in Denver, Colorado at the Anschutz Medical Campus. She completed her medical training as a Physician Assistant at DeSales University. Since then, she has worked as a PA in General Pulmonary at St. Luke’s University Hospital in Pennsylvania, Lung Transplant and Cystic Fibrosis at Stanford University Hospital, and currently Interstitial Lung Disease and Lung Transplant at the University of Colorado.
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Corinne Young
MSN, FNP-C, FCCP
Corinne Young, MSN, FNP-C, FCCP, is a Nurse Practitioner specializing in pulmonology at Colorado Springs Pulmonary Associates in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Her passion for advancing the APP role in pulmonary medicine led her to found the Association of Pulmonary Advance Practice Providers (APAPP) a national organization for APPs working in pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine. Corinne understands the deficit in standardized post graduate PCCSM education for APPs and since 2018 she and APAPP have brought millions of dollars of grant funded educational programs to its members. She also has sat on the American Board of Internal Medicine’s Pulmonary Disease Board, is a section editor for CHEST Physician Magazine, and has been on multiple networks within CHEST to include the 2025 Programing committee for the CHEST Conference.
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Iris Zink
MSN, ANP, RN-BC
Iris Zink, MSN, ANP-BC, APRN, is a board-certified nurse practitioner specializing in rheumatology in East Lansing, Michigan. She co-founded Pine Hollow Partners, an Early Arthritis Intervention Clinic, in August 2016 to serve the underserved community.
With over 24 years of experience, Iris is affiliated with McLaren Greater Lansing and Hayes Green Beach Memorial Hospital. She is dedicated to providing comprehensive care to patients with rheumatologic conditions, emphasizing early intervention to prevent deformity, disability, and death.