Our 3 keys to empowering our patients are – education, communication, and nonjudgement. Without these, vulnerability becomes helplessness and increased illness.
– Elane Shirar, MD – Founder and Medical Director
Our Physicians
Dr. Mark Adams
Dr. Mark Adams completed his Doctor of Pharmacy from Southwestern Oklahoma State University, Weatherford, OK followed by his Doctor of Medicine and Internal Medicine Residency from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK. Dr. Adams has been practicing for over 30 years. During this time, his focus transitioned from internal medicine to veterans and senior care. Beginning in the late 1980s, Dr. Adams built his own practice in Oklahoma around the need to treat patients in their communities and became the Medical Director for several such communities and hospice agencies. Seniors are “indeed the greatest generation. I also have the utmost respect for the ones who served their country, returned to live successful lives, working hard and raising families. I have equal respect for the spouses and parents of veterans who served on the Homefront.” In 2009, Dr. Adams began serving these veterans through the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs, assuming the duties of Medical Director for Norman Veteran’s Center in 2013. Dr. Adams is a new resident of Colorado and joined Rocky Mountain Senior Care in September 2018. In his free time, Dr. Adams spends time with his wife, Dr. Nancy Curry – a retired psychiatrist. Together, they maintain their home, spoil their three cats and two dogs, travel and read.
Dr. Brad Anderson
Dr. Anderson is a family physician with 30 years of experience, serving individuals and families in the Boulder area since 1999. He considers it a great honor to have welcomed thousands in our community into a medical home. “I believe in healing happens best when long-term, trusting relationships are formed between the person and the caregiving team. This oftern even more meaningful to those in the later chapter of life. They deserve to be respected, welcomed, and loved. It is a joy to hear their stories and discover who they are, to let them know their great worth.” Although Dr. Anderson has practiced a wide spectrum of care, he especially enjoys working with seniors and those who are vulnerable. He has received the Most Compassionate Physician award 6 times. Dr. Anderson enjoys camping, attempting to keep up with his wife as they hike, being with grown children, playing the piano, amateur astronomy, biking, and cheering for the Denver Nuggets.
Dr. Marina Bachurina
Marina Bachurina, MD graduated from the Volgograd State University School of Medicine in Volgograd,
Russia and completed her residency in Internal Medicine at the Easton Hospital in Easton, Pennsylvania. She
gained experience as a Hospitalist working for St. Luke’s and Frankfort Hospitals in Pennsylvania before
transferring to Swedish Hospital in Englewood, Colorado in 2013. Dr. Bachurina has contributed to several
publications and presentations with a focus on the Senior patient population and Cardiovascular disease.
Russia and completed her residency in Internal Medicine at the Easton Hospital in Easton, Pennsylvania. She
gained experience as a Hospitalist working for St. Luke’s and Frankfort Hospitals in Pennsylvania before
transferring to Swedish Hospital in Englewood, Colorado in 2013. Dr. Bachurina has contributed to several
publications and presentations with a focus on the Senior patient population and Cardiovascular disease.
Dr. Kathleen Bridges
Coming Soon!.
Dr. Ruth Cano
Dr. Ruth Cano obtained her training from the University of New Mexico, Department of Internal Medicine. She then graduated from the University of Texas Medical Branch where she received her Medical Degree. Dr. Cano has since been associated with the American Medical Association and the American College of Physicians. Her 17 years of experience has allowed her to develop an appreciation of providing quality healthcare to the senior population. Dr. Cano is fairly new to the state of Colorado and joined Rocky Mountain Senior Care in 2017. She enjoys spending time with her husband, Eric, and children, Isabella and Alexander. Together they like to hike, travel, and love to read.
Thomas Castellano, MD
Dr. Tom Castellano lives in
the Thornton area with his
tolerant family. He attended Stanford (BS/MS) and the Medical College of WI (MD). He currently practices geriatrics and was previously an Emergency Medicine Physician, including a Flight For Life physician. Researcher, teacher, and inventor, Dr. Castellano also enjoys woodworking, church, skiing, and swimming in his free time.
the Thornton area with his
tolerant family. He attended Stanford (BS/MS) and the Medical College of WI (MD). He currently practices geriatrics and was previously an Emergency Medicine Physician, including a Flight For Life physician. Researcher, teacher, and inventor, Dr. Castellano also enjoys woodworking, church, skiing, and swimming in his free time.
Dr. Jameel Chohan
Doctor Chohan has been with RMSC since 2015 and began practicing three years prior. He graduated from Northeast Ohio Medical School and is on the Board of Directors for Shimmering Wings – a non-profit organization for children coping with grief. When asked what he appreciates most about working with seniors, he replied that he enjoys the comprehensive approach to their care. “I enjoy feeling as through we have started to reach a crossroads in this country regarding how we view aging, and it is important we embrace and respect the elder as opposed to depriving them of what they deserve which is proper health care.” In his free time, you will find Dr. Chohan spending time with his friends, exploring the Colorado outdoors, and traveling.
Dr. Anthony Cooper, DO
Coming Soon!
Dr. Robert Domaleski
Dr. Robert Domaleski is a graduate of George Washington University in Washington D.C. and joins Rocky Mountain Senior Care in December 2018 with over 35 years of patient care experience. When asked why he elected to work with this patient population, he responded, “Seniors are grateful for the care they receive, and I enjoy balancing complicated medical problems. They also possess many years of accumulated wisdom.” Dr. Domaleski is the founding president of the Denver Catholic Medical Association, a chartered guild of the National Catholic Medical Association.
Dr. Domaleski spends his free time staying active to maintain health and fitness, volunteering with church related activities, and spending time with his family. He has three accomplished children and his wife is a well-known physical therapist having recently been accredited with a Lifetime Achievement Award for her work with pelvic physical therapy.
Dr. David Duncan
Dr. David Duncan has a unique and enriching path to medicine. After earning his undergraduate degrees from the University of South Florida, Dr. Duncan enlisted with the US Air Force and worked with the USAF School of Aerospace Medicine. Combining prior SCUBA diving experience and his degrees in Chemistry and Biology, he was able to conduct research for the NASA space program through the study of the effects of weightlessness and abnormal pressure in space on Astronauts. During this time, Dr. Duncan was working on his Graduate degree in Biology and was determined to continue his space research after completing the program. He discovered that grants were more often awarded to physicians so he enrolled in Medical School and earned his MD at the University of Miami. While attending the University of Miami, he found he possessed a deep interest in every specialty of medicine the encountered and decided to pursue a career in medicine. Dr. Duncan found that the only way to incorporate all the specialties was through Family Practice. He completed his specialty boards through the University of Miami and the University of Oklahoma. Afterwards, he opened his own practice in Tulsa, Oklahoma providing care to pediatrics, adults, and seniors in various settings while occasionally utilizing an actual horse and buggy to visit with his patients. When his children were grown, he and his wife closed their practice of 30 years in Oklahoma and moved to Colorado. He was introduced to Rocky Mountain Senior Care in 2017 and found paralleled goals of quality care for the senior patient population as well as on opportunity to continue his dissertation research in the prevention of cellular aging.
Dr. Leslie Eber
Leslie Eber, MD CMD, received her MD degree from the University of Vermont College of Medicine and completed her residency at St. Joseph Hospital in Denver. She is board certified in internal medicine and a certified Medical Director. She divides her time between clinical practice, medical directorship and research. She enjoys her practice at Rocky Mountain Senior Care. She has provided medical directorships for both long term care facilities and hospice and is the medical director of Orchard Park Health Care Center in Greenwood Village, Colorado. She is the coinvestigator for the CCTSI community engagement grant entitled “The Colorado Long Term Care Research Partnership: A Community Partnership and Research Collaboration to Promote Health for Residents of Long Term Care Communities.” She is the co-founder of the Long Term Care Stakeholder Advisory Board which evaluates and helps engage long term care communities in research. Dr. Eber is the current President of the Colorado Medical Directors Association.
Dr. Ghassam Ghuneim
Coming Soon!
Dr. Melissa Gruen
Coming Soon!
Dr. Thomas Kang
Dr. Chang (Thomas) Kang earned his Doctor of Medicine from Seoul National University Medical School, Seoul, South Korea as well as from Westfalische Wilhelms-Universitat Medizinische Fakultat in Muenster, Germany. He went on to complete his residency at St. Pius Hospital, Ochtrup, Germany, St. Marien Hospital, Borken, Germany and Ball Memorial Hospital in Muncie, Indiana. Next came his Geriatric Fellowship at Ball Memorial Hospital, Muncie, Indiana. Dr. Kang is board certified with the American Board of Internal Medicine with a Qualification in Geriatrics. He has served as Assistant professor at Dong-A University Medical School, Pusan Korea, Associate Professor at the same university and was a Visiting Scientist at US EPA in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Dr. Kang has dedicated his career to the care for seniors, joining Rocky Mountain Senior Care in August 2016. When asked why he chose to work with this patient population he responded, “they are the greatest generation and have many wonderful stories to share.”
Dr. Arti Karna
Arti Karna, MD is a graduate of St. George’s University School of Medicine. She completed her training at New Rochelle Hospital associated with New York Medical College in New York. Dr. Karna joined Rocky Mountain Senior Care in August of 2018 with over 12 years of experience in patient care. Like many of our providers with a heart for the senior patient population, Dr. Karna is drawn to her patients through their lives and history. She appreciates and respects their wisdom. When she is not visiting with her patients, Dr. Karna can be found spending time with her first-born son who is just shy of a year old.
Dr. Sushanthi Katta
Sushanthi Katta, MD is a Board Certified Internal Medicine Physician. After earning her M.B.B.S. from Kakatiya Medical College, University of Health Sciences and Completing her residency at the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Hospital in India, she continued her post residency in Internal Medicine through Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in El Paso, Texas. Dr. Katta has been a provider for over a decade and started her work with Rocky Mountain Senior Care in 2015. She has received numerous recognitions for outstanding services and quality from inpatient and outpatient health care facilities as well as State and University acknowledgements.
Dr. Stefano Lee
Coming Soon!
Dr. James Metzger
Dr Metzger attended the university of Colorado undergraduate and medical school. He’s an internist and practiced hospital medicine before working in skilled nursing facilities.
Dr. Bookanakere Niranjan
Coming Soon!
Dr. Erika Quintana
Coming Soon!
Dr. Danice Rinderknecht
Coming Soon!
Dr. Kari Schultz
Dr. Kari Schultz is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin, having earned her BA with Honors at the Madison, WI campus and her Doctor of Medicine in Milwaukee. She completed her residency at the Santa Clara Valley Medical Center in Jan Jose, CA, immediately choosing to work with the senior patient population as both a geriatric internist and senior healthcare community medical director. Dr. Schultz joined Rocky Mountain Senior Care in November of 2017.
Dr. Elane Shirar
Dr. Elane Shirar continues to see the patients who visited her in the early months her medical practice. She’s known for being a highly intuitive doctor who hires only the most perceptive and sensitive providers to practice within her clinics. Working in two different hospitals during her first years in Denver she quickly recognized that she wanted to give her patients a more intimate setting to go for their general health needs — a place they could trust for individualized family-focused healthcare. She began serving as a primary care physician 15 years ago, opened her first clinic in 1996, and has since opened four other clinics in the Denver metro area. By maintaining strong ties with the area’s hospitals and other specialists, Dr. Shirar and her team of providers offer their patients a family of caring professionals who will see you through every aspect of your health maintenance.
Dr. Scott Sickbert
Coming Soon!
Dr. Mary Tuuk
Dr. Mary Tuuk graduated from the University of Wisconsin and completed her residency at University of Colorado Internal Medicine. She then worked through the Denver VA fellowship program to specialize in Geriatric Medicine. Dr. Tuuk joined Rocky Mountain Senior Care in February 2016 with over 20 years of providing direct patient care. She currently belongs to the American Geriatrics Society, American Medical Association, and is an active board member with the Alzheimer’s Association- Colorado Chapter. When asked why she would enjoys working with seniors, she replied “I like working with seniors to determine their goals and help them as best we can. I also enjoy hearing their life experiences.” In her spare time Dr. Tuuk enjoys traveling to our many national parks and then scrapbooks the memories. She also enjoys spending time with her husband and their two twin sons who are currently college students and are both talented lacrosse players.
Dr. Christopher Unrein
Christopher Unrein, DO, FAOGME, FACOI, FACP, CMD is a self-described endangered species called a Colorado native! His family owned an ambulance service in Denver and he worked there during high school and college. He received a BA in Biology at the University of Colorado at Denver in 1983, and then attended Des Moines University, College of Osteopathic Medicine, where he graduated in 1988. He is a life member of the Des Moines University chapter of the scholastic osteopathic fraternity, Sigma Sigma Phi. After medical school, he went on to an internal medicine residency at Mountainside Hospital in Essex County, New Jersey. He is board certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine, American Board of Internal Medicine, and the National Board of Physicians and Surgeons in the fields of Internal Medicine and Hospice and Palliative Medicine. He is certified in nursing home medical direction through the American Board of Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine. He is a fellow of the Assembly of Osteopathic Graduate Medical Educators, a fellow of the American College of Osteopathic Internists, and a fellow of the American College of Physicians. He is a full professor of internal medicine at Rocky Vista University, College of Osteopathic Medicine and the University of Colorado, School of Medicine.
Since residency, Dr. Unrein has had a diverse career in internal medicine: from rural general internal medicine/emergency medicine, to geriatrics, nursing home medicine, and hospice medicine. He served as a Trustee of the American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine in 2017-18. He was president of the Colorado Society of Osteopathic Medicine in 2013-2014, president of the Colorado Medical Society in 2003-2004, and president of the Colorado Foundation for Medical Care (CFMC) in 1999-2000, as well as the president of the Colorado Society of Internal Medicine in 1998-1999.
In his spare time Dr. Unrein enjoys US history through the lens of presidential biography, and also loves to scuba dive, having reach over 400 open water dives. He also continues a keen and active interest and participation in the ongoing challenges and debate regarding health care public-policy, both locally and at the national level.
Dr. Cydney West
Dr. Cydney West grew up in the Denver Metro area and earned her undergraduate degree from Colorado State University. After finishing medical school and her residency in the Midwest, she returned to Colorado to practice. She enjoys being outdoors and spending time with her family.
Dr. Kurt Wever
Dr. Kurt A. Wever is a graduate of UCLA School of Medicine and additionally received training through the USAF Regional Hospital Carswell, Carswell AFB, Texas.
Dr. Wever began working with seniors as an orderly at a nursing home at 16 years of age. He continued to work with seniors through his family practice and eventually they became his primary focus. He joined Rocky Mountain Senior Care in May 2017. Dr. Wever has a great admiration for their hard work, grit, and humor. “It is important to me to do our best for them. It brings me joy to help seniors and their loved ones navigate through difficult health challenges to obtain best outcomes based on their own goals of care.
Dr. Wever stays active with church activities, hiking with his wife of almost 40 years, and playing the trombone with multiple musical groups. He also enjoys spending time with his 3 adult children, 2 grandchildren, and Maddie the poodle- who loves visiting with his patients as much as he does.
Dr. William Wilcox
Coming Soon!
Our Non-Physician Providers
Katie Arthur, PA
Katie Arthur, PA-C is a native of Littleton, Colorado and attended Creighton University in Omaha, NE. She has been a provider for over 8 years and has worked with Rocky Mountain Senior Care since 2015. She truly has a heart for the senior population and strives to deliver high quality, consistent care. In her free time, Katie spends time hiking with her husband and three children and is an avid reader.
Myrtle Barlow, NP
Myrtle Barlow, NP received her nursing degree from Weber State University and gained experience from a variety of settings including time as the Director of Nursing for a Long Term Care facility. After many years as an RN, she decided to complete her FNP, graduating with honors from Frontier Nursing University in 2015. She joined Rocky Mountain Senior Care shortly thereafter. “I saw many needs within the care settings of this population of patients and I feel happy to be a part of fulfilling those needs. I feel that, in my small way, I am making a difference in someone’s life. Realizing that we will all be in the same position as our elders one day, I hope to continue to make a difference. My patients were once vibrant, active in politics and policy making, and defending our country. They have shaped the lives we have today and through them, we are shaping the lives of future generations. It is awesome!” Myrtle spends her free time with her family and bicycling on the trails near her home.
Dorothy Bergman, NP
COMING SOON!
Dennis Bronstein, NP
Dennis Bronstein is a Nurse Practitioner and lives in the Denver area. He earned his undergraduate nursing degree from Metro State University in 2011 and earned his graduate degree from the University of Northern Colorado in 2015. He did clinical rotations across the metro area in a variety of settings. including senior care and a walk-in clinic. Dennis worked as a Registered Nurse in skilled nursing and long-term care facilities prior to joining RMSC. Before entering the medical field, he worked in IT for 15 years. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family and coaching his kids’ sports teams.
Kim Buckley, PA
Kim Buckley, PA earned her Bachelor of Arts in Biology from the University of Colorado in Boulder, later attending Saint Louis University for her Bachelor of Physician Assistant Studies. She completed her formal education with a Masters of Physician Assistant Studies through the University of Nebraska. Kim has been devoted specifically to Geriatrics for over 15 years and joined Rocky Mountain Senior Care in 2013. When asked why she appreciates working with seniors, she replied, “I love all the stories and wisdom they have to share.” Kim lives in the Denver area with her husband and two boys. Along with family activities she enjoys attending trivia games and reading.
Kristin Burden, PA-C
Kristin Burden PA, graduated from University of Colorado and completed PA Program. Amanda practiced since 2019 and joined Rocky Mountain Senior Care in July of 2023. When asked why she appreciates working with seniors, she replied, “I enjoy being able to assist patients in navigating the final chapters of their lives, to age with dignity and comfort.” Kristin is part of the CMDA organization. Kristin spends her free time crafting and spending time with her family.
Crystal Carmody, NP
Crystal Carmody, NP joined Rocky Mountain Senior Care in April 2022. She attended the University of Nevada in Reno. She has worked in cardiology, OBGYN, Refugee and geriatric clinics. When asked what she appreciated most about working with the senior patient population, Crystal responded, “Their stories!! I love hearing about how they raised their children, careers or how they paid their bills, their travels… I learn so much from them.” Crystal enjoys family time outdoors; biking, swimming, walks with her dog, eating on the patio and skiing.
Hong Chang, NP
Hong Chang, NP is a graduate of the University of Colorado College of Nursing. She has several years of experience working exclusively with seniors. When asked what drew her to this patient population, she described a general appreciation for serving patients that deserve a little extra attention. “Working in geriatrics gives me the opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life. Elderly patients and nursing home residents truly need the services we provide.” In her free time, Hong enjoys reading, swimming, and crafts. She and her husband also have two daughters recently graduated from college and a son in second grade to help keep her busy. Hong joined Rocky Mountain Senior Care in October 2018.
Yan Chen, NP
COMING SOON!
Erin (Walker) Cole, PA
Erin Walker is a Physician Assistant who lives in Northglenn. While attending the University of Colorado Boulder campus she was awarded a Bachelors Degree in EPO biology, graduating with honors. A few years later she attended the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center in Aurora, earning her Masters of Physician Assistant Studies.
Erin has experience in geriatric care and specializes in care of patients in the acute rehab, long-term care, and assisted living settings. She has also worked for a mobile physician network, as a medical secretary for Saint Joseph hospital in Denver, and has experience in pediatrics, urgent care, orthopedics, OB/GYN, wound care, and cardiology.
Kate Condon, PA
Kate Condon, PA graduated from Metropolitan State University of Denver in 1991. She continued on to earn her Physician Assistant Certification from the Red Rocks Community College Physician Assistant Program in 2001 as well as her Masters in Medical Science from Saint Francis University also in 2001.
Silvia Coss, NP
Silvia Coss is a recent 2022 graduate from University at Colorado Springs. Silvia joined Rocky Mountain Senior Care May of 2022.Silvia has developed an appreciation for our senior population as it has been rewarding to help maintain their quality of life. Silvia enjoys the outdoors hiking, biking, running and camping with her family. Silvia has a green thumb, she loves caring for her house plants and devoted an entire room in her home for her plants.
Linda Couger, NP
Linda Couger, NP attended the University of Tennessee and earned her BS in nursing in 1991. In 2006 she received ANP-C/MSN from the University of Colorado in Colorado Springs, followed by her DNP from the University of Colorado in Denver in 2015. Linda’s passion is to serve the geriatric patient population with a focus on care within a long-term setting. She has been active in senior care for over 10 years.
“I believe patient care should be centered on the holistic needs of the patient while treating the disease process or processes. Treatment of the disease may entail the use of complimentary therapies yet ensuring standards of practice, meanwhile collaborating with the patient on a treatment plan.” – Linda Couger, NP
Tamara Coughlin, NP
Tamara Coughlin, NP graduated from Metropolitan State College in Denver with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and then completed her BSN through Regis University. After working with Centura Health as a bedside nurse for 16 years, gaining experience in several specialties, Tamara earned her MSN FNP from Graceland University. She joined Rocky Mountain Senior Care in December, 2017 with a “passion for and dedication to providing excellence in patient care.”
Tiffany Defreitas NP
Tiffany Defreitas, NP joined Rocky Mountain Senior Care early in January of 2018. She comes to us after earning her MSN from Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She had previously attended Texas Women’s University in Huston, Texas where she completed her BSN.
When asked why she chose to work with the senior patient population, she replied that taking the time to speak with them and, more importantly, listening to their stories teaches her so much and is a rewarding experience. When Tiffany isn’t busy spending time with her patients, she enjoys traveling with her husband and spending time with their two dogs.
Jaime Depue, NP
Jaime Depue, NP attended Clarkson College in Omaha, Nebraska, consecutively completing both her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Nursing. Jaime joined Rocky Mountain Senior Care in June of 2017 with a background in senior care, specifically in long term care settings. When asked why she chose to work with seniors, she replied, “They allow me an outlet through which I can take full advantage of my passion for providing exemplary care.”
Mary Ann Dimberio, PA
Mary Ann Dimberio received her BSN and MSN at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center in Denver. She later returned to obtain her DNP at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. She has been a Geriatric nurse practitioner for 23 years.
Mary Ann Dimberio has worked in a variety of settings. She began her career in a sub-acute unit, then moved to an inpatient rehab unit. She later worked in an internal medicine practice and was part of the ground-up development of a new geriatric primary care practice. She established policies and processes as well as providing direct patient care to seniors. Mary Ann received the Sages Award for Clinical Excellence, was considered a content expert for the ANCC adult-geriatric standard setting panel and gained experience through the roles of Clinical Advisor and Clinical Manager. She is an active member of the Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association as well as several other organizations.
“My interest in caring for the elderly began early in my career. My mother had dementia for 10 years and my father had a stroke. I was guardian of both parents and was able to coordinate care in their home and, later, in my home for those 10 years. Due to my experience with the care of my parents, my DNP capstone project was dedicated to writing a booklet based on my experiences in order to help others dealing with dementia.”
In her free time, Mary Ann can be found spending time with her family in their Hartsel cabin. Additionally, she loves to travel, hike, ski, cook, and play the piano. “I am married with one daughter that attends College at the University of Colorado Denver-majoring in elementary education. We have two dogs, an Australian Shepherd and a German Shepherd that are now considered our children.”
Sarah Dobler, PA
Sarah Dobler, PA attended the University of Colorado in Boulder, CO where she earned her BS in Environmental, Population & Organismic Biology. She then graduated from the University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA with her Master of Physician Assistant Studies. Sarah joined RMSC in November of 2010.
Mary Dragoo, NP
Coming Soon!
Javier Enriquez, NP
Javier Enriquez, NP began his medical career as a Registered Respiratory Therapist. He completed his BS in Nursing in 2009 and earned a Master’s Degree as a Nurse Practitioner in 2012. With a pulmonary background and experience in Cardiac Diagnostics, we were happy to welcome Javier to Rocky Mountain Senior Care in 2016. Javier expresses his appreciation for the opportunity to work in a senior care setting. “I feel they have served their family, their employers, their community, and their country. Now, it’s time for them to be served. I’m honored to assist them in living a quality life.” Javier spends his free time staying active. He has been training in Karate for 24 years, travels to areas where he can surf and snorkel, surfboards every winter, and plays several organized sports.
Kalene Ethington, NP
Kalene Ethington graduated with her BSN and MSN from Brigham Young University. Kalene joined Rocky Mountain Senior Care March of 2022. Kalene has been practicing for a few years and developed an appreciation for the senior community with the stories patients have shared. These stores have given her a way to give back to her senior community and wants to make a difference in their quality of life. Kalene enjoys the outdoors, running, hiking and spending time with her husband and kids.
Ryan Foley, NP
Ryan Foley, NP is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University, having earned his BSN in 2005. He then completed his MSN with a gerontology specialty from the University of Tampa and remains an active member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. Ryan joined Rocky Mountain Senior Care in May, 2018. When asked why he chose to work with the senior patient population, he responded, “I enjoy working with seniors because they appreciate the care they receive. I also enjoy being able to learn from their experiences. It’s satisfying to help seniors live out their golden years achieving their maximum potential of quality of life.” In his free time, Ryan can be found hiking, skiing, biking, and conditioning through CrossFit. He also enjoys traveling and is looking forward to comparing a pending African safari to his travels in Spain, Italy, and Ireland.
Diane Genova, NP
Diane Genova, NP graduated from California State University with her BSN and later earned her MSN from the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. She received additional training as an active duty RN with the US Army.
Diane boasts a comprehensive background in gerontology and nephrology with experience in the treatment and care coordination of patients requiring access to additional specialties including psychiatry.
Galin Hartsuiker, PA-C
Galin Hartsuiker, PA-C is a graduate of the Red Rocks Community College Physician Assistant program. He then attended St. Francis University, earning his Master of Medical Science. Galin began practicing in 2002 and joined Rocky Mountain Senior Care in April 2019. When asked why he chose to serve the senior patient population, Galin responded, “In addition to helping seniors maintain their health, I enjoy establishing relationships with them and their family members. There is so much we can learn from their experiences.” Galin is an active participant in the AMDA Practice Group Network. He spends his free time with his family, staying busy attending the activities of his five sons.
Melissa Huff, NP
Melissa Huff is a nurse practitioner who discovered a love for geriatrics early in her nursing career as a critical care nurse. She earned her BSN through Colorado Christian University in 2014 and continued her studies at Spring Arbor University in Michigan to become a nurse practitioner. Much of her clinical background is in hospice care. She attributes her love of serving older generations to the strong relationships she had with her grandparents and parents (now seniors), who cared for her well growing up and who shared valuable lessons and stories along the way. She is dedicated to returning that investment in her by helping seniors live their best lives while navigating age-specific challenges. Melissa was a newspaper journalist before becoming a nurse. Her spare time is spent with her family and singing/playing music.”
Nkechi Ikpoh, NP
Adora, aka Nkechi, is a Nurse Practitioner ; She was educated at University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. Adora has been with RMSC since Octobe, 2022. Adora finds working with seniors is a very rewarding career. “It makes me more appreciative of life, more patient, compassionate, and more attentive to little details.”
“I enjoy quilting, cake decorating and cooking .”
Stacy Jessen, NP
Stacy Jessen, NP received her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology and Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of New Mexico. She then attended the University of Texas to complete the Master of Science in Nursing program. Stacy is an active member of the Texas Nurse Practitioners, Colorado Society of Advanced Practice Nurses, and the America Association of Nurse Practitioners organizations. RMSC welcomed Stacy in 2017 with 10 years of patient care experience. Stacy has an enormous amount of respect for the life experiences of our seniors and has empathy and appreciation for the often difficult health care needs and decisions they face. When Stacy is not treating patients, she can be found spending as much time as possible outdoors. She is an avid runner but also enjoys hiking and cycling.
Nicole Khazei, NP
“Nicole Khazei is a Nurse Practitioner who lives in Highlands Ranch. While attending the University of Colorado she was awarded The Post-Master’s Certificate for Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner. Nicole is part of the American Geriatric Society, AANP and CAPA. When asked why she chose to work with the senior patient population, she replied Seniors are amazing, beautiful people who are very rich in history and knowledge. Nicole enjoys her free time with family, cats and loves reading.”
Angela Kubie, NP
Angela Kubie is a Family Nurse Practitioner with a background in Emergency Medicine and Urgent Care. She was educated and trained at Johns Hopkins University and at California State University, Long Beach. Angela has been with RMSC since June, 2014. She is also adjunct faculty at Regis University and loves teaching.
“I am a runner, however I am a big wimp about cold weather and take a running hiatus every winter. My husband and I both grew up in New Mexico and visit our families there often. Naturally, I love green chili, western art, and sunny ski days.”
Qin Liu, NP
Qin Liu is a Nurse Practitioner, she was educated and trained at Colorado University. Qin has been with RMSC since August, 202022. Qin appreciates the senior community as it gives Qin the hunger to gain more knowledge and be more confident in her job.
Qin enjoys hiking and playing her instrument. Qin’s loves her family; her husband is a vet, she has a daughter and two dogs.
Qin enjoys hiking and playing her instrument. Qin’s loves her family; her husband is a vet, she has a daughter and two dogs.
Christina Lockwitz, NP
COMING SOON!
Abigail Magwire, NP
COMING SOON!
Joseph Namongo, NP
Joseph (Joe) Namongo, NP earned his MSN from Walden University and his BSN from the University of Colorado – College of Nursing. He is an active member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. Joe joined Rocky Mountain Senior Care in November 2019 and has a deep appreciation and respect for the senior patient population. “Being on the receiving end of the gratitude seniors show when they receive quality care is most rewarding. I love hearing their stories about their life and experiences.” In his free time, Joe enjoys playing soccer and spending time with his family.
Travis Neill, PA
Travis Neill, PA–C, MMS is an Associate Professor of Geriatrics at the University of Colorado PA (CHAPA) program and board-certified Physician Assistant specializing in Geriatrics who has been practicing in the Post-Acute and Long-Term Care environments for over ten years. Early in his career, Travis graduated from the University of Colorado with a Masters in Finance, working in Corporate Finance before changing paths and completing a three-year Masters in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Colorado PA program. His passion for teaching and learning has produced opportunities such as authoring articles for various publications and serving as an expert witness in cases involving PAs. Additionally, Travis was elected to the Colorado Medical Director Association Board of Directors in 2018 as one of the first PAs on the board in its 30 year history. His newest role as an Assistant Medical Director to multiple Nursing Facilities is another step toward achieving his career goal of advancing education and improving standards of care so our aging population can finish their lives with a focus on health, dignity, and purpose.
Holly NeSmith, NP
COMING SOON!
Thuy Nguyen, NP
Thuy Nguyen, NP graduated from the University of Colorado and joined Rocky Mountain Senior Care in 2013 with nearly a decade of experience. She enjoys working with seniors because, “seniors have a tremendous wisdom and experience that we can all learn from and appreciate. Also, they are awesome!” She is married with one son and one daughter, lives in the Denver area, and enjoys traveling in her free time.
Valerie Paulson, PA
Valerie Paulson has been a Physician’s Assistant since 2013 and joined the RMSC team in 2016. She studied at DeSales University in Pennsylvania. Valerie is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the Colorado Academy of Physician Assistants. When asked what she most enjoys about working with the senior population, she replied that she sincerely appreciates their perspective on life. She also enjoys the opportunity to show people how much they matter to others and treating the medical complexities involved in their care. In her free time, Valerie can be found hiking, climbing, and exploring new restaurants with her husband, who is also a PA.
Emily Porter, PA
Coming Soon!
Lauren Pavone (Kearney), NP
Lauren completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in Professional
and Technical Writing from the University of South Florida and a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from the University of Pittsburgh. I completed my Master of Science in Adult Geriatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner studies from the University of
Colorado. I was a certified Hospice and Palliative Care RN for four
years prior to completing my nurse practitioner studies.
She has worked with aging persons for over half of my life! At 10 years old, I called Bingo and served meals at the nursing facility where my mom worked as a cook. In high school and throughout
college, I worked as a dietary aide and nursing assistant before becoming a Registered Nurse in 2012. Finally, I completed my Nurse Practitioner credentials in May of 2020. She has been
working with RMSC since June 2021. She lives in Longmont, Colorado with my husband Steve and our puppy John! She really loves to cook, read, garden, do yoga, spend time exercising outdoors, and engage in community service. Once a week, I work in the kitchen serving dinner at the Denver Rescue Mission in Denver, where I connect with folks through food and conversation.
and Technical Writing from the University of South Florida and a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from the University of Pittsburgh. I completed my Master of Science in Adult Geriatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner studies from the University of
Colorado. I was a certified Hospice and Palliative Care RN for four
years prior to completing my nurse practitioner studies.
She has worked with aging persons for over half of my life! At 10 years old, I called Bingo and served meals at the nursing facility where my mom worked as a cook. In high school and throughout
college, I worked as a dietary aide and nursing assistant before becoming a Registered Nurse in 2012. Finally, I completed my Nurse Practitioner credentials in May of 2020. She has been
working with RMSC since June 2021. She lives in Longmont, Colorado with my husband Steve and our puppy John! She really loves to cook, read, garden, do yoga, spend time exercising outdoors, and engage in community service. Once a week, I work in the kitchen serving dinner at the Denver Rescue Mission in Denver, where I connect with folks through food and conversation.
Sarah Poythress, NP
Sarah Poythress is a Primary Care Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner with a background covering cardiology, critical care, trauma, burn care, and radiology specialties. She received her BSN from the University of Connecticut in 2005 and continued on to earn her MSN from the University of Colorado in 2017. Sarah is a member of the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing and the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. When asked why she chose to work in senior care, she responded, “I love working with the adult and geriatric population; getting to know who they are now and hearing stories about when they were younger. I think they have a wealth of knowledge and life experience to share, and I love to listen!” Sarah enjoys taking advantage of all that Colorado has to offer including hiking, mountain biking, trail running, climbing the incline, and snowboarding. She also loves spending time with her two “oodles” (mini-golden doodle and mini-poodle) and taking them out to play in the outdoors as well.
Kathleen Qutub, PA
Kathleen Qutub, PA attended Grand Valley State University in Michigan and earned her Bachelor of Science in Health while maintaining a 4.0 grade point average. She then completed her Master’s Degree of Physician Assistant Studies in Michigan. Kathleen has experience in long-term care, neurosurgery, orthopedics, cardiovascular surgery, nutrition, and anesthesia. She also aided in Alzheimer’s Disease research. Kathleen resides in the Denver area and joined Rocky Mountain Senior Care in April of 2014. In her free time, she enjoys golf, scuba diving, and classical music having played the violin for eight years.
Barbara Read, NP
Barbara Read is an Adult-Geriatric Nurse Practitioner who resides in Westminster. She has a grown daughter and a granddaughter. Barbara attended Walden University where she earned her Master of Science in Nursing and has prior experience with skilled, long-term care, psychiatric, and Alzheimer’s patients. Barbara has worked in nursing centers as an LPN, RN, and supervisor prior to becoming a Nurse Practitioner. She joined Rocky Mountain Senior Care in September of 2015.
Jocelyn Reeves, NP
COMING SOON!
Vanessa Sandlin, NP
COMING SOON!
Anita Shah, NP
Anita Shah, NP received her bachelor’s degree in Allied Health Sciences with a concentration in geriatrics and gerontology at Ohio State University. She continued on to Ashland University where she earned her BSN and then completed her MSN at the University of Toledo. She has been a provider since 2011 and joined Rocky Mountain Senior Care in February of 2018. When asked why she chose to work with the senior patient population, she responded, “I feel more that it is my calling to work with seniors. I watched my parents care for my grandmother who suffered from dementia, saw home health come to visit her. At age 10, I knew that I’d do something in healthcare, where I would be able to one day care for my parents when they reached that age, to be able to provide holistic care.” In her free time, Anita spends time with her husband and two west highland terriers, Bunty and Charlie. “My husband I like to travel, enjoy good food and drinks and the outdoors.”
Jill Shepherd, PA
Jill Shepherd is a Physician Assistant who moved from Arkansas to Colorado springs to join RMSC in 2015. She was born and spent the first part of her life in Honduras, so she has a great appreciation for various cultures and backgrounds. She is passionate about working with the senior population because of how much she can learn from them and contribute to their lives. One of her greatest passions has been to serve the under-served and research ways to improve medicine. She strives to never be complacent and constantly challenges herself to become a stronger provider for her patients.
In her time away from work, she enjoys spending time with her dogs, hiking, exercising, reading, flipping houses, making music, building furniture, and learning anything new.
Suraksha Thapa, NP
COMING SOON!
Corinna Ter-Antonyan, NP
COMING SOON!
Penny Wagner, NP
“Penny Wagner has been a healthcare professional for some 45 years, beginning as a nurse aide fresh out of high school and advancing through the years to licensed practical nurse, registered nurse and in 2007 to nurse practitioner working with the senior population. Her long experience includes working on medical, orthopedic and rehabilitation units of Denver’s P/SL Medical Center and serving for 10 years as nurse manager of the Spalding rehabilitation unit at that hospital. She has been seeing seniors in assisted living facilities, nursing homes and private homes since 2008. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Denver’s Regis University and is certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. A grandmother of six, she resides in Arvada with her husband Hol and dog Baby.
“In any given week I’m often the only visitor my patients see, and I try to relate to their problems and concerns – and their loneliness – and take the time to listen to what they have to say and be a friend they can rely on.””
Elaine Henry (aka Wozniak), NP
“Elaine Henry has been a healthcare professional for some 30 years as nurse practitioner working with the senior population. Elaine graduated from University of Arizona 1993 and joined RMSC 2019. Elaine had cared for her loving father who had Alzheimer’s and new her passion was to care for patients in the aging population. Elaine felt the burden it presented to families and wanted to help make the difference for the patient and loved ones.
In Elaine’s free time, she enjoys going camping, golfing, a game of pickleball and kayaking. Elaine recently married and loves being a grandma of 6 grankids from her 1 son who lives in Phoenix. “
In Elaine’s free time, she enjoys going camping, golfing, a game of pickleball and kayaking. Elaine recently married and loves being a grandma of 6 grankids from her 1 son who lives in Phoenix. “