All People

Dr. Hoffman has nearly a decade of experience in health services research. Prior to joining Duke, she served as a Research Associate at L&M Policy Research assisting with evaluations of Medicare programs, a Research Assistant in North Carolina’s Rural Health Research Program, and a Pre-Doctoral Fellow in Duke’s Department of Population Health. Dr. Hoffman holds both a PhD in Health Policy and Management and a BA in Public Policy from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.   

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have been serving children and families for the past eight years as an intensive in-home therapist, as well as in schools. I love connecting with people and helping others access resources and find support. I am invested in learning your story and walking with you to move forward in life.

I have been working with healthcare and information systems for many years. I enjoy taking on new challenges; there is always something new to take on. Being a part of a team that ultimately delivers information to the business entities in order to make informed decisions is very fulfilling.

I have been a nurse for 10 years. I started my career working in an ICU; then I transitioned to an ambulatory and procedural clinic. After my family and I relocated to North Carolina, I started working in an outpatient neurology clinic, both on the floor and in the telephone triage office. I am very passionate about helping others, and I am very excited to continue this work at DukeWELL.

My background is truly international and reflects most traditional characteristics of multiple amazing cultures I had the privilege to experience during my life. I speak several languages and play piano (used to be a piano teacher), love to cook for my family and adore my grandkids. Coming from Duke Raleigh Hospital Case Management Department, where I worked for the last 4 years, I have a special passion for Complex Case Management. I found it rewarding and enjoyed assisting patients with the safe discharges from the hospital. In particular, I enjoyed figuring out the reasons and barriers which prompted each patient to keep coming back to the ED or hospital, and then resolve them. I believe that I will be able to continue providing excellent services for the Population Health here at the Resource Center.

I was born and raised in Durham, NC. I did interpreting for almost four years before I started with Duke Health in August 2021. I enjoyed helping our patients get their questions answered as a bilingual concierge for Duke Children’s & Internal Medicine of North Durham for two years. Now with DukeWELL, I hope to continue helping patients obtain great health outcomes by being as thorough as I can on my end. I enjoy sports, such as soccer and volleyball with family and friends.

I have always thrived on helping others, and with a complicated medical history myself, I know what it is like to receive extraordinary care, and I strive to provide that to others! I love interacting with patients and hopefully making their health journey a little easier and simpler. I have been with Duke for three years and have loved every minute of what I am able to directly provide to my patients. I look forward to assisting with your care.

After graduating from Watts School of Nursing here in Durham, I started my nursing career at Duke University Hospital (DUH) on 8300: Adult Medicine in March of 2012. In November of 2013, I joined the DUH emergency department, where I was able to hone my critical thinking skills while caring for a diverse and complex patient population. I love problem solving, being a part of a team, and helping others.

I earned my BSN from East Carolina University in 2003, and I have been a Duke nurse ever since! I am a North Carolina native and love to spend my spare time with my family and gardening. I have over twenty years in direct patient care with experience in neurosurgery and emergency medicine. I enjoy getting to know patients and what is important to them. I find gratification in helping them navigate the health system, educating them on their health problems, and overall supporting their well-being.

Amit obtained his pharmacy degree from the South Carolina College of Pharmacy. He also completed a PGY-1 Managed Care and PGY-2 Ambulatory Care residency with Kaiser Permanente of Georgia. Prior to coming to Duke, Amit worked as a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist at Harris Health System in Houston, TX, managing patients with diabetes, hypertension, CAD, hyperlipidemia, and on anticoagulation. His interests also include disease state management in the primary care setting. He has a strong passion for improving patient outcomes and educating the next generation of pharmacists.

I come from many years of healthcare. I have a love for helping, growing relationships, and making a difference in others lives as much as I possibly can.

In addition to the design and implementation of Healthy Planet—Epic’s population health module—Andrea Long oversees the development of IT infrastructure and analytical tools to optimize PHMO operations. Previously, she served as pharmacist analyst for ambulatory medication system configuration, holding certifications in both EpicCare Ambulatory and Willow Inpatient. Dr. Long received her BS in Biology from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. As part of her continued clinical training, she completed a pharmacy practice residency at Duke University Hospital.

I have a strong background in both patient and customer service, working in a community clinic for 15 years. I enjoy diverse work settings, and I am comfortable quickly adapting to different work environments and people.

I am registered Nurse with over ten years experience. I come from bedside nursing with a concentration of med surg and behavioral health.

My background in nursing has mostly been in pediatrics, with the last ten years as a school nurse. I enjoy creating relationships with patients and their families, and I look forward to helping them meet their health goals.

I enjoy being a nurse and helping others. My background is pediatrics and surgical nursing.

I have been a registered nurse for over eleven years and have worked in outpatient clinics during that time. My passions include patient education and advocacy. I enjoy working with patients through the process of improving their health and meeting their healthcare needs.

I have twelve twelve years experience working with the Duke Division of Community Health at Walltown Clinic on Broad Street. I found it very rewarding working with and supporting patients of all ages who experienced financial hardships with medical expenses, paying for doctor visits, loss of health insurance, paying for medication, and behavioral health issues. Seeing patients come into the clinic feeling discouraged and leaving with a smile on their faces made my job worth while!

I graduated from Watts School of Nursing in 2011 and have been part of the Duke family ever since! I graduated in 2016 with my BSN from the University of Mount Olive. I have worked in both inpatient and ambulatory settings throughout my career, specifically in general medicine and infusion nursing. In my spare time, I enjoy gardening, cooking, decorating, and spending time with my fur babies. I am passionate about quality, patient-centered care and what DukeWELL has to offer patients and their families.

I have eighteen years of diverse experience in the medical field, encompassing front office operations, patient scheduling, insurance verification, billing, and insurance. This blend of skills has equipped me to enhance patient experiences and support healthcare operations effectively. I look forward to my future at PHMO.

Dr. Churchwell serves as director of DukeWELL Care Management for PHMO's care management programs. She is fully licensed as a mental health counselor and clinical addiction specialist with over 15 years of administrative and clinical experience working with children and adults of varying backgrounds who suffer from chronic health concerns. Ms. Churchwell’s work supporting and advocating for underserved communities locally and internationally are a driving force personally as well as professionally. Ms. Churchwell is a graduate of Middle Tennessee State and Tennessee State Universities. She completed her doctorate in the Counseling and Counselor Education program at North Carolina State University, where she researched patient perceptions of trust and trust development in patient-provider relationships within primary care clinics that serve marginalized populations. Dr. Churchwell was awarded a Counseling Fellowship from NBCC and Affiliates in 2017.

I graduated Magna Cum Laude from UNC Greensboro, earning a Bachelors of Science in Public Health Education with a concentration in community health education. Just one week after graduating college, I started my career in public health as a pediatric health educator and program coordinator for a family-centered health and wellness program that was made possible by a grant from the Duke Healthy Lifestyles program. What I like about the work I do is that I am able to give back to my community by providing resources to those who are going through hardships and are underserved.

I have a been a registered nurse for eight years with a background in long-term care, sub-acute rehab, med-surg, specialty infusion, and multi-specialty clinic. What I most enjoy about nursing is the ability to oversee patient care and ensure the highest level of service for our patients and their families. It is especially fulfilling to see our patients' overall health improve.

Dr. Smith has oversight of the clinical pharmacy programs and initiatives for the Duke Population Health Management Office and the Duke Connected Care network. He is also responsible for the ambulatory clinical pharmacy strategy across Duke University Health System. Dr. Smith graduated from the Eshelman School of Pharmacy at UNC Chapel Hill and completed a pharmacy residency in ambulatory care at Mission Hospital and the Mountain Area Health Education Center (MAHEC) in Asheville, NC. He is currently an adjunct assistant professor at the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy and is board certified in both ambulatory care and geriatric pharmacy practice. Dr. Smith practices as a clinical pharmacist practitioner at the Duke Outpatient Clinic, an internal medicine resident teaching clinic. Prior to joining Duke Health in 2012, he practiced in an outpatient clinic at Mission Hospital. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children, exercising, traveling, and gardening.

Bianca obtained a BS in General Biology and a Master’s in Public Health with a concentration in Community Health and Health Behavior, both from East Carolina University. She is passionate about helping people within her community holistically through empathetic communication, active listening, and necessary advocation. She says, "I have learned so much about what it truly means to be a healthcare provider while working at DukeWELL thus far and hope to continue this education." She aspires to attend PA school in the coming years and will specialize in mental and behavioral health. When she's not juggling work and school, her free time consists of binge watching movies with her dog, nature walks, leisure reading, social media content creating, and working out.

My practice focuses on taking care of patients living with chronic kidney disease, kidney failure and high blood pressure. I enjoy getting to know my patients over time and helping them make important health decisions. As a researcher at Duke, I lead a chronic kidney disease “early warning” program designed to connect kidney patients to the right care at the right time. When I'm not at work, I enjoy spending time with my family, reading and woodworking.

I am a North Carolina native, hailing from Selma. I graduated from UNC Chapel Hill in 2020 with a degree in Exercise & Sport Science and have been interested in healthcare from a young age. I enjoy working with diverse patient populations and ensuring that they are receiving the care they need to best support their health outcomes. With every patient interaction, I hope to build a relationship that enables my DukeWELL coworkers and I to work alongside our patients to improve their health. I am passionate about working with at-risk populations to help reduce the barriers to healthcare they experience through the promotion of healthy equity.

Brittney graduated from Nova Southeastern University College of Pharmacy. She completed two years of pharmacy residency training with a focus in ambulatory care and population health at Novant Health in Winston Salem, North Carolina. Prior to joining Duke Health, Brittney practiced as a clinical pharmacy specialist, managing lipid, anticoagulation, and primary care clinics at various Novant Health locations.

I love my job. I feel honored in my profession to have the unique privilege of being ensured with the trust and confidence of patient's lives and emotions. I enjoy learning from my patients as much as I love teaching them about their illnesses and helping them lead healthier lives. The study of medicine has allowed me to pursue my fascination with the scientific intricacies of the human body and my passion for creating long-lasting, meaningful relationships with my patients. Outside of the office, I enjoy running, hiking, cooking, and sitting on the porch with family and friends.

I have been an RN for 22 years, earning my BSN from North Carolina A&T State University: "Go Aggies!" I've worked in a variety of settings and worn lots of hats from bedside nursing to management. I enjoy making a positive impact in the lives of my patients. I work hard to ensure I'm living my best life, and I strive to help my patients do the same.

I am a critical care and emergency department nurse with case management experience. I find case management very rewarding, and I enjoy assisting patients with plans that provide optimal benefit and add value to their lives.

I have been a nurse for five years. I worked for two years with adults and three years in pediatric oncology and bone marrow transplant. My favorite part of being a nurse is feeling like my job makes a difference. Nursing is one the few professions in which we make a difference, no matter the role.

I have worked for Duke for 25 years and enjoy helping patients and their loved ones become proactive in their healthcare needs.

I have 24 years of Nursing experience. I enjoy making a difference and helping any way I can!

I am an HIV survivor dedicated to making a positive impact on the world. Diagnosed with HIV at 18, I've faced numerous challenges but have never given up on my dreams. I previously worked for the Maryland State Health Department, where I assisted HIV-positive clients who cannot afford prescriptions or insurance. I also have worked at DC Health Benefit Exchange and Whitman Walker Health Clinic, where I assisted members of the community in applying for all types of pubic benefits like healthcare, SNAP benefits, legal services, STI/STD testing and care, social security benefits, etc. I find immense fulfillment in helping others navigate the healthcare system and ensuring they receive the support they need. This work allows me to be a voice for the community and advocate for better access to healthcare resources.

I have 15 years with Duke. My passions are customer service—being that voice for individuals who do not know where to begin for help—helping our communities and employees to be enlightened with resources that will help with mind, body, and soul.

I was born and raised in North Carolina and went to college at UNCW. After college, I was ready for a big change, so I moved to Austin, Texas where I graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a Master’s degree in Social Work in 2006. Immediately out of graduate school and for the next 10 years, I worked with patients on hemodialysis in outpatient dialysis clinics. During this time, I also worked part time as a Mental Health Therapist while I obtained Social Work licensure. I transitioned to the inpatient setting in 2017 when I started Duke Health. I enjoy working closely with patients to help them progress towards their health-related and personal goals to lead healthier and happier lives. In my free time, I love spending time with my family and friends, traveling, and reading.

Cindy Leslie A. Roberson, PharmD, BCACP, CPP is a DukeWELL Clinical Pharmacist wihtin the Duke Population Health Management Office (PHMO). She performs multiple roles at PHMO: she is the pharmacist on interdisciplinary teams for the Duke TeleHOPE (Health Optimization Program for Elders) program, which provides transitions of care through a weekly post-discharge telehealth video conference with participating skilled nursing facilities, and PHMO’s Geriatric, Endocrine, and Palliative Care Interdisciplinary Specialty Case Reviews. Additionally, she reviews medication-related optimization recommendation requests from providers and care managers who work with patients’ clinical care needs in the ambulatory setting. She is an active preceptor for the pharmacy students at the University of North Carolina (UNC) Eshelman School of Pharmacy and offers an American Society of Health System Pharmacist (ASHP)-accredited Longitudinal Transitions of Care Elective for 2nd-year internal medicine pharmacy residents. She is involved in multiple NIH-funded research projects at Duke, such as Falls Assessment of Medications in the Elderly (FAME) and Expanding Technology-Enabled, Nurse-Delivered Chronic Disease Care (EXTEND). She is also involved in the Duke Interprofessional Education Care Center grant award that provides experiential learning on transitions of care. She participates in multiple research committees for PHMO and Duke University Hospital.

Dr. Roberson received her bachelor of science degree at UNC Chapel Hill. She earned a doctor of pharmacy degree from UNC's Eshelman School of Pharmacy and completed a clinical pharmacy residency at Virginia Commonwealth University. After residency, she worked as an assistant professor at Chicago State University College of Pharmacy (CSU-COP) and was involved with development and teaching of required and elective courses, grant-related projects, local and national student organizations, community service programs, and precepted pharmacy students. She then became a clinical pharmacist at Advocate Medical Group, managing chronic disease states for the underserved population. She is board certified in ambulatory care.

She has several publications and has presented her work in various symposia. She has received a Duke Health Great Catch Award, Duke AHEAD Aspire Award, AACP Student Community Engaged Service Award, First Place in Basic Science Research 11th Annual Scripps Conference, Midwest Asian Health Association Community Service Award, Faculty of the Year Academic Award, CSU Seed and Faculty Development Grants, and the NC TraCs Institute Grant Research Award.

Dr. Roberson served as a member in the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) Research Achievement Award selection, AACP Distinguished Scholarly and Teaching Committee, and American Pharmacist Association (APhA) Therapeutics Advisory Board.

I have worked in the customer service field since I was in the ninth grade, and I have developed a passion for helping customers resolve issues while creating a positive image of the company and myself. I’ve proven my ability to listen attentively, solve problems quickly and efficiently, and create good professional relationships with patients. I love providing a safe place for people to receive the help that they need.

Since becoming a nurse in 2011, I have developed a passion not only for helping people understand the medical jargon providers use, but also how to fit this information into their lives. I furthered these interests by obtaining a master’s in public health and a certificate in health communication from UNC in 2019. Along with supporting others, I enjoy hiking, kayaking, and generally enjoying the outdoors.

I was born and raised in Durham, NC. I have been a part of Duke as a certified medical assistant for twelve years. My work at Duke has allowed me to gain valuable knowledge regarding patient care and access to health care. I am excited to be a part of DukeWELL. 

My Background: I used to be a fireman before I came to work at Duke.

I was born and raised in Durham, NC. I started working at Duke as a COVID Screener in 2020 and soon worked my way to being on the great PHMO staff. I am very excited to be in my roll as a DukeWELL Care Coordinator and to work with different patients and help them get the proper care they deserve.

I have been employed by Duke for over 20 years. I began my career in the Undergraduate Financial Aid Office in August 2000. I transitioned to the Duke Talent Identification Program in October, 2013. In January 2021, I started a new career in Population Health as a Care Coordinator. I look forward to making a difference in the overall health of the patients and communities Duke serves.

My twenty years of healthcare experience have taught me the importance of empathy and effective communication in fostering patient trust and understanding. I find fulfillment in helping patients navigate their healthcare journeys. My passion stems from the opportunity to make a tangible difference in people's lives by providing them with the resources and support they need to achieve better health outcomes.

Daniel Costello serves as DCC’s Chief Operating Officer. Previously, Mr. Costello was a senior policy and program examiner at the US Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in Washington, DC, where he was responsible for creating and implementing federal budgets and policies. Mr. Costello also served as a Presidential Management Fellow at OMB, and a United States Peace Corps Volunteer in Guatemala. He graduated from Boston University and received his MPA from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs.

I have a management background in health insurance and as a government contractor. I received a degree in Health Science in 2014. I am currently studying for Healthcare Administration. I owned and managed a group home for Intellectual Disabled adults with critical needs for over 10 years. I have always had a strong desire to assist people with their needs in everyday life. Working as an associate in PHMO allows me to continue bridging the gap for patients by providing the resources necessary to fulfill their healthcare needs and essentials.

I am a med-peds hospitalist and researcher with interests in improving systems of care of patients with complex health needs. My research focus areas include implementation science, population health sciences, community-engaged research, and digital health. My vision is to design, implement, evaluate, and scale programs and interventions that will simplify the delivery of complex care. By doing so, we can equitably improve the health outcomes that matter most to children and adults with complex health needs and their families.

I started with Duke in March of 2019 as a Financial Care Counselor at Duke Eye Center. During that time, it was my responsibility to work with patients to resolve any financial barriers related to their healthcare. I am excited to be a part of the Duke PHMO team as a Care Coordinator. I have always had a passion to help people and my community. It’s exciting to be a part of a team that shares that same passion. In my spare time, I enjoy baking, binge watching shows, and spending time with my family.

I was born and raised in NC. I earned my ADN from Vance-Granville Community College and earned my BSN and MSN from the University of Mount Olive. I have over seven years of experience in care management, as well as experience in hospice and dialysis. I transferred from the 7800: Pulmonary Stepdown unit at Duke University Hospital (DUH) to DukeWELL, and I am excited to return to care management. I love helping patients navigate the complexities of the healthcare system. In my down time, I enjoy spending time with my children, watching scary movies, and going to the beach.

I am an emergency room nurse. I have worked in large trauma centers as well as small rural hospitals. I recently did two years of travel nursing. I enjoy empowering people to better their health.

I am from the foothills of North Carolina, and I became a CNA in 1998. I moved to Durham in 2003 and have worked as a
CNA for 17 years. I went back to school and got my CNA II in 2017. I then became a CNA II at a Duke Health clinic; while there, I also received a pharmacy tech certificate. I have done all these things because I enjoy taking care of people, and these things are all different ways to do that.

I have been privileged to live as well as work in several different states in my life. This has allowed me to learn a great deal about the difference in people's needs. I have worked mostly with children throughout my career, which has given me the opportunity to assist parents with the development of their children. Helping people be successful with their goals and in their lives is what I truly enjoy about this career.

I am native of Massachusetts and graduated from Boston College in Communication. I decided to “try” nursing and followed up at a community college to become an RN. Now 28 years later, I have received a BSN from UNC Wilmington and have worked as an RN in both Massachusetts and North Carolina. I have worked in forensics, behavioral health with both adults and adolescents/children, rehabilitation, and as a utilization manager for the last 12 years. I love working as an RN with opportunities to work with so many disciplines and care for such a diverse population.

After growing up in Maryland, I graduated with my BSN from Liberty University in Virginia. Armed with my new degree, I immediately started looking for new ways to help nurture and help the community. I now have experience in oncology, school nursing, and management, and I have been with Duke Health since 2021. We want to see this community thrive! In my free time, my husband and I enjoy traveling and camping just for fun.

I am a native of Greenville, NC. I received my Bachelor’s degree from Winston-Salem State University and my Master’s degree in Social Work from East Carolina University. I am Provisionally licensed in NC in Social Work and fully licensed as an Addiction Counselor in NC and VA. I am currently a Clinical Supervisor Intern for Substance Use and a part-time Adjunct Professor for UNCG and GTCC. I love traveling and being a mother and an advocate for those suffering from the disease of addiction.

I have been with Duke Health since 2016, working in various healthcare engineering roles. I have a bachelor of science degree in industrial engineering from North Carolina State University and a master of business administration degree from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. I have a passion for utilizing data and analytics to provide insights to clinicians to help improve the access and quality of care that we provide to our patients.

Originally from NC, I received my BS degree from East Carolina University and my Master’s degree from North Carolina Central University. I am a licensed clinical mental health counselor supervisor. My professional experience includes working in community mental health, providing vocational rehabilitation services, and coordinating mental health services for students in the public-school setting.

As a licensed clinical mental health counselor supervisor, I have a passion for working with all populations to achieve social and emotional goals. I advocate for my patients to promote human rights, reduce stigma, and improve access to care. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, traveling, and self-care!

I have been a registered nurse since 2004 with a background in women’s health, outpatient surgery, case management, and as an adjunct clinical instructor. Empowering patients to achieve and maintain their health goals prompted me to continue my education so that I could better serve others, and my various roles have helped to shape me as a nursing leader and educator. What I enjoy most is mentoring and encouraging others in their personal, health, and professional goals, as well as helping them to reach those goals through support and encouragement.

I am a trilingual individual born in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. I am a knowledgeable and passionate public health professional with a background in community health, community outreach and organizing, and community strategies for health education and promotion. What I like most about the work I do as a DukeWELL Care Coordinator is not only the fact that I can directly interact with patients and provide them the help they need, but also the fact that I can educate my patients on available community resources.

Geri Kanne, ANP-BC, GS-C is an adult nurse practitioner who specializes in the care of older adults. She started her nursing career as an inpatient RN at Duke Hospital many years ago. She went on to become a nurse practitioner, where she worked for many years in oncology before transitioning to geriatrics. She assists with geriatrics program development for primary care sites within the Duke Connected Care network and sees patients in Duke’s geriatric specialty clinics. She received her bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and her master’s degree in nursing from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
 

I have worked as a nursing assistant in Duke University Hospital and as a patient service associate with Duke Primary Care. My goal in life has always been to help others, and joining DukeWELL is a great step in the right direction for that goal. I feel my background has given me some insight into the different areas and interactions patients at Duke Health experience, and I look forward to bringing that knowledge with me into this new chapter of my career with Duke Health.

I’m originally from Fayetteville, NC. I received my Bachelor of Science in Human Services with a Minor in Communications at Wingate University. Starting at Duke, I’m eager to see how I can best help those around me with everything I’ve learned in the past. I enjoy seeing those around me strive for greatness and achieve excellence. In saying so, I cant wait to see what kind of difference I can make here at Duke.

I started my career at Duke in December 2017 as a patient service associate at the Duke Eye Center. Then in 2020, I became a financial care counselor, where I assisted patients with their financial benefits. I worked closely with insurance companies and our providers. I enjoy helping people in anything I do. I look forward to assisting our patients here at PHMO.

It is a great privilege to see older adult patients in consultation and to work with them, their families, and their primary care physicians to ensure the highest quality of health and wellness. I am especially interested in the care of those with cognitive difficulties, those who struggle with mood changes, and those who find themselves serving as caregivers to others.

Dr. Alvarado graduated from the UNC-Chapel Hill Eshelman School of Pharmacy in 2007 and is a Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist (BCPS). Prior to joining Duke, she worked at Dorothea Dix and then practiced as a clinical pharmacist practitioner (CPP) managing lipid and anticoagulation clinics in various Research Triangle locations. She also serves on the advisory board of Pharmacist Moms, a national group dedicated to advocacy for women in pharmacy. Dr. Alvarado’s specific areas of interest are cardiovascular risk reduction and mental health.

Holly has worked with Duke for 10 years. After graduating Watts School of nursing, she worked in orthopaedics at Duke Raleigh Hospital as a bedside nurse and a patient navigator. Most recently she served as the Manager of Service Excellence and Volunteer Services for Duke Raleigh. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from University of Mount Olive and is currently completing her MSN in nursing administration. During her role as a patient navigator, she developed a passion for tangibly improving the patient experience, establishing measurable outcomes, and helping team members elevate the care we provide our patients.

I grew up in North Carolina. I am married, and I have two sons and two dogs who I enjoy spending my time with. I believe the DukeWELL program is so helpful and such a great resource to help people learn how important it is to make their health a priority!

I have a little over ten years of experience in healthcare and have worked in various settings within the healthcare system. I first started off as a nursing assistant and have worked my way through many different roles to gain knowledge and familiarity with all sides of healthcare. I have had the opportunity to work in inpatient hospitals, physician offices, and outpatient clinic settings. These experiences have allowed me to grow my skills as a nurse and caregiver but have also helped me understand the numerous challenges many patients face while trying to navigate the healthcare system. My favorite part of all of my experiences is the relationships I have built with patients over the years. I truly enjoy working together to help each patient overcome their obstacles. It is my hope to continue to build relationships and help guide each patient to the best of my ability here at Duke Health.

Dr J Nathan Copeland is an assistant professor in the Duke Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and an attending child and adolescent psychiatrist at the Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development. He completed medical school at the University of Tennessee and both his general adult psychiatry residency and child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. Dr. Copeland has interests in the management of mental illness and mental health among autistic and developmentally different children, integrated care with a focus on improving mental health access in the primary care setting, and mental health advocacy. Dr Copeland is a child psychiatrist with the North Carolina Psychiatry Access Line, medical director of the Duke Primary Care Behavioral Health Program, legislative affairs chair for the North Carolina Psychiatric Association, president-elect of the North Carolina Council of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and he is a representative to the Assembly of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. Surrounding all of this work, he has the pleasure and privilege of working with supportive and passionate colleagues at Duke who are driven to improve the health and well-being of individuals and the communities that we serve.

My nursing experience includes medical-surgical and endoscopy nursing, informatics, staff development and education, as well as clinical instruction with Duke University School of Nursing. These roles have helped form and shape me as a nursing leader. What I enjoy most is mentoring and encouraging staff in their professional development. Sharing best practices, providing support, and helping staff to reach their professional goals is so rewarding.

I’ve been in the healthcare field for almost four years. My favorite thing about working in healthcare is my ability to help others and make a difference in the community.

I’m a graduate of North Carolina Central University. I have many years of experience in the health care field. I have a passion for helping others. I enjoy spending time with family, traveling, and watching movies.

I graduated from North Carolina Central University, obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Family and Consumer Sciences with a concentration in Child Development and Family Relations. I’m currently obtaining my Master’s degree in Family and Consumer Sciences with a concentration in Child Development and Family Studies. Working with the family and the community is a key component of both of my degrees. I've always desired a position working with kids and the ability to help families.

Ms. Smith has a diverse marketing communications background across a variety of industries, with nearly fifteen years of experience in the healthcare space. Before joining Duke Health, Ms. Smith worked in the provider marketing group for a large national payer. Prior to that, she worked for a health system in Ohio, where she led a team focused on provider communication for an independent physician organization and clinically-integrated network. She has a BS in Communication from the University of Miami.

I am a licensed clinical mental health counselor with eight years of experience in the behavioral health field. I began my career in Arizona, where I worked in community mental health, intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization programs, inpatient psychiatric hospitals, private practice, and EAP. I provided services to children, families, couples, and adult individuals. I am passionate about advocating for clients and helping them reach their goals.

Jesse Vick's background is primarily finance. He graduated in 2009 from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, earning a BSBA. He lives in Granville County with his wife and two kids (son & daughter). They enjoy camping, sports, outdoor activities, and hanging out with family and friends.

I completed my Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville and my Master of Healthcare Administration at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. I join Duke PHMO by way of the Duke Health Integrated Practice Administrative Fellowship, where I facilitated project work across the health system in support of senior leadership. My career goal is to inspire positive change by re-envisioning organizational, structural, and political priorities in order to establish equitable and excellent care as the standard for all patients.

I have worked as a pediatric nurse at Duke Hospital for over 13 years. I have specialized training in pediatric cancer care, seizure management, and diabetes education. The best thing about my job is when I get the chance to help someone understand their diagnosis, medication, or treatment. I love seeing the spark of confidence that enables a person to take control of their health! I am an NC native, a foodie, and a mother of three. I look forward to helping you reach your health goals!

I always knew I wanted to help others and ultimately graduated with my Master’s from Rutgers University in NJ. I have worked in pediatric hospitals and schools for most of my career. When I moved to NC, I worked as a case manager in an adult ICU and am very excited about returning to work with the pediatric population. As a care manager, I look forward to helping families navigate the health care system and improving their overall health.

I have been a Duke team member since 2010—initially as a case manager for general medicine teams, and then I assisted in embedding the case management model in the Duke Emergency Department. I enjoy being of service to our patients and connecting them to resources in our community.

I have extensive experience as a team lead for patient services, where I have managed a dedicated team to ensure the highest level of care and support for our patients. What I love most about my work is the opportunity to make a positive impact on patients' lives and the satisfaction of knowing our team is providing essential support during critical times.

John P Yeatts MD, MPH serves as assistant vice president (AVP) and chief medical officer (CMO) of Population Health at Duke Health, as well as executive director of Duke Connected Care, Duke’s accountable care organization (ACO). A practicing internist, Dr. Yeatts also serves as associate professor of medicine at the Duke University School of Medicine and serves as acting program director for the Management and Leadership Pathway for Residents, a residency program unique to Duke that seeks to train the next generation of physician executives.

Prior to enrolling in medical school, Dr. Yeatts worked at Goldman Sachs in London. A North Carolina native, he completed his undergraduate education as a Morehead scholar at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, where he also eventually earned his medical degree and masters in public health. He completed residency training at Duke University Hospital in internal medicine and the Management and Leadership Pathway. He lives in Durham, NC with his wife Emily and three sons.

Joshua is from Haw River, NC and obtained his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the Campbell University College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences in Buies Creek, NC. He completed a first-year, post-graduate residency with ECU Health in pharmacy practice and a second-year residency in ambulatory care with ChristianaCare in Wilmington, DE. Following residency, Joshua obtained board certification in ambulatory care and HIV management, and his clinical interests are in primary care, care for underserved patient populations, LGBTQIA+ health, and HIV management and prevention. Joshua enjoys supporting his patients as they achieve their personal health goals and learn more about their health conditions and medications.

I graduated from the University of Kentucky College of Nursing in 2020. I started my career as a NICU nurse and later transitioned to outpatient nursing, which had some components of care management. I loved the care management aspect of healthcare, because it provided the opportunity to care for patients holistically and on a deeper level. I am grateful to have found DukeWELL and look forward to serving a new population!

I earned my MSN from Winston-Salem State Univeristy as an advanced nurse educator. Most of my nursing career has been in the perioperative setting as a certified operating room nurse and clinical educator. My experience as a kidney transplant coordinator inspired me to pursue a more patient-centric nursing roleMy most unusual nursing job was teaching health occupations to high school students—what a privilege!  My leisure activities center around creating art—photography, painting, pottery, and jewelry making.

Born in Brooklyn, NY, I am a city girl at heart. I attended New York University for my undergraduate degree, and I lived in NYC until 2005 before I moved south. Since relocating to the Triangle in 2006, I have since formed deep and loving roots in Durham. I began working in community behavioral health in 2007, obtained my Master’s in Social Work in 2013, and received my clinical license in 2015. I have had a variety of roles including clinical, administrative, and leadership, and through it all, my one constant has been my love for helping others to meet their goals and achieve holistic health. I am passionate about the work we are doing here at PHMO to help our patients achieve their health goals and overcome the barriers they face.

I am a registered nurse who “grew up” in the Emergency Department. I love making a meaningful connection with patients and their families, explaining how to use the health care system to care for yourself in the best way possible. Healthcare access and health literacy—along with the importance of discharge instructions—are what lead me to obtain my MPH with a concentration in Leadership in Practice. Being a point-of-contact to help make decisions and understand health concerns, as well as EMPOWERING others in their medical journey, brings me JOY!

Katherine, or “Kat” as she prefers to be called, is a nurse who has been with Duke Health since she was a new graduate nurse in 2014 after an 11-year career in Public Radio. She began her nursing career in the Duke University Hospital Emergency Department, and has since worked for the health system as a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE), a Transfer Center Nurse, the Duke Health SANE Program Manager, and now as PHMO's Population Health Nurse for the Duke Foster Care Clinic. In 2020, she obtained her MSN in Nursing Informatics. Kat is passionate about community education and ensuring compassionate care coordination for all our patients. 

I’m a Durham native with 18 years of clinical social work experience. My background is in maternal fetal health care, pediatrics, and infectious disease. I enjoy partnering with patient families to meet their health goals and building strong relationships with health care teams.

I'm originally from Cary, NC, and I earned my Bachelor's Degree in Public Health with a concentration in Worksite Health from East Carolina University. I’m passionate about creating positive changes in health outcomes in my community and am thrilled to pursue that passion at DukeWELL!

As a board certified clinical health psychologist, my clinical work and research primarily focuses on military psychology, chronic disease, mood disorders, and chronic pain. I am also invested in the area of understanding the dynamic factors that contribute to body image disturbance in African American and Caribbean populations. I frequently travel to Caribbean countries—particularly my birthplace of Jamaica—for scientific exploration and to maintain cultural connections. Currently, I am involved in scientific collaborations focused on chronic disease and body image disturbance with the University of the West Indies, Jamaica.

With 23 years of experience as a registered nurse, I've had the privilege of working in various fields, such as corrections, radiology, oncology, intensive care, utilization management, and behavioral health. Recently, I accomplished my master’s in social work, and I am eager to utilize my extensive experience and education to enhance the well-being of our patients and their families. Helping people is my passion, and I am excited to work with you!

Kelly is originally from Raleigh, NC. After graduating from the University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy, she completed a PGY1 pharmacy residency at Indiana University Health and a PGY2 ambulatory care pharmacy residency at St. Joseph’s/Candler. Prior to joining Duke Health, Kelly worked with Prisma Health Primary Care in Columbia, SC as a clinical pharmacist managing patients with diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, CAD, and on anticoagulation. She is passionate about helping patients take control over their own health journeys.

I grew up just down the road in Pittsboro, North Carolina and am excited to be back in the area after living in Baltimore, Maryland for the last 13 years. I have been a licensed social worker for over 12 years and have spent my career working in healthcare. I am a strong advocate for trauma-informed care in medicine and am passionate about helping patients navigate and engage the healthcare system so they can thrive both physically and mentally. 

Kendell is an experienced clinician with a diverse background in patient care and advocacy. She started her journey with Duke Health in 2020 as a licensed registered nurse prior to her transition to the Population Health Management Office’s Data and Analytics team. She has a passion for problem solving, critical thinking, and improving processes to help guide decisions that facilitate positive outcomes for the populations that Duke Health serves.

I was born and raised in Durham, NC. I am a graduate of Winston Salem State University School of Nursing. My nursing career includes experience in ambulatory care as well as geriatrics. I absolutely love being a nurse and advocating for my patients. My goal is for each patient that I encounter to have the best experience possible.

Kevin is a Software Developer. After serving in the US Army, he decided to pursue his interest in technology, obtaining a master’s degree in computer science. Kevin hopes his work will contribute to the improvement of health outcomes for the populations served by Duke Health.

I’ve been working in the healthcare field since 2021. I originally started at Duke University Hospital, where I worked in patient care services. Providing patients with exceptional care has always been my number one goal, and watching patients heath improve from the services we provide is what keeps me loving the work I do.

I have been a nurse for 25 years. Eighteen of those years have been at Duke Regional Hospital. I have mostly worked with cardiac patients and have recently in the past 3 years moved to case management. I love talking with my patients and helping them reach their health care goals.

I am a licensed counselor with extensive experience in community mental health. I love taking a collaborative approach with other providers to meet the needs of those we serve through education, support, and linkage to resources. I am excited about starting my journey here at Duke Health. 

I was born and raised in central Pennsylvania and since graduating high school have continuously moved south.  I attended Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing for my BSN and then moved to North Carolina.  It was easy to immediately become a Durham and Duke fan!  I enjoy new adventures and challenges, being active and trying new foods. My favorite vacation spot is the beach.

I am a Maryland native but have called North Carolina home since 2003. I received my Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. My professional experience includes working in the juvenile justice, community mental health, and health care systems. For the past 18 years, I have worked in the outpatient hospital setting, providing case management and care coordination services to children and adults with chronic health conditions. As a licensed clinical social worker, I enjoy empowering patients to take control of their health and wellbeing. It is an honor to partner with them in their journey to achieve sustainable change.

I have 21 years of experience working in the medical field, which includes oncology, primary care, and radiology. I have been with Duke Health for the past 7 years. I enjoy helping others, so working with PHMO will allow me to bridge the gap to help patients maintain healthy and safe lifestyles.

I attended the University of Akron in Ohio, after which I moved to North Carolina and worked as a medical coder for many years at UNC. Although I enjoyed working there and the work I did, I am looking forward to assisting patients in this new capacity here at the better shade of blue.

I was born and raised in Benton Harbor, Michigan. I came to North Carolina in 1994 to earn my Bachelor’s degree in psychology from Saint Augustine’s College (Go Falcons!) and I received my Master’s degree in Professional Counseling from Liberty University (Go Flames!).  I’ve been blessed with a great group of friends and family.  I enjoy making new memories with my loved ones through traveling, listening to music and dancing.

I’ve work with all ages from infant to school age. I’ve worked for the school system's before and after school programs. I was a floater for several Durham daycares. I was a preschool teacher assistant for Durham Head Start. I worked at Duke Primary Care as a medical assistant for drive-up testing sites. My passion always has been to work with kids—I just love their energy and the joy they bring and being able to help them in need and be successful in life.

I have 14 years of nursing experience with a background in General Surgery, PACU, Pre-Op, and Telephonic Behavioral Health (focusing on depression and anxiety). Nursing is my passion and I truly enjoy making a difference in the lives of those in which I provide care.

I have eleven years of mental health experience and have worked with clients of all ages, races, and backgrounds. What I love most about the work I do is partnering with others while they put in the work to become the best versions of themselves. I enjoy seeing the growth and the confidence blossom in the client's I've had the pleasure to partner with over the years. I look forward to continuing to witness this growth with future clients.

I was born and raised in Durham, NC, and I am a mother of three boys. I enjoy meeting and working with people from all over. Experiencing the loss of both of my parents within the past year inspired me to become an advocate and voice for patients within the health care system.

I was born in California and raised in Shelby, North Carolina. I graduated from UNC Chapel Hill in 2009 (Go Tarheels!) and earned a Master's in Public Administration from North Carolina Central University in 2017 (Go Eagles!). I enjoy trying new foods, great music, reading, traveling, softball, and trying to salsa dance. I have a daughter who keeps me on my toes. Spending time with her and my other family members and friends truly makes me happy.

I am a motivated professional who is currently pursuing a BA in behavioral and social sciences. I am a 2022 graduate of Piedmont Community College with an associate of arts in human services. I am a people person who has background working as a CNA for 29 years and NC peer support for ten years. My experience includes hospitals, law enforcement, drug and alcohol rehabs, outpatient mental health, skilled nursing, homecare, and outreach communities. Helping community members to access resources is my purpose and mission with DukeWELL.

Dr. Greenblatt serves as Medical Director for Northern Piedmont Community Care which provides practice support, care management, and population management primarily for Medicaid recipients. In addition to this role, he focuses his professional efforts in two additional domains. First, he provides care to a busy general internal medicine panel utilizing an approach that is both patient-centered and evidence-based.  Second, he is an active educator routinely providing clinical teaching to students and residents. He routinely regularly provides faculty development in teaching and other skills for medical educators across many professions both in Durham and in the Academic Medicine Education Institute in Singapore and is currently working on developing systems and policy to improve opioid safety both for Duke Health System and the State of North Carolina.

I was born in Jamaica and relocated to New Jersey. I received my Bachelors Degree from North Carolina Central University and Masters Degree from Howard University. I am currently a Licensed Professional Counselor, and my career experience includes behavioral health services working with children, adolescents, and adults. I enjoy traveling, reading, listening to music, and spending time with my children and family. I have a passion for helping others to be their own best advocates.

I was born in Wildwood, NJ, but North Carolina is home. I started with Duke in February 2012. I’m so excited to come aboard with DukeWELL. I absolutely love helping and assisting people. I enjoy music and spending time with family.

I have dedicated my life to the service of others. I started my career at Duke Hospital after completing my BSN at Syracuse University. I went on to do travel nursing in the Washington, DC area. I returned to NC and completed almost 19 years at WakeMed Cary Hospital, which included four years as a staff nurse, four years as a clinical care coordinator for the Hospital Medicine Service, and eleven years as an inpatient case manager. I am returning to my home at Duke Hospital as a care manager in the Resource Center.

This new position combines my love of my thirty years of nursing experience, five years of clinical mental health experience, and fourteen years of supervision experience. I love that I am doing more clinical work, and I am able to “breath the same air as my clients/patients” again. I am so excited to be employed at Duke Health! I am back in a familiar place!

I have been with Duke for eighteen years, where I spent all of that time at Duke Regional Hospital. I have spent my career in the surgery population but have worked with many different types of patients from the most prestigious patient to the least prestigious ones. I like what I do due to the fact that I am making a difference in someone else's life and hopefully that difference is for the better.

I am a dedicated mother, wife, daughter, friend, and patient advocate who uses my skills and experience as a registered nurse to empower individuals to be the driver in their healthcare journeys and live their healthiest lives.

I worked as a case manager for 20 years in NY before re-locating to NC. I love educating patients to be able to self-manage their own health on a day-to-day basis. It gives me great satisfaction to be able to make a difference in their lives.

Madeline graduated from the University of New England in Portland, Maine. She completed two years of pharmacy residency training at Novant Health with an ambulatory care focus. Prior to Duke, she worked at Cone Health in Greensboro as an embedded primary care pharmacist, focusing on management of diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, asthma/COPD, osteoporosis, and other chronic diseases. She really enjoys building relationships with patients and working collaboratively with the healthcare team to develop the best possible care.

I have joined the DukeWELL team because I have always wanted to be a part of the bigger picture when it comes to helping my patients. A lot of patients have left appointments not receiving all of the help that they may have needed. This has always made me realize that we are missing a step in caring for patients. If I can lend a hand or ease my patients into the best care, then I'll do whatever it takes.

I am a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, holding a bachelor’s in psychology with a minor in sociology. I have over eight years experience as a patient services associate. I am a proud Durhamite! I am excited to connect patients with valuable community resources that foster positive health outcomes and enhance their quality of life. 

Marcie Fuson has served as the Operations Manager and Director of Educational Programs in the Population Health Management Office since its inception in November 2016. A Durham native, Ms. Fuson has been at Duke since March 1979 and has more than 40 years of experience in financial and human resources management, grant submissions/monitoring, coordination of educational programs, and program management. Prior to joining PHMO, she served for 16 years as Director of Operations for the Division of Community Health in the Department of Community and Family Medicine. In her early career, Ms. Fuson served as the Program Coordinator for Duke’s National Faculty Development Workshop and Duke’s Faculty Development Fellowship Program. 

I was born and raised until age ten in Liberia, so I experienced diversity at a young age. I have been a nurse for thirty years, working in hospitals and clinics, in management and education, and in direct patient care and via telephone. As someone with both social work and nursing degrees, I truly enjoy helping people be the best that they can be.

My experience as a registered nurse has included ortho/trauma, inpatient rehab, and primary care at the Cleveland Clinic, UNC, and Duke Health systems. I have had the good fortune to have worked with some of the best and brightest in the nursing field with each experience adding to my skill and competence. I am always eager to learn new things in all areas of my life. My nursing power lies in my core values of patient advocacy, engagement, education, and respect.

I was born in Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico and raised in Durham, NC. I have been working with Duke Health since July of 2019, where I started as a patient service associate at The Duke Eye Center. I am very excited to be a part of the DukeWELL team and continue my career at Duke.

I graduated from the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy with my Doctor of Pharmacy. I completed PGY1 and PGY2 pharmacy residencies in Ambulatory Care at Virginia Commonwealth University Health and The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, respectively. I am a Board Certified Ambulatory Care Pharmacist (BCACP), and I serve as an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Clinical Education with UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy. Prior to Duke, I worked with WakeMed Primary Care as a Clinical Pharmacist Practitioner (CPP). I am passionate about improving health outcomes by optimizing medications used to treat diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia to prevent atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease.

I’ve been working in the mental health field for more than twenty years. I’ve had the opportunity to be able to work with this population at different stages and ages. I feel privileged to be able to help our patients meet their goals and milestones.

After working in a non-technical role—but being exposed to the data side of work—I found out I have a big interest in working with data, so healthcare and health system data is a natural fit. I am happy to be a part of PHMO’s efforts to more effectively deliver quality healthcare to underserved populations in the surrounding area.

I am originally from Nepal. Before moving to North Carolina, I was in West Virginia for ten years, so I have three places I call home. My nursing experience includes Stepdown/Cardiac/Telemetry/Med-Surg, Skilled Nursing, and Inpatient Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. What I love the most about nursing is that I get to touch the lives of people from so many different paths of life and vice versa. I find helping people in their healing journey very rewarding.

My nursing background includes ortho, med-surge, geriatrics, and mental health. I am passionate about helping patients and families improve their overall well-being. DukeWELL’s mission and vision aligns with my values of advancing health together. I am excited to be a part of the team.

I’ve been a RN for 26 years. The majority of my time was spent in NICU, PICU, and Neo/Peds transport. I was taught to not just care for my patients, but for the family as well. My other time was spent in obstetrics and pediatric neurology. I have a wide spectrum of experiences and am excited to bring those to help serve this community.

Melissa has been a part of Duke Health since 2005. She worked clinically as both a pediatric ICU nurse and lung transplant coordinator. She also served as the Patient Safety Officer at Duke Raleigh Hospital, and most recently lead the Duke Connected Care Provider Relations team. Melissa holds a Master of Health Administration from Pfeiffer University and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. She is a Certified Professional in Patient Safety and is passionate about partnering with healthcare providers to improve the safety and quality of care we provide to our patients across the continuum.

A self-confessed computer nerd since an early age, Michael veered off temporarily to study Electronic and Electrical Engineering only to find himself back into the software development world. Ever since, he has worked designing and implementing software for a number of industries and eventually settled down in the health sector, hoping to contribute to the effort of providing the best quality health care possible.

I have been a nurse for 27 years; 26 of those were spent as a bedside nurse in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. I have also spent some time working in the Operating Room. I am thankful for the opportunity to now serve patients from outside the hospital and assist them with all of their healthcare needs.

I have been employed in the Duke system for 16 years. I have worked in hospital case management/discharge planning for 20 years. I obtained my MSW from USC and worked in SC for several years. I was fortunate enough to be able to move back to NC to be closer to my family. I enjoy working with patients and their families to obtain needed resources and improve their health. 

I am originally from Honduras. I am bilingual and a mother of two daughters and a grandmother of two grandbabies. I am certified bilingual through Duke Health and a notary public. I came to the United States when I was seventeen years old with my family. I have been in the medical filed since 2006 with Duke Health, and my goal is to retire from Duke Health. My hobbies are cooking, walking, dancing, fishing, and spending time with my family. What motivates me the most is advocating for others, being there and guiding people and patients to the right direction, also bringing all my skills and knowledge to DukeWELL. 

I am passionate about empowering patients with knowledge to improve their health proactively, while advocating for them to make informed choices.

I have worked in a OB-GYN office for 12 years. During that time, I took some billing classes and obtained my CPC license. I worked as a OB-GYN coder for 5 years and decided I wanted to have more patient contact, and that is why I decided to come to DukeWELL. I am a mom of two boys—one is a senior, and the other is in 8th grade. We keep very busy with sports and church.

I have over 15 years of nursing experience in various healthcare settings. I love working with patients, and their families, providing holistic care. I enjoy spending time with my family and traveling.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with experience in community based behavioral health and medical case management. I have always had a passion for working with children and families in various capacities. I enjoy collaborating with others for a common goal to enhance the wellbeing of individuals in need.

Neiah Hunter is an Administrative Clerk for the Duke Population Health Management Office. She assists with patient mailings and helps the teleHOPE team. It brings joy to Ms. Hunter being a helping hand to staff and ensuring that patients get the information they need. In her free time, Neiah enjoys making art, spending time with family and friends, and shopping!

I have worked with Duke Access Services as an appointment coordinator and referral specialist. I have also worked with Duke PRMO as a Financial Care Counselor. I am excited to work with DukeWELL to build a healthier community by assisting with coordination of preventive care.

I am originally from Nigeria. After obtaining my master's degree from Minot State University, I transitioned into nursing, because I truly wanted to be a part of the positive change in people's lives. I am particularly passionate about mental health wellness and optimizing patient healthcare outcomes through collaborative efforts with a multidisciplinary team. Transitioning from an inpatient setting to a care coordination role—which involves addressing the needs of a diverse population and the idea of bringing resources together for those who need it—most resonates with me the most.

I am committed to identifying risk factors that can affect patient safety and overall health quality, as well as connecting patients to available community resources based on their needs. My goal is to contribute to enhancing the well-being of individuals and ensuring they receive the appropriate support for their healthcare journeys.

I received my BSN at University of North Florida in Jacksonville, FL. After working as a med surg and cardiac nurse for several years, I found my calling in public health nursing. Serving the community on a more personal level is definitely my niche.      

I am originally from Canada but have resided in North Carolina most of my adult life. I have a Bachelors Degree in Nursing, and throughout my career, I have worked with a diverse population of patients. Most of my nursing journey has been caring for critically ill patients in a large local hospital. I have also worked with patients who suffer from chronic wounds. My last role was as an inpatient Case Manager, which helped position me for this role with DukeWELL. My passion is assisting patients and families in navigating the healthcare system by providing the knowledge and resources they need to improve their lives. I am excited to be part of this team and will strive to make a positive impact to those I serve.

I was born in Monrovia, Liberia, West Africa. My family migrated to the States in 1980 due to civil war in Liberia. I grew up thereafter in Birmingham, Alabama. I graduated from Auburn University-M with a BSN in 1990. I have worked in various areas of nursing over 30 years, most recently as a travel nurse when I relocated from Allen, Texas back to Durham in 2017 to help care for my ailing mother. I returned to Duke in 2018 in case management, and I feel blessed to continue my journey with PHMO to assist with the health care needs of patients through education, advocacy, and helping them navigate the overwhelming healthcare system, especially the underserved.

I am originally from Arkansas but have lived in North Carolina for over 16 years now. I have many years of experience working as a medical coordinator for geriatrics with ID. I have a passion for taking care of others and enjoy helping people connect with resources they need. I am excited to start my career here at PHMO.

I have previously worked with oncology and hospice patients, where I found great fulfilment in providing care during some of the most challenging times in their lives. I want to make a positive and lasting impact on others' lives. What I enjoy about my work is the opportunity to give back to my community by providing resources to those going through hardships.

My background work includes providing social services, support, and resources to patients and clients in surrounding communities. I am transitioning into this current position from that of a certified case manager in the inpatient setting of Duke Health. The quote that I live by is "any day that I can help at least one individual will always be a great day."

I have always been interested in hearing people's stories and trying to understand their experiences. I was drawn to psychiatry as I sought to understand how the struggles that each of us faces can impact us across the lifespan. As a child psychiatrist, I have studied how to help a person heal and recover from these struggles. There is a lot that psychiatry can offer, but it all starts with forming a good relationship between the psychiatrist and each individual patient, learning what a patient needs, and what they are working towards. Each of us is doing the best we can at any given time, and I hope that every interaction I have with a patient provides some hope of how things can continue to improve. I have a specific interest in depression, anxiety disorders, trauma, psychotic disorders, and ADHD. My current focus is how to help reduce the stigma of seeking mental health care and improve access to care in our state.

I was born and raised in Chapel Hill, NC. I graduated from UNC Chapel Hill, earning a Bachelors of Arts in Biology. I have worked within the medical field for over twenty years. I have always had a passion to help people and my community thrive and live healthy lives. I am grateful to be able to join a team that shares the same passion.

My interest in geriatrics is inspired by the stories and experiences of my grandparents and other grand-aunts and grand-uncles. WWII veterans, business owners, immigrants, and yacht builders: they each have had a fascinating story to tell. Being a geriatrician has helped me turn my appreciation for my family into a career where I help older adults live their lives to the fullest. I enjoy focusing on quality of life with my patients by discussing goals and priorities at every visit.

I was born and raised in Wilson, North Carolina. Things I enjoy doing include volunteering, arts and crafts, event planning, and reading. I graduated in 2012 with my BSN from North Carolina Central University in Durham, NC. I started my nursing career with Duke in 2012 as a new graduate RN. I love the work that I do and enjoy working with and for DukeWELL! I decided to make Durham my new home. The area has a lot to offer and has been a part of my growth. I met my husband here and recently started a family. Currently, I am most excited about being a boy mom!

I enjoy helping others and making sure they have what is needed to help improve and maintain their quality of life. I have over twenty years of health care experience. I enjoy traveling—the beach is my happy place. I love spending time with my family and friends. I am excited to be a part of the DukeWELL team.

I’m from Durham, and I attended college at North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University (NC A&T State University) and obtained my bachelor’s degree in social work. What I love most about the work that I do is serving populations in the community in ways that promote healthy development that enhances one’s quality of life.

I am a Carolina native, born in Columbia, SC. I relocated to Duluth, Minnesota before landing in North Carolina permanently. I received my Bachelors of Science degree in Criminal Justice from North Carolina Central University and my Masters of Science Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Walden University. I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist. I enjoy helping people get to where they want to be in life in whatever capacity they choose. I love the arts and exploring new places with my family. 

I am originally from New Jersey, but I grew up in Atlanta, Georgia. I came to NC for school and made it my home. I am a nurse by trade with a specific background in gerontology and public and community health. I look forward to being part of the team focusing on keeping adults and seniors safe, healthy, and within their communities of choice.

I am passionate about service to our patients here at Duke, both clinically and outside in the public realm. Patients travel from all over the country and beyond because of our reputation in healthcare. I am committed to meet their expectations head on and bring whatever value I can to this already well established health system.

I am a native of NC raised on a 78 acre farm. I learned values such as the benefits of working hard, working as a team/family, and I enjoyed the unity experienced with a large family. I developed a strong desire to help people, which led to obtaining an ADN in 2007 and a BSN in 2021. I am currently working towards an MSN with a focus in Nursing Education.

I am a mom and a G'ma. I have a wonderful family. I worked for Regional Pediatrics for nine years. I am a Peer Support Specialist and a Certified Nursing Assistant. I love helping people. Now, I'm working as a Resource Center Care Coodinator; I am working my dream job!

I’ve always enjoyed helping others and being a positive impact on their lives. I’m very honored and excited to join the DukeWELL team.

I am proud to be a part of DukeWELL. I have been in health care for over 20 years, and I love it.

I have been a nurse for over twenty years and love helping patients achieve their best health! Being able to work with patients during a stressful time allows me to build a relationship of trust and understanding. We all want what’s best for each other, and sharing my knowledge is a privilege.

I was born and raised in Alabama. I am a graduate of North Carolina Central University with a B.S. in Family and Consumer Sciences. I have also earned two Associates Degrees with certifications as a Medical Assistant and Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA). I have worked in healthcare and in public and private education. I enjoy watching action movies and shows like CSI and NCIS, taking long walks, spending time with my husband and two beautiful daughters, and enjoying holidays with extended family. My favorite vacation destination is the beach, especially the Caribbean.

Even at a young age, I knew I wanted to do something with my life where I was able to work with children. I began my nursing career in pediatric oncology and bone marrow transplant. As my love for children and healthcare continued to grow, so did my desire to be able to use my abilities in more of a community aspect. Duke Health has allowed me to intertwine my passion for children, healthcare, and the community. I love being able to make a meaningful and lasting difference in the lives of children and their families.

I graduated magna cum laude from Virginia State University with a bachelor of science in biology and a minor in sociology, and I received a masters in medical science with a concentration in public health from Liberty University. What I enjoy about this work is that it gives me the opportunity to help people in the community dealing with hardships while also allowing me to get a better understanding of the social needs that go along with healthcare. I have always had a desire to help people, and I am very fortunate that this work allows me to do that.

I was born and raised in North Carolina and originally from a small town named Whiteville. I am currently in school seeking a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work with hopes to obtain a Master’s Degree to become an LCSW. I have been in healthcare for over twenty years with experience in the mental health and intellectual/developmental disabilities field. I am most looking forward to expanding my reach by working with DukeWELL to make more of an impact.

Stephnie is a certified pharmacy technician who graduated from UNC Chapel Hill in 2013 with a Bachelors of Arts in Biology. She has retail pharmacy experience dating back to 2009 at Kerr Drug, and she continued working in the pharmacy through college before becaming nationally certified in February 2012. Stephanie leads the team of DukeWELL Pharmacy Technicians that provides general pharmacy and administrative support to DukeWELL care managers, as well as conducting home visits to Medicare patients in Wake and Durham Counties in order to obtain accurate medication histories and support safer medication use.

I am an expert clinical RN with over 25 years of experience in multiple international settings in various capacities as a care provider and leader. My journey with Duke Health began in 2006 at Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Outpatient Pediatric Specialties where I enjoyed the patients and found it very valuable. Each patient has a special place and purpose, and I look forward to helping patients and their families strive for the best health!

I am a registered nurse and have an extensive background in case management. I am a certified case manager (CCM), and I love working with patients in order to help them better understand and manage their healthcare needs. I believe this is my calling, and I am proud to serve the DukeWELL patient population in this role.

I have been working in healthcare as a CNA for 14 years. My experience is in long-term and ambulatory care. The work I do is rewarding; I get to help others and make a difference in my patients' lives.

I am a licensed clinical social worker with experience working in behavioral health, school, primary care, and hospital settings. I have been in roles as an outpatient therapist working with children, adolescents, teens, adults, and families. Recently, I have transitioned to medical social work and care management. I am passionate about care management, because I can support patients to achieve their best overall health. I utilize my skills with behavioral health and medical social work to advocate for patients to assist with getting their unmet needs.

Nursing is actually my second career. I was a commercial underwriter for a title company in Chapel Hill for about 11 years before changing careers to nursing. My nursing career started at Duke Regional Hospital on general surgery. I later transferred to postpartum where I thoroughly enjoyed working with new moms. I briefly worked as a home health nurse. I was in my last position for eleven years at NC Specialty Hospital in their preop department where I served as charge nurse and preceptor until accepting this new opportunity with PHMO.

Tara Kinard serves as the associate chief nursing officer for the Duke Population Health Management Office (PHMO). Prior to joining Duke PHMO, she served in a variety of roles with the Wake County Medical Society Community Health Foundation, including care management, practice/provider liaison quality and support, and leadership. She also served as a regional vice president for Community Care of North Carolina.

Tara is a driven and passionate leader with more than two decades of progressive experience in both acute and community settings, focused on improving care delivery across the care continuum for vulnerable populations. Tara has a commitment to patient-centered care and a passion for improving patient outcomes, care transitions, and addressing health disparities and unmet social needs that impact health. Tara is inspired by the team she serves and is dedicated to helping team members grow and achieve their professional goals. She is passionate about bringing together and empowering providers, multi-disciplinary teams, patients, and communities to deliver on common goals of improving health.

Tara obtained her nursing degree from Watts School of Nursing in Durham, her masters’ degrees from East Carolina University, and her doctorate of nursing practice degree with executive leadership specialty from Duke University School of Nursing. She enjoys spending time with family, can often be found on the Peloton leaderboard, and is active in extracurricular activities that involve her children.

I have been in customer service for eight years. I feel good giving people the best version of myself and helping in whatever I can. I pride myself in being personable with rich qualities of loyalty and trustworthiness. I like being in a workplace where I will continue to help others and do something I absolutely love: using both of my languages!

I am a licensed clinical social worker. I have been providing support to youth and their families within the community for the last four years. I have the pleasure of engaging in family and individual therapy for all ages. I have enjoyed collaborating with individuals and families by advocating for them in schools, home placements, and other settings. As a care manager, I look forward to providing my best effort to provide assistance.

I am a firm believer in "If you feel good you look good." Our health plays a major role in our day-to-day lives, and everyone deserves to have effective healthcare. It brings me joy knowing that I can make a difference helping others. I graduated from Winston-Salem State University in 2020. I received a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Physiology and Public Health. I enjoy spending time with my family, shopping, and traveling. With DukeWELL, I am looking forward to assisting individuals to have healthier lifestyles and behaviors.

I have been at Duke for 5 years, serving as both a Nursing Assistant and an Advanced Health Unit Coordinator. After completing a Community Health Worker (CHW) certification course at DTCC, I began to better understand the importance of having outreach and resource persons within any given community. I enjoy providing helpful information to those who may not be aware of—or adequately informed of—those things that may help one make better health and lifestyle choices.

I have over ten years of experience in customer service and in healthcare. I love to work closely with patients and their families in providing the best care and any other services I can provide for the patient.

I am a clinical mental health and substance abuse counselor with experience as a team lead, guiding patients through overcoming adversity to achieve personal growth. I enjoy leading a team as it allows for the opportunity to support fellow professionals, fostering a collaborative environment where everyone can thrive and make a meaningful impact in the lives of others.

I’m originally from Baltimore, where I received my MSW from UMAB. We moved to North Carolina in 2005. I have been a member of the Duke Health team since 2006. I love working with the geriatric population. I’m passionate about helping patients and their families obtain needed resources and navigate through the challenging healthcare system.

Originally from South Florida, I received both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work from The Florida State University. I moved to NC in 2004 with my husband and son, and I immediately fell in love with the fall and winter seasons (we don’t have them in Florida!). I have worked in the healthcare field since 2001, and I joined the Duke Health system in 2012. My passion has always been healthcare, specifically working closely with patients and families to assist in meeting their needs and reaching their goals. In my free time, I enjoy reading, cooking, running, and traveling with my family.

Tuwana Cash Garrett oversees human resources for the Population Health Management Office and is responsible for processing new hires, performance management, recruitment and retention, and payroll transactions. Ms. Garrett’s goal is to foster an environment that values diversity, employee development, and professionalism—while maintaining a dedicated focus on organizational effectiveness and customer service.

I have worked with all ages and enjoy being able to help in any way that I can, from adolescents to the generic population.

I was born and raised in Peru. I have a Bachelor in Communication and Associate in Education. When I arrived to this country, I always looked for the opportunity to help people who do not know how to use the necessary tools or resources to be successful. This is the reason I was inspired by the things Duke Health is doing and also that they have resources to help people get and stay healthy.

Dr. Jackson Carter serves Duke employees and their dependents as senior clinical account executive with Express Scripts. She manages the Duke pharmacy benefit and works with physician leadership on realizing cost savings, improving patient care, and increasing patient safety. Through her efforts at Duke, Dr. Jackson Carter was awarded a "Pharmacy Benefit Management Institute Excellence Award" in 2016 for innovative care management strategies. Dr. Jackson Carter graduated from UNC Chapel Hill with a degree in biology and doctorate in pharmacy. She completed a residency in ambulatory care with Mission Hospitals and holds her ACCP board certification in ambulatory care.

I am a licensed clinical social worker, and I graduated from the University of Southern California. I have worked in community mental health and school settings for the past ten years, providing therapeutic evidence-based practices. I enjoy working with families and children to achieve academic and social/emotional goals. I am passionate about providing emotional support, mental health education, and resources through case management to empower and improve overall health outcomes.

Healthcare has always been a passion of mine, being able to help others with their health and making sure everyone receives the best care possible. I appreciate and understand the gravity and effect that healthcare interactions have on patients, and I want to contribute to the great care that patients receive at Duke. I look forward to working closely with patients to ensure that they are well taken care of and can take advantage of all the amazing resources and healthcare professionals that Duke has to offer.

​I am originally from Guatemala, Centroamérica​. I am bilingual (Spanish-English). I came to the United States when I as 21 years old with my family. I have 3 kids and always tried to participate in their school activities. Now, they are 23, 21, and 16 years old. I love to play sports and be active as well as my three kids. I love my job because I can help people in need find what they need to be healthy and reach their goals. Being bilingual has given me the opportunity to help the members of my community that have communication barriers.

I completed my undergraduate studies at Lehigh University and attended the Ohio State University for pharmacy school. Upon completion of my PharmD, I moved to North Carolina and completed two years of ambulatory care pharmacy residency program at Novant Health. Prior to joining Duke Health, I worked as a clinical pharmacist embedded in an internal medicine clinic. As a clinical pharmacist, I really enjoy collaborating with other clinicians and working with our patients to better manage their chronic diseases. It is very fulfilling seeing the impact pharmacists can make in improving the quality of life of patients in our communities.

Working in healthcare, I’ve learned so much from the patients I’ve encountered through the years! They’ve taught me how to be empathetic and compassionate, but most importantly to always keep pushing! There’s a quote by MLK that I live by: "If you can't fly, then run. If you can't run, then walk. If you can't walk, then crawl, but whatever you do, you have to keep moving.” My patients have shown me that through their strength and courage. I wouldn’t want to be in any other field than healthcare!