Nursing Staff

Michelle Camarena

Director of Nursing and Performance Improvement
  • Professional/Educational Background: B.S. in Spanish and Nursing, East Carolina University; M.S. in Nursing, East Carolina University. Michelle is the Infection control committee co-chair and has been working in college health since 1998.
  • What's one thing most people don't know about you?: She's interested in travel and the topic of infection control.
  • Joined Campus Health: 2005

Maya Almasy, RN

Professional Nurse
  • Professional/Educational Background: Associates in Applied Science, Wake Tech; BA in Performance Arts, Middlesex University. She is a certified Pediatric Nurse and has been working in college health since 2009 and in nursing since 1993.

Shawanda Bass

Medical Assistant

Adam Dovenitz

Professional Nurse
  • Professional/Educational Background: Bachelors in Biology, Warren Wilson College; BSN, Western Carolina University. He worked at UNC Medical Center on the medicine progressive care unity for several years and most recently at the UNC Infectious Disease Clinic.
  • Originally from/hometown: Durham, NC
  • Family:  His parents live in Durham. He and his partner Leslie live alongside their cat, Morty.
  • Hobbies/Sports: Disc golf, air hockey, table tennis
  • Pets: One cat, Mordecai (Morty)
  • Who has influenced you most when it comes to how you approach your work?: "The head nurse at the Warren Wilson College Student Health Center where I worked for four years while in undergrad."
  • What's one thing most people don't know about you?: "I am state ranked in air hockey."
  • Joined Campus Health: October 2020

Marcia Farrish

Medical Assistant
  • Professional/Educational Background: Louisburg College; Durham Technical Community College
  • Originally from/hometown: Cedar Grove, NC
  • Hobbies/Sports: Football, Baseball and Running
  • What's one thing most people don't know about you?: In High School Marcia was all conference in Shot Put and Discus.
  • Joined Campus Health: September 2017

Kristen Hancock

Professional Nurse
  • Professional/Educational Background: B.S.N., UNC. She has a public health background with disease intervention.
  • Originally from/hometown: Asheville, NC
  • Family:  2 daughters
  • Hobbies/Sports: She enjoys playing golf, watching football, watching basketball and fishing.  Her favorite movies are the Star Wars Franchise. 
  • Pets: She has 2 dogs, a Yorkie named Mighty Jo and a Husky named Luna Ghost.
  • What's one thing most people don't know about you?: Kristen played basketball at UNC Asheville.
  • Joined Campus Health: August 2021

Amanda Pettiford

Medical/Nursing Assistant
  • Professional/Educational Background: Associates in Medical Assisting, Durham Tech; Associates in Healthcare Management and Billing and Coding, Wake Tech
  • Originally from/hometown: Columbus, Ohio
  • Family: 2 children
  • Hobbies/Sports: Hiking, watching scary movies and tv shows, listening to podcasts, reading, going to the beach, watching sports, going to sporting events
  • Pets: 2 dogs
  • What's one thing most people don't know about you?: "I'm scared of birds."
  • Joined Campus Health: August 2020

Tameka McNeill

Medical/Nursing Assistant
  • Professional/Educational Background: ECPI University
  • Originally from/hometown: Durham, NC
  • Family:  "I am married with 5 children, 4 boys and 1 girl."
  • Hobbies/Sports: "In my rare and spare time I like to read about different plants, cook great food for my family and try and discover ways to get rich."
  • Pets: "I have a pet lizard by the name of Ziggi."
  • What's one thing most people don't know about you?: "I love what I do as a professional but would really like to own my own plant and wine shop one day."
  • Joined Campus Health: September 2022

Kristyna Daye

Nurse Supervisor
  • Professional/Educational Background: B.S.N., Winston-Salem State University
  • Family: Married with 2 sons
  • Hobbies/Sports: Spending time with family, cooking new recipes & trying new restaurants all over the triangle area
  • What's one thing most people don't know about you?: "One day, I’d love to travel the world and do international food reviews"
  • Joined Campus Health: Fall 2022

Natasha Terrell

Medical/Nursing Assistant
  • Professional and Educational Background: I graduated from Durham Tech in 2011 with A’s in Medical Assisting. In 2021, I obtained my Real Estate License. I am a licensed Real Estate Agent in NC.
  • Originally from: Cedar Grove, NC, born and raised.
  • Family: Married with 2 biological and 5 bonus children, 6 grandchildren, including twins who are 2 months old.
  • Hobbies/Sports: Basketball and singing.
  • Pets: 2 cats – 2 dogs, Sky and Queen.
  • Who has influenced you the most when it comes to how you approach his work? No-one in particular has influenced me. I think my work experience has taught me a lot.
  • What’s a work-related accomplishment that you’re really proud of? My last job. I was the first Medical Assistant and I helped set up their clinic and trained all the new employees.
  • What's one thing most people don't know about you? I used to work at a record label in high school in Atlanta, Ga.

Decontee Cooper 

She/her/hers
Medical/Nursing Assistant – Advanced

Preferred Name: Dee

Professional and Educational Background: I went to Westerville South High School in Ohio, where I obtained my HS Diploma. I graduated from The University of Phoenix with my Bachelor of Science Degree in Healthcare Administration.

Originally from: West Africa, moved to the United States in 1999.

Family: Married for 17 years with 3 children.

Hobbies/Sports: I love traveling, cooking, and reading.

Pets: 1 dog

Who has influenced you the most when it comes to how you approach his work? Patients that I’ve worked with and my coworkers.

Samhitha Pudipeddi

She/her/hers

Preferred Name: Samhi

Professional and Educational Background: UNC Chapel Hill 2nd year Undergrad, Neuroscience & Computer Science major

Originally from: Cary, NC

Hobbies/Sports: Hiking

Amanda Harper

She/her/hers
  • Joined Campus Health: August 2023
  • Professional/Educational Background: Got my EMT Certificate in Spring 2022, Started at UNC College 2020
  • Originally from: Charlotte, NC
  • Family: Younger sister that’s a freshman at UNC. Tar Heels Family!
  • Hobbies: UNC Club Equestrian Team
  • Pets: Border Collie mix named Koda
  • One thing most people don’t know: I love spending time outside! I also love crochet.

Anthony Ciano

He/him/his
  • Joined Campus Health: August 2023
  • Professional/Educational Background: Last year of undergrad, studying Biology and Latin American Studies
  • Originally from: Charlotte, NC
  • Family: I have a twin brother.
  • Hobbies: I enjoy reading, traveling, and spending time with friends.
  • Pets: I just got a kitten named Frijol (bean in Spanish).
  • Work influence: My stepdad. He always finds something to work on when he seems otherwise not busy.
  • Work-related accomplishment: Getting promoted to a tier-2 member in UNC EMS.
  • One thing most people don’t know: I’m bilingual.

Edna De Luna

She/her/hers
Registered Nurse
  • Professional and Educational Background: BSN from UNC - CH in 2018.
  • Originally from: Texas, lived in Durham since 2004.
  • Family: Wife and mom of three.
  • Hobbies/Sports: Going to the beach, mountains, movie theatre, spending time with my family, and traveling.
  • Who has influenced you the most when it comes to how you approach his work? My parents. They have always been very responsible, hardworking people that never give up.
  • What's one thing most people don't know about you? I sang in the choir. I’ve traveled to Europe, and I love Reese’s peanut butter cups!

Sheila Bennett Mason

She/her/hers
Licensed Practical Nurse
  • Professional and Educational Background: LPN for 20+ years.
  • Originally from: Durham, NC.
  • Family: One son.
  • Hobbies/Sports: Sewing, crocheting, and puzzles.

Layla Ballinger

She/her/hers
Student Patient Care Associate
  • Professional and Educational Background: Currently a student at UNC Chapel Hill with a Pre-Nursing major. I got my CNA from Wake Technical Community College in April 2023.
  • Originally from: Apex, NC (But originally from NY State)
  • Family: I have my mom & dad, a 19-year-old sister & an 11-year-old brother.
  • Hobbies/Sports: I have been dancing since I was 5. I also love to write & play guitar.
  • Pets: My family has 2 golden retrievers.
  • Who has influenced you the most when it comes to how you approach his work? My mom. She’s always been really good at meeting people where they are and taking care of them.
  • What’s a work-related accomplishment that you’re really proud of? I got my CNA through dual enrollment during my senior year of high school.
  • What's one thing most people don't know about you? I love Italian food!

Ada Watkins

She/her/hers
  • Professional and Educational Background: EMT
  • Originally from: Apex, NC
  • Family: 1 younger sister
  • Hobbies/Sports: Running, reading, and hanging out with friends.
  • Pets: 1 dog & 1 cat
  • Who has influenced you the most when it comes to how you approach his work? My mom.
  • What’s a work-related accomplishment that you’re really proud of? Being accepted in Campus EMS!
  • What's one thing most people don't know about you? I ran cross country and track in high school.

Aneesh Shakthy

He/him/his

Professional and Educational Background: Freshman here at UNC majoring in Chemistry, NC EMT certified.

Originally from: Atlanta, GA, moved to Cary, NC 4 years ago.

Hobbies/Sports: Playing guitar, golf, soccer, and running.

Pets: Dog - Leo

Allyson Smith

She/her/hers
EMT Student Volunteer
  • Originally from: Fayetteville, North Carolina; but I come from a military family, so a little bit of everywhere!
  • Family: I have one younger brother and two amazing parents, where I call home.
  • Hobbies/Sports: In my free time, I enjoy crocheting and crafting, along with spending time outside with friends.
  • Who has influenced you the most when it comes to how you approach his work? My mom: She’s always been dedicated to her work, and I aspire to do the same with everything I do.
  • What's one thing most people don't know about you? Most people don’t know I lived in England for a few years!

Malika Gevariya

She/her/hers
Student Patient Care Associate
  • Professional and Educational Background: Neuroscience Major, BS
  • Originally from: Apex, NC
  • Hobbies/Sports: Painting, cooking, spending time with friends and family.

Riyasha Gautam

She/her/hers
Student Patient Care Associate
  • Professional and Educational Background: I am currently a junior majoring in Neuroscience, on the pre-med track. I am hoping to attend medical school after I graduate.
  • Originally from: I am from High Point, NC.
  • Hobbies/Sports: I love to read, listen to music, and hang out with my friends and family.

Nicola Hines

She/her/hers
Medical Assistant
  • Preferred Name: Nikki
  • Professional and Educational Background: Medical Assistant
  • Originally from: The Caribbean, “Jamaica”
  • Family: Mom of 2 beautiful girls
  • Hobbies/Sports: Cooking, traveling, reading, and hosting dinners and gatherings for friends.
  • Who has influenced you the most when it comes to how you approach work? My mom. She is an educator and is very organized with all her work; her patience and empathy are something I emulate.
  • What's one thing most people don't know about you? I am a lover of ladybugs and dolphins.

Saidalisia Fowler

Registered Nurse
  • Preferred Name: Saida
  • Professional and Educational Background: BSN - UNCG, ICU Nurse at Duke University Hospital
  • Originally from: Garner, NC
  • Family: Husband - Alex
  • Hobbies/Sports: Hiking, concerts, and traveling.
  • Who has influenced you the most when it comes to how you approach work? My parents!
  • What’s a work-related accomplishment you’re really proud of? I am most proud of the times I have managed difficult patient cases while providing comfort to the families during my time in the Neuro ICU. 
  • What's one thing most people don't know about you? I am 93% Native American!

Adarsh Dandamudi

He/him/his
EMT Student Volunteer
  • Professional and Educational Background: High school diploma and enrolled at UNC Chapel Hill
  • Originally from: Cary, NC
  • Family: Dad, mom, and brother
  • Hobbies/Sports: Basketball, piano, gym, and hanging out with friends.
  • Pets: Dog name Coco

Katherine Lopez Calderon

She/her/hers
EMT Student Volunteer
  • Originally from: Durham, NC
  • Family: 2 brothers, 1 sister
  • Hobbies/Sports: Painting and running.
  • What’s a work-related accomplishment that you’re really proud of? Earning my Medical Interpreter Diploma.

Vaishnavi Kode

She/her/hers
Non-EMT Student Volunteer
  • Professional and Educational Background: Neuroscience and Public Policy Majors, 1st year student at UNC Chapel Hill, Non-EMT member of Campus EMS, set to be certified in Spring 2024.
  • Originally from: Apex, North Carolina
  • Family: Mother and father, younger sister.
  • Hobbies/Sports: Dancing, cooking, reading, and making Spotify playlists.
  • Who has influenced you the most when it comes to how you approach work? Qualities that describe my approach to work…Passion, respect, go-getter attitude, sincerity, and positive.
  • What’s a work-related accomplishment that you’re really proud of? I received the Congressional Gold Medal Award for my commitment to self-growth and community involvement (1500+hrs).
  • What's one thing most people don't know about you? I have more than 175 Spotify playlists, and I am on UNC’s Premiere Bollywood-Fusion Dance Team.

Jamie Luther

She/her/hers
Professional Nurse
  • Professional and Educational Background: Bachelor’s in Biology, Master’s in Exercise Science and Nutrition from University of Tampa, BSN in Nursing from Xavier, and former ER Nurse in level 1 Trauma Center.
  • Originally from: West Palm Beach Florida, but moved from Savannah, Ga to UNC.
  • Hobbies/Sports: Soccer, reading, and running.
  • Who has influenced you the most when it comes to how you approach work? My mom.
  • What's one thing most people don't know about you? I played collegiate soccer and I love to run half marathons.

Patricia Betz

She/her/hers
Medical/Nursing Assistant

Preferred Name: Patty

Professional and Educational Background: 25 years as a Certified Medical Assistant.

Originally from: Pittsburgh, PA, currently living in Graham, NC with my partner, Doug.

Family: Mom, Dad, Brother, and Sister.

Hobbies/Sports: UNC Basketball

Pets: Golden Doodle – Nova, Soft Coated Wheaton Terrier – Milly, and Tuxedo Cat – Tink.

Gabrielle Grant

She/her/hers
Temporary Registered Nurse
  • Preferred Name: Gabby
  • Professional and Educational Background: UNC-CH BSN, pursuing PhD in nursing.
  • Originally from: Massachusetts
  • Hobbies/Sports: Watching the Boston Celtics
  • Pets: Jarvis & Forrest – 2 shih tzus (sadly they live in MA with my parents)
  • Who has influenced you the most when it comes to how you approach work? Both of my parents are nurses!

Jereica Rankin

Medical Assistant
  • Professional and Educational Background: Medical Assistant, Culinary Arts, and Cosmetology.
  • Originally from: Boston
  • Family: Father, Mother, younger Brother, older Sister, Nephew – all still in Boston.
  • Hobbies/Sports: Shopping, Make-up, and Spa Treatments.
  • Pets: Two Cats
  • What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?  Easy-going and a hard worker.
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