MEDICAL TEAM

Heather Wright, FNP-C, Clinical Assistant Director

Heather, a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner, is the Red Mountain Weight Loss Clinical Assistant Director, and balances her time between patient care and administrative duties. She graduated with her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from Arizona State University and received her Nurse Practitioner and Masters Degree in Nursing from the University of Phoenix.

Heather feels privileged to work with each of our patients as they navigate through their weight loss journeys. She feels that this field of medicine is extremely rewarding as she has experienced her own weight loss struggles throughout her adult life. She understands that these struggles can affect self-esteem, interpersonal relationships and overall quality of life. She enjoys celebrating her patient’s’ success in achieving their weight loss goals. Prior to working at Red Mountain Weight Loss, Heather worked in primary care and emergency medicine. Heather is currently a member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. In her spare time enjoys hiking and traveling.

Amie Pena, MSN, FNP-C, Lead Injector

Amie Pena is a Board Certified Nurse Practitioner practicing at both our Scottsdale and Glendale locations. She graduated with her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from Arizona State University and received her Nurse Practitioner and Masters Degree in Nursing from The University of Phoenix. Prior to working at Red Mountain Weight Loss, she worked at St. Joseph’s Hospital specializing in neurology. She is currently a member of the Coalition of Arizona Nurses in Advance Practice and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. In her spare time she enjoys hiking, traveling, scuba diving and spending time with family.

Deanna Turner-Garcia, FNP-BC

Deanna Turner-Garcia is an AANC board certified Family Nurse Practitioner. In the more recent years, Deanna has focused on Weight Loss, Obesity medicine, Hormone Replacement, and Aesthetics. She has a passion for helping people improve their overall health. She has attended numerous internal and external training opportunities and acquired certifications in Obesity, Aesthetics and skin care including the PCA academy, Skin Script academy, National Laser Institute, Certified Aesthetics Consultant, Obagi® Academy, and Sclerotherapy.

Deanna’s education includes a background in Business Administration, Associates degree in Science from the University New Mexico, and a Bachelors degree in Science through the University of Phoenix, where she graduated in the top 2% of her class. At the same time, she acquired her certification to be a Registered Nurse. Later, she went on to graduate with honors as top student for the University of St. Francis, Albuquerque MSN/FNP program and became AANC Board Certified.

Throughout her career, Deanna has held a multitude of positions including being a School Medical Administrator, Out Patient Case Manager, Medical Administrator, Assistant Director of Nursing Services and Nurse Trainer at the Good Samaritan Society.

After her husband retired from the State of New Mexico, they decided to relocate to Arizona to make it their home. Deanna’s family and dog are her greatest blessings. Most of her time off she spends with them where she enjoys an array of interests such as motorcycling with her husband, traveling to new and exciting places, hiking with close friends, and reading good novels. She is big on philanthropy and donates to St Jude’s, Covenant House charities, and more.

Jacquelyn Sanchez, MSN, FNP-C

Jackie Sanchez is a Board Certified Nurse Practitioner with several years of nursing experience in various specialties including Intensive Care Unit, Neonatal Intensive Care and Operating Room. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from the University of Arizona and her Master’s Degree in Family Nurse Practitioner from the University of Phoenix. Jackie is currently a member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two children.

Abigail Marley, DNP, FNP-C

Abigail Marley is a Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner with several years of experience in critical care, family medicine, and Medical Weight Loss. She is also a certified aesthetic injector. Abigail graduated Summa cum Laude with a Bachelors of Science in Nursing from the University of Arizona in 2003 and received her Masters of Science in Nursing and certification to become a Family Nurse Practitioner from University of Arizona in 2008. She earned her Doctorate of Nursing Practice from Arizona State University in 2016. Abigail is grateful for the opportunity to help guide, support and motivate patients in their personal journeys toward achieving optimal health and wellness.

Abigail is a member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, Arizona Nurses Association, Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, and the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi. In her spare time, Abigail enjoys running, yoga, hiking and spending time with her daughter and two rescue dogs.

Sanya Beronja, MSN, FNP-C

Sanya Beronja is a Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner practicing at both our Glendale location and our Mesa Family Medicine location. She graduated with her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from the Arizona State University and received her Nurse Practitioner and Masters Degree in Nursing from the University of Phoenix. Prior to working at Red Mountain Weight Loss, she worked at Banner Thunderbird emergency room for a few years. Sanya is currently a member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. She is married, has two dogs and in her spare time enjoys hiking, camping, and visiting with family and friends.

Noelle Strunk, FNP-C

Noelle Strunk has been in the medical field for over ten years. She received her Bachelors of Science in Nursing from ASU and her Masters from the University of Cincinnati. She has worked as a Nurse for many years in obstetrics and now as a Nurse Practitioner in primary care. In her spare time, she travels as much as possible and enjoys hiking, yoga and Orange Theory. She is passionate about health and fitness and is thrilled to be a part of the Red Mountain team.

Kateryna Whitehurst, ACNP-BC, MSN, CNRN

Kateryna Whitehurst is a Board Certified Acute Care Nurse Practitioner through the American Nurses Credentialing Center. She obtained her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing with honors and Womens Studies from the University of Wisconsin in Madison, Wisconsin and her Masters Degree in Nursing from Rush University in Chicago, Illinois. Prior to working at Red Mountain Weight Loss, Kateryna worked at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland in the Neurological Critical Care Unit for 4 years and at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago, Illinois for 4 1/2 years in the Neurosurgery Department where she specialized in the management of complex brain tumors. She also received her certification in neuroscience nursing and is an active member of the American Association of Neuroscience Nursing. Kateryna has been recognized by her undergraduate and graduate programs for her scholastic achievements and by her previous coworkers, employers, and patients for her strong work ethic and patient care she provides. She has developed patient education materials, participated in committees focusing on improved patient outcomes and represented her previous departments in various campaigns. When she is not working, Kateryna enjoys spending time with her husband, working out, cooking and eating healthy, skiing, and visiting her family in Chicago.

Tim Knoll, PA-C

Tim Knoll is a Certified Physician’s Assistant. He graduated from the University of Kansas and received his Masters in Physician Assistant studies from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. He has worked in the Tucson community previously in Orthopedic and Cardio-thoracic Surgery, and is excited to help people pursue their goals with weight loss. He is married and enjoys his free time running and spending time with friends and family.

Tracy Bowers, Aesthetic RN Injector & Laser Certified Technician

Tracy has been in the aesthetic industry for over 8 years. She started out as a Licensed Aesthetician and later became an Aesthetic Injector, R.N.. She is a graduate of Oregon State University and Phoenix College with a degree in Nursing.

She holds multiple certificates and licenses in both Oregon and Arizona in Aesthetics and Injectables. Tracy stays current with dermal filler techniques and products by attending training seminars in advanced injectable techniques held by world renowned doctors in the Aesthetic field.

Tracy’s passion for health and fitness started years ago as an international gymnast, and she is dedicated to making others feel and look their best.

Sasha Gordon, Aesthetic RN Injector

Sasha Gordon is a board certified registered nurse, originally from the Midwest. After working in the hospital for 7 years she transitioned her focus to specialize in aesthetic nursing. She has advanced training in dermal fillers, neutromodulators and laser aesthetics. She loves to learn and stays up to date on techniques, products and cosmetic procedures by regularly attending conferences and trainings. Sasha’s passion is pairing her medical background and artistic eye to provide an exceptional individualized plan. While making her patients not only look, but feel their very best with each service. When she’s not working she loves to spend time with her husband and 4 children, visit family, friends and traveling.

Lauren Davis, FNP-C

Lauren Davis is a Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner. She graduated from Grand Canyon University with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2008. She then went on to pursue her Masters of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner degree and graduated in 2018. Lauren is a member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.

Prior to joining Red Mountain Weight Loss, Lauren worked for 10 years at Mayo Clinic Hospital on a Medical Surgical unit specializing in Gastrointestinal, Gynecological, and Palliative care. She has a passion for helping people work towards their weight loss goals and feel their best. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and 3 children who are the joy of her life. Her hobbies include hiking, shopping and spending time at her family’s cabin in Mormon Lake.

Kari Bruner, AGCNS-BC

Kari Bruner is a Board-Certified Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, and has been in the medical field for over fifteen years. She received her Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology at Texas State University in San Marcos and her Masters of Science in Nursing at the University of Texas in Austin. Prior to joining the Red Mountain team, she worked in cardiology for several years. Kari is very passionate about health & wellness and is dedicated to helping her clients achieve and maintain healthy lifestyles. In her spare time, she enjoys running, weightlifting, yoga and spending time with family and friends, especially her two young children.

Bridgett Hodridge, FNP-C

Bridgett Hodridge is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner. She graduated with her Bachelors of Science Degree in Nursing from the University of Texas at Arlington, then graduated with her Masters of Science from Angelo State University. She is a member of the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.

Prior to working at Red Mountain Weight Loss, Bridgette has had several years of experience in preoperative and postoperative nursing as well as experience in family practice, bariatrics and medical weight loss. In her spare time, she enjoys movies, fashion, singing, hanging out with friends, and spending time with her four children and her dog named Pfizer.

Valerie Roberts, MSN, APRN, FNP-C

Valerie Roberts is a Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner who has worked in the health care field for nearly 10 years. She graduated with her Bachelors of Science in Nursing from Stephen F. Austin State University. She graduated with honors from The University of Texas at Arlington, while obtaining her Masters of Science in Nursing Degree. She is a member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, Delta Theta Chapter.

Prior to joining Red Mountain Weight Loss, Valerie served the urgent care, family medicine, and occupational medicine community. She spent the vast majority of her nursing career serving the emergency medicine community, and also served as a nursing house supervisor. Her passion lies in providing superlative education with a patient-centered approach to the community in which she serves. Valerie believes that it is of paramount importance to offer quality care that is tailored to the unique needs of her patients. She strives to offer her patients the kind of care that our families deserve.

In her spare time, Valerie enjoys being active with her fiancé and 2 rescue dogs, Harvey and Gizmo. She enjoys running, traveling, adventure, fashion, and interior design.

Monica Olson, FNP-C

Monica is a Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner practicing at our Swan and LaCholla locations. She graduated with her Associates of Science Degree in Nursing from the University of South Dakota, received her Master’s degree in Nursing Leadership and Management from the University of Arizona and her Master’s Nurse Practitioner degree from Grand Canyon University.

Prior to Red Mountain Weight Loss, Monica has worked for Banner University Medical Center and St Joseph’s hospital specializing in the ER. She has also worked for Banner University Orthopedics and as a nursing educator for Pima Community College. She is a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.

In her spare time she loves to travel, wine tasting, working out, and spending time with friends and family.

Samantha Posch, FNP-C

Samantha Posch is a Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner who has worked in the medical field for over eight years. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Northern Illinois University, and her Masters of Science in Nursing from Lewis University. She is a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and the American Association of Critical Care Nurses.

Prior to joining the Red Mountain Weight Loss team, Samantha specialized in critical care medicine. Samantha worked as a nurse on a Neuro Intensive Care unit, and then as a nurse practitioner for a Critical Care Unit. Samantha also taught nursing students for three years at Northern Illinois University. Samantha is passionate about health and wellness. She is dedicated to helping her patients achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

In her free time, Samantha enjoys spending time with her husband and son, as well as going to Illinois to see family and friends. Samantha is passionate about fashion and design as well as traveling.

Autumn Robeson, MSN, FNP-C

Autumn Robeson is a Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner. She graduated with her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from Grand Canyon University and received her Nurse Practitioner and Masters Degree in Nursing from Chamberlain College of Nursing. Prior to working at Red Mountain Weight Loss, she worked at Banner Thunderbird specializing in the emergency room for over 12 years. Autumn is currently a member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. She is married with two wonderful boxer dogs. She is passionate about helping others and enjoys hiking, painting, and spending time with family.

Taylor Milbrath, AGNP

Taylor Milbrath is a Board Certified Adult Geriatric Nurse Practitioner who has worked in the medical field for six years. Taylor holds a Bachelors of Science in Psychology from Hobart & William Smith Colleges and graduated with honors from Duke University where she obtained both her Bachelors of Science and Masters of Science in Nursing. She is a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society, Beta Epsilon Chapter.

Prior to joining the Red Mountain Weight loss team, Taylor worked in neuroscience, neurosurgery, urgent care, and internal medicine as a registered nurse. As a Nurse Practitioner, Taylor has worked in dermatology, medical aesthetics, weight loss management, and functional medicine. In addition, Taylor has worked extensively with Covid-19 disaster relief teams throughout the US. Taylor is passionate about educating patients to help them achieve and live a healthy lifestyle.

Taylor enjoys spending her free time with her husband and English Bulldog, Tank. She enjoys visiting her family and friends on the East Coast and going to the beach.

Brittany Barletta, FNP-BC

Brittany Barletta is a Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner. Brittany graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Rutgers the State University of New Jersey and received her Masters of Science in Nursing at Georgetown University. She is a member of the Sigma Theta Tau International Society of Nursing. Prior to working at Red Mountain Weight Loss, Brittany worked in orthopedics and medical/surgical units as a registered nurse. As a nurse practitioner, she practiced in family medicine and medical aesthetics. Brittany is very passionate about health, wellness, and nutrition. In her spare time, she enjoys being active with her family and German Shepherd dog, Wrangler. She enjoys traveling and trying out new restaurants.

Becca Newberry, RN, MSN, FNP-C

Becca Newberry is a Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner. She graduated from Michigan State University with her Bachelors of Science in Psychology. She then went on to pursue her Bachelors in Nursing and then her Masters of Science in Nursing. Becca is a member of the National Honor Society of Nursing~ Sigma Theta Tau International and Coalition of Arizona Nurses in Advanced Practice. She is also certified in cosmetic injectables, including Botox® and fillers. Prior to joining Red Mountain Weight Loss, Becca specialized in hormone replacement but also has experience in Medical Surgical Nursing and extensive background in Hospice care. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two children. Her hobbies include hiking, Crossfit and refinishing furniture.

Natalie Kollasch, Aesthetic NP Injector

Natalie Kollasch began her medical career as an RN in the NICU and pediatric oncology/transplant unit. She went back to school to obtain her nurse practitioner licensure as well as certifications in wellness, aesthetics, and injectables. She now works as our Tucson aesthetic injector and part time in pediatric hospice. “I love helping my clients enhance their natural beauty. Feeling good in your own skin is so important and the fact I get to help others with that is such a blessing.” In her free time she coaches basketball and enjoys spending time with her family.

Esther Longe, MSN, APRN, FNP-C

Esther Longe is a Certified Family Nurse Practitioner. She graduated with her Bachelors of Science Degree in Nursing from The Towson University in Maryland, then graduated with her Masters of Science from The George Washington University in Washington D.C. She is a member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. Prior to joining Red Mountain Weight Loss, Esther served in the vascular medicine, family medicine, preventive health and weight loss communities. She is passionate about health and wellness, also holding a personal training and health coach certification. In her spare time, she enjoys laughing, traveling, time with friends and family as well as working out, dancing and other forms of physical activity.

Merlis Guerra, AGACNP-BC, MSN

Merlis Guerra is a board certified Adult Gerontology Acute Care nurse practitioner who has worked in the medical field for over 10 years. She graduated with her Master’s degree from Nova Southeastern University in Palm Beach Gardens, FL and received her nurse practitioner certification from the America Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Prior to working at Red Mountain Weight Loss, she worked as a travel nurse specializing in interventional cardiology and radiology all around southern California. She also worked at Mount Sinai Medical Center in a Telemetry/Medical Surgical unit and in the Cardiovascular Cath Lab. She is passionate about patient care, health and wellness. She is also certified in cosmetic injectables, including Botox® and fillers. On her free time, she enjoys traveling, camping, hiking, wine tasting and spending time with her friends, family and her dog, Luna.