Meet the HIV team

Physicians

Nada Fadul, MD, is an assistant dean and professor of medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases at University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC). She is the medical director of the UNMC Specialty Care Center and the principal investigator of the Ryan White Parts C & D grants. She completed her medical degree from the University of Khartoum-Faculty of Medicine in Khartoum, Sudan, and subsequently completed her training in the U.S. Dr. Fadul is bilingual in Arabic and English. She has published in peer-reviewed journals, authored and co-authored several abstracts and book chapters, presented her research at national and international meetings, and mentored several students and trainees. She serves as a member of the Board of Directors and chair of the Awards Committee of the national HIV Medical Association. Dr. Fadul’s main interests managing the health of people living with HIV/AIDS, including quality of life issues and health disparities.

Sara Hurtado Bares, MD, joined the HIV/Infectious Diseases team in July 2013. She is an associate professor in the Division of Infectious Diseases at UNMC. After receiving her undergraduate degree from Amherst College, in Amherst, Massachusetts, Dr. Bares obtained her medical degree from Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York, New York. She trained in internal medicine at the University of Chicago in Chicago, Illinois, where she was an intern, resident and chief resident. Following her residency, Dr. Bares stayed on at the University of Chicago to complete a fellowship in infectious diseases. Dr. Bares is bilingual in Spanish and English. Her clinical and research interests include HIV treatment and prevention, HIV-related comorbidities and HIV in women.

Jennifer M. Davis, MD, joined the HIV/Infectious Diseases team in August 2023. She is an assistant professor in the Division of Infectious Diseases at UNMC. A New England native, Dr. Davis received her undergraduate degree from Middlebury College in Middlebury, Vermont, and then went on to obtain her medical degree from Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia. She then trained in internal medicine at the University of California San Francisco. Following residency, Dr. Davis completed her infectious diseases fellowship at the Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital combined Infectious Diseases Fellowship Program in Boston, Massachusetts. Dr. Davis’ interests include HIV prevention and treatment, HIV in women and pregnancy, LGBTQIA+ health, medical education, and health equity.

Mackenzie Keintz, MD, joined the HIV/Infectious Diseases Division in July 2023. She is currently a clinical instructor in the Division of Infectious Diseases, associate medical director of the Nebraska Antimicrobial Stewardship Program (ASAP) and associate medical director of Nebraska Infection Control Assessment and Promotion Program (ICAP). She obtained her undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in medical microbiology and immunology, and she received her medical degree from St. George's University in East Islip, New York. She completed her internal medicine residency and infectious diseases fellowship at UNMC. Her interests include HIV, outpatient antimicrobial stewardship and medical education. 

Precious Davis, EdD, MSN, RN, is the director of the UNMC Community Collaborative Academy and assistant professor in Family Medicine. In April 2022, she completed her doctoral studies at Clarkson College in Omaha, Nebraska, in Health Care Education and Leadership and has a Master of Nursing  Education. Dr. Davis was previously a nurse case manager with the Nebraska Medicine Infectious Diseases Department and was a floor nurse at the Lied Transplant Center prior to that role. She is also involved in multiple employee resource groups on campus such as RISE Women, African American Black Alliance, and Growth and Development. Community and public health are her passions along with educating on health disparities, cultural health, and motivational interviewing.


Pharmacist

Josh Havens, PharmD, graduated from the University of Nebraska Medical Center- College of Pharmacy in 2007. He previously worked for Nebraska Medicine in the outpatient pharmacy and the Internal Medicine Clinic. He joined the HIV team/Infectious Diseases Division in 2015 and the Department of Pharmacy Practice in 2019. As a pharmacy clinician at the Specialty Care Center, Dr. Havens provides care for people living with HIV, including antiretroviral therapy initiation and revision as well as various other management services together with primary care services. Additionally, he operates a pharmacist-led HIV prevention program offering HIV pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis. Dr. Havens provides lectures for the College of Pharmacy, precepts fourth-year pharmacy students and pharmacy residents annually, and is involved in various research protocols.


Nurse Practitioners

Daniel Cramer, APRN, MSN, joined the HIV team in November of 2020. He attended the University of Nebraska Medical Center, earning a Bachelor of Science in nursing in 2014 and a Master of Science in nursing in 2018. He previously worked as a nurse practitioner for Nebraska Medicine in the Infectious Diseases Division specializing in orthopaedics and general infectious diseases. Dan is currently pursuing his Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, researching stigma affecting health outcomes in individuals living with HIV. He has been an adjunct faculty member at UNMC since 2019. Dan is on the Nebraska Infectious Disease Society Board of Governors and is involved in volunteering with Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ Equality (previously known as the Gay & Lesbian Medical Association) which is the world's largest and oldest association of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer health care professionals.

Nichole (Nikki) Regan, APRN, FNP, MSN, joined the Specialty Care Center team in July 2015. She attended the University of Nebraska Medical Center, earning a Bachelor of Science in nursing in 2004, and a Master of Science in nursing  in 2011. She is also the assistant director of HIV Programs at the Specialty Care Center, which encompasses an array of leadership duties and special projects including Omaha area HIV program coordinator for Midwest AIDS Training + Education Center (MATEC)-Kansas/Nebraska, Ryan White Program clinical quality improvement manager, and Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program (GWEP) champion, along with several other grants and initiatives. Nikki completed the MATEC HIV Clinical Scholars Program in 2016 and is a participant and presenter for the UNMC Infectious Diseases Health Equity and Quality Improvement ECHO (Extension for Community Health Care Outcomes) Collaborative. She is passionate about patient, student and health care provider education and engagement.

Christine D. Tran, DNP, APRN, joined the HIV program in October 2010. She previously worked at Midwest Gastrointestinal Associates as a nurse practitioner from 2007 to 2010. She received her Bachelor of Science in nursing from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in May 2000, her Master of Science in nursing from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, in May 2006, and her Doctor of Nursing Practice from UNMC in May 2015. She was a volunteer at the Nebraska AIDS Project for five years doing outreach HIV testing. Dr. Tran serves as a clinical care provider and educator, and is involved in clinical research. She is committed to working with her patients as a member of a dedicated team providing quality care.


Registered Nurse

Travis Mach, BSN, RN, joined the HIV team in September 2023 as a nursing care coordinator. He received his Bachelor of Science in nursing from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, in 2019. Travis worked at Mary Lanning Hospital in Hastings, Nebraska, in the Intensive Care Unit and then at Nebraska Medical Center in the Cardiovascular ICU. Travis enjoys advocating for and educating patients in their health care. 


Behavioral Therapist (Mental Health Practitioner)

Lance L. Burwell, LIMHP, PC, graduated from University of Nebraska-Omaha and has been a therapist working in behavioral health since 2016. He began in Iowa as a community-based mental health provider focused on family services working with children adults, and couples of various ages and backgrounds. He became dually licensed in Nebraska in 2023 and joined the HIV team in March 2023 as a mental health practitioner. His passion is working with people living with HIV and the LGBTQIA+ community using evidence-based talk therapy derived from eclectic theoretical orientation focusing primarily on behavior skills from cognitive behavioral therapy dialectical behavior therapy, and solution-focused therapy in a client-centered process enhanced with motivational interviewing.


Clinic Manager

Kevin Borges, BSN, RN, joined the HIV team in September of 2021 as the clinic manager. Kevin graduated from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, in 2012 with a Bachelor of Science in nursing. Prior to joining Nebraska Medicine in his current role, he worked Nebraska Medical Center splitting his time between the inpatient floors and the Emergency Department. Kevin’s responsibilities include overseeing the HIV clinic as well as managing the outpatient infectious diseases services for Nebraska Medicine.


Medical Assistants and Certified Nursing Assistants

Susan Dermer, CMA, is a certified medical assistant and joined the HIV team in October 2021. Susie has been in health care for over 30 years and has worked in both hospital and clinical settings. She works as a clinic clerk/medical assistant and provides support in the clinic with rooming and general support. She has experience in phlebotomy, performing point-of-care testing and giving injections.

Adele Haas, Senior CMA, is the lead and senior certified medical assistant who has been with Nebraska Medicine for more than 40 years. She joined the HIV team in May 2010. She works as a clinic clerk/medical assistant and provides support in the clinic with rooming and general support. She has experience in phlebotomy, performing point-of-care testing and administering injections.

Elizabeth (Lizzy) Sawka, CNA, joined the HIV team in March of 2023 as a certified nursing assistant. Before joining Nebraska Medicine, she worked in assisted living and in-home health care. Currently, Elizabeth is enrolled in the Clarkson College Medical Assistant Program. Elizabeth's roles in the clinic include rooming patients, general clinic support, and phlebotomy. 


Research Coordinators

Renae Furl, MPH, rejoined the HIV team in January 2021 as a clinical study coordinator with the research team. She received her Master of Public Health from UNMC. Renae has 17 years of experience working with the Nebraska HIV Ryan White Programs at UNMC, the Nebraska AIDS Project, and the Nebraska Department of Public Health. In 2020, Renae worked as a Regulatory Coordinator for the UNMC Clinical Research Center.

Maureen Kubat, BSN, RN, BSW, received her Bachelor of Social Work from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 2000 and her Bachelor of Science in nursing from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, in 2005. After working as a nurse in acute care and pediatrics, she joined the HIV team in October 2016 as a research nurse coordinator. She helps coordinate various research studies being conducted at the SCC including investigator-led studies, federally sponsored protocols and industry clinical trials, and also assists with clinic nursing needs and long-acting injectable therapy. She is committed to providing excellent care to all patients and study participants.

Jen O’Neill, BSN, RN, graduated from UNMC College of Nursing in 2000. She joined the Specialty Care Center HIV team in June 2003 as a patient care coordinator working with physicians and nurse practitioners to assist patients in navigating their medical needs. Over the years, she transitioned to a full-time position as a clinical research coordinator, where she coordinates the implementation of clinical trials while also coordinating care for patients who participate in research at the clinic. Because of her work in the clinical trials leading to the FDA approval of long-acting injectable antiretroviral therapy, she has also become heavily involved in helping to establish and coordinate the clinic’s long-acting injectable antiretroviral therapy program. She is passionate about establishing a safe and trusted medical environment for all, as well as learning from patients and assessing individualized needs in order to provide holistic care.


Client Services Team

Renee Bera, ADCJ, joined the HIV team in August 2018 as the health care access liaison. She previously worked in skilled nursing and rehabilitation as a business office manager and provisional administrator. She currently works with the Ryan White Parts C & D Program and serves as the quality improvement coordinator. She also helps patients access and maintain their Ryan White Program grant coverage, as well as tracking patient visits. She is responsible for processing the vision and dental claims through Parts C & D. 

Fantasia Blackson, BS, joined the HIV team in February 2023 as a medical case manager. Before coming to the Specialty Care Center, Fantasia worked at the Nebraska AIDS Project for two years coordinating intake and case management. She has a Bachelor of Behavioral Science from Bellevue University in Bellevue, Nebraska, and is pursuing her Master of Clinical Counseling. Fantasia has worked in programs providing support for education, housing, and employment training. She is committed to supporting patients and their families as they navigate their health and life goals.

Rachelle Carr began her career with Nebraska Medicine in May 2004, joining the HIV team in November 2007 as a medical assistant and transitioned into the role of patient outreach liaison in March 2021. Rachelle is passionate about providing “meet the patient, where they are” care with our Telehealth Program, including working with our research team. Rachelle is devoted to working with the most vulnerable patients, along with being an advocate/ally, where she maintains communication with those to improve their overall health care. 

Agustin Delgado Jimenez joined our HIV team in September 2023 as a patient resource coordinator. His previous experience as a referral resource coordinator serves as a bridge to provide the best resources available within the community for patients and their families. Agustin is bilingual in Spanish and English. He is trained in psychologic and mental health and substance use first aid. Agustin will be certified as a community health worker and medical interpreter in December 2023. He uses a patient-focused approach to empower and provide comprehensive support to patients and their overall health care.

Samantha L. Jones, CSW, joined the UNMC HIV team in May of 2016. She received her Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa, and has worked for several federal grants focusing on child welfare, reentry, education, employment and training. Prior to joining the HIV team, she worked under the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act providing outreach and access to employment and training opportunities in order to assist individuals in becoming self-sufficient. Samantha currently serves as the program manager overseeing the UNMC Specialty Care Center’s Medical Case Management and Community Health Worker Programs, which are designed to engage, educate and empower patients, ultimately leading to improved health care outcomes.

Laura Krajewski, MPA, joined the HIV team in 2013 as the patient outreach specialist. She assesses and schedules patients new to the HIV clinic, and also reaches out to patients who have fallen out of care. She helps with various aspects of the UNMC Ryan White Part C and D program and works closely with the Positive Action Consumer group, that provides insight to improving Ryan White program services. Previously, Laura worked at an AIDS service organization in Massachusetts for eight years and served in the Peace Corps in Kazakhstan teaching English to high school students. 

Valentina Orduna, CMA, CPhT, joined the HIV/Infectious Diseases team in May 2017. She previously worked for Nebraska Medicine for 16 years. She started as a pharmacy technician for 10 years with Nebraska Medicine, three years as a pharmacy financial counselor, and three years at the Peggy Cowdery Clinic as a new patient coordinator. Valentina is bilingual in Spanish and English. She is devoted and passionate about assisting in the medical field and helping the community.

Ann Royal, BA, joined the HIV/Infectious Diseases team in December of 2022 as a medical case manager at the Specialty Care Center. Ann is a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Prior to joining the HIV team, Ann worked for reentry services and discharge planning for Douglas County Corrections. She is a dedicated patient advocate, assisting patients with needed resources and services.

Tacy Slater, MSW, MPA, joined the HIV team in 1999. She was employed as a case manager with the Nebraska AIDS Project for five years and as a volunteer for three years. She received a dual master’s degree in social work and public administration from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Tacy is a clinic social worker, patient services coordinator and the coordinator for the UNMC Ryan White Parts C and D Programs. She works with the UNMC medical and pharmacy students, and provides practicum supervision for undergraduate social work students. Tacy has committed nearly 30 years to serving, advocating and empowering individuals living with HIV so they may meet their needs and goals for improved health outcomes.

Eva Williams, MHS, BA, joined the Specialty Care Center in March of 2023 as a medical case manager. She recently returned to Omaha after living in Indianapolis, Indiana, for 14 years. She has worked with HIV programs since 2012 in various roles in both prevention and patient care. She received her Master of Art in human services, and a Bachelor of Science in behavior modification from Bellevue University in Bellevue, Nebraska. She also holds an Associate of Art in Human Services for Substance Abuse Counseling from Metropolitan Community College in Omaha, Nebraska.


Data Manager

Monica Arroyo, BSW, received her Bachelor’s of Social Work from the University of Nebraska-Kearney in 2014. She has focused the majority of her career serving those affected by HIV/AIDS with a particular focus on Latino populations. Monica joined the UNMC HIV team in September 2018 as the patient eligibility associate and is currently the data manager for the Ryan White Program. Monica is pursuing a master’s degree in public administration and information systems. Monica is strongly committed to ensuring equitable patient access to quality health care.


Receptionist

Sue Allen, medical receptionist, joined the Specialty Care Center team in April 2022. She has enjoyed working with Nebraska Medicine for the past 18 years. She has been a medical receptionist for about 10 years, and she enjoys getting to know the patients and their families.


Administrative Staff

Deanna Hansen, BSBA, is the HIV program manager where she provides project oversight for the HIV program and Ryan White Parts C & D Programs. She has provided support as an administrative assistant to the UNMC HIV Program since 1992 and has worked with UNMC since 1990. She received her Bachelor of Science in business administration in 1986. She assists the HIV team with correspondence, meeting coordination, preparation and submission of reports, grants and manuscripts, travel arrangements and educational programming, among others.  

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