Physicians
Nada Fadul, MD, is an associate dean for Faculty Affairs (College of Medicine) and professor of medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases at University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC). She is 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 and serves as Medical Director to the Specialty Care Center. 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 Grenada, West Indies. She completed her internal medicine residency and infectious diseases fellowship at UNMC. Her interests include HIV, outpatient antimicrobial stewardship and medical education.
Spencer Kinzie, MD, is an assistant professor in the Department of Internal Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. He joined the HIV Team in August 2024. Dr. Kinzie obtained his medical degree from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center in Oklahoma City and completed his internal medicine residency at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis. His primary interests include providing ambulatory primary care to the general population and to individuals living with HIV through the Specialty Care Center and the gender care clinic. Gender affirming care is a primary focus of his medical career. He specializes in delivering competent, affirming primary medical care to transgender, gender- diverse, and non-binary individuals, along with providing gender affirming hormone therapy. Dr. Kinzie also specializes in making sure individuals can be referred and placed in contact with excellent social support, gender affirming procedures and surgeries, along with any other gender affirming care they may need.
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.
Shawna Sunagawa, PharmD, joined the HIV/Infectious Diseases Division in July 2023. She is also a clinical instructor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science. Dr. Sunagawa earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Creighton University and completed her infectious diseases residency at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Her research interests include pharmacology of long-acting antiretroviral therapies, HIV treatment and prevention strategies, and sexually transmitted infections. Alongside Dr. Havens, she co-leads a pharmacist-led HIV prevention program offering pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP and PEP) services.
Nurse Practitioners
Daniel Cramer, APRN, MSN, joined the HIV team in November 2020. He earned a Bachelor of Science in nursing from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in 2014 and a Master of Science in nursing in 2018. Cramer previously worked as a nurse practitioner for Nebraska Medicine Infectious Diseases Division, specializing in orthopaedics and general infectious diseases. He also serves as the clinic’s assistant director of digital health, helping lead remote clinics and home-to-clinic telehealth programs. He is involved in volunteering with Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ Equality (formerly known as the Gay & Lesbian Medical Association), the world's largest and oldest association of LGBTQ health care professionals.
Nichole (Nikki) Regan, APRN, FNP, MSN, joined the Specialty Care Center team in July 2015. She earned a Bachelor of Science in nursing from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in 2004, and a Master of Science in nursing in 2011. Regan serves as the assistant director of HIV Programs at the Specialty Care Center, where she leads a range of projects and initiatives. Her roles include Omaha HIV program coordinator for Midwest AIDS Training + Education Center (MATEC)-Kansas/Nebraska, Ryan White Program clinical quality management director, and Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program (GWEP) champion, among others. She completed the MATEC HIV Clinical Scholars Program in 2016 and has served as both a participant and presenter for the UNMC Infectious Diseases Health Equity and Quality Improvement ECHO (Extension for Community Health Care Outcomes) Collaborative. Regan 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 Nurses
Erich Braun, BSN, RN, CCRN, CGM, CBP earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in 2010 and has spent over 13 years in critical care leadership roles. He is currently pursuing dual master's degrees at the University of Illinois, with plans to complete both in the fall of 2025 before applying to a doctoral program. Braun holds multiple certifications in critical care, business professionalism, and general management. He also earned a degree in business law in 2019. He is deeply passionate about community outreach and is dedicated to building relationships with local leaders and business owners. His goal is to enhance healthcare access for patients with HIV and those seeking pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) services.
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, earned his degree from the University of Nebraska-Omaha and has worked in behavioral health since 2016. He began his career in Iowa as a community-based mental health provider, focusing on family services and working with children, adults and couples of various backgrounds. He became dually licensed in Nebraska in 2023 and joined the HIV team in March as a mental health practitioner. He is passionate about working with people living with HIV and the LGBTQIA+ community. His approach to care is rooted in evidence-based talk therapy, drawing from eclectic theoretical orientation. He primarily incorporates behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and solution-focused therapy, all delivered through a client-centered process enhanced with motivational interviewing.
Medical Assistants and Certified Nursing Assistants
DeAmber Cain, CNA joined the Specialty Care Center as a certified nursing assistant in January 2025. She is also a certified in pharmacy technician medication administration and has worked in the healthcare industry for nine years. DeAmber began her career as a CNA in 2015 and became a medication aide about three years ago. She is passionate about serving the community and providing high-quality patient care. Her goal is to return to school to pursue a nursing degree and continue advancing her career with Nebraska Medicine.
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.
Joshua Martinez, CMA joined the team in July 2024. He has worked as a CMA for nine years and earned his degree from Purdue University in 2016. Joshua brings a background in internal medicine and family practice, with experience in phlebotomy, front desk operations, administering injections and hands-on patient care. When it comes to patient care, he looks forward to greeting them with a big smile and great humor.
Research Team
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.
Emmanuel Essam Nkodo MD, MPH is a physician and public health researcher who joined the HIV team in October 2023. He earned his medical degree from the University of Yaoundé 1 in Cameroon and received a Master of Public Health from the University of Nebraska Medical Center. He joined the team with a mix of clinical and public health experience in HIV care and prevention, which he uses to help address health disparities affecting the patients served by the clinic and beyond. His areas of expertise include implementation science research, disparity analysis, coordination of quality improvement projects and participation in grant applications.
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. In 2008, her role shifted to a research nurse coordinator, where she facilitated clinical trials and coordinated care for patients participating in research at the clinic. Due to her work on clinical trials that contributed to the FDA approval of long-acting injectable antiretroviral therapy (LAI-ART), she became deeply involved in establishing and coordinating the clinic’s LAI-ART program. She now spends the majority of her time coordinating efforts to provide LAI-ART both in Omaha and outside of the metro. She is passionate about establishing a safe and trusted environment for all patients. She is committed to learning from patients, assessing individualized needs and providing holistic care.
Heather Saarela joined the HIV/Infectious Diseases team in 2024. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 2021. Prior to joining UNMC, Heather completed an internship at the North Omaha Area Health (NOAH) Clinic and worked full-time at the Nebraska AIDS Project until 2024. At UNMC, Heather serves a Patient Outreach Specialist, supporting the HIV team's Long-Acting Injectable Therapy program. She assists with the IM-CAPABLE research study and acts as the program facilitator of the HIV ECHO Program. Heather is committed to ensuring people of all backgrounds and identities are welcomed and receive the care they deserve.
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. Currently, she works with the Ryan White Parts C & D Program, serving as the quality improvement coordinator. She helps patients access and maintain their Ryan White Program grant coverage and tracks patient visits. Additionally, she processes the vision and dental claims through Parts C & D and oversees the maintenance of attending call schedules.
Agustin Delgado Jimenez joined the HIV team in September 2023 as a patient resource coordinator. He is a certified community health worker with training in psychological and mental health support, including substance use first aid. His previous experience as a referral resource coordinator and case manager served as a bridge to provide the best resources available within the community for patients and their families. Bilingual in Spanish and English, he takes a patient-focused approach to empower individuals and provide comprehensive support for their health care needs.
Samantha L. Jones, CSW, joined the UNMC HIV team in May of 2016. She earned her Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Iowa in Iowa City and has worked under several federal grants focused on child welfare, reentry, education, and employment and training. Samantha has held various roles at UNMC, including serving as the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) Coordinator, where she oversaw the state of Nebraska’s implementation and coordination of drug assistance and health insurance enrollment for individuals eligible under Ryan White Part B. She currently serves as the patient access program manager, overseeing the UNMC Specialty Care Center’s Medical Case Management and Community Health Worker Programs. These initiatives 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.
Toukatha (Touki) Marupov, MS, joined the HIV/Infectious Diseases team in March of 2025 as a medical case manager at the Specialty Care Center. She holds a Master of Science in Health Behavior and a Bachelor of Science in Public Health, both from the University of Nebraska-Omaha. Before joining the HIV team, Touki worked in programs focused on supporting community members in accessing safe, affordable housing, food security and overall health and wellness. Her experiences have helped her understanding of the unique needs of individuals and the importance of addressing the stigmas that can impact health. She is committed to empowering patients to meet their health and life goals by connecting them with community resources.
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 previously worked as a case manager with the Nebraska AIDS Project for five years and volunteered with the organization for three years. She holds dual master’s degrees in social work and public administration from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Tacy serves as a clinic social worker, patient services coordinator and coordinator for the UNMC Ryan White Parts C and D Programs. She also works closely with the UNMC medical and pharmacy students and provides practicum supervision for undergraduate social work students. With more than 30 years of experience, Tacy has dedicated her career to serving, advocating for, and empowering individuals living with HIV.
Data Manager
Lily Nyenga
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.