Care managers are nurses, social workers, and other licensed clinical staff who can help you set and meet health goals. They also partner with your entire medical care team so everyone is on the same page.


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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.

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Amanda Anderson, MSN, RN
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Oriyomi Awosanya, MED, BSN, RN
Oriyomi Awosanya
MED, BSN, RN

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.

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Pat Bass
BSN, RN, CCM
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Crystal Bentley
MPH, BSN, RN

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.  

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Tracey Berckmiller
MSW , LCSW, ACM-SW

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.

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Chantaé Bohannon-Mangum
MBA, BSN, RN, CCM

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. 

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Shauntae Bowers, MS, LCMHC, LCAS
Shauntae Bowers
MS, LCMHC, LCAS

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. 

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Mimi Brandon, MSN-PH, BSN, RN
Mimi Brandon
MSN-PH, BSN, RN

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

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DeShannon Butler, BSN, RN

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.

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Kim Creech, BSN, RN, CMGT-BC
Kim Creech
BSN, RN, CMGT-BC

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.

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Alexa Dean, BSN, RN
Alexa Dean
BSN, RN

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.

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Monica Elliott
BSN, RN, CCM

“I was born and raised in Creedmoor, North Carolina. I graduated with a BSN in Nursing from East Carolina University in 2005 (Go Pirates!).  I have a son and daughter and love to spend my time with my family and close friends. Outside of my family, I enjoy volunteering at my local church.”

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Sumana Gaddam, BSN, RN, CCRN
Sumana Gaddam
BSN, RN, CCRN

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! 

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Jill Galuten
MSW, LCSW, ACM

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.

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Shauntae Gause, MPA, BSN, RN
Shauntae Gause
MPA, BSN, RN

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.

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Natalie Gay, MSN, RN, CMGT-BC, ACM-RN
Natalie Gay
MSN, RN, CMGT-BC, ACM-RN

I am a board-certified registered nurse with over 20 years experience and an acute nurse case manager since March 2011. I have many years of experience providing comprehensive and quality patient care, improving patient outcomes while developing solid relationships with patients and their families. My direct nursing patient care background includes working at WakeMed Acute Rehab Hospital, WakeMed Raleigh Hospital Telemetry Unit, WakeMed Home Health, infusion therapy, private duty nursing, and various skilled nursing rehab facilities. 

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Kristen Gerhart
BSN, RN, CCM

"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."

 

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Kara Goel, MSW, LCSW
Kara Goel
MSW, LCSW

I began my career working in Indianapolis as a school social worker. Coincidentally, the high school I worked at shares the same mascot as Duke—Go Blue Devils! Since moving to North Carolina, I have enjoyed exploring new hiking trails with my dog: Rocky. My favorite hike so far has been Stone Mountain. I am eager to continue partnering with families to support them in reaching their goals. I feel grateful to have an opportunity to provide hope and healing to my patients. I cannot wait to meet you!

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Centa Graves
BSN, RN

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.

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Tara Grissom, BSN, RN
Tara Grissom
BSN, RN

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.

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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.

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Kara-Ann Hensey, MPH, BSN, RN, CEN
Kara-Ann Hensey
MPH, BSN, RN, CEN

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!

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Lisa Hixson, BSN, RN, CCM
Lisa Hixson
BSN, RN, CCM

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.

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Margaret Holtam, MSN, RN

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.

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Kathryn Keicher, MSW, LCSW
Kathryn Keicher
MSW, LCSW

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.

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Tricia Keipper
MSW, LCSW, CCM

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.

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Christina Kleinert
RN, CHPN, CCM
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Melissa Lagattuta, BSN, RN

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.

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Kendra Lawrence
BSN, RN-BC

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.

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Pamela Lawrence-Griffin, BSN, RN

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.

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Kelsey Markie, MSW, LCSW
Kelsey Markie
MSW, LCSW

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. 

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Siera Merritt, BSN, RN
Siera Merritt
BSN, RN

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.

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Barb Murphy
BSN, RN, CCM
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Christy Nance
MSW, LCSW, ACM-SW

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.

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Monica Patterson, MHA, BSN, RN
Monica Patterson
MHA, BSN, RN

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.

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Laura Piburn
MSW, LCSW, CCM
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Julie Ramsey
MSN, RN, CNOR(E), CCM

"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."

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Irina Romanova, BSN, RN

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.

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Shea S
Shea S
MSW, LCSW

I am a licensed clinical social worker. I have been practicing for the last ten years. I have worked with children and adults in both inpatient and community settings.

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Megha Sink, BSN, RN
Megha Sink
BSN, RN

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.

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Justine Sperber, MSW, LCSW, CCM
Justine Sperber
MSW, LCSW, CCM

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.

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Paula Tah-Sherman
BSN, RN, CCM

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. 

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Chelsea Tart, BSN, RN
Chelsea Tart
BSN, RN

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.

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Elizabeth "Liz" Taylor, BSN, RN

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.

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Michele Walker, BSN, RN

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.

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Leona Washington, BSN, RN, ACM
Leona Washington
BSN, RN, ACM

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.

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Alla Weinberger
Alla Weinberger
BSN, RN-BC, CCM

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.

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Anna Whitfield, MSN, RN

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

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I am originally from Charlotte, NC. I graduated with my BSN from Winston Salem State University, and I received my MSN from UNC Charlotte. Over the years, I’ve worked in the OR, public health, behavior health, and case management. I was drawn to nursing because of my desire to care, support, and help patients!

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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!

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Michelle Wright
LCSW, ACM, CCM

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. 

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Bei Ye, MHA, MBA, BSN, RN
Bei Ye
MHA, MBA, BSN, RN

I have 25 years of nursing experiences and a willingness to help others, as well as a dedicated and determined work ethic.

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DeAndra Young, MSN, RN
DeAndra Young
MSN, RN

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.