The DukeWELL team members listed below bring decades of combined experience working with pediatric patients of all ages and needs.


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Amanda Anderson, MSN, RN
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Pat Bass
BSN, RN, CCM
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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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Audrey Call, BS

I graduated Magna Cum Laude from UNC Greensboro, earning a Bachelors of Science in Public Health Education with a concentration in community health education. Just one week after graduating college, I started my career in public health as a pediatric health educator and program coordinator for a family-centered health and wellness program that was made possible by a grant from the Duke Healthy Lifestyles program. What I like about the work I do is that I am able to give back to my community by providing resources to those who are going through hardships and are underserved.

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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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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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Lani Kee, MS

I am originally from Hawaii but have lived in many states as a result of being in a military family. I have lived in North Carolina since 1995. I obtained my BS in Human Resources from Concordia University in Ann Arbor, Michigan and my MS in Health Promotion from Nebraska Methodist College in Omaha, Nebraska. I was a collegiate athlete and love all types of sports. My career has spanned the healthcare field for over 25 years in fitness, wellness, health coaching, and health promotion. I love helping others become their best selves. I am a creative in paint and fiber arts and teach art classes in Chatham County. I am also a volunteer proofreader for a large women’s organization out of Charlotte. I believe we become whole by addressing our spiritual, physical, emotional, intellectual, social, vocational, financial, and environmental needs. 

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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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Laquitia Keith

I’ve work with all ages from infant to school age. I’ve worked for the school system's before and after school programs. I was a floater for several Durham daycares. I was a preschool teacher assistant for Durham Head Start. I worked at Duke Primary Care as a medical assistant for drive-up testing sites. My passion always has been to work with kids—I just love their energy and the joy they bring and being able to help them in need and be successful in life.

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Tamika Littlejohn, MSW, LCSW-A
Tamika Littlejohn
MSW, LCSWA, CCM

I worked ten years in the school system before completing my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work. The vast part of my social work experience comes from the field of child welfare (with a focus in families and children) with Durham County Department of Social Services for over six years as an In-Home Service and Foster Care social work case manager. I later transitioned to social work and medical case management via Duke University Hospital. I have always had a passion for supporting people in the community by way of educating them and providing them with the necessary tools that would enable them to be their best selves. I believe social work is “heart work,” and it often begins by extending grace and lending a hand to some of our most vulnerable populations so that they have an opportunity to thrive and live their most optimal lives.

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Julia Mathes, BSN, RN
Julia Mathes
BSN, RN

I graduated from the University of Kentucky College of Nursing in 2020. I started my career as a NICU nurse and later transitioned to outpatient nursing, which had some components of care management. I loved the care management aspect of healthcare, because it provided the opportunity to care for patients holistically and on a deeper level. I am grateful to have found DukeWELL and look forward to serving a new population!

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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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Joan Moira Oliver, MHA, BSN, RN, CTHC, CCDS, ACM
Joan Moira Oliver
MHA, BSN, RN, CTHC, CCDS, ACM

I have been a Duke team member since 2010—initially as a case manager for general medicine teams, and then I assisted in embedding the case management model in the Duke Emergency Department. I enjoy being of service to our patients and connecting them to resources in our community.

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Raven Sanford, BSN, RN
Raven Sanford
BSN, RN
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Samera Steele, MSW, LCSWA
Samera Steele
MSW, LCSWA

I was born and raised in Durham, and my passion since graduating from North Carolina Central University has been working with vulnerable populations. I have more than five years of experience working with the homeless population, veterans, child protective services, and pediatrics. I look forward to incorporating health care into care management by addressing social determinants of health to prevent health inequities and assisting patients to reach their goals.

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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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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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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.