Our Program and People

Meet the RPDs

 
Becky Reiss 

Becky Reiss (PGY1. RPD): Becky is a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist in Behavioral Health and the PGY1 Pharmacy Residency Program Director at Denver Health Medical Center. She is a Board Certified Psychiatric Pharmacist who has worked at Denver Health since 2015, becoming Residency Program Coordinator in 2017 and Program Director in 2018. Dr. Reiss earned her BA in Psychology and PharmD from Drake University in 2012, and then went on to complete her PGY1 Pharmacy Residency at the University of Missouri and her PGY2 Psychiatric Pharmacy Residency at Virginia Commonwealth University. She is passionate about reducing stigma associated with mental illness and her clinical interests include psychosis, treatment refractory mood disorders, and substance use disorders. Additionally, Dr. Reiss sits on the preceptor development and resident wellness workgroups, guest lectures for nursing and pharmacy learners, serves as a reviewer for Mental Health Clinician, and is a member of the College of Psychiatric and Neurologic Pharmacists as well as the American Society of Health System Pharmacists. Outside of work, Dr. Reiss serves on the board of a local dog rescue and fosters homeless pups. She also enjoys gardening, hiking with her dog, traveling, and reading.

 

 

Lance Ray 

Lance Ray (PGY2, Emergency Medicine RPD): Lance is an Emergency Medicine Clinical Pharmacist and the PGY2 Residency Program Director at Denver Health. He is highly involved in physician resident teaching as faculty with the Department of Emergency Medicine and also lectures at the Denver Health Paramedic School and CU School of Pharmacy. Dr. Ray’s clinical interests and research activities include resuscitation and acute management of dysrhythmia. He is a member of the first national EM pharmacist research collaborative (EM-PHARMNET) and founding member of the EM pharmacist interest group for SAEM. He received his PharmD from the University of Texas College of Pharmacy in 2006. Over the last decade he has served as an ED pharmacist in multiple academic tertiary care emergency departments, including two level-one trauma designated. He has been extensively involved with ASHP and state affiliate chapters in Texas and Colorado and is currently a delegate in the ASHP House of Delegates. He is also active within ACCP and ASHP Emergency Medicine advisory groups, recipient of multiple pharmacy preceptor awards, and has traveled extensively with medical outreach trips across Guatemala, and whitewater rafting.

 

 

Katie Dionne 

Katie Dionne (PGY2, Critical Care RPD): Katie is the Surgical Critical Care Clinical Pharmacy Specialist at Denver Health and has been at Denver Health since 2015 practicing in the areas of critical care, neurosurgery and emergency medicine. She received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from The University of Iowa and completed her PGY-1 Residency at The Medical Center of Aurora followed by her PGY-2 Critical Care Residency at the Dallas VA Medical Center. Clinical practice areas of interest include resuscitation, sedation and analgesia, trauma including traumatic brain injury and anticoagulation reversal. She is an active member of the Society of Critical Care Medicine and American Society of Health System Pharmacists. She is board certified in Critical Care Pharmacy and serves as Clinical Instructor at Regis University. Katie is a mom to two boys and loves adventuring in the mountains, traveling, any time spent on her bike or on a yoga mat, and all things food.

 

 

Kristin Rieser 

Kristin Rieser (PGY2, Ambulatory Care RPD): Kristin is an Ambulatory Clinical Pharmacy Specialist at the Denver Health Eastside Clinic and she has been at Denver Health since August 2021. After earning for PharmD degree at the University of Florida(Go Gators!), she completed a PGY1 Pharmacy residency at the University of Florida College of Pharmacy and a PGY2 Ambulatory Care residency at the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy. She is a board certified ambulatory care pharmacist and her clinical interests include all aspects of cardiovascular risk reduction. Outside of work she enjoys exploring with her two dogs, Jeff and Clyde.

 

 

Kati Shihadeh 

Kati Shihadeh (PGY2, Infectious Diseases RPD): Kati Shihadeh is a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist in Infectious Diseases at Denver Health Medical Center. After earning her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Drake University in 2011, she completed both her PGY1 Pharmacy Residency and PGY2 Infectious Diseases Residency at the University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview. At Denver Health, Dr. Shihadeh is the co-director of the Antimicrobial Stewardship Program and the director of the PGY2 Infectious Diseases Pharmacy Residency Program. She is board-certified in infectious diseases, and her primary interests include antimicrobial stewardship, treating multi-drug resistant organisms, and optimizing the use of diagnostic tests. Dr. Shihadeh is currently a member of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, American College of Clinical Pharmacy, American Society of Health System Pharmacists, and the Society of Infectious Diseases Pharmacists. Outside of work she enjoys traveling, hiking as well as other outdoor activities, cooking and exploring new restaurants.

Residency preceptors will be highlighted throughout the fall on our Twitter account. Follow us to meet some of our PGY1 and PGY2 preceptors!

Meet Current and Past Residents

Marcus Hayner

Marcus Hayner (PGY-1): Dr. Hayner is from Lajas, Puerto Rico, and received his Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Houston College of Pharmacy. His clinical interests include infectious disease, ambulatory care, surgical ICU and oncology. Marcus first became interested in pharmacy while working as a medical technologist in Austin, wanting to advocate and care more directly for the patients he served from behind the scenes. Marcus chose to pursue residency training at Denver Health due to its status as the safety net hospital for the city of Denver, the variety of clinical experiences afforded and the welcoming and inclusive environment present at this institution. In his free time, Marcus enjoys exercising, reading fantasy/sci-fi novels, spending time with his family, and going for walks with his dog.

Liv Swonger

Liv Swonger (PGY-1): Liv Swonger is from Anchorage, Alaska. She received her Bachelor of Science in Natural Sciences from the University of Alaska Anchorage and her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Idaho State University College of Pharmacy. Liv is passionate about emergency medicine, clinical toxicology, and substance use disorder treatments. Denver Health provided her the opportunity to learn at an academic hospital and level one trauma center, attaining experience and skill she anticipates bringing back to Alaska. In her free time, Liv enjoys hiking in the mountains, acrylic painting on canvas, and quad skating.

Holly Green

Holly Green (PGY-1): Dr. Green is from Aurora, CO and received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree at the University of Colorado. Her clinical interests include emergency medicine, critical care, and behavioral health. Holly chose Denver Health because of the patient population they serve and because it is a level one trauma center. In her free time, Holly enjoys spending time with her family and dogs, exploring local breweries, and hiking.

Lauren Steil

Lauren Steil (PGY-1): Lauren is from Huntsville, Alabama and received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree at Auburn University Harrison College of Pharmacy. Her clinical interests include critical care, pediatrics, and behavioral health. Lauren is thrilled to be completing her PGY-1 at Denver Health due to the institution's commitment to providing excellent care to underserved populations as a safety-net institution. In her free time, she likes to take trips to the beach or lake, take Peloton classes, and try new restaurants. Lauren is excited to trade in time at the beach for hikes in the mountains and skiing.

Melissa Porter

Melissa Porter (PGY-2, Emergency Medicine): Melissa is from Denver, CO and received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy. Her clinical interests include harm reduction, dysrhythmia management, and anticoagulation reversal. Melissa chose Denver Health because of its mission to provide high quality medical care to all members of the Denver community. In her spare time, Melissa enjoys archery, trail running, and crossword puzzles.

Christina Berg

Christina Berg (PGY-2, Ambulatory Care): Christina is from Louisville, CO and received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree at the University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. She then went on to complete her PGY-1 at Denver Health and is thrilled to be staying on for a second year in ambulatory care. Her clinical interests include cardiology, women’s health, and health disparities among underserved populations. Christina chose to continue her pharmacy training at Denver Health because of the robust ambulatory care learning experiences offered and her strong personal alignment with Denver Health’s mission of providing high quality medical care to all patients within the community. In her free time, Christina likes to go up to the mountains, take her dog on walks, spend time with family and friends, and attend performances at the Denver Center for Performing Arts.

Lyra Beltran

Lyra Beltran (PGY-2, Critical Care): Dr. Beltran was born in the Philippines but was raised in Las Vegas, Nevada. She received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree at the University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and completed her PGY-1 residency at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Her current clinical interests include anticoagulation, cardiology, neurology, and toxicology. Lyra chose Denver Health because of the shared mission to provide high-quality care for all and the opportunities to educate the next generation of learners. In her free time, Lyra enjoys hiking, snowboarding, traveling, trying new restaurants, and solving puzzles.

Michael Deaney

Michael Deaney (PGY-2, Infectious Diseases): Michael is from Wilmington, North Carolina, and received his Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy. His clinical interests within infectious disease include HIV and opportunistic infections, pediatric infectious diseases, antimicrobial stewardship in immunocompromised populations, and academia. Michael first became interested in pharmacy while volunteering at a free clinic pharmacy, and later spent his extracurricular time in school in a service organization dedicated to advocating for underserved populations. Michael chose to pursue residency training at Denver Health because its infrastructure and employees share that mission to serve the underserved, in addition to a variety of learning rotations with invested preceptors. In his free time, Michael enjoys exploring Denver, trying new foods, and experiencing new adventures with hiking, skiing, and whitewater rafting.

Meet our Resident Mentors

Paul D. Paratore 

Paul D. Paratore, PharmD, BCPPS

Resident Mentorship Program Director
R.E.S.U.L.T.S. Program Coordinator
RAC DEI Workgroup, RAC Research Workgroup
Pediatric Clinical Pharmacist
Preceptor: PICU, NICU, General Pediatrics, Obstetrics
4 years at Denver Health

Education: Seattle Children’s Hospital (PGY-1), Auburn University (PharmD), University of North Carolina (BS Cell Biology), Patrick Henry College (BA Journalism, BA English).

Professional Leadership: Member, Special Advisory Group on Pediatrics, Section of Clinical Specialists and Scientists (ASHP), Certified Well-Being Ambassador (ASHP)

Professional Projects & Interests: Pediatric anticoagulation, collaborative drug therapy agreements, GI/inflammatory bowel disease, PK in pediatric patients, pain management, public health, health outcome disparities, health IT, optimizing pharmacist scope of practice. Peer reviewer for AJHP, JPPT, PLoS ONE.

Personal Interests: Storm chasing, performing/writing music, going to see all the music I can (obsessed with synthwave right now), trying new and old favorite restaurants, gardening, hiking, off-roading, road tripping, traveling, working on reading my book list, and local politics and government.

Personality Type: Protagonist (ENFJ).

Bio: Hey there! I’m Paul and I work in pediatric medicine and critical care at Denver Health. I grew up in New York but have lived throughout the east coast and Deep South and made the jump out west when I moved to Seattle for residency! So far, I have enjoyed road tripping all around Colorado, Utah, and Arizona and seeing all the amazing natural beauty we are lucky to have. I took a very winding road getting to my current career—I had many jobs ranging from a barista to accounting to journalism before going back to school for pharmacy—I like to think some of that experience can be valuable in relating to and sharing with residents how to navigate the ins and outs of their new profession. Mentorship and good precepting were critical to my growth (and survival!) as a resident and I am eager to pass that on.

When I’m not at work you can usually catch me going to concerts at Red Rocks or around town, out on the plains storm chasing, propagating more houseplants, attempting to snowboard, catching Pokémon, or looking for new audiobooks to enjoy. It has been so valuable for me to have mentors both as a resident and as an independent practitioner and I’m committed to making sure every resident has the same opportunity to experience and participate. Resident Mentor Directory (2023 – 2024)



Maggie Cooper 

Maggie Cooper, PharmD, BCIDP

Residency Advisory Council
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Infectious Diseases
Preceptor: Infectious Diseases
3 years at Denver Health

Education: Denver Health Medical Center (PGY-2, Infectious Diseases), Detroit Medical Center (PGY-1), University of Colorado SOPPS (PharmD), The Ohio State University (undergraduate).

Professional Projects & Interests: PK/PD of antimicrobials, gram-negative resistance, de-labeling beta-lactam allergies. Organizations: ACCP, SIDP.

Personal Interests: Reading, hiking, camping, breweries, board games.

Personality Type: Mediator (INFP).

Bio: I have gained so much from my mentors and preceptors, and I'm hoping to pass along everything I've learned! Residency can be overwhelming at times, but it's such a wonderful learning opportunity and I would love to help the residents get the most out of their experience.



Kirsten Elwood 

Kirsten Elwood, PharmD, BCCCP

Residency Advisory Council
Grand Rounds Preceptor
Clinical Pharmacist, Critical Care
Preceptor: MICU, SICU, ICU PM Learning Experience
2 years at Denver Health

Education: Hennepin County Medical Center (PGY-2, Critical Care; PGY-1), Drake University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (PharmD, pre-pharmacy).

Professional Projects & Interests: Neurocritical care, toxicology, PADIS. Education: precepting, presentations, mentorship.

Personal Interests: Hiking, backpacking, running, cooking, houseplants, skiing, books, going to concerts, visiting national parks, restaurants, camping.

Personality Type: Defender (ISFJ).

Bio: Hi! I’m Kirsten. I’m a pharmacist in the ICU at Denver Health and I primarily work the ICU PM shift. Originally from Webster, Minnesota, I attended Drake University for pharmacy school before heading back to Minnesota for PGY-1/2 residency training at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis. Mentorship has had a tremendous impact on my professional development as a young professional. I’m excited about the prospect of “giving back” to new resident pharmacists during this exciting phase of their career.

Residency can be fun, rewarding, and energizing! There can also be times when residency is stressful and turbulent. I’m here to be a sounding board and part of a resident’s support system for: residency, career planning, life, etc. I’m open to mentoring residents in any of the programs available here at Denver Health, irrespective of their level of interest in critical care and/or emergency medicine.



Heather Hazeldine 

Heather Hazeldine, PharmD, BCPS

PGY-2 Residency Advisory Council
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Ambulatory Care
Preceptor: Ambulatory Care
5 months at Denver Health

Education: VA Medical Center, Memphis (PGY-1), University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Memphis (PharmD).

Professional Projects & Interests: Hypertension, anticoagulation, diabetes, and health disparities.

Personal Interests: Traveling, hiking, family time. Mountain Area Science Fair judge, Girl Scout leader (previous), PTA (previous).

Personality Type: Defender (ISFJ).

Bio: I am originally from Denver but have also lived in Utah and Tennessee. I have worked as an ambulatory care clinical specialist throughout my career, including at the VA Medical Center (Denver), Kaiser Permanente Colorado, Clinica Family Health, and most recently Denver Health. Working for Clinica re-ignited my passion for providing high quality and affordable care to our most vulnerable patient populations. I was very excited to join the dedicated and growing team of clin specs at Denver Health this year. I have served as resident mentor for many years in these different practices and I’m excited to use that experience to support the newest generation of clinical pharmacy practitioners.



Veronica M Hernandez 

Veronica M Hernandez, PharmD, BCACP

Residency Advisory Council
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Ambulatory Care
Preceptor: Ambulatory Care
2 years at Denver Health

Education: Denver Health Medical Center (PGY-2, Ambulatory Care), Providence St. Mary Medical Center (PGY-1), University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences University (PharmD), Colorado Mountain College, Colorado Mesa University (undergraduate).

Professional Projects & Interests: primary care, diabetes, health disparities in the medically underserved populations, DEI.

Personal Interests: Hiking, exploring, snowboarding, traveling, good books, coffee!

Personality Type: Defender (ISFJ).

Bio: I was born in El Salvador, but I was raised in El Jebel, Colorado. I truly enjoy working at Denver Health because of our patient population and the opportunity to help give back to our community. I had a great experience being a mentee and I would like to pay it forward by offering fresh perspective(s) and sharing my experiences. I am always available to chat, create a safe space to vent, and provide advice to residents when they need it. I love trying different FOODS!



Dallas Lendrum 

Dallas Lendrum, PharmD, BCPS

Residency Advisory Council
Clinical Pharmacist Supervisor
Internal Medicine Clinical Specialist
Preceptor: Internal Medicine

Education: Denver VA Hospital (PGY-1), University of Iowa (PharmD).

Personal Interests: Sports (Denver Broncos, Nuggets, Rockies), fishing, hiking.

Personality Type: Consul (ESFJ).

Bio: I enjoy working with the residents early in the year during orientation and their internal medicine rotations, but I don't want the interaction to stop there. Even though it was 16-17 years ago that I was in residency, it sometimes feels like it was yesterday. I've been in their shoes and understand what they are going through. I feel that my years of experience can help with guidance in career paths. I now serve as the PGY-1 supervisor, so I have some of these opportunities outside of the mentorship program.



Regis Lucia 

Regis Lucia, PharmD

Pediatric Clinical Pharmacist
Preceptor: PICU, NICU, General Pediatrics, Obstetrics
1 year at Denver Health

Education: University of Kansas (PharmD, pre-pharmacy/undergraduate).

Professional Projects & Interests: Toxicology, critical care, obstetrics, LGBTQ health, process improvement. Organizations: Colorado Pharmacist Society.

Personal Interests: In my free time I enjoy goldsmithing, playing cello, tailoring, traveling, skiing, the frustrations of tennis, spoiling my dog (Lenny LaBeija), cooking, and using puns.

Personality Type: Campaigner (ENFP).

Bio: Originally from Michigan, I moved to Kansas to study at The University of Kansas and stayed after graduation to start my clinical career. During this time, I also apprenticed as a tailor in the Kansas City metro while working as a clinical pharmacist (and later as a Director of Pharmacy) before moving to Dodge City, KS. While in Dodge City, I stepped back into the clinical world with rural care where I grew an appreciation for pediatric and immigrant populations. This aside, sometimes you just need to get out of Dodge, a sentiment that brought me to Denver and submersed into pediatrics. I feel very fortunate to have gathered an eccentric array of experiences across such a wide range of practice environments.

Graduating at a rather tumultuous inner transition for pharmacy, I looked to my fabulous preceptors to help guide where I would head professionally. I couldn’t have landed at Denver Health without the candid bracing of these prime mentors and learning a thing or two along the way. Modeling this experience, I feel providing honest direction without diminishing a resident’s enthusiasm is the only way to truly prepare to be an independent practitioner.



Ashley McCormick 

Ashley McCormick, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP

Residency Advisory Council
Clinical Pharmacist, Critical Care, Emergency Medicine
Preceptor: Neurosurgery
1 year at Denver Health

Education: University of Missouri Hospital (PGY-2, Internal Medicine), Truman Medical Center – Hospital Hill (PGY-1), University of Missouri – Kansas City School of Pharmacy (PharmD).

Professional Projects & Interests: Critical care, neurology and neurosurgery, infectious diseases, PK/PD, education, career planning. Organizations: ACCP, SCCM, Neurocritical Care Society.

Personal Interests: Dancing, coffee, brews and BBQ, anime and Marvel, video games, and most of all, cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs!

Personality Type: Advocate (INFJ).

Bio: As someone who had excellent mentors early in my education, I know how much a good mentor can change the trajectory of your career. I also know how rewarding but challenging the ebbs and flows of residency can be and I am here to help you in navigating those waters, particularly in getting organized as well as maintaining work-life balance. I also enjoy creating a safe space for students and residents to unload as well as providing guidance and feedback where needed.

Raised in Kansas City, MO and lived the last few years in Hawaii, my family and I recently relocated to the mainland. I have two adventure-loving and sweet girls and two cats. I prefer the ocean over the mountains and have found that at ski resorts, I thrive at the coffee shops and the bar.



Nichol Ngo 

Nichol Ngo, PharmD, BCPS

Clinical Pharmacist, Operations, PICU, NICU, General Pediatrics, Neurosurgery, Internal Medicine
2.5 years at Denver Health

Education: Denver Health Medical Center (PGY-1), University of Colorado School of Pharmacy (PharmD), University of Colorado Boulder (BA Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology).

Professional Projects & Interests: Toxicology, trauma, critical care.

Personal Interests: Going to concerts, eating good food, crafting, learning new hobbies.

Personality Type: Protagonist (ENFJ).

Bio: Originally from Broomfield, Colorado, I graduated from CU Boulder with a B.A. in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology (sko Buffs!) and went on to complete pharmacy school at CU Anschutz Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences in 2020. While in school, I worked as a clinical intern at Kaiser Permanente Colorado and was involved with projects—I completed my PGY1 residency at Denver Health and now work as a clinical staff pharmacist at DH primarily in Unit Dose, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, and Neurosurgery. My clinical interests include critical care, emergency medicine, and toxicology.

When I am not working, I like to hike/snowshoe, teach myself new crafts, visit new restaurants, and attend concerts. I previously volunteered for a year as a peer mentor for pharmacy students at CU Anschutz and with my recent experience in residency, I hope to offer a fresh perspective for residents and hope to become an honest and helpful resource for new graduates as they take on the challenges of residency.



Megan Pollard 

Megan Pollard, PharmD, BCCCP

Grand Rounds Coordinator
Residency Advisory Council
Critical Care & Emergency Medicine Pharmacy Supervisor
Preceptor: Critical Care
3.5 years at Denver Health

Education: University of Kansas (PGY-2, Critical Care; PGY-1), University of Colorado (PharmD, BS Chemical & Biological Engineering, BS Integrative Physiology).

Professional Projects & Interests: Liver failure, renal replacement therapies, medication safety, mentorship, student/resident development. Organizations: ASHP, ACCP, SCCM.

Personal Interests: Spending time with family, sharing new experiences with my son, Calen, sports, golfing, trying new restaurants, craft beer, and enjoying the Colorado sunshine.

Personality Type: Protagonist (ENFJ).

Bio: Mentoring is one of my passions. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have some wonderful mentors throughout my training that continue to be great resources both personally and professionally and can only hope to impart some of my knowledge on future pharmacists. I love being a pharmacist and being part of the inter-disciplinary team. So much of critical care medicine happens at the bedside and I love being a valued member of the team.

Critical care is another one of my passions in addition to precepting. While I love critical care, I recognize that it’s not for everyone, but there’s so much to learn in any pharmacy setting, you just have to open your mind to the learning opportunities! My experiences as a resident and pharmacist have helped shape me into the leader that I am today, and I would be honored to share those experiences with learners regardless of their career path.



Stephen Small 

Stephen Small, PharmD, BCPS, BCPPS, BCCCP

RAC Wellness Workgroup
RAC Website Taskforce
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Pediatrics
Preceptor: PICU, NICU, General Pediatrics, Obstetrics
8 years at Denver Health

Education: Denver Health Medical Center (PGY-1), Butler University (PharmD).

Professional Leadership: Ambassador (Board of Pharmacy Specialties)

Professional Projects & Interests: Pediatrics, parenteral nutrition, emergency preparedness, medication safety, pediatric advocacy, and history of medicine. Organizations: ASHP, PPA, CPS, CO-2 Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT), BPS.

Personal Interests: Film photography/developing, videography (filmed and directed residency program recruitment videos), playing the saxophone, fly fishing, and storm chasing.

Personality Type: Advocate (INFJ).

Bio: I have a unique career path into my current position, especially considering pediatrics was the last specialty I had considered pursuing when I was a resident! This population revealed to me all the potential services pharmacists can offer, and we use all of our unique skills to help this special and challenging group. I also feel lucky to work with a like-minded team of passionate and brilliant peds pharmacists who make the job fun.

My career's journey provided experiences I hope to share with residents as they transition from a student to a resident and then to a fully trained pharmacist. As a former Denver Health pharmacy resident, I feel I can give a historical context to the program and understand our residents’ points of view. I also enjoy seeing residents grow in their skills and confidence during the year. I want to be able to offer any advice and help I can during such an important and fun time in a new pharmacist’s career.



Tisha Smith 

Tisha Smith, PharmD, BCACP

Residency Advisory Council
DEI Workgroup; Ambulatory P&T Subcommittee; ACS QI, Medication Adherence, & Central Population Health Subcommittees
Assistant Director, Ambulatory Clinical Pharmacy
Preceptor: Ambulatory Pharmacy

Education: University of Colorado (PharmD).

Professional Interests: Anticoagulation, hypertension, diabetes.

Personal Interests: Any sport, hanging out with friends/family and good ole' reality television.

Personality Type: Entertainer (ESFP).

Bio: Having graduated from pharmacy school many moons ago, I was fortunate to be exposed to many different areas of pharmacy including retail, specialty, and inpatient before finding my passion within ambulatory clinical. It was because of my mentors that I was able to have so many wonderful experiences as each was always available to provide advice, experience, and sometimes just a shoulder to lean on. And I now would like to provide the same encouragement and support that I had and still have, to others.



Kali Turrin 

Kali Turrin, PharmD

Grand Rounds Preceptor
Residency Advisory Council
Clinical Pharmacist, Critical Care, Emergency Medicine
Preceptor: SICU, MICU, NSGY, ED
4 years at Denver Health

Education: Denver Health Medical Center (PGY-2, Emergency Medicine), Detroit Receiving Hospital (PGY-1), University of Colorado School of Pharmacy (PharmD), University of Denver (BS Biology, minors in Chemistry, Sustainability).

Professional Projects & Interests: Toxicology, snake bites, anticoagulation reversal, neurologic emergencies. Organizations: ACCP, ASHP.

Personal Interests: Traveling, cooking, reading, outdoor sports (tennis, skiing), hiking, watching Netflix, candle-making, flower arranging, home renovations, taking way too many pictures of my dog and forcing people to look at how cute he is, Project Angel Heart, Tattered Paws Golden Hearts.

Personality Type: Defender (ISFJ).

Bio: I am originally from Breckenridge, Colorado, where I loved to be active and outdoors as much as possible. I moved to Denver for undergrad and eventually stayed for pharmacy school at CU! I took a nice detour to Detroit for my PGY-1 and it was the best experience I could have asked for. I was lucky enough to come back to Denver Health, where I completed my PGY-2 in Emergency Medicine and stayed on after my residency completed. In my free time I like to work on house renovations, take lots of pics of my pup, be outside, play tennis, and in general enjoy Colorado!

When I was a student, through PGY-2, one of the most important impacts on my success was being able to have a mentor who looked out for me, was able to hear me out, and help plan for my future. Having a mentor which you connect with and have important (and fun!) conversations with is something I want to offer any residents or students at Denver Health.



Dawn Whiting 

Dawn Whiting, PharmD, BCPS

Residency Advisory Council
DEI Workgroup, Research Workgroup
Assistant Director of Acute Care Pharmacy Clinical Services
Preceptor: Leadership Learning Experience

Education: University of Colorado HSC (PharmD), University of Colorado Boulder (BA Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology).

Professional Projects & Interests: Infectious disease, critical care, clinical pharmacy, leadership, strategy, business acumen.

Personal Interests: Active in our faith community, exercise, camping, boating, reading, creative crafts (photography/cross stitch/drawing), parenting.

Personality Type: Advocate (INFJ).

Bio: I'm a born-and-raised true Coloradoan, born at Rose Hospital, and having lived in the Denver metro area my whole life. My schooling was completed at CU for undergrad and pharmacy training. Over my years as a clinical pharmacist and then a leader, I have realized that I am passionate about making processes better for others so they can do their job better. I am also passionate that the workforce tends to take very strong clinicians and make them leaders—which are actually not the same skill sets. I enjoy helping the next generation learn more about being a leader and having tools in their toolbox for if/when they decide to step into a leadership role they are more adequately prepared for the task.



Stephanie Wienkers 

Stephanie Wienkers, PharmD, BCACP

Clinical Pharmacist Specialist, Ambulatory Care
Preceptor: Ambulatory Care

Education: Denver Health (PGY-2 Ambulatory Care), Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center (PGY-1), University of Wisconsin-Madison (PharmD).

Professional Projects & Interests: Diabetes, continuous glucose monitoring, social determinants of health, HIV and PrEP.

Personal Interests: Reading, hanging out with my dog, eating and drinking around Denver.

Personality Type: Protagonist (ENFJ).

Bio: I am originally from Wisconsin and was lucky enough to stay on at Denver Health after completing my PGY-2 here. I was drawn to Denver Health because of their patient population and mission to provide care for all patients. Seeing that mission in action every day of my residency made me want to stay. As a recent Denver Health resident myself, I feel I can provide guidance and support to residents.

Meet our Preceptors

Gale Albrecht 

Gale Albrecht, PharmD, BCCCP, MS

Chair, RAC Research Workgroup
Residency Advisory Council
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Drug Policy & Formulary Management
Preceptor: Formulary Management
7 years at Denver Health

Education: Saint Joseph Hospital (PGY-2, Critical Care; PGY-1), CU Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (PharmD), University of Nebraska – Kearney (MS, BS).

 

Maggie Cooper 

Maggie Cooper, PharmD, BCIDP

Residency Advisory Council
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Infectious Diseases
Preceptor: Infectious Diseases
3 years at Denver Health

Education: Denver Health Medical Center (PGY-2, Infectious Diseases), Detroit Medical Center (PGY1), University of Colorado SOPPS (PharmD), The Ohio State University (undergraduate).



Kirsten Elwood 

Kirsten Elwood, PharmD, BCCCP

Residency Advisory Council
Grand Rounds Preceptor
Clinical Pharmacist, Critical Care
Preceptor: MICU, SICU, ICU PM Learning Experience
2 years at Denver Health

Education: Hennepin County Medical Center (PGY-2, Critical Care; PGY-1), Drake University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (PharmD, pre-pharmacy).

 

Lynn Flach 

Lynn Flach, PharmD, BCPS

PGY-2 Residency Advisory Committee
Outcomes MTM Administrator
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Population Health
Preceptor: Ambulatory Care, Population Health
3.5 years at Denver Health

Education: University of Iowa College of Pharmacy (PharmD).

 

Laura Hayes 

Laura Hayes, PharmD, BCACP

Preceptor Development Chair
Denver Health RAC, Ambulatory Care RAC
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Ambulatory Care
Preceptor: Ambulatory Care
1.5 years at Denver Health

Education: Kaiser Permanente Colorado (PGY-2, Ambulatory Care), St. Anthony Hospital (PGY-1), University of Michigan (PharmD), University of Michigan (BS Biomolecular Science, Anthropology).

 

Heather Hazeldine 

Heather Hazeldine, PharmD, BCPS

PGY-2 Residency Advisory Council
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Ambulatory Care
Preceptor: Ambulatory Care
6 months at Denver Health

Education: VA Medical Center, Memphis (PGY-1), University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Memphis (PharmD).



Veronica M Hernandez 

Veronica M Hernandez, PharmD, BCACP

Residency Advisory Council
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Ambulatory Care
Preceptor: Ambulatory Care
2 years at Denver Health

Education: Denver Health Medical Center (PGY-2, Ambulatory Care), Providence St. Mary Medical Center (PGY-1), University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences University (PharmD), Colorado Mountain College, Colorado Mesa University (undergraduate).

 

Spencer Laehn 

Spencer Laehn, PharmD, BCCCP

QuIRC Committee
Residency Advisory Council
RAC Research Workgroup
Clinical Pharmacist, Critical Care, Emergency Medicine
Preceptor: Emergency Medicine
4 years at Denver Health

Education: Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin (PGY-2, Critical Care; PGY-1), University of Wisconsin (PharmD), University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee (undergraduate).

 

Dallas Lendrum 

Dallas Lendrum, PharmD, BCPS

Residency Advisory Council
Clinical Pharmacist Supervisor
Internal Medicine Clinical Specialist
Preceptor: Internal Medicine

Education: Denver VA Hospital (PGY-1), University of Iowa (PharmD).

 

Regis Lucia 

Regis Lucia, PharmD

Pediatric Clinical Pharmacist
Preceptor: PICU, NICU, General Pediatrics, Obstetrics
1 year at Denver Health

Education: University of Kansas (PharmD, pre-pharmacy/undergraduate).

 

Ashley McCormick 

Ashley McCormick, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP

Residency Advisory Council
Clinical Pharmacist, Critical Care, Emergency Medicine
Preceptor: Neurosurgery
1 year at Denver Health

Education: University of Missouri Hospital (PGY-2, Internal Medicine), Truman Medical Center – Hospital Hill (PGY-1), University of Missouri – Kansas City School of Pharmacy (PharmD).

 

Paul D. Paratore 

Paul D. Paratore, PharmD, BCPPS

Resident Mentorship Program Director
R.E.S.U.L.T.S. Program Coordinator
RAC DEI Workgroup, RAC Research Workgroup
Pediatric Clinical Pharmacist
Preceptor: PICU, NICU, General Pediatrics, Obstetrics
4 years at Denver Health

Education: Seattle Children’s Hospital (PGY-1), Auburn University (PharmD), University of North Carolina (BS Cell Biology), Patrick Henry College (BA Journalism, BA English).

 

Sonia Peterson 

Sonia Peterson, PharmD

Pediatric Clinical Pharmacist
Preceptor: PICU, NICU, General Pediatrics, Obstetrics
4 years at Denver Health

Education: Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin (PGY-2, Pediatrics), Primary Children’s Medical Center (PGY-1), University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy (PharmD).

 

Megan Pollard 

Megan Pollard, PharmD, BCCCP

Grand Rounds Coordinator
Residency Advisory Council
Critical Care & Emergency Medicine Pharmacy Supervisor
Preceptor: Critical Care
3.5 years at Denver Health

Education: University of Kansas (PGY-2, Critical Care; PGY-1), University of Colorado (PharmD, BS Chemical & Biological Engineering, BS Integrative Physiology).

 

Lance Ray 

Lance Ray, PharmD, BCPS

Residency Program Director; PGY-2, Emergency Medicine
Chair, DEI Workgroup
Residency Advisory Council
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Emergency Medicine
Preceptor: Emergency Medicine
3 years at Denver Health

Education: University of Texas – Austin (PharmD, pre-pharmacy/undergraduate).

 

Becky Reiss 

Becky Reiss, PharmD, BCPP

Residency Program Director, PGY-1
Residency Advisory Council
Preceptor Development Workgroup
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Psychiatry
Preceptor: Behavioral Health, Substance Use Disorders, Orientation, Longitudinal Teaching
8 years at Denver Health

Education: Virginia Commonwealth University Health System (PGY-2, Psychiatric Pharmacy), University of Missouri Healthcare (PGY-1), Drake University (PharmD, BA Psychology).

 

Kayley Simmons 

Kayley Simmons, PharmD, BCACP, BC-ADM

PGY-2 Residency Advisory Council
RAC Diabetes Workgroup
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Ambulatory Care (Webb Clinic)
Preceptor: Ambulatory Care
2 years at Denver Health

Education: University of Tennessee Health Science Center (PGY-2, Ambulatory Care, Academia), Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Pharmacy (PGY-1, Community Pharmacy), St. Louis College of Pharmacy (PharmD).

 

Stephen Small 

Stephen Small, PharmD, BCPS, BCPPS, BCCCP

RAC Wellness Workgroup
RAC Website Taskforce
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Pediatrics
Preceptor: PICU, NICU, General Pediatrics, Obstetrics
8 years at Denver Health

Education: Denver Health Medical Center (PGY-1), Butler University (PharmD).

 

Tisha Smith 

Tisha Smith, PharmD, BCACP

Residency Advisory Council
DEI Workgroup; Ambulatory P&T Subcommittee; ACS QI, Medication
Adherence, & Central Population Health Subcommittees
Assistant Director, Ambulatory Clinical Pharmacy
Preceptor: Ambulatory Pharmacy

Education: University of Colorado (PharmD).

 

Michelle Then 

Michelle Then, PharmD, MBA

Residency Advisory Council
Manager; Medication Safety, Quality, & Regulatory Compliance
Preceptor: Medication Safety & Compliance
8 years at Denver Health

Education: UMass Medical School/UMass Memorial Medical Center (PGY-2, Medication Use Safety), University of Maryland SOP/University of Maryland Medical Center (PGY-1), University of Baltimore/ Towson University (MBA), University of Maryland SOP – Baltimore (PharmD), SUNY Stone Brook University (BS Biology).



Kali Turrin 

Kali Turrin, PharmD

Grand Rounds Preceptor
Residency Advisory Council
Clinical Pharmacist, Critical Care, Emergency Medicine
Preceptor: SICU, MICU, NSGY, ED
4 years at Denver Health

Education: Denver Health Medical Center (PGY-2, Emergency Medicine), Detroit Receiving Hospital (PGY-1), University of Colorado School of Pharmacy (PharmD), University of Denver (BS Biology, minors in Chemistry, Sustainability).

 

Jamela Urban 

Jamela Urban, PharmD, BCPS

Clinical Pharmacist, Internal & Emergency Medicine Preceptor: Internal Medicine, Emergency Medicine 12 years at Denver Health

Education: The Nebraska Medical Center (PGY-1), University of Colorado (PharmD), University of Colorado at Boulder (undergraduate).

    

Dawn Whiting 

Dawn Whiting, PharmD, BCPS

Residency Advisory Council
DEI Workgroup, Research Workgroup
Assistant Director of Acute Care Pharmacy Clinical Services
Preceptor: Leadership Learning Experience

Education: University of Colorado HSC (PharmD), University of Colorado Boulder (BA Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology).

 

Stephanie Wienkers 

Stephanie Wienkers, PharmD, BCACP

Clinical Pharmacist Specialist, Ambulatory Care Preceptor: Ambulatory Care

Education: Denver Health (PGY-2, Ambulatory Care), Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center (PGY-1), University of Wisconsin-Madison (PharmD).

 

Brooke Wobeter 

Brooke Wobeter, PharmD, BCACP

Residency Advisory Committee, PGY-2 RAC
Geriatric Bone Health Workgroup, Anticoagulation Workgroup
EPIC Champions
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Ambulatory Care
Preceptor: Ambulatory Care
13 years at Denver Health

Education: Kaiser Permanente of Colorado (PGY-2, Ambulatory Care), Denver Health Medical Center (PGY-1), CU Anschutz SOPPS (PharmD), Regis University (undergraduate).