Telemedicine Expectations

Helping people gain better

control of their health

Our Advanced Practice Providers

Dedicated to health, wellness and education

Advanced Practice Providers play a critical role to help assure that patients are provided with the highest quality of care. Your Endocrinologist may work with a Physician Assistant (PA), Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS). All three disciplines have completed bachelor’s degrees and most have a master’s degree.

The Advanced Practice Providers at TD&E are licensed by the State of Texas and can prescribe medication. All have had rigorous clinical training and have taken national board exams to certify them in their areas of expertise. They must complete a set curriculum of continuing education each year, just as your physician is required to do to maintain their license. In addition, all of our advanced practice providers are required to become Certified Diabetes Educators (CDE). This is done after they have acquired the required number of clinical hours to make them eligible to sit for the CDE exam.

Amanda Bonazzi

MSN, APRN, ACNS-BC, CDCES

Amanda Bonazzi is an ANCC Board Certified Adult Clinical Nurse Specialist. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Biomedical Science from Texas A&M University in 2003, then went on to study nursing and completed her Master of Science in Nursing at the University of Texas at Austin in May of 2007. She has been a Registered Nurse since 2005 and she enjoyed working on the medical-surgical unit at Round Rock Medical Center for 2 years prior to earning her Master’s degree and joining the team at Texas Diabetes &Endocrinology in January 2008. Amanda specializes in treating patients with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes and Diabetes during pregnancy; she is a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) and a certified insulin pump trainer. She also treats patients with Thyroid disorders and other endocrine pathologies. She has a passion for helping others and strives to help patients achieve optimal health and wellness.

Degrees & Certifications:

  • MSN – Masters of Science in Nursing
  • APRN – Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
  • ACNS-BC – Board Certified Adult Clinical Nurse Specialist
  • CDCES – Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist

Ashley Davila

MSN, ACNS-BC, Clinical Lipid Specialist

Ashley Davila has been a registered nurse since 2003, and earned her Master’s degree in Adult Health Nursing from The University of Texas at Austin in 2005. She is a licensed Clinical Nurse Specialist and joined Texas Diabetes & Endocrinology in 2006. She earned the designation of Diplomate from the Accreditation Council for Clinical Lipidology and is board certified as a Clinical Lipid Specialist. Ashley also holds a Master’s Degree in Community Health and is very interested in cardiovascular disease prevention. She focuses on treating complex lipid patients and utilizes advanced lipoprotein testing as well as interprets the carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) exams. In her free time she likes trail running and spending time with her family.

Degrees & Certifications:

  • MSN – Masters of Science in Nursing
  • ACNS-BC – Board Certified Adult Clinical Nurse Specialist
  • Clinical Lipid Specialist

Azaret Villeda

MSN, APRN, FNP-C

Azaret is a Certified Nurse Practitioner with American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). After she completed her Masters of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2021, she joined the team of Texas Diabetes & Endocrinology. She treats patient with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. She is fluent in Spanish.

Previously, Azaret worked as a registered nurse in critical care at Seton Medical Center Williamson for four years, including through the Covid pandemic. Azaret maintains membership of American Academy Nurse Practitioners (AANP).  Azaret is dedicated and committed in helping people manage their endocrinology disorders.  In her spare time, she enjoys traveling and outdoor activities with her husband like hiking the tallest peak in Texas–Guadalupe Peak!

Amanda Bonazzi is an ANCC Board Certified Adult Clinical Nurse Specialist. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Biomedical Science from Texas A&M University in 2003, then went on to study nursing and completed her Master of Science in Nursing at the University of Texas at Austin in May of 2007. She has been a Registered Nurse since 2005 and she enjoyed working on the medical-surgical unit at Round Rock Medical Center for 2 years prior to earning her Master’s degree and joining the team at Texas Diabetes &Endocrinology in January 2008. Amanda specializes in treating patients with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes and Diabetes during pregnancy; she is a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) and a certified insulin pump trainer. She also treats patients with Thyroid disorders and other endocrine pathologies. She has a passion for helping others and strives to help patients achieve optimal health and wellness.

Degrees & Certifications:

  • MSN – Masters of Science in Nursing
  • APRN – Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
  • FNP-C – Certified Family Nurse Practioner

Ben Pagano

MSN, ACNS-BC, CDE

Ben graduated from the University of Texas with a Masters Degree in Nursing in 2012. And, after a year-long internship with the team, he joined Texas Diabetes &Endocrinology full-time in 2012. He is a board certified Clinical Nurse Specialist and Certified Diabetic Educator. He’s always been passionate about helping others—working as a Peace Corps Health Volunteer, assisting with the relocation of those impacted by Hurricane Katrina, and providing skilled nursing care to Austin seniors. His combination of compassion and skill allows him to build strong partnerships with patients, which he believes helps maximize patient wellness. He specializes in treating all forms of Diabetes and Thyroid illness; and also treats Gonadal, Adrenal and Pituitary dysfunction. He loves living in Austin, especially, swimming, biking and the generous portion of sunny days.

Degrees & Certifications:

  • MSN – Masters of Science in Nursing
  • ACNS-BC – Board Certified Adult Clinical Nurse Specialist
  • CDCES – Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist

Brandy Wellmon

PA-C, CDCES

Brandy is originally from North Carolina, where she attended Lenoir-Rhyne College and graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelors of Science in Sports Medicine and Athletic Training. She worked one year for The Institute for Rehabilitation and Research in Houston prior to attending Baylor College of Medicine. She graduated from Baylor with a Masters degree in Science and is board certified in Physician Assistant Studies. Brandy is also a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES). She worked one year in Internal Medicine prior to beginning her career at Texas Diabetes & Endocrinology. She is an active member of The American Academy of Physician Assistants. She works with Diabetes, Thyroid, Pituitary, and Adrenal abnormalities, as well as bone loss. She enjoys Austin’s live music and is an outdoor enthusiast.

Degrees & Certifications:

  • PA-C – Certified Physician Assistant
  • CDCES – Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist

Carmen Addington

MSN, FNP, CDCES

Carmen is an AANP Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner and is also a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES). After completing her Masters of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas at Austin in 2016, she joined the team at Texas Diabetes & Endocrinology. She treats patients with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes.

Previously, Carmen worked as a Registered Nurse in the Intensive Care Unit at Seton Medical Center Austin for seven years. Carmen maintains memberships in professional associations including Texas Nurse Practitioners, Austin Advanced Practice Nurses, and Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. Carmen is passionate about educating patients to manage their chronic illnesses by creating supportive, effective, and realistic health plans. She is a native Texan who enjoys watching the Texas Longhorns, cooking, and hiking.

Degrees & Certifications:

  • MSN – Masters of Science in Nursing
  • FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner
  • CDCES – Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist

Carrie Barlow

PA-C, CDCES

Carrie is originally from Tulsa, Oklahoma and graduated from the University of Oklahoma Physician Associate program in 2007. Since that time, she has worked in endocrinology and internal medicine specialties. She is a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist and enjoys working as a team with patients on their desired health outcomes. In her free time, Carrie enjoys pilates, reading, traveling, costume party planning, and enjoying time outside with her kids and family. 

Carrie’s care philosophy includes listening carefully and working together to achieve desired health outcomes. Some advice she gives is – a little prep work in advance of your appointment goes a long way – write down questions and have your updated medication list so we can make the most of your time!

Degrees & Certifications

  • PA-C – Physician Assistant, Certified
  • CDCES – Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES)

 

Emily Simon

MSN, APRN, AGCNS-BC, CDCES

Emily is a board certified Clinical Nurse Specialist in Adult-Gerontology. She graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with a minor in Psychology at the University of Texas at Austin in 2011. She obtained her RN licensure in 2013, and completed her Master of Science in Nursing from UT Austin in 2015. While completing her Masters degree she worked as a Registered Nurse in an urgent care environment and also served as a Teaching Assistant and Research Assistant at UT Austin. Additionally, she served as President of the Association of Nurses in Graduate School. She had clinical rotations at Texas Diabetes & Endocrinology beginning in 2014 and began a full time position as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in 2015. Emily is passionate about educating and empowering her patients. She believes in the partnership between patients and providers, and creating treatment plans accordingly. Emily’s pastimes include watching sports, including her beloved Texas Longhorns, and spending time with family and friends. Fascinated by nature and traveling, she desires to see the 7 Wonders of the World.

Degrees & Certifications:

  • MSN – Masters of Science in Nursing
  • APRN – Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
  • ACNS-BC – Board Certified Adult Clinical Nurse Specialist
  • CDCES – Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist

Emily Williams

MSN, FNP

Emily is an AANP board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner. Originally from Maryland, she graduated in 2015 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and worked as an Emergency Department nurse before commissioning into the United States Air Force. She was stationed in San Antonio, Texas and worked as an ER nurse and critical care flight nurse within the military before pursuing higher education at the University of Texas at Austin. Emily graduated in 2023 with a Master of Science in Nursing and is passionate about health promotion and chronic disease management. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, spending quality time with family, exploring U.S. national parks, and cheering on the Longhorns at football games with her husband. 

Emily’s care philosophy focuses on providing patient-centered care and collaborating with patients to meet their specific healthcare goals.  Her advice for patients is – Ask questions! Communication is key to optimize your health and well-being and for me to provide the best care for you. 

Degrees & Certifications

  • MSN – Masters of Science in Nursing
  • FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner

Jessica Ribeiro

RN, MSN, FNP, CDCES

Jessica worked as a Nurse Practitioner in family practice at Austin Diagnostic Clinic. She graduated with honors from the University of Texas at Austin in the Family Nurse Practitioner master’s program. While attending UT, she worked at St. David’s South Austin Medical Center as an RN in the Med/Surg. and Trauma Unit. Jessica moved to Austin in 2013 from Connecticut, where she worked at a large hospital as a Charge Nurse and Preceptor on a Surgical Intermediate Care Unit. Jessica joined Texas Diabetes & Endocrinology in January 2019.

Currently, Jessica is pursuing her Doctorate in Nursing at UT Austin. In her spare time, Jessica and her husband Jake enjoys kayaking with their Australian Shepherd and trail running. They are also amateur food enthusiasts and spend lots of their free time cooking and exploring all the wonderful cuisines Austin has to offer. Jessica stated that she is excited to join the team at TD&E and to specialize in endocrinology disorders.

Degrees & Certifications:

  • MSN – Masters of Science in Nursing
  • APRN – Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
  • ACNS-BC – Board Certified Adult Clinical Nurse Specialist
  • CDCES – Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist

Kim Jones

MSN, FNP, CDCES

Kim is an AANP Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner. After completing her Masters of Science in Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner from Texas State University, she joined Texas Diabetes & Endocrinology. She sees patients with a variety of Endocrine conditions but specializes in Diabetes. Previously, Kim worked at Baylor, Scott and White McLane Children’s Hospital for five years where she cared for a variety of pediatric patients. Kim maintains professional associations with Austin Area Nurse Practitioners and Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. Kim is passionate about helping patients achieve a healthy lifestyle. She has lived in the Austin area her whole life and enjoys spending her free time with her family and RV-ing around the great state of Texas.

Degrees & Certifications

  • MSN – Masters of Science in Nursing
  • FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner
  • CDCES – Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist

Rachel Kohls

MSN, AGCNS-BC, CDCES

Rachel graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a Master’s degree in Nursing in May 2015. As a board-certified Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist, Rachel specializes in treating Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes, thyroid and other endocrine disorders, and is certified in insulin pump therapy and continuous glucose monitors. Prior to starting at Texas Diabetes & Endocrinology, she was a registered nurse for CommUnityCare providing care to the under-insured and under-served populations. Before Rachel’s nursing career, she worked in the business and management arena for over 13 years. Her goal is to partner with her patients to individualize their care and provide them with the knowledge to successfully manage their condition. She is passionate about health promotion and wants to help her patients to be the healthiest version of themselves. Rachel has lived in Austin (or its surrounding areas) her entire life. She has two amazing children and loves to spend time with her family and friends. While not at work, Rachel enjoys camping, hiking, dancing, going to live sports games, reading, and watching movies.

Degrees & Certifications:

  • MSN – Masters of Science in Nursing
  • ACNS-BC – Board Certified Adult Clinical Nurse Specialist
  • CDCES – Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist
Sarah King

Sarah King

MSN, FNP-C, CDCES

Sarah is a board certified Family Nurse Practitioner. She received her Masters of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas at Arlington in September of 2017. She joined the team at Texas Diabetes and Endocrinology in April of 2018 and treats patients with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes. Sarah received her undergraduate training at the University of Iowa, where she began her career in the ICU in 2010. She moved to Austin and worked in the ICU at Seton Medical Center from 2012 to 2018. She is excited for the opportunity to collaborate with her patients to develop individualized health plans that meet their needs. Sarah loves the people, culture, and warm weather that Austin provides. In her spare time she enjoys cooking, listening to live music, watching Iowa Hawkeye sports, and spending time with friends and family.

Degrees & Certifications:

  • MSN – Masters of Science in Nursing
  • FNP-C – Certified Family Nurse Practitioner
  • CDCES – Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist
Tracy Chan

Tracy Chan

MSN, FNP, CDCES

Tracy is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner. She received her Masters of Science in Nursing from the Texas State University in May of 2018. Tracy comes to us from St. David’s South Austin Medical Center where she was employed for the last 8 years, most recently as a Med/Surg and Trauma Care Supervisor. She joined the team at Texas Diabetes and Endocrinology in July of 2018 and treats patients with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes. She is excited for the opportunity to collaborate with her patients to develop individualized health plans that meet their needs. Tracy maintains professional associations with Austin Area Nurse Practitioners and Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. She is fluent in Spanish and conversational in Chinese.

In her spare time, her hobbies include shopping, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

Degrees & Certifications:

  • MSN – Masters of Science in Nursing
  • FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner
  • CDCES – Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist

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