Judy Kwedar, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner - Clinical Lead
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and have been a part of the DWA family since 2018. Prior to my career as a nurse practitioner, I first gained valuable medical experience working as a registered nurse in intensive care, intermediate care, and cardiac units. Additionally, I spent time in my graduate program training in various treatment settings including outpatient clinics, crisis centers, skilled nursing facilities, and therapy offices.
I pride myself in normalizing mental health care struggles and the challenges that life throws at us. Life can be difficult. I provide medication management to clients across their lifespans. I value fostering patient relationships and caring for the whole person. This includes practicing safe, competent care that incorporates current evidence-based practices. Other services that may be recommended and offered include transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), ADHD testing, ketamine, esketamine, and genetic testing.
As a clinical lead in our fast growing practice, I precept students, help to streamline care, and further foster educational growth and support of our providers.
I like to destress by taking a walk with my dog, spending time in my garden, or by catching up with friends.
Location: Lakewood, CO
Michele Hills, MMS, Physician Assistant
I am a certified Physician Assistant and received my PA degree from Red Rocks Physician Assistant program. I have a master of science in medical science from Saint Francis University. Additionally, I have an undergraduate degree and a master’s degree from Stephen F. Austin State University. I have experience working with all ages in psychiatric emergency rooms, inpatient settings, and outpatient clinics.
I provide medication management and work towards whole well-being support, balancing an integrative approach (physical, mental, spiritual) while being mindful of your goals. I understand that mental wellness is essential to quality of life. I am proficient in psychiatric evaluations, disorder management (mood, anxiety, trauma, psychoses, ADD/ADHD), and treatment plans. I also offer genetic testing for psychiatric medication response and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).
Location: Lakewood, CO
Samantha (“Sami”) Tengberg, Physician Assistant
I completed my bachelor of science in biology in Flagstaff, Arizona. I earned my physician assistant master’s at Midwestern University in Arizona. Having lived in Phoenix, Arizona, most of my life, I decided to move to Denver, Colorado, in October 2019.
I became interested in psychiatry during my rotations in PA school and decided to pursue it following graduation. I have been working at Denver Wellness Associates since April 2020 and have gained valuable knowledge throughout my time here.
I enjoy taking care of patients of all ages and love collaborating with my patients to decide the appropriate individualized treatment. I have a large LGBTQ patient population and have a special interest in those patients. I value building lasting relationships with my patients in a judgement-free environment. I offer medication management, as well as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and genetic testing within the practice setting.
Location: Lakewood, CO
Laurel Tronsen, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Doctorate of Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and received a doctorate in nursing practice from the University of Washington. I have prior experience working as an outpatient psychiatric nurse practitioner in a community mental health setting in Seattle, Washington. Before working as a psychiatric mental health practitioner, I worked in an adult psychiatric unit at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, Washington.
I provide medication management to clients across their lifespans. I am dedicated to developing trusting, collaborative, and effective working relationships with my clients. I enjoy working to provide evidence-based treatment options that align with the clients’ goals and values. I offer medication management, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), ADHD testing, and genetic testing.
Location: Lakewood, CO
Sydney Gettel, Physician Assistant
I am a board-certified Physician Assistant and received my PA degree from North Greenville University in Greer, South Carolina. Additionally I have a bachelor's degree from The University of Oklahoma. My previous practice specialties include pain management and physical medicine and rehabilitation. My passion for psychiatry started during clinical rotations in PA school and grew while working as a PA in pain management. Seeing first hand what a huge impact mental health can make for chronic pain patients drove me to pursue a career in psychiatry. I look forward to collaborating with patients to build a treatment plan that will make the biggest impact on their lives.
Location: Lakewood, CO
Miriam Van Ek, Physician Assistant
I am a board certified Physician Assistant and received my master’s degree at Red Rocks Community College. Additionally, I graduated from CU Boulder with my bachelor’s degrees in Neuroscience and Molecular Biology. I am a Colorado local and have been living on the front range since 2007. It is my belief that mental wellness is as important as physical wellness. I strive to create a welcoming, judgment-free space for my patients where we can work together to decide on the best individualized treatment plan.
I enjoy taking care of patients of all ages, but am particularly experienced in working with children and adolescents. Prior to becoming a PA, I worked for several years at Children’s Hospital Colorado in behavioral health settings. While in PA school, I gained experience working with children in out of home/foster care placements. I offer diagnosis, medication management, and lifestyle/nutritional guidance for depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and insomnia
Location: Lakewood, CO
Kirsten Daly, Physician Assistant
My name is Kirsten, and I am a certified Physician Assistant. I graduated from the University of Colorado Physician Assistant (CHA/PA) program after completing my bachelor’s degree in Integrative Physiology from CU Boulder. I have spent the last few years working in Family Medicine where I learned from my patients how their mental health was a strong predictor of overall health outcomes.
Finding a path to wellness will look different for each patient, which is why I like to focus on patient-centered care and keeping your goals at the forefront of our conversations. I strive to see my patients’ entire health picture through a holistic lens and feel comfortable treating patients of all ages and backgrounds. I am a Colorado native, and in my free time I enjoy running, fly fishing, skiing, and spending time with my family. I look forward to meeting you!
Location: Lakewood, CO