UVA Health Center for Advanced Practice

The Center for Advanced Practice (CAP) at UVA Health was established in January 2023 following years of collaboration with APP and health system leaders to create a professional home for the advanced practice workforce. CAP provides leadership, regulatory compliance, and professional development programs to foster career growth and advocate for APPs at both institutional and state levels.

Our Mission

Transforming health through meaningful connections.

Our Vision

To be the most innovative advanced practice center, driving connections that elevate clinical practice, research, education, and leadership.

Meet Our Team

Our Advanced Practice leadership team is dedicated to fostering clinical excellence, education, and professional development across all specialties. Together, they support the growth and advancement of UVA Health’s APP community.

William Lombardi, RN, MSN, AG-ACNP

Administrator

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Kimberly Elgin, DNP, RN, ACNS-BC, PCCN, CMSRN, FCNS

Director of APP Clinical Nurse Specialists, Genetic Counselors & Center of Nursing Excellence

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Shelly Dean, RN, MSN, PNP

Director of APP Children's, Women's, and Psychiatry

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Heather Passerini, MBA, MS, ACNP-BC, CCNS-BC

Director of APP Surgical Specialties

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Lindsey Sites, MSN, CRNA

Director of CRNAs

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Christen Bird, DNP, FNP, AGACNP

Director of APP Heart and Vascular Center

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Michael Little, MSN, RN, CCRN, CNL, AGACNP-BC

Director of APP Medical Specialties

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Chizoro Taylor, PA

Director of APP Neurosciences and Oncology

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Kierah Barnes-Vaval, DNP, RN, AGACNP, CCRN-CSC, CMC

Director of APP Professional Practice and Development

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Michelle Dawson, AGACNP-BC, RN

Director of APP Education and Fellowships

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Elyta Koh

Director of Advanced Practice Programs

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Lauren Maino

Advanced Practice Programs

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Ana Tortosa

Administrative Specialist

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Joycelyn George, CHAM, CHAA

Administrative Assistant

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APP Roles

Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) at UVA are master’s or doctorally-prepared, certified clinicians who play a vital role in delivering exceptional, patient-centered care as part of our interdisciplinary teams.

They lead through clinical expertise, research, and innovation, bridging the gap between medical excellence and compassionate care. Their work drives UVA Health’s commitment to advancing practice, education, and collaboration.

Advanced Practice Provider Roles

Our Advanced Practice Providers represent diverse clinical specialties, combining advanced education, collaboration, and leadership to deliver exceptional care across UVA Health.

Nurse Practitioners

Advanced Practice Registered Nurses who have completed specialized education and training at the Master’s or Doctorate level in clinical practice.

Physician Assistants

Highly skilled healthcare professionals who are nationally certified and state-licensed to practice medicine across multiple specialties.

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists

Advanced Practice Registered Nurses with specialized training in anesthesia who provide anesthesia care across UVA Health Medical Centers.

Clinical Nurse Specialists

APRNs who integrate population-specific expertise and system-level leadership to deliver direct care, mentor teams, and drive clinical quality and safety.

Certified Nurse Midwives

Advanced Practice Registered Nurses who specialize in women's reproductive health, childbirth, and perinatal care.

Genetic Counselors

Healthcare professionals providing genetic education, testing, and emotional support to individuals and families regarding inherited conditions.

Audiologists

Specialists in diagnosing, managing, and treating hearing and balance disorders to enhance patients’ quality of life.

Licensed Clinical Social Workers

Professionals providing counseling, advocacy, and mental health support to patients and families within clinical settings.

Join UVA Health Center for Advanced Practice

Join our growing team of world-class clinicians in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Advance your career with purpose, innovation, and collaboration in a supportive environment built for excellence.

✓ Competitive pay & relocation assistance
✓ Academic partnerships & continuing education
✓ Full-time & part-time opportunities
✓ A collaborative, innovative team culture

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Advanced Practice Providers