UVA Health · Center for Advanced Practice

About Us

A professional home
for advanced practice.

Established in January 2023, the Center for Advanced Practice brings together years of collaboration among APP and health system leaders. We support career growth through leadership, regulatory compliance, professional development, and advocacy at 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, DNP, RN, AG-ACNP

Administrator

Learn More

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

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

Learn More

Shelly Dean, DNP, RN, CNL, CPNP-PC

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

Learn More

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

Director of APP Surgical Specialties

Learn More

Lindsey Sites, MSN, CRNA

Director of CRNAs

Learn More

Christen Bird, DNP, FNP, AGACNP

Director of APP Heart and Vascular Center

Learn More

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

Director of APP Medical Specialties

Learn More

Chizoro Taylor, PA

Director of APP Neurosciences and Oncology

Learn More

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

Director of APP Professional Practice and Development

Learn More

Michelle Dawson, AGACNP-BC, RN

Director of APP Education and Fellowships

Learn More

Elyta Koh

Director of Advanced Practice Programs

Learn More

Lauren Maino

Advanced Practice Programs

Learn More

Ana Tortosa

Administrative Specialist

Learn More

Joycelyn George, CHAM, CHAA

Administrative Operations

Learn More

Advanced Practice at UVA Health

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.

Clinical expertise.
Compassionate care.

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.

Hospital building surrounded by greenery

UVA Health Sustainability

Sustainable Healthcare Starts Here

The Center for Advanced Practice supports UVA Health efforts to reduce waste, conserve resources, and create healthier environments for patients, team members, and the community.

Explore Sustainability

Sustainability Vision

Learn how UVA Health connects sustainability with patient care, staff experience, and community health.

View Vision

Our Efforts

Explore current work around carbon reduction, water conservation, waste reduction, and sustainable food.

See Efforts

2030

UVA sustainability goals include carbon neutrality and major waste reduction targets.

Get Involved

Find UVA Health sustainability resources, news, programs, and opportunities to participate.

Get Involved

Careers in Advanced Practice

Join UVA Health

Join our team of clinicians in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Advance your career through clinical practice, academic partnerships, and collaboration.

Competitive pay and relocation assistance
Academic partnerships and continuing education
Full-time and part-time opportunities
A collaborative team culture

Find your next opportunity

Explore current openings for Advanced Practice Providers.

View Open Positions

About Us

Our Mission

Our Vision

Meet Our Team

APP Roles

Clinical expertise. Compassionate care.

Advanced Practice Provider Roles

Nurse Practitioners

Physician Assistants

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists

Clinical Nurse Specialists

Certified Nurse Midwives

Genetic Counselors

Audiologists

Licensed Clinical Social Workers

Sustainable Healthcare Starts Here

Sustainability Vision

Our Efforts

Get Involved

Join UVA Health

Find your next opportunity

Clinical expertise.
Compassionate care.