Management Staff
Joana F. – Practice Administrator
I was born and raised in Portugal, where I gained my clinical research experience working in areas as diverse as oncology, endocrinology, and infectious diseases.
Life sent me across the skies traveling all around the world and I found my love in this beautiful rainy city that I now call home.
I am very proud to be part of this highly qualified team that continues to be at the forefront of research, always considering patients’ care and well-being first. To listen, to learn, and to grow with patients’ experiences is what makes me feel accomplished in this job!
In my free time, I love spending time with my husband, our dog (and sometimes cat!) exploring the magic places that this state has to offer.
Outside of NW Dermatology I love Portland’s food/outdoor/live music culture with my partner and keeping up with our adorable cats, Patrick and Penelope.
Tami P. – Administrative Manager
I have been with NW Dermatology Institute since May 2010, recently taking a short break and so grateful to be back. Since starting with NW Dermatology I have worked in multiple areas of the practice. I find great joy in talking with patients and helping others. Please feel free to reach out to me if I can help in any way! Whether it is a skin care consultation, treatment plan for facial aging or just help with your account. I love planning events for our patients and am always interested in hearing feedback from our patients as to what they would enjoy learning about or anything that we can do to make their experience better. Our patients are our top priority and I cannot express the joy it is to work with such an incredible staff and providers that truly care!
In my spare time I enjoy cooking, baking, gardening, reading, traveling, and spending time with friends.
Tami P. – Administrative Manager
I have been with NW Dermatology Institute since May 2010, recently taking a short break and so grateful to be back. Since starting with NW Dermatology I have worked in multiple areas of the practice. I find great joy in talking with patients and helping others. Please feel free to reach out to me if I can help in any way! Whether it is a skin care consultation, treatment plan for facial aging or just help with your account. I love planning events for our patients and am always interested in hearing feedback from our patients as to what they would enjoy learning about or anything that we can do to make their experience better. Our patients are our top priority and I cannot express the joy it is to work with such an incredible staff and providers that truly care!
In my spare time I enjoy cooking, baking, gardening, reading, traveling, and spending time with friends.
Kendal M. – Front Office Lead
I joined NW Dermatology Institute in October of 2022 after working in the veterinary field for 4 years. The transition into human medicine has been made easy from the wonderful team and family that is NW Dermatology. I have always been passionate about skin care after receiving my Cosmetology license in 2017. I am excited to continue to expand my knowledge while ensuring patients get the best customer service experience possible. Outside of work, I am always with my animals and partner of 10 years! We are originally from California and are happy exploring what the Pacific Northwest has to offer.
Front Office Staff
Angie H. – Lead Patient Care Coordinator
I have had the pleasure of working at NW Dermatology Institute since August of 2014. I have worn many hats since I first started working at this clinic, including File Manager, Scheduler, and now Lead Patient Care Coordinator. I love my position and sincerely enjoy helping patients on a daily basis.
My hobbies include spending time with my family and being outdoors as much as possible!
Kiana S. – Scheduler
I am thrilled to be a part of the team at NW Dermatology Institute! Although I am one of the newest additions, I already feel at home. The providers and staff here are so welcoming and friendly. I have a background in the administrative side of dermatology with 2 years of experience. I am passionate and empathetic about my work and I strive to ensure my services exceed the expectations of our patients.
I was born in Hawaii and moved to Oregon in 2000. I spend a lot of my free time with my two children and extended family.
Annabelle P. – Patient Care Coordinator
I became part of the NW Dermatology team in September 2022. Since I started working here, it has felt like fate. I have become more confident in my skin and work has become my second home! I enjoy hiking trails with my partner and our rescue dog, Estrella, the Doberman. You can also find me at a thrift store or a new food cart. I strive to make every patient feel seen and welcome!
Kaia G (Patient Care Coordinator)
I'm originally from Alaska and have been with NW Dermatology Institute since October 2024. Since moving here, both the clinic and the Portland community have made me fall in love with this city. I'm passionate about patient care and have worked in healthcare settings for several years. I always strive to make every patient feel welcome, comfortable, and heard.
Outside the office, you'll usually find me at a live show, camping in the mountains, or exploring Portland’s incredible food scene.
Michelle M (Patient Care Coordinator)
I joined NW Dermatology Institute Fall of 2023 as a Scheduling Coordinator. I strive to make our scheduling and follow up care as easy and stress free as possible. I’m passionate about providing compassionate, patient centered service and building relationships with both patients and colleagues. I believe that a friendly smile and a listening ear can make all the difference in someone’s day. I’m honored to be a part of a team that values patient care and patient satisfaction above all else.
In my downtime you will find me walking/hiking with my two adorable full of life huskies! I’m a very proud mom of a daughter that is getting her degree at Oregon State & a son that is in the U.S. Air Force.
Sydnie B (Patient Care Coordinator)
I joined NWDI in May of 2024. I am so grateful for the learning opportunities I’ve been given working with our incredible team. I was born and raised in Texas where I now work remotely. My goal is to ensure that our patients always feel acknowledged and supported.
Virginia S.
I joined NW Dermatology Institute in April of 2024 with a strong background in advanced aesthetics and cosmetic surgery. As a licensed aesthetician, I am very passionate about skin health and love learning more every day. I am excited to work with such an amazing and inspiring team! In my free time I enjoy gardening, cooking, having dinner parties with friends, and being a movie critic.
Paige W.
I joined the amazing team of NW Dermatology in 2022 as Patient Care Coordinator, and have worked my way into now being Surgery Scheduling and Insurance Benefits Coordinator. It has been so exciting to grow with the surgical team together, and form such a strong and hard-working group. I love working with our patients and providing them with the best care our clinic can offer. Outside of the office, you can usually find me trying new restaurants with friends, playing on the APA Pool league or at home watching all the movies with my two cuddly cats.
Alison B (Insurance Coordinator)
I have been with the team at NW Dermatology since February of 2025. My background is in radiology, but I feel so at home in dermatology, as I am passionate about skincare and all that we do here. My day includes checking insurance benefits for every appointment and assisting with various administrative and clinical work. My unique position allows me to appreciate every aspect of the team and what we do.
When I am not at work, I am out spending time in nature or cozied up at home doing yoga and various art projects.
Clinical Team
Hali C (CCMA & Clinical Team Lead)
I joined NW Dermatology Institute in July of 2024. I graduated from Oregon State University in 2021 and aspire to eventually go to medical school or nursing school.
In my spare time, I enjoy horseback riding, hiking, camping, and adventuring with my Anatolian Shepherd, Anton.
Elizabeth T. – Lead Medical Assistant
I joined the Northwest Dermatology team in 2021. I have been a medical assistant for 10 years and have worked in a variety of specialties. I was born and raised in Los Angeles, but now reside in Vancouver with my husband and our two amazing children. In my free time I like to spend time with my family and enjoy delicious meals!
Reilly N. – Medical Scribe
I am a recent addition to NW Dermatology Institute as of July 2023 and I could not be happier to be a part of this team! I am a recent college graduate from Saint Mary’s College of California and anticipate returning to school to obtain a graduate degree in clinical psychology. In my free time I enjoy going to the beach, hanging out with my friends and family, and playing tennis.
Parissa S (MA & Biologic Coordinator)
I joined NW Dermatology in July of 2024 and am so grateful to work with such an incredible team. I graduated from the University of Oregon with a degree in Human Physiology and minor in Biology. I eventually plan to return to school and become a PA.
In my free time I enjoy cooking, hiking, and spending time with my family.
Lara B. – Medical Assistant
I am excited to join NW Dermatology Institute with the merger of Dr. Tavelli. I have worked in the medical field for over 30 years, with the past 27 years in the field of dermatology. During this time I have been exposed to most aspects of the field, and have seen great advancements in dermatology that have benefitted our patients. I enjoy working with our patients and helping them with a variety of issues to get the best care possible.
When I am not working I enjoy spending time with husband, twin boys, and friends. I enjoy kayaking, spending time at the coast, traveling and participating in cycle classes.
Abby L (CCMA)
I joined the NW Dermatology Institute team in June of 2024 after getting certified as a clinical medical assistant through Concorde. I worked with families as a full-time nanny for many years so joining Dr. Sabra Leitenberger’s team, with her focus on Pediatric Dermatology, has been an amazing experience. Getting to mold together my love for children and medical care has made my experience here even more meaningful and exciting!
When I’m not at work I love spending time with my family and friends traveling or simply enjoying the beautiful city of Portland.
Nicolle T.
Bio Coming Soon!
Natalie R (CCMA)
I first joined NW Dermatology in 2022 as a summer intern and loved it so much that I never left! After graduating from TCU with a B.A in Biology, I came back full-time as a medical assistant. My dream is to continue growing within the Dermatology field and eventually become a Physician Associate.
When I'm not at the clinic, you can probably find me golfing, painting, or helping out on my family's farm. I also spend a lot of time with my dogs, who are just as wild and chaotic as they are lovable.
Elena H. – Medical Assistant
I started working at NW Dermatology in July of 2023. I had previous experience as a CNA and medical assistant working in Hospice, long term care, rehab, and pain management. I am an Oregonian born and raised. I love to crochet, lift weights, paddle board, and build LEGO with my husband. I have been interested in dermatology for several years and am thrilled to have the opportunity to work for such an amazing organization.
Aylin R. – Histotechnician/Surgical Technician
I recently started working at NW Dermatology Institute in August 2023 as a Mohs Histotechnician/Surgical Assistant and I am so excited to work with this amazing team! I recently moved here from Colorado Springs, Colorado where I graduated from UCCS with a bachelor’s of science in biology in 2019. I worked in Colorado Springs with Dr. Tamar Hajar as her histotechnician for 4 years and then followed Dr. Hajar to this practice. I really enjoy hiking, going to concerts and in my spare time I love to read, do yoga, and find cool new places to eat!
Celeste M (CMA)
I joined NW Dermatology Institute in September of 2025 as a Certified Medical Assistant. I am grateful to be part of this team as I have a passion for dermatology! I look forward to expanding my knowledge and making sure every patient gets the best care. I was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona and moved To Portland in August of 2025. I'm looking forward to the weather change!
In my spare time I enjoy the outdoors, cooking, trying new restaurants with my partner and cuddling with our cat, Luna.
Caitlin Y (Medical Scribe)
I was born and raised on the island of Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi. I graduated from Oregon State University and plan to return to school in the near future to continue pursuing my passion for healthcare. I’ve truly enjoyed working here at NW Dermatology and am grateful for the opportunities and growth that dermatology has offered me.
I love spending time with my family and friends. Some of my favorite hobbies include hiking, exploring the Pacific Northwest, baking, and cooking. I have two dogs, Harley and Maverick, who mean the world to me.
Maria T (Medical Scribe)
After obtaining my degree in civil engineering and working as a geotechnical engineer in NYC for two years, I decided to pivot fields and step into medicine. I became a part of the NW Dermatology team in July of 2025 and have enjoyed my time drastically increasing my knowledge of all thing’s healthcare.
I am a coffee enthusiast and am dedicated to spending as much time as possible with my amazing husband, Keith, and our German Shepherd, Lucy. One day, I hope to matriculate into medical school.
Milan H (Medical Scribe)
I joined NW Dermatology in May of 2025 as a medical scribe and have loved every moment! I graduated from the University of Portland where I received my BS in Biochemistry and anticipate attending medical school to pursue a career in Dermatology.
In my free time I enjoy running and playing saxophone.
Research Team
Maya D. – Medical Scribe & Research Coordinator
I have been working as a medical scribe for the past four years working everywhere from the emergency department to family medicine and five other specialties. However, nowhere has quite been as memorable as NW Dermatology. Everyone here is authentic, hard-working, and a ton of fun! We truly enjoy providing excellent patient care and making a difference in people's lives. The opportunities given to me here are beyond incredible, and I am so thankful to be a part of the team.
My favorite past times include acting like a foodie, going on adventures, and being a goofball.
Alexa W.
I joined NW Dermatology in September of 2023 and am so excited to be a part of this amazing team! I grew up in Portland and graduated from the University of Southern California with a major in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention and a minor in gerontology. I love horseback riding, reading, hiking, and spending time with my cats.