Mid-Level Practitioners

Kimberly Molitor Fordham, FNP-C

I became a healthcare provider because I want to make a difference in the lives of my patients and I truly enjoy caring for others. Acute and chronic pain conditions can affect an individual’s quality of life. As the patient’s advocate, I aim to develop treatment plans with the best outcomes so my patients can get back to their lives and what they love to do.

I was born and raised in Lake Charles, Louisiana, where I also studied at McNeese State University. I graduated with an associate degree in nursing in 2009 and a bachelor’s degree in nursing in 2014. As a registered nurse, I’ve worked in various fields of nursing, including substance abuse rehab, oncology, orthopedics, wound care, and day surgery. After working as a nurse for several years, I decided to broaden my scope of practice by pursuing a master’s degree in nursing. My preceptorship included 600 hours of clinical practice, with most of my training in internal medicine at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital. I graduated in 2018 as a family nurse practitioner, and I am nationally certified through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) and licensed with prescriptive authority through the Texas State Board of Nursing.

In my spare time, I enjoy camping, biking, and trying new foods with my friends and family.

Teresa Hoang, FNP-C

I am a family nurse practitioner who works closely with a team of specialized physicians and staff to ensure comprehensive, individualized patient care. I completed my bachelor’s degree in nursing at Lamar University in 2009 and my master’s degree in nursing at Texas Woman’s University in 2014. I then completed my Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) certification under the National Institute of First Assisting (NIFA) as a first assistant in surgery and am certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). I am deeply integrated with the orthopedic surgeons to provide the best possible care for each individual’s needs.

Outside of patient care, I enjoy cooking, experiencing new cultures and foods, and traveling around the world with my husband and two kids.

Farah Moawad, FNP-C

I often visited my relatives overseas when I was younger, and that’s when I became aware of the medical disparities around the world. That realization is the reason I chose to pursue a career in the medical field. My motivation for pursuing a career with Minivasive Pain and Orthopedics stemmed from my personal experience within this specialty as I, too, have endured a debilitating back injury. It was only after the combined efforts of both orthopedic and pain management treatments that I was able to restore my quality of life, reduce my pain, and get back to doing the things I love.

I was born and raised in Houston, Texas, and obtained my bachelor’s degree from The University of Texas Health Science Center. I worked in the Medical ICU for several years to help very sick patients. I always knew I wanted to obtain a higher level of education and play a more active role in patient care therefore I pursued my master’s degree at The University of Texas Health Science Center and became a Nurse Practitioner.

My goal at work is to help my patients leave all our facilities feeling heard, cared for, and in a better state of health. At Minivasive Pain and Orthopedics, we strive to offer our patients the best quality evidence-based care, and our personal approach is unmatched.

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I also participate in outdoor activities and travel to help improve my physical and mental health.

Mercedita Lei Refugio, FNP-C

My professional journey began overseas at the Philippine Women’s University, where I earned my bachelor’s degree in nursing. My family and I moved to the United States in 2005 and there I started my nursing career in Chicago, Illinois.

While in Chicago, I worked in a diverse set of roles, including staff nurse, preceptor, charge nurse, nursing supervisor and eventually earned a promotion to nursing manager. Seeking career growth and with the desire to continue learning, I pursued my Family Nurse Practitioner Degree at the Chamberlain University College of Nursing and graduated with honors. Later, I decided to move to Houston, Texas with my family to continue my journey in the healthcare world. Before beginning my first job as a family nurse practitioner, I took two nursing certifications to advance my training.

As an advanced practice nurse, I believe that listening, evaluating, formulating, educating, and collaborating are the keys to providing a holistic, patient-centered approach to care. With a background as a professor in the Philippines, I know that keeping patients well-informed regarding the status of their health is vital for decision making, and that each individual is considered a partner in their own care. Additionally, I strive to stay current on new treatments and techniques to remain a lifelong learner and competent care provider. Recently, I completed the First Assistant Training at the National Institute of First Assisting.

Outside of work, I love cooking and traveling with my family.

​Tinesha Pettiway, AGNP-C

My healthcare journey started at an early age, inspired by my mother’s compassionate care for clients, I realized my calling lay in making a meaningful impact on others’ lives. Starting as an LVN, I nurtured a diverse career spanning long-term care, assisted living, and various nursing specialties. Transitioning to an RN-BSN, I embraced opportunities across travel nursing, medical-surgical units, telemetry, and intensive care, earning accolades like Daisy Award nominations, Carolyn Copeland honors, and Employee of the Month distinctions along the way.

My quest for growth and impact led me to pursue a Master’s degree as an Adult-Geriatric Nurse Practitioner, driven by a deep commitment to enhancing my clients’ quality of life. Throughout my journey, whether as a charge nurse, assistant director of nursing, or in unit management roles, my unwavering dedication to safe, competent care has remained constant.

As I evolve professionally, my promise to both myself and those I serve is to continuously strive for improvement, ensuring every individual receives the highest standard of care possible.

Victoria Vanis, FNP-BC

I am a family nurse practitioner who specializes in the field of pain management. My focus is on individualized patient care while using the best evidence-based treatment for my patients. Pain can affect every aspect of a patient’s life, and I enjoy bringing relief to people so that they can function better and begin enjoying life again.

I graduated from the University of Texas at Tyler with a bachelor’s degree in nursing in 2008. I began my nursing career working in the cardiac catheterization lab before I moved to the specialty of pain management in 2012. I worked closely with physicians as a sedation RN for minimally invasive procedures for the treatment of acute and chronic pain. In 2019, I received my master’s degree in nursing from Simmons University. I am board certified from the American Nursing Credentialing Center (ANCC) and licensed with prescriptive authority through the Texas State Board of Nursing.

During my personal time, I enjoy exercising, cooking, and spending time with family and friends.

Julia Raquel, AGNP-C

I am an Adult Nurse Practitioner with a specialized interest in orthopedics. I developed a passion for orthopedics early in my nursing career, and it continues to drive my practice as a Nurse Practitioner. I earned my Master of Science in Nursing at UT Health Science Center in Houston. Furthering my expertise, I am actively pursuing certification as a First Assistant through the National Institute of First Assisting.

As a provider, my approach centers around delivering patient-centered care. I believe in fostering collaborative efforts within the healthcare team to ensure the best outcomes for my patients.

Outside of work, I enjoy growing houseplants, traveling, and trying new restaurants.

Nicole Miller, FNP-C

I’m a dedicated Nurse Practitioner committed to compassionate care and clinical excellence. With a background in acute/chronic pain, orthopedics, critical care, neurology, and cardiology, I’ve spent over nine years honing my skills in fast-paced hospital settings nationwide.

I hold a Master of Science in Nursing from The University of Texas Medical Branch, specializing as a Family Nurse Practitioner. Certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) and licensed with prescriptive authority by the Texas State Board of Nursing, I’m here to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care.

My approach emphasizes active listening and patient empowerment, guided by values of compassion, integrity, and excellence. Beyond my professional life, I enjoy traveling with my husband, being outdoors, and spending time with family and friends.

Michelle Do, FNP-C

As a committed healthcare provider, I am dedicated to delivering comprehensive patient-centered care tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual I serve. My background in medical-surgical and orthopedic nursing has equipped me with the expertise to develop personalized treatment plans, effectively manage acute and chronic conditions, and collaborate seamlessly with interdisciplinary teams to ensure optimal patient outcomes.

I hold a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas Health Science Center and am nationally certified through both the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) and the Orthopedic Nurses Certification Board (ONC). My diverse clinical experience includes the management of various orthopedic and musculoskeletal conditions, where I have honed my skills in post-surgery care, injury management, and pain management strategies.

Beyond my professional endeavors, I am passionate about traveling, photography, savoring delicious cuisine, and cherishing moments spent with my beloved chow-chow and cat.