Neurology and Neurological Surgery Administrative Team
Welcome to the Neurology and Neurological Surgery Administrative Team Page!
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Stacy Miller, Chief Administrative Officer
916-734-6448
Office location:
ACC Suite 3700, Room #3711: In the shared Neurology/Neurological Surgery suite near the finance team
Office hours:
Pre-COVID-19 – M-F, 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Now -- Available 24/7 on demand
Job responsibilities & areas of expertise:
I oversee all the people, money, space and other resources necessary to ensure that the Departments of Neurology & Neurological Surgery can implement all their goals and deliverables across all missions (clinical, educational, research, service). My main function is to support the two chairs in executing each of their visions. But I also work hard to support all of the administrative supervisors within both departments as well to ensure that everyone has what they need to get their jobs done.
Length of time in department:
14 years in Neurology, 2.5 years in Neurological Surgery
What I like about our department:
So many things! Impressive faculty members, staff who work hard as a team, our overall Esprit de Corps!
Hobbies & special interests:
Working out with my FitFam, visiting my sister & my parents in Bend, Oregon, sitting in my hot tub (with coffee or a cocktail, depending on time of day).
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Meriah Horton, Executive Analyst to the Chair
916-734-6841
Office location:
ACC Suite 3700: My desk is best accessed from the back door of Neurosurgery Row. I am the second to last cube before the first hallway, with the bucket of "encourage-mints."
Office hours:
Currently, in the office one day a week either Thursday or Friday; telecommuting on other days.
Job responsibilities & areas of expertise:
I liaison between faculty, staff, and the larger university management to support the department, Dr. Brooks-Kayal and Stacy Miller. My expertise is being a congenial “Jill of All Trades” scheduling ninja.
Length of time in department:
I started this role on October 19, 2020. I have worked jointly for Neurology and Neurological Surgery for 20 months.
What I like about our department:
I like the caring, supportive, problem-solving attitude that runs through the leadership, staff and physicians.
Hobbies & special interests:
My family (especially my three boys), reading, biking, hiking, all things arts/crafts, cooking and eating.
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Carolyn McConville, Business Intelligence Specialist
530-305-7080
Office location:
ACC Suite 3700: I sit in the Finance location across from Stacy Miller and Dr. Duffy.
Office hours:
Hybrid remote
Job responsibilities & areas of expertise:
In my role I analyze and report on various clinical and financial metrics to monitor progress within the department, and support Heather Johnson and Stacy Miller. My area of expertise is finance.
Length of time in department:
I’ve been with the Department of Neurology for a little more than one year.
What I like about our department:
I like the challenging projects that I work on, the ability to learn, the training and the administrative leadership.
Hobbies & special interests:
My interests include spending time with my family and dog, outdoor activities, yoga, reading and cooking.
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Holly Cagle, Purchasing/AP Assistant
916-734-6274
Office location:
ACC Suite 3700: Cubicle outside Stacy Miller’s office
Office hours:
Hybrid remote
Job responsibilities & areas of expertise:
Purchasing for Neurology Department & Alzheimer’s Disease Center; processing Aggie Travel faculty.
Length of time in department:
Almost 29 years
What I like about our department:
The staff and faculty are really nice to work with.
Hobbies & special interests:
Gardening and house projects; binge watching shows, movies and sports
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Gwyn Carnegie, Financial Analyst 3
916-734-6515; 530-902-6477 (cell)
Office location:
ACC Suite 3700, Room #3706: I share an office with Sharon Misewich.
Office hours:
Hybrid remote
Job responsibilities & areas of expertise:
I support Basic Research administration for both the Neurology and Neurological Surgery departments. I support faculty and staff associated with the following research labs: Robert Berman, Orin Bloch, Amy Brooks-Kayal, Gene Gurkoff, Kevin Keenan, Da Zhi Liu, Bruce Lyeth, Ryan Martin, David Richman, Michael Rogawski, Ignacio Saez, Kiarash Shahlaie, Frank Sharp, Boryana Stamova, Jeff Vitt, Ben Waldau, Chun-Yi Wu and Xinhua Zhan. Prior to joining with Neurology, I was department finance manager, then interim chief administrative officer, for Neurological Surgery and an analyst at Sponsored Programs.
Length of time in department:
I have been with the Department of Neurological Surgery since 2012. I've been assisting with both departments for about a year.
What I like about our department:
I love my fellow Neurology and Neurological Surgery team members. There are no slackers here. Every one of them are such hard workers and so knowledgeable!
Hobbies & special interests:
Sewing, gardening, restoring old houses, and taking my golden retrievers on crazy road trips. Before coming to UC Davis, I was a business analyst/technical writer and I worked in the film industry as a costume maker.
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Mark Koga, Research Administrator
916-734-4478
Office location:
I work remotely 100%.
Office hours:
M-F, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Job responsibilities & areas of expertise:
I work on extramural Clinical Trials for Neurology and Neurological surgery. My area of expertise is in pre- and post-award administration. As part of the Finance team, I support Heather Johnson, Molly Lindsay, and Nancy Rudisill. For faculty, I support Drs. Apperson, Brashear, Dayananthan, Duffy, Fink, Guo, Kennedy, Kim, Ng, Pleasure, Vitt, Wheelock, Xiong, Zhang and Zimmermann.
Length of time in department:
I have worked in the Department of Neurology for 2 months.
What I like about our department:
I really enjoy working with all of the amazing people in the Department of Neurology. I appreciate everyone's willingness to help.
Hobbies & special interests:
I enjoy golfing, surfing, traveling, reading, and watching sports and movies.
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Karina Zepeda, Finance Assistant
916-764-6470
Office location:
ACC Suite 3700: In a cubicle on the Neurology Department side with the Finance team.
Office hours:
Hybrid remote
Job responsibilities & areas of expertise:
I take care of all purchasing and reimbursements for Neurological Surgery. I also do purchasing and reimbursement for Neurology residents. I review credit card purchases for 5 employees and assist our finance manager as needed. I also help with Alzheimer’s Disease Center contracts and grants. I support all faculty and staff in Neurological Surgery. I also support residents in Neurology and work closely with Sharon Misewich with ADC contracts and grants.
Length of time in department:
I started with Neurological Surgery about 4 years ago and have been with Neurology the last 2 years.
What I like about our department:
I love my team and the people I work with. I also love Stacy and Heather as bosses. I have had the opportunity to grow and learn so much since my transition to Neurology.
Hobbies & special interests:
I love to take walks for some alone time and spend time with my family.
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Bailey Mathews, Adult Neurology Program Coordinator; Neurology & Neurological Surgery Academic Day Coordinator
916-731-1532
Office location:
ACC Suite 3700: In the Education space, near the front desk. Office hours:
Hybrid remote Job responsibilities & areas of expertise:
My area of expertise is graduate medical education. In addition to program coordination for the Adult Neurology Residency Program, I coordinate the academic day for the neurological surgery residents. Length of time in department:
Since July 2021 What I like about our department:
I like working in medicine generally and side-learning about how bodies function. The human body is a very cool organism. Hobbies & special interests:
I enjoy walking, baking, going to concerts, knitting and cracking bad jokes. |
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Karla Lindstrom, Education Programs Assistant
916-734-6282
Office location:
ACC Suite 3700: In the open cubicle space next to printer/fax machine.
Office hours:
Part-time; 100% remote
Job responsibilities & areas of expertise:
I support the education program manager, Tasha Schrock. I’m the Fellowship Coordinator, Residency Program Assistant, Medical Student Coordinator, back-up to Lightning-Bolt department scheduler Toya Millican.
Length of time in department:
9 years
What I like about our department:
The strong leadership from the top. Our CAO, Stacy Miller, has a vision of bringing teams together, and providing a workplace where growth is encouraged, achievable and appreciated. The high-quality of managing strengthens supervisors, and trickles down to employees. Working with the medical students, residents, and fellows is a rewarding part of my job. I like assisting in every aspect of their academic training.
Hobbies & special interests:
I like to be outdoors: walking, hiking, biking and gardening. Also I love music, reading, coffee and spending time with my family.
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Toya Varize, Clinical Education Coordinator
916-734-6641
Office location:
ACC Suite 3700: In the Education space, near the front desk.
Office hours:
Hybrid remote
Job responsibilities & areas of expertise:
I manage faculty schedules in Lightning Bolt, and assist with residency coordinating within the Education Team.
Length of time in department:
I’ve worked for the Department of Neurology for a little over a year now, but have been employed with UC Davis for 23 years.
What I like about our department:
The clear communication amongst teams and the teamwork everyone shows.
Hobbies & special interests:
Blogging, reading, decorating and helping those in need in way I can.
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Cirby Hatano, Fellowship and Medical Student Coordinator
916-734-6552
Office location:
ACC Suite 3700: In the Education space, near the front desk.
Office hours:
Hybrid remote
Job responsibilities & areas of expertise:
I provide administrative support and management for the Department of Neurology Fellowship and Medical Student Programs.
Length of time in department:
Since April 2021
What I like about our department:
I like how I can use the skills I had as a stage manager and also learn new ones, furthering my depth of knowledge and experience.
Hobbies & special interests:
I enjoy reading, crocheting, event planning, learning to play the ukulele and cook vegan meals, and watching “The Office.”
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Jennifer Aten, Academic Operations Manager
916-703-5514
Office location:
ACC Suite 3740, Room #3758
Office hours:
Hybrid remote
Job responsibilities & areas of expertise:
I support our entire staff and faculty and supervise the HR/Academic Personnel team, administrative assistants and our communications specialist.
Length of time in department:
7 years
What I like about our department:
The staff and faculty, and the ability to support our faculty to improve the lives of patients with neurological disorders.
Hobbies & special interests:
Running, weight lifting, reading, camping, knitting and taking care of my English Bulldog Violet.
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Anna Schmidt, Administrative Assistant
916-734-6279
Office location:
ACC Suite 3200: second cubicle on the right
Office hours:
Hybrid remote
Job responsibilities & areas of expertise:
I’m the administrative assistant to Charles DeCarli, M.D., Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC) Director. I also coordinate committee meetings and guest lecturers for the ADRC and serve as staff navigator for the Cognitive and Behavioral Division Section. My area of expertise is event planning coordination.
Length of time in department:
Since October 2021
What I like about our department:
I like working in this department because everyone shares the same vision and is dedicated to providing neurological care for people in Sacramento and beyond.
Hobbies & special interests:
I enjoy traveling, trying new restaurants, going to the movies and spending time with my family.
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Sheri Chow, Communications Specialist
916-734-6524; 916-591-0998 (cell)
Office location:
100% remote
Office hours:
Monday, 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; Tuesday, noon-5 p.m.; Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Job responsibilities & areas of expertise:
I work on a variety of communication materials for the Department of Neurology, including a monthly e-mail newsletter called The Brain Wave; articles for The Insider and UC Davis Health Newsroom; department fact sheets; specialty area fliers; and other materials as needed.
Length of time in department:
2 years
What I like about our department:
I really enjoy working with our amazing faculty and staff. Everyone is dedicated to their jobs, responsive and professional. We’re a great team.
Hobbies & special interests:
I love walking, yoga, reading, drinking coffee and wine, going on family bike rides and playing with our dog Cooper.
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Constance Suen, HR Academic Personnel Analyst 3
916-416-3085
Office location:
I am currently working remotely, but when in office will be located in the Neurological Surgery suite in the front office area.
Office hours:
Hybrid remote
Job responsibilities & areas of expertise:
I’m the primary resource and administrator for all academic personnel actions for the Departments of Neurology and Neurological Surgery. Specifically, I assist faculty with appointments, merits, promotions and appraisals.
Length of time in department:
Since September 2021
What I like about our department:
I’m grateful to have the opportunity to support faculty that do such critical and meaningful work.
Hobbies & special interests:
I spend most of my free time trying to entertain my 7-month-old daughter.
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Joe Valadez, Academic HR Analyst
916-703-0313
Office location:
ACC Suite 3740
Office hours:
Hybrid remote
Job responsibilities & areas of expertise:
As part of the HR Academic team, I oversee all staff and academic (faculty/non-faculty) recruitments and support the departments of Neurology and Neurological Surgery.
Length of time in department:
18 months
What I like about our department:
The support I receive from my direct supervisor and leadership as a whole.
Hobbies & special interests:
Spending time with my family and playing golf.
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Elisa Valenton, Human Resources
916-734-6512
Office location:
ACC Suite 3740: at the main entrance
Office hours:
Hybrid remote; In the office Wednesday & Friday, 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Job responsibilities & areas of expertise:
For both Neurology and Neurological Surgery I handle HR issues; payroll; credentialing; billing and licensing requirements; benefit changes; leaves; department compliance; academic reappointments; analyzing university and departmental policies and procedures re-classes; labor and relations; administrative support for NSGs and APPs; and observer requests. In Neurology, I support Stacy Miller, Jennifer Aten, Heather Johnson, faculty and employees.
Length of time in department:
2 years with Neurology; 3 years with Neurological Surgery
What I like about our department:
The solid and strong support and leadership of the department, and the people I work with.
Hobbies & special interests:
Doing anything with my family, especially with my nieces and nephews; decorating/creating anything, and eating!
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Molly Lindsay, Clinical Research Supervisor 2
916-734-6312; 925-980-4262 (cell)
Office location:
ACC Suite 3730: to the right of the main Neurology office. However, I have 3 school-aged children (ages 12, 9 and 6) who are attending school virtually, so I have been working primarily from home during the pandemic.
Office hours:
Generally from 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. when on-site. While working remotely, I am usually online between 7:45 a.m.-6 p.m. I will also flex my time and work later in the evenings or on weekends, depending on my children's school schedules. I am always available on my cell phone.
Job responsibilities & areas of expertise:
I am the Clinical Research Manager and I oversee all human subject research studies, outside of the Alzheimer’s Disease Center operations (the ADC has a separate Research Manager, Martha Forloines). My area of expertise is with the start-up and management of clinical trials. I support all department faculty who are conducting human subject research. I also serve as a resource for the ADC faculty and their projects, when needed. On my team, I currently oversee 1 Sr. CRC, 6 CRCs and 2 Asst. CRCs.
Length of time in department:
For 15 years as of March 2020. I started as an Assistant Study Coordinator in March 2005, was promoted to a Clinical Research Coordinator in 2007 and then promoted to Senior Clinical Research Coordinator in 2010. I remained as a Sr. CRC until transitioning into my current position, initially as an interim manager in late 2018 and then officially in early 2019.
What I like about our department:
The staff and the faculty. I have spent the bulk of my career in this department and I am hoping to retire from here as well (fingers crossed!). We have the best staff and we can really trust and rely on each other to do our jobs to the best of our abilities. The communication and teamwork are also outstanding.
Hobbies & special interests:
I love to cook and I also make jams and jellies. My daughters are really into their 4-H Club and so I've learned how to raise pigs along with my oldest daughter over the past few years. I also aspire to be a great home gardener, but it's a work in progress! And my husband and I love all things wine, wine tasting and food and wine pairing.
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Kelly Wallace, Senior Clinical Research Coordinator
916-734-6660; 916-202-4094 (cell)
Office location:
ACC Suite 3730: I share a space with Molly Lindsay.
Office hours:
I am currently working remotely 100%. Normally, I would work 4 tens, telecommuting on Wednesdays and off on Fridays. My kids are now back in school for half-days, so I tend to flex my hours and work at least a few hours on Fridays, as well. I shift my hours as needed for department needs.
Job responsibilities & areas of expertise:
I am responsible for all of the IRB submissions in the department. I am essentially our Regulatory and Compliance analyst. I am your source for anything related to IRB or HIPAA in research. I support anyone and everyone performing Human Subjects Research, from medical students to faculty. Many of our resources are divided between the Alzheimer’s Disease Center and the rest of the department, but I help everyone.
Length of time in department:
I have been at UC Davis for about 15.5 years, 13.5 of them in Neurology. I was previously in Infectious Diseases.
What I like about our department:
I love the support of everyone in the department. We all seem to work well together and take pride in our work. It's a wonderful team. I also think it's incredibly exciting to see the innovations that come out of our research.
Hobbies & special interests:
I enjoy running and yoga (I'm a certified instructor and taught a class to our Admin team last year). I love being outside, hiking, reading, wine and coffee. I'm a single mom of two amazing kids. My daughter is 9 (4th grade), and my son is 7 (2nd grade).
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