Meet Our Talented Professionals
Meet the Team!
Carina Curé Nelson
Board-certified Physician Assistant
Carina Curé Nelson is a board-certified Physician Assistant who is committed to providing compassionate patient-centered care at Ellsworth Plastic Surgery. She is originally from San Diego, CA and moved to the Houston-area in 2010 to teach fourth grade for HISD. Carina decided to pursue a career in medicine and completed her Masters of Physician Assistant Studies at UTMB in 2017. Carina not only provides guidance and support for patients in the clinic setting, she also assists Dr. Ellsworth in the operating room and takes care of patients in the hospital. She strives to provide an outstanding patient experience to assist patients during their surgical journey.
Lara Bolinder
Board certified PA-C
Lara Bolinder is a certified physician assistant through the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). She received her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Harding University (Arkansas) in 2020. Prior to joining Ellsworth Plastic Surgery, Lara was a practicing PA in general surgery.
Lara was born and raised on the island of O’ahu but now considers Texas her home. She is honored to be caring for Dr. Ellsworth’s patients and strives to make every patient feel heard.
Kelsi Holland, PA-C
Board certified PA-C
Kelsi Holland obtained her Master’s degree in Physician Assistant studies from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan in 2018. Kelsi has gained experience in multiple surgical subspecialties including cardiac and thoracic surgery, general surgery, and plastic surgery. She is board certified through the NCCPA and received her certification for neurotoxins and fillers in 2020.
Kelsi is a wonderful addition to our practice and is eager to meet and care for your medical and aesthetic needs.
Joan McKinney
Clinic Coordinator
Joan McKinney is a healthcare professional with over 16 years of experience in specialties such as OB/GYN, Pain Management, and Neurosurgery. As a Clinic Coordinator, Joan assists in recording medical history, surgery scheduling, and providing necessary treatment information. She is dedicated to providing excellent patient care and handles her job with careful attention. Joan is also actively involved in her community by volunteering and partnering with local organizations for various community initiatives. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, wine tasting, and candle making.
Veronica Rodriguez
Revenue Cycle Liaison
Veronica is an experienced billing specialist with a proven track record in managing the financial aspects of plastic surgery practices. She is detail-oriented and adept at navigating complex reconstructive and cosmetic insurance issues for our patients. Her expertise is in medical billing and coding, insurance claims processing, and revenue cycle management. She derives immense satisfaction from assisting others, demonstrating a genuine passion for providing support and guidance with billing and insurance processes. If you have any insurance or billing-related questions, Veronica is here to help!
Lidya Vazquez
Senior Patient Service Representative
Lidya Vazquez is a seasoned Senior Patient Service Representative with over eight years of dedicated experience in the medical field, now venturing into plastic surgery. Formerly contributing her expertise to Texas Children’s Hospital, Lidya brings a wealth of knowledge to the front desk, facilitating seamless check-ins and check-outs, handling phone inquiries, and providing essential administrative support. Beyond administrative tasks, Lidya welcomes everyone with a big smile and is committed to forging meaningful connections with patients and guiding them through their journey with compassion and support.
Andrea Berber
Senior Patient Service Representative
Andrea is a dedicated professional on our Senior Patient Service Representative team. Hailing from Texas Children’s Hospital, she brings a wealth of experience in healthcare to her role, now channeling her enthusiasm into the world of plastic surgery. Proficient in scheduling appointments and ensuring smooth day-to-day operations, Andrea is poised to impact our patients’ experiences positively. Eager and excited about her new position, Andrea embodies the spirit of learning and growth as she navigates the unique landscape of plastic surgery care.
Inez Melendez
Senior Patient Service Representative
Inez Melendez began her career focused on business administration but soon realized her true passion lay in the medical field. With over 15 years of experience, she has developed a wealth of knowledge and expertise. She initially worked as a surgical coordinator for an otolaryngology specialist, where she gained a profound understanding of surgical procedures and the intricacies of insurance navigation.
After 12 successful years in that role, Inez joined Texas Children’s Health Plan, further expanding her skills in patient care and advocacy. Currently, she is part of our dynamic team at Institute for Reconstructive Surgery, where she finds fulfillment in making a tangible difference in the lives of patients.
Outside of her professional commitments, Inez is dedicated to her community. She actively participates in her church with her daughter, mentors at-risk youth, and leads initiatives to support women in their spiritual journeys. Her commitment to helping others is at the heart of everything she does.
Robin King
Senior Practice Manager
Welcome to my corner of the healthcare world. I am a dedicated Senior Practice Manager with an unwavering passion for healthcare spanning four decades. With 19 years devoted to managing academic and private practices for cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgeons, I bring a wealth of experience. I am honored to work with some of the country’s leading plastic and reconstructive surgeons.
What truly drives me is my commitment to supporting those facing the challenges of breast cancer and helping individuals find confidence in their physical appearance. It’s not just about the procedures; it’s about providing heartfelt care, unwavering support, and a proper understanding of each patient’s journey.
As I manage our practice, I aim to create a warm and welcoming environment where patients feel heard, valued, and cared for. I invite you to join me in a space where healthcare meets compassion, and together, we can work toward your confidence and well-being. If you ever need help navigating your healthcare journey, please don’t hesitate to reach out—I’m here for you!