Faculty
Sara Gaines, PharmD, BCPS
Director, PGY1 Pharmacy Residency Program
Clinical Pharmacist, Hepatology
Geisinger Medical Center
Amy Brokenshire, PharmD, BCPS, BCCP, BCCCP, CACP
Program Coordinator, PGY1 Pharmacy Residency Program
Clinical Pharmacist, Cardiology
Geisinger Medical Center
Sarah Hale, PharmD, BCPPS
Director of Pharmacy
Geisinger Medical Center
Jordan Moore, PharmD, BCPS
Assistant Director of Pharmacy
Geisinger Medical Center
Staley Lawes, PharmD, BCPS, FISMP
Assistant Director of Pharmacy
Geisinger Medical Center
Kelly Guza, PharmD, BCPS, BCPPS
System Director, Acute Disease Management
Daniel Longyhore, PharmD, EdD, BCACP
System Director, Knowledge Management
Mike A. Evans, RPh
Vice President, Enterprise Pharmacy
Chief Pharmacy Officer
Preceptors
Anna Baughman, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP
Clinical Pharmacist, Critical Care
Dr. Baughman received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the West Virginia University School of Pharmacy in Morgantown, W.V., in 2018. She subsequently completed a PGY1 residency at Geisinger Medical Center. She serves on the PGY2 Critical Care Residency Advisory Committee and the Resident Research Committee. She is a member of the Society of Critical Care Medicine. She enjoys precepting and mentoring both PGY1 and PGY2 pharmacy residents, offering experiences in the medical/surgical, cardiac, and trauma intensive care units. Her professional interests include the intersection of hematology/oncology and critical care, antimicrobial stewardship, vasoactive agent utilization, toxicology and pharmacy education.
Amy L. Brokenshire, PharmD, BCPS, BCCP, BCCCP, CACP
Clinical Pharmacist, Cardiology
PGY1 Residency Program Coordinator
Dr. Brokenshire received her Bachelor of Science in biology from Millersville University in 1998 and her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Temple University School of Pharmacy in 2007. Dr. Brokenshire obtained her board certification in pharmacology in 2012. She serves as a preceptor in cardiology/advanced cardiology, where she has worked since 2008, and obtained board certification in cardiology in 2019. Due to her interest in advanced mechanical circulatory support including Impella, LVAD and ECMO, Dr. Brokenshire also became board certified in critical care in 2021 and serves as a PGY2 Critical Care preceptor for this elective opportunity. She has also participated in several medical mission trips to Guatemala, Nicaragua and Costa Rica. Besides her role as Geisinger’s assistant PGY-1 residency program director, she serves on several committees including the LVAD Committee, the MUE Committee and the Residency Advisory Committee. Her additional professional areas of interest include cardiology, critical care, anticoagulation, patient counseling and pain management.
Barbara Brown, PharmD
Clinical Pharmacist, Nephrology
Dr. Brown graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science and a Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Florida. She has worked as a clinical pharmacist at Geisinger Medical Center for more than 20 years. In 2003, she implemented a pharmacist-managed anemia clinic. She is the preceptor for the nephrology rotation. She is an adjunct assistant professor in multiple schools of pharmacy and precepts PharmD students in the area of nephrology. Dr. Brown’s areas of interest include nephrology, solid organ transplant, anemia management and the proper use of erythropoietin-stimulating agents. Dr. Brown has published papers in the area of anemia management.
Ryan T. Burkhardt, PharmD, BCPS, BCEMP
Clinical Pharmacist, Emergency Medicine
Dr. Burkhardt earned his Doctor of Pharmacy from the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy in 2017. After working in community pharmacy, Dr. Burkhardt began his career as an overnight clinical pharmacist in the emergency department at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital in January 2019. Dr. Burkhardt began working as a clinical pharmacist at Geisinger Medical Center in 2021 where he practices critical care medicine, emergency medicine and internal medicine. Dr. Burkhardt serves as a preceptor for pharmacy students, PGY1 residents and PGY2 residents in these areas. Dr. Burkhardt is active on committees, including the Pharmacy Action Team and the PGY1 and PGY2 Critical Care Residency Advisory committees. He is a member of ASHP. His professional interests include precepting, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, toxicology and trauma.
Jessica Curtis, PharmD
Clinical Pharmacist, Pediatric Hematology/Oncology
Dr. Curtis earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry at Georgia Institute of Technology. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy from University of Georgia in 2019. She then completed a PGY1 residency at Geisinger Medical Center followed by a PGY2 residency in oncology at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C. She practices as the pediatric hematology/oncology clinical pharmacist, covering both outpatient and inpatient services. Dr. Curtis serves on the Residency Wellness Committee, the PGY2 Oncology Residency Advisory Committee and the Hematology/Oncology Pharmacy & Therapeutics Subcommittee. She also precepts APPE students, PGY1 and PGY2 residents.
Caroline E. Dillon, PharmD, BCPS, BCIDP
Clinical Pharmacist, Infectious Diseases and Internal Medicine
Dr. Dillon earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh in 2019. Following graduation, she accepted a position as a clinical pharmacist at Geisinger. Her primary areas of practice are infectious diseases and internal medicine, and she serves as a preceptor for students, PGY1 residents and PGY2 residents in these areas. Dr. Dillon is active in various committees including antimicrobial stewardship, as well as PGY1 and PGY2 critical care residency advisory committees. She also is a faculty member for the ID Physician Fellowship program. She is a member of ACCP and IDSA. Her professional interests include precepting, HIV and antimicrobial stewardship.
Shannon Draus, PharmD, BCPPS
Clinical Pharmacist, Pediatrics
Dr. Draus is a graduate of the University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill School of Pharmacy. She received her Bachelor of Pharmacy in 1996. She then earned her Doctor of Pharmacy in 2001 from UNC Chapel Hill. She accepted a clinical pharmacist position at Geisinger Medical Center in 2002, where she has worked in pediatrics for 20 years. She serves on the Medication Safety Committee and is a preceptor for the pediatrics rotation. Her professional interests include cystic fibrosis, medication safety and general pediatrics.
Samuel Eckel, PharmD, BCCP, CACP
Clinical Pharmacist, Cardiology
Dr. Eckel earned his Doctor of Pharmacy in 2012 from the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy at the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia. He began working for Geisinger in 2012 and is a preceptor for the cardiology rotation. Dr. Eckel has served as a pharmacist for medical mission trips in Colombia, Haiti, Malawi, Tanzania and Uganda. He serves on the Medication Safety Committee and the Residency Advisory Committee. His areas of interest include acute coronary syndromes, anticoagulation, patient counseling and medical missions.
Sara Gaines, PharmD, BCPS
Clinical Pharmacist, Hepatology
Director, PGY1 Pharmacy Residency Program
Dr. Gaines is a graduate of Ohio Northern University Raabe College of Pharmacy where she earned her Doctor of Pharmacy. After graduation, she completed a PGY1 pharmacy practice residency at Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center in Johnstown, Pa. Following residency, Dr. Gaines practiced in both an acute care and ambulatory care role. In 2016, she accepted a newly created position in ambulatory care at Geisinger Medical Center in the gastroenterology/hepatology clinic, where she manages patients with hepatologic diseases. She serves on several committees, including the Residency Advisory Committee for both the PGY1 and PGY1/2 HSPAL residencies and the Medication Utilization Evaluation Committee. Dr. Gaines serves as a preceptor for the Orientation, Self-Assessment and Professional Performance Improvement, and Hepatology learning experiences in the PGY1 program. She also serves as a preceptor for the Self-Assessment and Professional Performance Improvement learning experience in the PGY1 & PGY2 years of the HSPAL program. Her professional interests include viral diseases, solid organ transplant, teaching/precepting, in addition to well-being and resilience.
Dante M. Grassi, PharmD, BCPS
Ambulatory Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Rheumatology
Dr. Grassi graduated from Wilkes University Nesbitt School of Pharmacy with his Doctor of Pharmacy in 2001 and is a board-certified pharmacotherapy specialist. He worked as a clinical pharmacy resident in the VA Pittsburgh healthcare system. Dr. Grassi has been with Geisinger for 20 years as a staff clinical pharmacist, innovator and clinical research investigator with the Center for Pharmacy Innovation and Outcomes helping to implement clinical pharmacy services in the inpatient and ambulatory care settings. He has been involved with implementing clinical services in internal medicine, special care, cardiology and geriatrics. In ambulatory care, he was involved with implementing successful clinical services at the Comprehensive Care Clinic for Medically Complex Children, neuroscience and rheumatology. Dr. Grassi is working with his ambulatory team to develop the rheumatology clinical pharmacy service with disease co-management, medication education, building a successful transition process for patients on specialty/biologic medications to home infusion, enhancing a clinical process for specialty osteoporosis medications, modifying the refill process in specialty pharmacy, and piloting the new precertification process for specialty medications with the Central Medication Hub. His role and expertise have been with implementing clinical pharmacy services, quality improvement, care path analysis and using innovation tools in his practice. Dr. Grassi is a co-author on several publications, abstracts, poster presentations and podium presentations at the national professional level. He has been the recipient of several research awards along with his teams, including a national award for the ASHP National Foundation Award for the Innovation in Pharmacy Practice in 2018. He is a member of the Residency Advisory Committee and preceptor for the PGY1 acute care program and APPE students.
Sarah F. Hale, PharmD, BCPPS
Director of Pharmacy, Geisinger Medical Center
Director, Health System Pharmacy Administration and Leadership Residency
Dr. Hale earned her Doctor of Pharmacy from Duquesne University’s Mylan School of Pharmacy. She joined Geisinger Medical Center in 2007 as a clinical pharmacist in pediatrics. She completed a PGY1 pharmacy practice residency at Albany Medical Center in 2012, followed by a PGY2 residency in critical care and pediatrics in 2013. She is a board-certified pediatric pharmacist and completed a scholarship of teaching and learning program through Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. She is presently the director of pharmacy for Geisinger Medical Center, where she also serves as the director of the PGY1/PGY2 Health System Pharmacy Administration and Leadership (HSPAL) residency program. Dr. Hale is a member of Geisinger’s Academy of Educators and serves on the Faculty Development Advisory Committee. She is adjunct clinical faculty for the Department of Pharmacy Practice at Wilkes University School of Pharmacy and a graduate of the Partners in Leadership program at Geisinger. She serves as a preceptor for the pharmacy administration learning experiences. Her professional interests include pharmacy leadership, pediatric critical care, medication safety, preceptor and faculty development, and pharmacy education.
Joan Keehan, RPh, BCPS, BCPPS
Clinical Pharmacist, Pediatrics
Mrs. Keehan is a graduate of the University of Houston School of Pharmacy. She received her Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy in 1989. In 1993, she accepted a clinical pharmacist position at Geisinger Medical Center. She has worked in pediatrics for over 25 years. Mrs. Keehan is a preceptor for the PGY1 general pediatrics and pediatric critical care learning experiences. She is also a supporting preceptor for the PGY2 pediatric critical care learning experience. She is a member of the PGY1 Residency Advisory Committee, as well as the Medication Utilization Committee. Her professional areas of interest include general pediatrics, pediatric critical care and medication safety.
Eric Kowalek, PharmD, BCPS
Clinical Pharmacist, Internal Medicine
Dr. Kowalek is a graduate of the University of Arizona College of Pharmacy. He received his Doctor of Pharmacy in 2010. After graduation, he completed a PGY1 residency at the Southern Arizona Veterans Affairs Healthcare System in Tucson, Ariz. Following residency training, he accepted a position as a clinical pharmacist at Geisinger Medical Center. Dr. Kowalek is a preceptor for internal medicine rotation. He has been involved with the discharge medication reconciliation project as well as working to improve post-operative orthopedic pain management. His areas of interest include infectious diseases, pain management, teaching and internal medicine.
Danielle Kuhn, PharmD, BCPS
Clinical Pharmacist, Internal Medicine
Dr. Kuhn is a graduate of Nesbitt School of Pharmacy at Wilkes University. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy in 2001. After graduation, she accepted a position as a clinical pharmacist at Geisinger Medical Center. She is the preceptor for the Internal Medicine rotation. She is an adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice of Wilkes University School of Pharmacy. Her areas of interest include orthopedics, anticoagulation, diabetes, pain management and COPD.
Bradley Lauver, PharmD, BCPS, BCIDP
Clinical Pharmacist, Infectious Diseases Critical and Care
Coordinator, Infectious Diseases, Antimicrobial Stewardship
Dr. Lauver earned his Doctor of Pharmacy from the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, University of the Sciences in 2016. He then completed a PGY1 residency at Geisinger Medical Center. He is an infectious diseases and critical care clinical pharmacist at Geisinger Medical Center, where he serves as a preceptor in these practice areas. Dr. Lauver also serves as the Pharmacy Coordinator for infectious disease antimicrobial stewardship. He holds board certifications in infectious diseases (BCIDP) and pharmacotherapy (BCPS). He holds leadership and membership roles in several system committees including the antimicrobial stewardship program, various clinical practice guideline workgroups, infectious disease fellowship program, PGY1 and PGY2 Critical Care residency advisory committees. Dr. Lauver’s greatest areas of professional interest outside of his daily practice areas includes antimicrobial resistance, population health including antimicrobial use and resistance reporting precepting and education, and pharmacy informatics. Outside of work, he enjoys woodworking, mountain biking, hunting, hiking and other outdoor activities.
Staley Lawes, PharmD, BCPS, FISMP
Assistant Director of Pharmacy
Dr. Lawes earned her Doctor of Pharmacy from Philadelphia College of Pharmacy in 2010. She accepted a position as a clinical pharmacist at Geisinger Medical Center working in internal medicine from 2010 to 2014. In 2014, she moved to New Jersey where she worked as a staff pharmacist at CentraState Medical Center. In 2015, she created a pharmacy position in the Emergency Department with the goal of improving admission medication reconciliation. Dr. Lawes completed a fellowship with ISMP in 2017 and subsequently accepted a position as medication safety officer at JFK Medical Center. In 2022, she rejoined Geisinger Medical Center in Danville as assistant director of pharmacy. Dr. Lawes serves on the newsletter advisory board for ISMP. Her professional interests include medication safety and quality improvement.
Tristan Maiers, PharmD, BCOP
Clinical Pharmacist, Oncology
Director, PGY2 Oncology Pharmacy Residency Program
Dr. Maiers completed his Doctor of Pharmacy with a public health minor in 2015 at Ohio Northern University, Raabe College of Pharmacy in Ada, Ohio. After graduation, he completed his PGY1 and PGY2 oncology residency at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville. He practices as an oncology clinical pharmacist at Geisinger Medical Center working in the areas of inpatient oncology, outpatient infusion center and oral chemotherapy medication therapy management. Dr. Maiers is involved in multidisciplinary education through precepting of APPE students, PGY1 and PGY2 residents, and through learning opportunities with Geisinger’s Hematology/Oncology Fellowship Program. He serves as a member of the HOPA Annual Meeting Abstract Review Committee and a variety of institutional committees. His areas of interest include lung cancer, adult sarcomas and leadership development.
Jordan Moore, PharmD, BCPS
Assistant Director of Pharmacy
Dr. Moore is a graduate of Duquesne University Mylan School of Pharmacy, where he earned his Doctor of Pharmacy in 2015. After graduation, he completed his PGY1 Pharmacy Practice Residency at Geisinger Medical Center. Following residency, he accepted a position as a clinical pharmacist at Geisinger Medical Center, where he precepted the internal medicine and nephrology/transplant rotation. Dr. Moore serves as a preceptor for the orientation, staffing and pharmacy administration rotations for the PGY1 and PGY2 residency programs. He is involved with the Medication Safety Committee, the Pharmacy Action Team and the Residency Advisory committees. His areas of interest include internal medicine, transitions of care, solid organ transplant, precepting and medical missions.
Nicholas Preston, PharmD, BCPS
Clinical Pharmacist, Nephrology and Internal Medicine
Dr. Preston is a graduate of Nesbitt School of Pharmacy at Wilkes University. He earned his Doctor of Pharmacy in 2020. After graduation, he completed a PGY1 residency at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center. Following residency, he accepted a position at Geisinger Medical Center. He is a preceptor in nephrology and internal medicine. Dr. Preston is a member of the Pharmacy Action Team, the Residency Advisory Committee and the Residency Research Committee. His professional interests include nephrology, solid organ transplant and precepting.
Ivan Puskovic, PharmD, BCPS, BCACP
Clinical Pharmacist, Family Medicine
Dr. Puskovic earned his Doctor of Pharmacy from the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy in 2016. He then pursed a PGY1 at the Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Philadelphia and earned a teaching certificate through the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy. In 2017, he joined Geisinger Medical Center as a clinical ambulatory care pharmacist who has worked in multiple ambulatory care clinics including medication therapy disease state management (MTDM), anticoagulation, pain management and comprehensive care. Since 2019, he has served as the Family Practice rotation preceptor for the PGY1 residency program. He is a member of the Residency Advisory Committee and the Clinical Competency Committee. His professional interests include precepting, diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and behavioral health.
Ricky M. Rampulla Jr., PharmD, BCPS, BCIDP
Clinical Pharmacist, Infectious Diseases
Dr. Rampulla is a graduate of Wilkes University Nesbitt School of Pharmacy. He earned his Doctor of Pharmacy in 2011 and completed a PGY1 residency at Moses Taylor Hospital with a teaching certificate from Wilkes University. Afterward, he joined the Geisinger clinical pharmacy team in 2012, where he is involved with internal medicine, infectious diseases and cardiology. He is a member of the Residency Advisory Committee for PGY1 and PGY2, the Pharmacy Action Team and the Antimicrobial Stewardship Committee. Dr. Rampulla has developed guidelines for albumin utilization throughout Geisinger hospitals, as well as updates to antimicrobial renal dosing guidelines. His interests include internal medicine, cardiology, infectious diseases, and teaching students and residents throughout their learning.
Angela Slampak-Cindric, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP, FCCM
Clinical Pharmacist, Critical Care Medicine; Coordinator, Critical Care and Emergency Medicine
Director, PGY2 Critical Care Pharmacy Residency Program
Dr. Slampak-Cindric earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, a certificate in the Conceptual Foundations of Medicine, and her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Pittsburgh. She completed a PGY1 pharmacy residency at Geisinger Medical Center. She is a critical care clinical pharmacist at Geisinger Medical Center where she serves as director of the PGY2 Critical Care Pharmacy Residency Program and Coordinator for critical care and emergency medicine. She is a board-certified critical care pharmacist and a board-certified pharmacotherapy specialist and received a teaching certificate from the University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy. She serves on Geisinger’s Continuing Professional Development Committee and the Critical Care Medicine Quality Improvement Committee. She is an active member of the Society of Critical Care Medicine and a member of its Education and Learning Strategies Committee. Dr. Slampak-Cindric participates in the didactic and experiential education of student and resident pharmacists, physicians, advanced practitioners, and nurses. She is an assistant professor for the Geisinger Medical Center School of Radiologic Technology, a clinical assistant professor of pharmacy for Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine and an associate clinical preceptor of pharmacy and therapeutics for the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy. Her professional interests include critical care, emergency medicine, anticoagulation, faculty development, experiential education, teaching and fostering the development of healthcare professionals.
Christina Steele, PharmD
Clinical Pharmacist, Pediatrics
Dr. Steele earned her Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy in 2003. She was a pediatric clinical pharmacist at Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah, for over 15 years before relocating back to Pennsylvania and accepting a position at Geisinger Medical Center in 2020. Dr. Steele's primary practice area is general pediatric medicine, where she precepts students and residents. She serves as a lecturer for the pediatric module at Wilkes University Nesbitt School of Pharmacy and participates in the Pediatric Antimicrobial Stewardship Committee at Geisinger Medical Center. Dr. Steele has participated in a medical service trip to Guatemala and enjoys the challenge of practicing in unique pharmacy environments. She has published in the areas of antimicrobial optimization in pediatric cystic fibrosis patients, which are her main interests in pediatric medicine.
Alena Thannikal, PharmD
Clinical Pharmacist, Critical Care Medicine
Dr. Thannikal earned her Doctor of Pharmacy from Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in 2021 and pursued a PGY1 pharmacy residency at Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre, Pa., where she was also adjunct faculty at the Binghamton University of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. In 2022, she joined Geisinger Medical Center as a critical care and emergency medicine clinical pharmacist. She serves on the Residency Advisory Committee and the Residency Wellness Subcommittee. She also mentors pharmacy students and residents, offering experiences in the Emergency Department and multiple Intensive Care Units. Her professional interests include pharmacy education, pain management, patient safety, emergency medicine and psychiatry. In her spare time, Dr. Thannikal enjoys finding new shows to watch online and going to see new movies, as well as reading and trying new foods.
Sally Tice, PharmD, MHA, BCPS
Clinical Pharmacist, Central Inpatient Pharmacy, Intravenous and Nutrition Support
Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Medical Education, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine
Adjunct Professor, Duquesne University
Adjunct Professor, Wilkes University
Dr. Tice graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science, a Master of Health Administration from St. Joseph’s University and a Doctor of Pharmacy from Shenandoah University. She has worked as a clinical pharmacist at Geisinger Medical Center for almost 30 years. In conjunction with two other pharmacists, she helped establish the infectious diseases pharmacist rounding service in 1997. She has coauthored and authored letters to the editors in AJHP as well as articles in Hospital Pharmacy. She is a member of the Society of Infectious Disease Pharmacists and was a coauthor of guidelines published in ACCP as a member of the inhaled antimicrobial task force committee. Dr. Tice has also presented numerous posters/abstracts at ASHP and ASPEN meetings, and is an abstract reviewer for ASPEN and a part-time content reviewer for the PSAP series. She serves on Geisinger’s Nutrition and Vascular Access subcommittees. In addition, she serves on the Malnutrition and Obesity Summit Education committees. Her areas of interest include clinical nutrition, rheumatology, gastroenterology, medication safety and infectious diseases. She also enjoys precepting students. She is a preceptor for the nutrition support rotation for PGY1 residents and is the nutrition preceptor for PGY2 residents.
Emma Wysocki, PharmD, RDN, CNSC, BCPPS
Clinical Pharmacist, Pediatrics
Coordinator, Pediatrics
Dr. Wysocki is a graduate of The Pennsylvania State University (BS Nutritional Sciences) and the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (PharmD). Dr. Wysocki practiced as a registered dietitian specializing in pediatric intensive care and nutrition support prior to pharmacy training. After completing their PharmD degree, Dr. Wysocki completed PGY1 and PGY2 Pediatric residency training at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. Now, Dr. Wysocki is the Pediatric Pharmacy Coordinator and practices primarily in the pediatric intensive care unit as a board-certified pediatric pharmacist (BCPPS). They are actively involved in the pharmacy residency programs at Geisinger Medical Center and precept the Pediatric Intensive Care and General Pediatric rotations for students and residents. Dr. Wysocki serves on several committees, including the Residency Advisory Committee, Antimicrobial Stewardship, Pediatric Proven Recovery Steering Committee and Pediatrics Informatics Council. Their professional areas of interest include pediatric critical care, pharmacokinetics, antimicrobial stewardship and medication safety.