Our Mission

Diversity in Dermatology (DID) is dedicated to advancing a diversified and highly scientific approach to education, community outreach, cultural competency, and philanthropy — empowering healthcare providers with cutting-edge knowledge, innovative tools, and emerging treatments that bring diversity into every aspect of their personal and professional lives.

Our mission is to lead the future of dermatology through robust, evidence-based programs that highlight critical topics in skin of color, multicultural practices, lifestyle medicine, pediatric dermatology, LBGTQ+ medicine, and evolving therapeutic technologies.

We are committed to bridging science, culture, and care to strengthen communication, deepen understanding, and deliver the best possible treatment for every patient.

At DID, we believe in positivity, inspiration, collaboration, and the power of staying at the forefront of medical advancement. By becoming a DID Member, you join a unique community shaping a more inclusive, innovative, and scientifically driven future for dermatology.

We invite you to join as a DID Member for free and become part of an organization that believes in collaboration and diversification through education and networking.  

JOIN THE DID MOVEMENT BY BECOMING A MEMBER FOR FREE

Our endeavors extend far beyond education alone. Diversity in Dermatology (DID) actively collaborates with leading organizations and medical journals to amplify the voices of dermatology PAs and NPs, giving them opportunities to be published and recognized by their peers.

Through our dedicated professional development division, we provide resources, training, and tools that support dermatology healthcare providers in their daily practice and ongoing growth. DID offers both virtual and in-person medical education, along with networking opportunities that connect providers nationwide.

Our not-for-profit arm, the Diversified Dermatology Education Foundation (DDEF), strengthens this mission through four foundational pillars — Education, Philanthropy, Community Outreach, and Patient Advocacy — ensuring that our impact is meaningful, holistic, and far-reaching.

Through these pillars, DDEF provides high-quality learning and mentorship opportunities; builds charitable partnerships that uplift underserved communities; expands outreach to deliver dermatologic care where it’s needed most; and advocates for patients through resources and support that enhance everyday clinical practice and health outcomes. We also offer scholarships that help undergraduate minority students pursue PA and NP programs, strengthening the pipeline of diverse future providers.

Together, these efforts create a strong, supportive ecosystem where providers, patients, and communities benefit from equitable, culturally competent, and forward-thinking dermatologic care

Experience & Vision

Meet the DID Leaders

Risha Bellomo

Executive Director
Achieve Program Director

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More About Risha

Tracee Blackburn, PA-C


Integrative Medicine Co-Chair

More About Tracee

Andrea Brezill, MMS, PA-C


Achieve Program Mentor

More About Andrea

Terry Faleye, MPAS, PA-C

Achieve Program Chair
Membership Chair

More About Terry

Shanna M. Miranti, MPAS, PA-C

Membership Chair, Conference Chair, Achieve Program Chair

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More About Shanna

Brittany Scurto, PA-C

Medical Language Chair & 
Integrative Medicine Co-Chair

Brittany Scurto Headshot
More About Brittany

Cindy Sershen
DCNP, FNP-BC

Community Outreach Chair

Cindy Shersen Headshot 300x300
More About Cindy

Kimberly Madison
DNP, AGPCNP-BC

Social Media Chair

Kim Madison Headshot 2024
More About Kimberly

Get Involved

Interested in getting involved with the organization, writing a publication, heading up a clinical trial, and expanding your professional development? Contact us today so we can direct you to the right person.  

Connect with the Team

Risha Bellomo, CEO

Risha Bellomo is the Founder and CEO of BCI Management & Communications, which she develops medical education programs, manages national and regional meetings, establishes strategic business plans for organizations and companies, and speaks on financial empowerment and building wealth patiently and intelligently.  She has over 25 years of healthcare experience; and practiced as a dermatology physician assistant for 22 years before transitioning entirely into entrepreneurship.

Risha Bellomo is the co-founder of Diversity in Dermatology and the Diversified Dermatology Education Foundation. She is extremely passionate about giving back to her profession, to build platforms for medical professionals to increase not only their knowledge, but to elevate their careers and bring restorative balance to their lives.

Risha Bellomo has been married for 24 years and has two beautiful sons, Austin and Enzo. She is proud to call herself, “GiGi: to her grandson, Rohnin.  Risha is an avid video game player and has been gaming since she was 8 years old.

Tracee Blackburn, PA-C

Tracee Blackburn is a Board-Certified Physician Assistant, nationally certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) and licensed by the state of Illinois. She has been serving in the healthcare industry since 1998 and has specialized as a PA in Dermatology since 2005. She also had the privilege of practicing in Adolescent and Pediatric Health and enjoys interacting with and treating children and teens. Tracee graduated from Midwestern University in Downers Grove, Illinois in 2005. She has worked in several entities of healthcare, but found her passion in Dermatology where she has extensive experience in general, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology. Her special interests are anything that has to do with skin and hair, but specifically; acne, alopecia, eczema, psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa, and skin lesions. Tracee likes to focus her attention on patient education, as she believes it is a vital part to every patient’s recovery.  She also holds a Masters degree in Integrative Medicine and specializes in Integrative Dermatology, She is an active member of the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants, and an active member and former President and Director at Large of the Illinois SDPA.  She enjoys volunteering her time where needed, such as the National Eczema Association, and has also participated in medical mission trips with CHAI to Haiti. Currently she is serving as the Co-chair of Integrative Dermatology for Diversity in Dermatology.  

Tracee is a published author and has written three childrens’ books entitled “Wally The Wart”, “Xzema, A Children’s Guide to Happy Skin”, and “My Eczellent Day at Camp” ( in collaboration with Sanofi-Regeneron.)  She is also a speaker, mentor, and creator of Project Skin-X, her passion project to help those in need of their dermatologic concerns, while helping to boost their self-confidence.

When she is not at work or driving her daughter around to social events and auditions, she loves to travel and is completing assignments for her DMSc, expected in 2025

Andrea Brezill, MMS, PA-C

Andrea Brezill is a certified and licensed Physician Assistant and practices at The Dermatology Institute – Dupage Medical Group in Hinsdale & Lombard, IL. She has lectured nationally on the topics of acne vulgaris, rosacea, and  atopic dermatitis. She has over 12 years of Dermatology and dermatologic surgical experience and over 20 years of experience in healthcare. Her special interests include acne, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, ethnic skincare, and skin malignancies. She treats both pediatric and adult patients.

Andrea received her PA training from Midwestern University in 2008 and has specialized in Dermatology since 2009. Prior to becoming a Physician Assistant, Andrea worked as a certified athletic trainer and has an extensive sports medicine background. She received her Bachelors Degree in Athletic Training from Purdue University in 2001 and a Masters of Science degree in Kinesiology from the University of Illinois in Champaign in 2003.

Andrea is active in the Dermatology PA community serving her second two-year term as the President of the Illinois Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants, Andrea spearheaded the 3-day Midwest Dermatology Conference. She is the co-founder of Diversity in Dermatology.

MEMBERSHIPS:

  • AAPA – American Academy of Physician Assistants
  • SDPA – Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants
  • ISDPA – Illinois Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants
  • American Medical Writers Association
  • IAPA  – Illinois Association of Physician Assistants

Terry Faleye, MPAS, PA-C

Terry has worked as a physician assistant in the field of dermatology since 2009. She has expertise in both medical and cosmetic dermatology.

She is a native Houstonian, graduating from the University of Houston with a Bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies in 2003. After earning an early admission to UTMB Galveston Physician Assistant program, she received her Master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies. She is certified by the National Commission of Certification of Physician Assistants. Terry leads the Houston Derm PA/PA Society and is a committee chair on the Diversity in Dermatology Board.

She is passionate about medical dermatology and the management of inflammatory diseases associated with dermatology. She has lectured nationally on the topics of psoriasis, hidradentis suppurative and atopic dermatitis. Her special interests include acne, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, skin of color and skin malignancies.  Along with her expertise in medical dermatology, Terry is adept with dermal fillers, Dysport and Botox injections.   

In her free time she enjoys spending time with her husband and 2 children, attending extracurricular activities. She also enjoys exploring the Houston restaurant scene.   

Terry was recently honored as the President – Elect of the Board of Directors of the Texas Society of Dermatology Professional Associates for the 2024-2026 term. She continues to support the society members by facilitating and organizing educational events, workshops, and networking opportunities to help them enhance their knowledge and make professional connections.                                    

Shanna M. Miranti, MPAS, PA-C

Riverchase Dermatology
Naples, FL

Shanna Miranti grew up in Ormond Beach, FL and is the oldest of her 3 siblings…a Podiatrist, a Derm PA, and a Lawyer (who had the good sense to marry another Derm PA!) She got her undergraduate degree from Loyola University in New Orleans with a major in Biology and a Minor in Chemistry. She received her Masters/PA degree from the University of Florida College of Medicine. Shanna has practiced Dermatology for 19 years in both Jacksonville and Naples, and was the founding PA for Riverchase Dermatology. She is passionate about dermatology education, and has taught Dermatology to the PA students at NSU-Ft. Myers PA program for 9 years, guest lecturer at FGCU for over 15 years. Shanna lectures nationally to her dermatology colleagues, school nurses, athletic trainers, high school and college students, and to patients in the community. She is also the mother of 4 children under 12 years old…in her spare time.

Brittany Scurto, PA-C

Brittany Scurto is a board-certified Physician Assistant who specializes in Medical, Surgical and Cosmetic Dermatology as well as Integrative Medicine. She graduated from Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science with a Master’s Degree in 2006. Prior to specializing in Dermatology in 2015, Brittany practiced in a number of different medical fields including Pediatrics, Women’s Health, Surgery and Urgent Care. Her passion lies in treating the whole person and she strives to help her patients understand their medical conditions and improve their well-being through partnership and education. Brittany’s goal is to assure that her patients are not only healthy on the inside, but confident about their outside as well. Brittany loves to educate and often speaks about various medical topics. She also teaches pre-PA, PA and medical students. Brittany is currently the Medical Language chair and Integrative Medicine co-chair of Diversity in Dermatology. She values a strong work life balance that allows her to spend quality time with her 2 children, friends and family. She is an avid reader who enjoys cooking, dancing and singing. Having lived and worked abroad, she also loves to travel and donate her time/resources to various non-profit organizations. Brittany speaks fluent conversational and medical Spanish.

Cindy Sershen, DCNP, FNP-BC

Cindy Sershen is a board-certified Dermatology Nurse Practitioner. Cindy has been practicing Dermatology since she completed a fellowship in Dermatology in 2011. She practices at Lahey Hospital in Burlington and Peabody, MA. She is continuing her education at University of Massachusetts and will be obtaining a doctorate in Public Health nursing in 2025. She has experience working with a diverse patient population in many settings, including: community health centers and global health. She provides care in both English and Spanish. Her clinical interests include: acne, hair loss. skin of color, transgender care, and providing equitable and inclusive care to all. Cindy enjoys giving educational lectures and precepting students.

Kimberly Madison, DNP, AGPCNP-BC

Kimberly Madison, DNP, AGPCNP-BC is a Board-Certified Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner specializing in increasing access to dermatology education and training for nurses and nurse practitioners globally using Artificial Intelligence. She received her Doctor of Nursing Practice and Master of Science in Nursing degrees from The George Washington University where she was inducted into the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. She has a graduate certificate in bioengineering from Tufts University, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Memphis, and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Radford University. She co-authored an upcoming nursing textbook on social determinants of health. She is a committee member for the Journal of Dermatology Nurses’ Association and the Journal of DNPs of Color.

Her career in healthcare spans nearly 15 years. During this time, she has had the opportunity to work in various healthcare facilities around the country gaining insight into variations in health behaviors and outcomes. These experiences have shaped her practice which includes providing culturally competent care and promoting a holistic care model with a team approach. Most importantly, she emphasizes shared-decision making where she works with her patients and caregivers to determine the best course of action based on their beliefs, values, and resources.

She is the Founder of Mahogany Dermatology, a blog devoted to helping practicing and aspiring nurse practitioners navigate mentorship, education, entrepreneurship, and social media. She is the Founder and co-host of TMI: The Melanin Initiative, a health literacy podcast based on the nursing perspective. She is devoted to exposing nurses and the public to what it means to be a nurse and all we can do.