MEET OUR LEADERS!

Our Mission

Diversity in Dermatology’s mission is to bring a diversified approach to education, community outreach, cultural competency, philanthropy, as well as giving healthcare providers the tools to diversify their personal and professional lives. Our focus is to bring a variety of educational topics to the forefront that will aid in better communication, understanding, and proper treatment for our patients. Diversity in Dermatology offers a specialized approach to education, focusing on topics related to diversity in skin of color, multicultural practices, lifestyle medicine, pediatric dermatology, and transgender medicine. DID believes in positivity, inspiration, and collaboration. Become a DID Member to join a unique group of individuals

Our endeavors include a collaboration with The Dermatologist to allow dermatology PAs and NPs the opportunity to be published and heard by your colleagues, a professional development division, resources for dermatology healthcare providers, virtual and live medical educational and networking opportunities.  Future endeavors include  a foundation for community outreach in underserved areas, provider and patient resources to assist in every day clinical practice and professional growth, and scholarships for undergraduate minorities for PA and NP programs.

Become a Member

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.  

Experience & Vision

Introducing the Diversity in Dermatology Committee Chairs.  They bring  the leadership, clinical, scientific, and professional experience and vision to take dermatology education and development to the next level.

Risha Bellomo, MPAS, PA-C

Organization Chair
Achieve Program Director

headshot_risha
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

Tristan M. Hasbargen MMS, PA-C

Publication and
Education Chair

headshot_tristen
More About Tristan

Shanna M. Miranti, MPAS, PA-C

Membership Chair, Conference Chair, Achieve Program Chair

Shanna-Miranti_headshot
More About Shanna

Brittany Scurto
PA-C

Medical Language Chair & 
Integrative Medicine Co-Chair

Brittany Scurto Headshot
More About Brittany

Lindita Vinca
APRN, DNP

Professional
Development Chair

Lindita_Vinca_headshot
More About Lindita

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, MPAS, PA-C

Risha Bellomo, MPAS, PA-C has over 25 years of healthcare experience with 20 of those years in dermatology and aesthetics. She graduated with High Honors from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and Chemistry and received her Master’s Degree through the University of Florida’s College of Medicine in Physician Assistants Studies. Risha is the Founder & CEO of Bellomo Consulting and BCI Management & Communications, in which she develops medical educational programs, speaks and consults nationally, runs national and regional meetings and establishes strategic marketing plans for organizations and companies.

Risha is the managing director of Allele Medical a concierge aesthetic, dermatology, and training facility.

Risha has been published numerous times in Skin & Aging, The Journal of Dermatology Physician Assistants, The Dermatologist, Physician Assistant Clinics, and Advanced for NPs and PAs.  Risha co-founded the Florida Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants and is an editorial board member for The Dermatologist.  In her spare time, she loves spending time with her two sons, Austin and Enzo and her husband Phil.  Her hobbies are boating, gardening, and video gaming.

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 teenagers. 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 aesthetic dermatology. She diagnoses and treats common dermatologic conditions, is proficient in detecting and treating skin cancers, performs basic and intermediate surgical procedures, and performs cosmetic and laser services. Her special interests are acne, eczema, psoriasis, benign skin lesions, and skin cancer. Tracee likes to focus her attention on patient education, as she believes it is a vital part to every patient’s recovery.  She is an active member and co-chair for the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants, and an active member and former President and Director at Large of the Illinois SDPA.  She is also a member of the AAPA and the NEA, the National Eczema Association, in which she volunteers her time annually at the Eczema Expo.

Tracee is a published author and  has written two childrens’ books entitled “Wally The Wart” and “Xzema, A Children’s Guide to Happy Skin”, as well as a few published articles.  She is also a Speaker, Mentor, and creator of Project Skin-X, her passion project to help those in need of help for their skin, hair, and nails. 

She has also volunteered her time doing medical mission trips with CHAI to Haiti. 

When she is not at work or driving her 4-yo daughter around to social events, she enjoys working out, hanging out with her family and friends, and watching anything on the Bravo network. :-)

‘Currently, she is pursuing her Masters Degree in Integrative Medicine at George Washington University in Washington DC and is expected to graduate in 2022.

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 14 + years of experience working as a physician assistant in the field of medical & cosmetic dermatology. She is a native Houstonian, graduating from the University of Houston with a Bachelor’s degree in Human Development & Family Studies in 2003. After earning early admission to UTMB Galveston Physician Assistant program, she received her Masters degree in Physician Assistant Studies in 2005. She is certified by the National Commission of Certification of Physician Assistants, and currently leads the Houston Derm PA/NP Society.

Terry is passionate about medical dermatology and the management of inflammatory disease states. She has lectured nationally on the topics of psoriasis, hidradentis suppurativa, and atopic dermatitis. Her special interest include acne, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, skin of color, and skin malignancies. She also practices cosmetic dermatology specializing in dermal filler, Botox, and Dysport.

In her free time, Terry enjoys spending time with her husband and 2 children, as well as exploring Houston restaurants and going to all her kid’s extracurricular activities.

Tristan M. Hasbargen MMS, PA-C

Tristan received his undergraduate degree from Florida State University and then graduated from Nova Southeastern University PA program Fort Lauderdale campus in 2012 with a Masters of Medical Science.  He joined Dermatology Associates as a Physician Assistant in 2012.   Tristan is on faculty at  Florida State University PA program and has lectured on various dermatological topics at conferences and at FSU’s PA program.  He is in good standing with the Florida Board of Medicine. Tristan is an active member of the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistant’s and holds the highest distinction of “Diplomate Fellow.”  Tristan holds a certification from the National Commission of Certification of Physician Assistants.  He is also members of the Florida Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants, American Academy of Physician Assistants and Florida Academy of Physician Assistants. When not working he enjoys spending time with his wife Julia and three boys, volunteering at church, hunting, and cheering on the Seminoles.

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. 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 including Integrative Medicine. She also teaches pre-PA, PA and medical students. Brittany 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.

Lindita Vinca, APRN, DNP

Lindita Vinca is a Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner with over 15 years of nursing, certified by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and licensed by the state of Connecticut. She graduated from Western Connecticut State University in 2007 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. In 2012, she graduated from Quinnipiac University with a Master’s of Science in Nursing. She subsequently earned her Doctorate of Nursing Practice from Quinnipiac University in 2017. She graduated cum laude and is a member of the Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International. 

She has worked in critical care and interventional radiology but found her passion in dermatology where she has experience in medical and surgical dermatology. Her special interests include, but not limited to, eczema, psoriasis, acne, and skin cancer detection. Lindita is a published author of a dermatology chapter in an advanced practice nursing textbook. She has lectured at several dermatology community and academic symposiums. She acts as an active mentor and preceptor for nurse practitioner students. 

Lindita was awarded the 2021 state award for excellence in clinical practice by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. She is the president and founder of the Connecticut Nurse Practitioner and Physician Assistant organization. She was also featured in the Quinnipiac Alumni magazine in 2019 ‘Saving Our Skins’ for being recognized for excellence in nursing leadership. 

When not working she enjoys spending time with her son and daughter, Dion and Sianna, and her husband, Luti. They enjoy traveling, board games, and outdoor adventures together.

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.