Student-Focused Staff

Dr. Schwartz is board certified in both Internal Medicine and Pediatrics. She attended Tufts University School of Medicine and completed her residency at Harvard Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH). Dr. Schwartz is the current Chief Medical Officer at FAU. Prior to her arrival in January 2018, Dr. Schwartz was Co-Director of the MGH Down Syndrome Program, a multidisciplinary clinic providing comprehensive health care to individuals with Down Syndrome. She was also a primary care doctor who worked with pediatric and adult patients. A few of Dr. Schwartz’s clinical interests and areas of expertise include preventive medicine, acute care, caring for patients with special needs, physical and emotional health of college students, gender affirming care, sexual and reproductive health, and helping young adults learn how to be their own health advocates. Dr. Schwartz works to provide a safe, affirming environment for all her patients and welcomes members of the LGBTQ community. When not at work, she enjoys spending time with her young daughters and husband.

Dr. Cowen's bio coming soon.

Dr. Deshpande has been board-certified in Family Medicine for over 35 years. She attended medical school in India and completed her training in the US. Dr. Despande joined FAU Student Health Services following a move from Pennsylvania to Florida. In her spare time, she enjoys painting and reading.

Dr. Gallo-Thys is a physician board certified in Internal Medicine. She grew up in Boca Raton, Florida and graduated from FAU in 2006 majoring in Biomedical Sciences. She earned her medical degree at Nova Southeastern University in 2010. She attended the University of Massachusetts for Internal Medicine residency training where she was offered a chief medical resident position. Dr. Gallo-Thys practiced hospital-based internal medicine for several years caring for sick hospitalized patients prior to joining FAU student health clinic in 2021. A few of Dr. Gallo-Thys’ clinical interests are acute care visits, preventative care, sexual and reproductive health, and healthcare equity. When not at work, she spends her time on the soccer field with her two sons and husband.

Dr. Ghazi is board certified in Family Medicine. She attended The George Washington University College of Medicine and completed her residency at University of Pennsylvania Department of Family Medicine and Community Health. Dr. Ghazi is currently the Lead Physician at FAU. Prior to starting at FAU in 2019, she was core residency faculty in the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health at the University of Pennsylvania. In addition to teaching residents and medical students full spectrum family medicine in the outpatient, inpatient, and labor floor setting, she practiced “womb to tomb” family medicine in the department as a family physician. A few of Dr. Ghazi’s clinical interests are sexual and reproductive health, preventative medicine, and acute care. When not at work, she enjoys watercolor painting, spending time with her three children, and long walks with her dog.

Dr. Sibia is a board-certified emergency medicine physician. She attended Nova Southeastern University for undergraduate education and Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine for medical school. She completed her emergency medicine residency at Midwestern University in Chicago, Illinois. Prior to joining Student Health Services, she worked as an emergency medicine physician at HCA-Palms West Hospital taking care of a wide variety of illnesses including being at the frontline during the Covid 19 pandemic. When not at work, Dr. Sibia enjoys spending time with her three teenagers, her husband, and her dog. She is also known to enjoy fantasy football, long walks in the morning, and reading books for leisure.

[watch for bio]

Vanessa Grimaldi is a board-certified Physician Assistant and has been practicing since 2012. She attended FIU in Miami, Florida for undergraduate and received her Bachelor’s degrees in Health Sciences and Chemistry. She received her Master’s in Science in Physician Assistant studies in 2012 from Keiser University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Vanessa has been working at FAU SHS since January 2017. Prior to this, she was working at a family practice where she cared for both children and adults. Vanessa is proud to be part of the FAU SHS team and genuinely enjoys caring for college students. In her spare time, Vanessa enjoys spending time with her loved ones.

Jessica Pazos, PA received her bachelor's degree in biology from Slippery Rock University in Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania. She completed her master's degree in physician assistant studies at Chatham University in Pittsburgh, PA. She is certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. Jessica is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the American College Health Association. Prior to starting at FAU, Jessica worked in primary care, urgent care, and emergency medicine. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and fur babies.  

Angela Mazzei is board certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner. She is designated as an Autonomous Advanced Practice RN. She is a fellow OWL and earned her Master of Science degree from the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing at FAU. Angela returned to FAU to practice in the Student Health Services in 2016 after working in a primary care outpatient practice in the Fort Lauderdale area. Prior to being a Family Nurse Practitioner, she was CCRN certified and was an RN in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit at Broward Health Medical Center. Angela has a great interest in working with the student population as she enjoys shared decision making with the students for preventative medicine and reproductive health. Angela enjoys her time away from work traveling with her husband and daughter to the mountains of Virginia and to Walt Disney World.

Skyla Baltzer earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing here at Florida Atlantic. Soon after, she became a registered nurse and began the Baptist Health nurse residency program caring for mid to high acuity patients on a Cardiac Telemetry unit. She also worked as a substitute school nurse at A.D. Henderson and FAU High School. Now Skyla works at FAU Student Health Services and is dedicated to helping make it a safe, enjoyable environment for all students. In her free time, Skyla mentors senior nursing students, takes dance classes, and crochets. She also loves spending time with her family, friends, and pets.

Scott Harrison is a Registered Nurse and has been employed with Student Health Services at FAU for 4+ years. He attended the University of Tampa and graduated with a bachelor's degree in biochemistry. After a lengthy career in Environmental Public Health with the Florida Department of Health, Scott attended nursing school at Palm Beach State. Prior to his arrival at Florida Atlantic University, Scott completed his nurse residency at Boca Raton Regional Hospital and worked at the Drug Abuse Foundation. During his tenure with Student Health Services, he completed his BSN at the FAU – Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing. Nurse Harrison is interested in student health, community health, and public health practice. In addition, he enjoys educating the patients and helping them navigate the health care system. Nurse Harrison also has plans to continue his education and work towards his master’s degree in Family Nurse Practice.

Watch for Laura's bio.

Tamara “Tami” has a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Mississippi. Prior to coming to FAU in August 2020, she worked in the neonatal ICU and newborn nursery at University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, MS and neonatal ICU at Glenwood Regional Hospital in West Monroe, LA. Tami was hired at Student Health Services during the COVID pandemic and loves assisting the SHS medical team in providing for the emotional and physical well-being of the FAU students. During her spare time, Tami enjoys going to the beach and boating with her husband.

I earned my Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Florida Atlantic University and began working at St. Mary’s Medical Center on their Trauma/Med-Surg floor. I transitioned to a surgical setting where I worked as an operating room nurse in a busy ambulatory surgery center. I have a passion for providing care and education to those who seek it. I enjoy learning the newest theories, techniques and procedures offered within our healthcare system. I try to keep a healthy balance between my job and personal life. I enjoy nothing more than spending time with my wife and our dog. I keep a personal journal that I try to write in a few times a week, as I think a little self-reflection can go a long way. I am always hunting for used bookstores and new coffee shops. I try to stay active by running, competing in local races, and playing tennis (currently learning). My wife and I are also big sports fans, so we love to watch and follow our local sports teams.

Susanne DiGilio is a Certified Medical Assistant. She has worked with FAU’s Student Health Services since 2015. Before coming to FAU, Susanne worked in a Pediatrics office in Tampa. Susanne’s interest in patient care stems from her passion for helping bring relief to people and seeing them leave a clinic feeling better than when they came in. Supporting clinical procedures while allowing a smooth process from start to finish is among Susanne’s favorite role while treating patients and working with providers. She is originally from Philadelphia and is a big fan of several sports teams like the Eagles, Phillies and 76’ers. Susanne’s free time involves spending time with her family, including watching her kid’s sporting events.

Sabeena Zubair is a registered and licensed dietitian. She attended Florida International University for both undergraduate and graduate education and obtained her Master of Science in Dietetics and Nutrition. She completed her dietetics internship at Florida International University as well. Prior to joining Student Health Services at FAU, Sabeena worked at Renfrew Center for Eating Disorders as one of the onsite dietitians where she managed and created meal plans, provided medical nutrition therapy via nutrition counseling using evidenced-based practice, and closely monitored weight trends for patients with various eating disorders. When not at work, Sabeena enjoys spending time with her friends and family, cooking, baking, traveling, and reading books for leisure.

Dr. Dancek is a general dentist and is passionate about empowering and uplifting her patients — one smile at a time. She attended the Loma Linda University School of Dentistry in California where she received her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. Prior to dental school, she had the privilege of living on the beautiful island of Palau for six months where she volunteered at a thriving dental clinic with a wonderful team. In her free time, she enjoys exploring nature trails with her husband, playing with her dog, and spending time with family and friends. She also loves to hear new local food/restaurant recommendations. Dr. Dancek considers it a privilege to be able to serve the campus of FAU and is committed to providing a safe, inviting, and positive atmosphere for all her patients.

Nara Oliveira is currently a Dental Hygienist at the Florida Atlantic University Student Health Services dental clinic. She joined FAU in 2014 and her passion is oral and overall health promotion. Nara truly loves to help people understand the value of oral health and lifestyle for their overall health and well-being. She believes that high quality care is one of the fundamental rights of every person. As the mother of one son and two daughters, Nara enjoys spending time with her family and friends as well as enjoying time outside riding bikes, practicing yoga, or walking at the beach. Her grandson is the most recent precious gift she has received. Nara speaks Portuguese, English and Spanish.

Madison Brown is currently a Dental Assistant at the Florida Atlantic University Student Health Services dental clinic. She plays a crucial role in supporting and ensuring smooth and efficient dental care. Known for her excellent communication skills and attention to detail, Madison is dedicated to creating a warm and welcoming environment for everyone. Outside of work, Madison enjoys travelling, trying different foods and meeting new people. She has a big love for animals, and spends her time with her 6 cats, 2 snakes and a tarantula. Madison is dedicated to advancing the quality of dental care and making a positive impact on patients' lives every day.