Preceptor Biographies: St. Joseph Pharmacy Residency

Residents are supported by a robust set of preceptors in addition to the Residency Program Director (RPD) and Residency Program Coordinators (RPC). The role of the preceptor is to serve as practice role models and mentors, demonstrating the multiple facets of professional practice. They also support the resident in gaining independence in clinical practice and integration into the health care team. The preceptors collaborate with the RPD and RPCs to ensure resident growth is tracked globally across rotations, as well as to assess and incorporate feedback into the residency program.

Aimee Cooke is the Critical Care Pharmacist Specialist at St. Joseph Medical Center. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Washington in 2016, completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at Hennepin County Medical Center in 2017, and earned her Board Certification in Pharmacotherapy. Aimee is a member of the Critical Care and Neonatal ICU core groups within the system, and a member of ACCP and SCCM.

Amanda Carter is a Clinical Ambulatory Care Pharmacist primarily practicing in the Heart Failure Clinic at St. Joseph Medical Center. She received her undergraduate degree from Washington State University in 2005, and received her Doctor of Pharmacy from Midwestern University–Glendale in June 2012. Amanda has been part of the ambulatory pharmacy team since February 2017. She spent over 3 years practicing in primary care prior to transitioning to the Heart Failure Clinic. She is Board Certified in Ambulatory Care.

Aniesa Bautista is a clinical pharmacist at St. Joseph Medical Center and one of the primary preceptors for the oncology rotation. She received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree and Master’s in Health Service Administration from Regis University in Denver, Colo. She completed a PGY1 Pharmacy Practice Residency at St. Joseph Medical Center in 2021. Aniesa is a member of the NICU/pediatrics, critical care, and oncology core groups, as well as a member of ASHP and ACCP.

Brad Roggenbach is co-coordinator for the SJMC Acute Care Pharmacy Residency program and the Supervisor of Telepharmacy Services for CommonSpirit Health's Northwest Division and serves as a preceptor for the Longitudinal Student Precepting rotation. He received his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Creighton University in 2017 and completed his PGY1 Pharmacy Practice Residency at St. Joseph Medical Center in 2018. He is a member of ASHP.

Cedric Baraoiden is a clinical pharmacist at St. Joseph Medical Center and works as an evening pharmacist covering the critical care and oncology units. He earned his Doctorate of Pharmacy from Roseman University College of Pharmacy in 2020 and completed his PGY1 residency at St. Joseph Medical Center in 2021. Cedric is a member of the oncology and critical care core groups as well as ACCP.

Chelsey Fraser is the Internal Medicine Pharmacist Specialist at St. Clare Hospital in Lakewood. She received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Idaho State University in 2017 and completed residency training at St. Joseph Medical Center in 2018. Chelsey is the Antimicrobial Stewardship Liaison at SCH, a member of Critical Care Core Group and Internal Medicine Core Group within the system, and a member of ASHP. She is the primary preceptor for the internal medicine rotation at St. Clare Hospital.

Emily Strovink is the Internal Medicine Specialist at St. Anthony Hospital. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Minnesota. Emily completed her PGY1 residency at St. Joseph Medical Center in 2010. She serves as primary preceptor for the internal medicine rotation at St. Anthony Hospital and Chair of the Resident Well-Being Subcommittee.

Erin Edwards is a graduate of the University of Kentucky–College of Pharmacy. She completed her PGY1 residency at FHS in 2006 and has worked at St. Joseph Medical Center since that time. Erin is currently an Emergency Department pharmacist on the evening shift and is a preceptor for the Advanced ED experience. Erin is also BCPS certified.

Greg Failla has been an Emergency Department Pharmacist at St. Joseph Medical Center since 2009. He completed his undergraduate training in western Nebraska and received his PharmD at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in 2006. He also trained as a paramedic at Creighton University. Greg spent nine years as a field paramedic and in emergency medical management in several cities across the United States including Omaha and Lincoln, Nebraska, Phoenix, Ariz., and Houston, Texas.

Ian Ibarra is a clinical pharmacist at St. Joseph Medical Center and works as an evening pharmacist covering the critical care, oncology, and ED units. He earned his Doctorate of Pharmacy from the University of Washington in 2022 and completed his PGY1 residency at St. Joseph Medical Center in 2023. Ian is a member of the Critical Care and AMS core groups as well as ACCP and ASHP.

Inga Christensen is the Transitions of Care Pharmacist at St. Joseph Medical Center. She received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Washington in 2020 and completed a PGY1 residency at Tacoma General Hospital in 2021. Inga is a member of the transitions of care pharmacy core group as well as APhA and ASHP.

Jade Haas is a clinical pharmacist in the areas of oncology and critical care at St. Joseph Medical Center and a preceptor of the Longitudinal Staffing rotation. She received her Doctor of Pharmacy and Master of Business Administration degrees from South University. Jade completed a PGY1 Pharmacy Practice Residency at St. Joseph Medical Center in 2019. She is a member of ASHP and HOPA.

Jamie Casanova is an Internal Medicine Pharmacist Specialist at St. Joseph Medical Center and a co-preceptor of the internal medicine rotation. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Washington in 2003. Jamie completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at St. Joseph Medical Center in 2004. She is a member of ACCP and has achieved BCPS certification.

Janet Topasna is the Director of Pharmacy at St. Clare Hospital. She received her Bachelor of Science in General Studies–Public Health in 2006 and her Doctor of Pharmacy degree in 2010, both from the University of Washington. Janet started as a volunteer Pharmacy Assistant at St. Clare Hospital in 2005, transitioned to a Pharmacist Intern in 2007, and then began working as a Staff Pharmacist there in 2010. She also serves as the Pharmacy Technician Program Director at Clover Park Technical College in Lakewood. Janet serves as a preceptor for the Longitudinal Staffing rotation.

Jeff Tichenor is the Pharmaceutical Services Operations Director at St. Anthony Hospital, as well as VMFH Rehabilitation Hospital in Tacoma. He received his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Ferris State University in 2007. Jeff completed his Pharmacy Practice Residency at St. Joseph Medical Center in 2008 and then began working as a staff pharmacist at St. Francis Hospital prior to moving to St. Anthony Hospital upon its opening in 2009. He completed his Master of Health Care Administration through Ohio University in 2013. Jeff serves as a preceptor for the Practice Management and Longitudinal Staffing rotations, as well as a manager preceptor for numerous longitudinal research projects.

Jen Cerdena is the Neonatal ICU (NICU)/Obstetric (OB) Pharmacist Specialist at St. Joseph Medical Center. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Utah in 2011 and completed a PGY1 Pharmacy Practice Residency at St. Joseph Medical Center in 2012. Jen subsequently developed the NICU Pharmacy program at SJMC with Stephanie Friedman. She is the primary preceptor for the NICU/OB rotation and continues to develop neonatal and maternal pharmacy services for Virginia Mason Franciscan Health. She is the co-founder and co-chair of the Virginia Mason Franciscan Health Pharmacy Neonatal and Pediatric Core Group and serves as the primary liaison on multiple regional OB and neonatal planning committees. She is an active member of ASHP and WSPA.

Joshua Miller graduated from the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy in 2006. After graduating he completed a residency with Franciscan Health System. Joshua currently is an Emergency Department Pharmacist at St. Francis Hospital.

Julia Tichenor received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Ferris State University in Michigan. She completed a PGY1 Pharmacy Practice Residency at St. Joseph Medical Center in 2008. Julia is an Emergency Department Pharmacist and serves as co-preceptor for the Emergency Department rotation.

Justin Jellison is the Infectious Disease Pharmacist Specialist, Chair of the Regional Antimicrobial Stewardship Program, and ID preceptor at St. Joseph Medical Center. He coordinates regional projects related to antibiotics, such as treatment algorithms, order sets, and provider education, etc. He serves on various local, statewide, and national committees pursuing various forms of antimicrobial stewardship. He received his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Washington State University in 2006. Justin completed his Pharmacy Practice Residency at Southwest Medical Center in 2007.

Kara Crane is a Clinical Ambulatory Care Pharmacist, practicing primarily in the Peninsula Region. She received her PharmD from the University of Wyoming and completed her PGY1 Residency through the University of Washington Community Residency Program where she practiced in an ambulatory care setting in Monroe, Wash. She is Board Certified in Ambulatory Care and is currently the Clinical Pharmacist Specialist in addition to the Residency Program Coordinator for the PGY1 Residency in an ambulatory setting.

Karl Nacalaban is a Clinical Pharmacist in Ambulatory Care, working in primary care, rheumatology, gastroenterology, and anticoagulation. He received his PharmD from Washington State University in 2018, and completed his PGY1 residency at St. Joseph Medical Center in 2019. He is Board Certified in Ambulatory Care and is a preceptor for the ambulatory care rotation. He is a member of ASHP.

Marcie Hume is the Pharmacy Compliance Manager for the Pacific Northwest. She has responsibility for all aspects of pharmacy compliance, but her main role and responsibility is as Pharmacist in Charge for the Health Care Entity (HCE) and Hospital Pharmacy Associated Clinic (HPAC) licenses throughout the PNW. Marcie received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree in 2008 from the University of Washington and her MBA in 2021. She has board certification in ambulatory care practice (BCACP). She started as a staff pharmacist at Virginia Mason Medical Center retail pharmacists from 2008-2015. Thereafter, she transitioned to Refill Authorizations Supervisor and Pharmacy Compliance at Virginia Mason before transitioning into her current regional compliance role mid-2022. Marcie is a member of ASHP and WSPA. She serves as a preceptor for the practice management rotation.

Melissa Flaherty is the Director of Clinical Pharmacy Services–Inpatient and Ambulatory for VMFH Pacific Northwest. Melissa received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree in 2002 from Washington State University College of Pharmacy. Thereafter, she completed a PGY1 Pharmacy Practice Residency at Franciscan Health System in 2003. Melissa has served in a leadership capacity for much of her career: beginning as an Internal Medicine Pharmacist Specialist at St. Joseph Medical Center from 2004-2005 and at CJW Medical Center in Richmond, Virginia 2005-2006. Thereafter, she transitioned to Clinical Pharmacy Manager at Bon Secours St. Mary’s Hospital in Richmond, 2006-2012. Following a relocation back to the West Coast, she then served as a Clinical Coordinator, Clinical Manager and Clinical Director for Scripps Health in San Diego, during her time with the organization (2012-2018). After relocation back to the Pacific Northwest, Melissa returned to CHI Franciscan in 2019 as Director of Pharmacy at St. Anne Hospital. Melissa is a member of American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), Washington State Pharmacy Association (WSPA) and American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP). She has presented on many topics related to her work both locally and nationally. Melissa supports the residency program as a preceptor for the practice management rotation.

Michael Lindgren is a Supervisor and Clinical Pharmacist at Franciscan Hospice and Palliative Care and preceptor for the hospice rotation. He received his BS in Pharmacy from the University of Washington in 1987. He has worked for Franciscan Hospice and Palliative Care since 1999, providing pharmaceutical care in pain management and end-of-life symptom management. He is a member of WSPA.

Natalie Slusarenko is an Emergency Department pharmacist at St. Francis Hospital. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Washington in 2019 and completed a PGY1 Residency at St. Joseph Medical Center in 2020. After completing residency, Natalie worked at SJMC rotating through the critical care, oncology, and emergency department clinical areas. In 2022 she transferred to a pharmacist position at St. Francis Hospital, and in 2023 she became an emergency department pharmacist for this site.

Nick Larned is the Director of Pharmacy at St Francis Hospital in Federal Way, Wash. He received his PharmD at the University of Washington in 2017 and completed his PGY1 at VMFH's St. Joseph Medical Center in 2018. Nick staffed as a night shift pharmacist at St. Joseph Medical Center before transitioning to his current role at St. Francis in 2022. Nick is passionate about precepting, leadership development, and enjoys the outdoors!

Rachna Patel is a clinical ambulatory care pharmacist primarily practicing in gastroenterology. She received her PharmD from St. John’s University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in 2016 and completed a PGY1 Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Rochester in New York. She joined the Ambulatory Care team in May 2018. Prior to transitioning to gastroenterology she practiced within the primary care and rheumatology clinics. She is Board Certified in Ambulatory care.

Scott Takara received his BS degree in Pharmacy from Northeastern University in Boston, Mass., and completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at St. Joseph Medical Center. Scott holds memberships in SCCM, ASHP, and ACCP. He is board certified in Critical Care and is a co-preceptor for the critical care rotation.

Serena Von Ruden is co-coordinator for the SJMC Acute Care Pharmacy Residency program and the Internal Medicine Specialist at St. Francis Hospital in Federal Way. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and her Doctor of Pharmacy degrees from the University of Wisconsin and completed residency at St. Joseph Medical Center in 2012. She serves as primary preceptor for the critical care I rotation at St. Francis Hospital, chairs the residency program’s DEI Subcommittee, and co-chairs the Internal Medicine Core Group. She is a member of ACCP and SCCM and has attained BCPS and SIDP Antimicrobial Stewardship Certification.

Seth Meisner is an Internal Medicine Pharmacist at St. Joseph Medical Center and precepts the internal medicine rotation. Seth earned a Bachelor of Science in 1999 and a Doctor of Pharmacy degree in 2003 from Washington State University. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency in 2004 at St. Joseph Medical Center. He is a member of ASHP.

Shawn Hagland is the primary preceptor for the oncology rotation at St. Joseph Medical Center. He received his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Washington and completed the Pharmacy Practice residency at St. Joseph Medical Center in 2013. Currently, Shawn serves as the co-chair of the Virginia Mason Franciscan Health Chemotherapy Performance Improvement Team. He is a member of ACCP and HOPA, and has attained Board Certification in Pharmacotherapy and Oncology.

Stephanie Winkler received her Bachelor of Pharmacy from Washington State University in 1994 and her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Colorado in 2012. She has worked at CHI Franciscan since 1998 as an outpatient pharmacist in both the retail and clinical settings. Currently she is a provider for Virginia Mason Franciscan Health Primary Care and Anticoagulation clinics and is a preceptor for the ambulatory care rotation. Stephanie is Board Certified in Ambulatory Care.

Tasheba West is an ED pharmacist preceptor at St. Clare Hospital in Lakewood. She received her PharmD at University of Colorado and her PGY1 at MultiCare. She is dual board certified in Critical Care and as a Pharmacotherapy Specialist and is a member of ASHP and ACCP.

Tony Casanova is the ED Pharmacist Specialist for Virginia Mason Franciscan Health and practices at St. Joseph Medical Center. He received his Doctor of Pharmacy Degree in 2004 from South Dakota State University. Tony completed a PGY1 Pharmacy Practice Residency at Franciscan Health System in 2005 and subsequently developed the ED Pharmacy program within CHI Franciscan with Eric Wymore. Tony has faculty appointments at the University of Washington, Washington State University and Pacific University and is a past member of ASHP ED Section Advisory Panel. Tony received the University of Washington School of Pharmacy Excellence in Clinical Teaching Award in 2019, the Washington State Outstanding Mentor Award in 2014, and the Washington State Innovative Practice Award with Eric Wymore in 2010. Tony has published on the topics of the role of pharmacists in the ED and procedural sedation. He has presented numerous times nationally on the topics of ED pharmacy, anticoagulation therapeutics and stroke.