Meet Our Team
We have four dedicated teams here to support you.
UCG
UltraCare Guides
Our UltraCare Guides are experienced professionals who can help you at every step of your treatment journey. They can directly answer your questions regarding treatment access and provide you with continued support.
UCG
Angelica Tadena
Angelica discovered her calling to make a positive impact in the lives of others while pursuing a degree in kinesthesiology. She’s self-motivated and adaptable, working hard to resolve issues for each of her cases. As an UltraCare Guide, she enjoys providing guidance and support for patients in need.
“Our goal as a team in the company is patient centricity, and being a symbol of hope to our patients motivates me to be an UCG (UltraCare Guide).”
UCG
Darlene Cabuntala
Darlene has spent much of her time in the pharmaceutical industry working in patient case management. She remains committed to do what it takes to overcome any obstacles her patients may face. As an UltraCare Guide, she is motivated to make a difference.
“It is very rewarding to know that the work I do every day is making an impact in patients’ lives.”
UCG
Liz Castillo
Liz has spent her career in healthcare, focused on patient-centered care, always striving to put the needs, and voices of patients at the heart of everything she does. As an Ultracare Guide, it is an honor for her to connect with patients and families during some of the most challenging moments of their lives.
"It’s incredibly fulfilling to build meaningful relationships and know that by assisting patients navigate complex systems and ensure that they feel heard can make a real difference in someone’s journey"
UCG
Robie Barnachea
Robie brings decades of experience in patient services and reimbursement operations to her role. As an UltraCare Guide, she thrives on helping others.
“Getting patients over hurdles and access to therapy is what motivates me, and I feel accomplished even by the little wins at the end of the day. It’s great to know that I am helping to make a difference in our patients’ lives.”
PAL
Patient Access Liaisons
Patient Access Liaisons help you at every touchpoint to access sites and coverage for your treatment. They are here to help you with any logistical challenges you may encounter while finding treatment.
PAL
Daniel Dunn
Dan has been advocating for caregivers and patients with rare diseases for many years, while helping patients access a variety of specialty medications and supporting healthcare provider reimbursement challenges. As a Patient Access Liaison, he knows it is a daunting task to “go it alone.” Knowing that his experience and expertise can help make people’s lives a little easier while handling the challenges of the US healthcare system is very satisfying for Dan.
“Assisting patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers navigate the complexities of the US healthcare system is my passion.”
PAL
Erika Loza
With over a decade of experience in rare disease access and reimbursement, Erika brings deep knowledge and heartfelt commitment to every patient and family she supports. She entered the field unexpectedly, but quickly discovered a passion for working with companies that truly prioritize underserved communities. Known for her strong problem-solving skills and unwavering advocacy, Erika also brings a personal connection to her work as a parent of a child on the autism spectrum. Her lived experience fuels her drive to ensure that every patient has a clear and compassionate path to care.
"Every family’s journey is different, and I’m here to help make theirs a little easier."
PAL
Lisa Russell
Lisa applies a “just do it” attitude to her work so that her patients know they can rely on her. As a Patient Access Liaison, she appreciates being the go-to person for her patients and hearing their stories.
“I love a case that takes an ‘all hands on deck’ approach that results in a patient gaining access to therapy.”
CEL
Clinical Engagement Liaisons
Clinical Engagement Liaisons can be requested by physicians if you are diagnosed with LC-FAOD and will help you to start and stay on track with your treatment. They can answer questions about the condition for which you’re being treated and your medication, and help you follow guidance from your doctor.
CEL
Brittany Herrin
Brittany is a registered dietician and nutritionist (RDN) and has over 15 years of direct patient support and a passion for educating and empowering patients with rare diseases. As a Clinical Engagement Liaison, she is dedicated to partnering and celebrating with her patients as they strive to reach their treatment goals in coordination with their clinical team.
“I am passionate about educating and empowering patients and their caregivers. I believe every patient deserves the opportunity to learn as much as they can about their disorder and the available treatments.”
CEL
Heidi Reilly
Heidi is a longtime registered dietitian and has worked as a metabolic dietitian. She has always been an advocate for patients and makes sure they receive the support and guidance needed to manage their disease. As a Clinical Engagement Liaison, she takes pride in raising awareness of rare diseases.
“My passion is helping patients and families understand their rare disease and supporting them throughout their journey.”
CEL
Jennifer Kennedy
Jennifer combines her customer service skills with her knack for picking up technical processes to serve patients as best as she can. As a Patient Access Liaison, Jennifer is motivated to help every patient she works with.
“It is very rewarding to be able to provide support and assistance to patients and their families throughout their journey.”
CEL
Luani Jones
Luani has many years of experience working in different aspects of patient assistance and reimbursement. She is passionate about helping people and having a positive impact on their lives. As a Patient Access Liaison, she is compassionate and dedicated.
“I am motivated to be a Patient Access Liaison by knowing that I can change someone’s life.”
CEL
Nikki Bloch
Prior to joining the team, Nikki practiced as a clinical registered dietician and always strives to provide the best care and options she could for patients and their families. As a Clinical Engagement Liaison, she is driven to work selflessly so her patients can understand their diagnosis and reach their goals.
“I am motivated by a deep desire to serve first. I love helping everyone—whether they are co-workers in need of assistance with a task, patients struggling to stay on track, or caregivers with questions after a new diagnosis.”
CEL
Sarah Shepherd
Sarah is a nurse practitioner with over 12 years experience supporting patients with complex medical needs. She is passionate about caring for individuals with rare diseases and understands the unique challenges they face. As a clinical engagement liaison, she is committed to supporting families through collaborative and compassionate support.
“I’m driven by a deep commitment to patients and caregivers. My mission is to ensure they feel truly supported, understood, and never alone on their journey.”
CEL
Tiffany Speck
Tiffany's passion for people living with a rare disease and patient advocacy grew while she was working as a pediatric social worker. As a Clinical Engagement Liaison, she works fiercely to advocate for her patients and to support patients living with a rare disease.
“I love bringing a new opportunity and way to reach a person and help guide them to be their best self.”
GTG
Gene Therapy Guides
UltraCare Gene Therapy Guides are experienced professionals who can help you along your gene therapy journey. They can directly answer your questions regarding treatment access, help you with any logistical challenges you may encounter while preparing for treatment, answer questions about your disease, help you follow guidance from your doctor, and provide post-infusion support.
GTG
Dawn Hunter
With a long background in rare-disease support, training, and care coordination, Dawn believes in meeting every family with empathy, clarity, and respect. Her goal is that the community she serves never feel like they have to navigate this process alone.
“It’s a privilege to walk alongside individuals and families on their rare disease journey – answering questions, easing worries, and helping make a complicated process feel a little more manageable.”
GTG
Erica Ferry
Erica has spent over 20 years in the pharmaceutical and biotech industry in various roles. She has found her greatest passion in working with patients and families, and in educating healthcare providers about reimbursement. Having cared for both of her parents, she is dedicated to helping people, especially those facing challenging healthcare situations. As a Gene Therapy Guide, she is committed to overcoming any obstacles to help patients access the treatments they need.
“I am grateful to the patients and families who share their journeys with me, recognizing that each one is unique. I feel privileged to help empower them to access the treatments they and their healthcare providers have been seeking.”
GTG
Jasmine Aimua
With over a decade of experience supporting rare disease patients, Jasmine is committed to making access and reimbursement as seamless and stress free as possible. Her lifelong passion for health, wellness, and patient care, reinforced by her degree in molecular and cell biology, guides her purpose in this work. She is dedicated to fostering supportive relationships with the patients she serves and brings a proactive, solutions focused approach to her work, offering every individual a calm, compassionate, and deeply empathetic presence.
“I strive to meet every patient with clarity, calm, and compassion, helping their journey feel lighter and more supported.”
GTG
Johnna Hardy
Johnna has worked in patient access, reimbursement and support for many years. She has used this avenue to make an impact in the lives of numerous patients and caregivers. She thrives off of providing support to those who need it most. As a Gene Therapy Guide, she finds great satisfaction in assisting patients no matter where they are in their patient journey.
“Each interaction with a patient or a caregiver gives me an opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of the communities that I am here to support. Be it displaying kindness and respect to the families and the treatment team, working through access barriers, or being a liaison during stressful times, this amazing opportunity is, by far, the highlight of my career.”
GTG
Kim Schroeder
Kim is driven by a deep sense of purpose—transforming roadblocks into pathways for patients in need. With a strong background in rare disease and access services, she thrives in complex environments where determination and creativity are key. Kim brings calm to chaos, stepping in with solutions, compassion, and relentless advocacy. She’s known for building strong relationships and for never letting a challenge stop her from doing what’s right.
“I take pride in being the bridge that connects patients to the therapies they deserve. When we solve a problem that once seemed impossible, it’s a win for everyone—but most of all, the patient.”
GTG
Laura Rieken
Laura has dedicated over 20+ years to the healthcare field, with the past 12 years focused on supporting the rare disease community. She finds great fulfillment in helping patients navigate the challenges they face in accessing life changing treatment. As a Gene Therapy Guide, she values being part of a team that shares her commitment to putting patients first.
“I am deeply committed to standing up for individuals who may feel unheard or uncertain about how to advocate for themselves. My passion lies in being a trusted voice and fierce advocate, ensuring every patient receives the respect, dignity, and care they deserve.”
