Our Physician Extenders

These capable Physician Extenders assist in managing acute and chronic brain and spine conditions through comprehensive history taking, physical exams and the ordering of diagnostic tests and treatments. Our nurse practitioners are qualified to diagnose medical problems, assist in surgical procedures, order therapies, prescribe medications, and make referrals. Along with the rest of our Neurosurgical team, the core philosophy of our nurse practitioner role is individualized care that focuses on both the patient’s medical issues, as well as the effects of illness and injury on the life of the patient and his or her family.

A Physician Extender’s areas of expertise include the following:

Assisting our Neurosurgeons in surgery
Collaborating with the Neurosurgeons and other health providers about patient care
Counseling and educating patients on health behaviors, self-care skills and treatment options
Diagnosing and treating acute illnesses, infections and injuries
Diagnosing, treating, and monitoring chronic conditions
Obtaining medical histories and conducting physical examinations
Ordering, performing and interpreting diagnostic studies (e.g., lab tests, x-rays, MRIs, CT scans)
Prescribing medications
Prescribing physical therapy and other rehabilitation treatments

Our Physician Extenders

Stacey Castellanos, NP

Masters of Science, Nurse Practitioner, Texas Woman’s University

Laci Childers, FNP-C

Masters of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner program, University of Texas at Arlington

Rachel Mayer, PA

Masters of Physician Assistant Studies, University of North Texas Health Science Center
Bachelor of Science Nutrition, Texas A&M University, magna cum laude
BLS Certifications
American Academy of Physician Assistants
Texas Academy of Physician Assistants

Whitney McClung, AGACNP-BC

Masters of Science in Nursing, Texas Tech University
Bachelor of Science in Nursing, University of Texas at Tyler, graduated with honors
ACLS, BLS, and NIH Stroke Scale Certified
Certified Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN)
Stroke Certified Registered Nurse (SCRN)
American Association of Critical Care Nurses
Texas Nurse Practitioner Association
American Association of Neuroscience Nurses

Kylie Vogel, PA-C

Masters of Physician Assistant Studies, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, Louisiana, Valedictorian
Bachelor of Science Biology, Hardin-Simmons University, Holland Scholar, President’s List
BLS Certifications
American Academy of Physician Assistants

Breanne Smith, FNP-C

Masters of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner program, Texas Women’s University, Dallas, TX
Bachelor of science in Nursing, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX
Registered nurse in the state of Texas and New York
ACLS and BLS certifications
First Assist Certification
Sigma Theta Tau, Nursing Honor’s Society
North Texas Nurse Practitioner Member
American Association of Nurse Practitioner’s member

Linda Rodriguez-Gilmore, MS, APRN, FNP-BC

Masters of Science in Nursing, Chamberlain University
Family Nurse Practitioner certified
Certified EMT
Bilingual in English and Spanish

Claire Carpenter, FNP-C

AANP Board Certified nurse Practitioner
Master of Science in Nursing, Texas Woman’s University
Bachelor of Science in Community Health and Nursing, University of Kansas
American Heart Association – ACLS
American Heart Association - BLS