--- title: Advanced Practice Practitioners description: Meet our advanced practice practitioners at Excel Pain and Spine. --- # Meet our Advance Practice Practitioners Selecting a pain management doctor to accompany you on your pain relief journey is an important and personal decision that can be stressful. The videos below will help you get to know the physicians at Excel Pain and Spine as they discuss their background, why they chose this medical specialty, and how the practice is focused on providing **positive patient outcomes above all.** [ ### Amy Nichols, MMS, PA-C Physician Assistant Excel Pain and Spine ](https://www.excelpainandspine.com/advanced-practice-practitioners#inline-content-1dnd_area-module-5) ![Amy Nichols, MMS, PA-C](https://www.excelpainandspine.com/hubfs/Amy_Nichols.jpg) Amy Nichols, MMS, PA-C Physician Assistant Excel Pain and Spine About Amy Nichols, MMS, PA-C Amy Nichols joined Excel Pain and Spine in 2021. Amy obtained a Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Science from the University of Pittsburgh in 2006. She then went on to earn a Master of Medical Science degree from Nova Southeastern University’s Fort Lauderdale Physician Assistant program. [ More ](https://www.excelpainandspine.com/amy-nichols-pain-management-physician-?hsLang=en) [ ### Erin Horst, MPAS, PA-C Physician Assistant Excel Pain and Spine ](https://www.excelpainandspine.com/advanced-practice-practitioners#inline-content-2dnd_area-module-5) ![Erin Horst, MPAS, PA-C](https://www.excelpainandspine.com/hubfs/Erin_Horst.jpg) Erin Horst, MPAS, PA-C Physician Assistant Excel Pain and Spine About Erin Horst, MPAS, PA-C Erin Horst, PA-C joined Excel Pain and Spine in 2022. Erin was born and raised in North Carolina. She completed her undergraduate degree in Exercise Science and Biology at High Point University in North Carolina. She then completed her Masters in Physician Assistant Studies at High Point University.  She is licensed to practice in the state of Florida.  [ More ](https://www.excelpainandspine.com/erin-horst-pain-management-physician-?hsLang=en) [ ### Veronica Trujillo, PA-C Physician Assistant Excel Pain and Spine ](https://www.excelpainandspine.com/advanced-practice-practitioners#inline-content-3dnd_area-module-5) ![Veronica Trujillo, PA-C](https://www.excelpainandspine.com/hubfs/Veronica_Trujillo.jpg) Veronica Trujillo, PA-C Physician Assistant Excel Pain and Spine About Veronica Trujillo, PA-C Veronica Trujillo is a nationally-certified physician assistant specializing in pain management and orthopedics for 14 years. She brings a wealth of expertise and compassion to her role, supporting patients through their pain management journey. [ More ](https://www.excelpainandspine.com/veronica-trujillo-pain-management-physician-?hsLang=en) [ ### Deborah DeMilio, PA-C Physician Assistant Excel Pain and Spine ](https://www.excelpainandspine.com/advanced-practice-practitioners#inline-content-4dnd_area-module-5) ![Deborah DeMilio, PA-C](https://www.excelpainandspine.com/hubfs/Deb_Demillo.jpg) Deborah DeMilio, PA-C Physician Assistant Excel Pain and Spine About Deborah DeMilio, PA-C Deborah is a Florida licensed Physician Assistant and is certified by the National Commission for Certification of Physician Assistants.  She started her career in medicine as a Radiologic Technologist. Prior to her current position she has worked in family medicine and in the peri operative setting within the department of anesthesia.  She earned her degree in Physician Assistant studies from St Francis University in Loretto, Pennsylvania. [ More ](https://www.excelpainandspine.com/deborah-demilio-pain-management-physician-?hsLang=en) [ ### Melissa Hardin, PA-C Physician Assistant Excel Pain and Spine ](https://www.excelpainandspine.com/advanced-practice-practitioners#inline-content-5dnd_area-module-5) ![Melissa Hardin, PA-C](https://www.excelpainandspine.com/hubfs/Melissa_Hardin.jpg) Melissa Hardin, PA-C Physician Assistant Excel Pain and Spine About Melissa Hardin, PA-C Melissa Hardin is a dedicated Physician Assistant specializing in Pain Management, currently serving at Excel Pain and Spine since January 2024. She earned a Bachelor's degree in Exercise Physiology from Florida State University and subsequently completed the Physician Assistant program at Methodist University in North Carolina in 2010. [ More ](https://www.excelpainandspine.com/melissa-hardin-pain-management-physician-?hsLang=en) [ ### Betsy Quinones, APRN Nurse Practitioner Excel Pain and Spine ](https://www.excelpainandspine.com/advanced-practice-practitioners#inline-content-6dnd_area-module-5) ![Betsy Quinones, APRN](https://www.excelpainandspine.com/hubfs/Betsy%20Quinones.jpg) Betsy Quinones, APRN Nurse Practitioner Excel Pain and Spine About Betsy Quinones, APRN As a nurse practitioner, I believe in a holistic approach to healthcare—listening to my patients, understanding their concerns, and working together to develop personalized treatment plans. I emphasize patient education, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their health. Whether it's managing chronic conditions, offering preventive care, or addressing acute concerns, my goal is to ensure that every patient feels heard, respected, and supported. [ More ](https://www.excelpainandspine.com/betsy-quinones-pain-management-physician-?hsLang=en) [ ### Kathyrn Hudgins, PA-C Physician Assistant Excel Pain and Spine ](https://www.excelpainandspine.com/advanced-practice-practitioners#inline-content-7dnd_area-module-5) ![Kathyrn Hudgins, PA-C](https://www.excelpainandspine.com/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20(4).png) Kathyrn Hudgins, PA-C Physician Assistant Excel Pain and Spine About Kathyrn Hudgins, PA-C Kathryn Hudgins is a board-certified Physician Assistant who earned her Master of Clinical Medical Science from Barry University, graduating at the top of her class and being inducted into the Pi Alpha National Honor Society for Physician Assistants. She completed her undergraduate degree in Los Angeles before moving to Texas to be near family. In 2022, she relocated to Florida for PA school and is now proud to be putting down roots here. [ More ](https://www.excelpainandspine.com/kathryn-hudgins-pa-c?hsLang=en) [ ### Hajra Khan, PA-C Physician Assistant Excel Pain and Spine ](https://www.excelpainandspine.com/advanced-practice-practitioners#inline-content-8dnd_area-module-5) ![Hajra Khan, PA-C](https://www.excelpainandspine.com/hubfs/Ria%20Sanghani%2c%20PA-C.png) Hajra Khan, PA-C Physician Assistant Excel Pain and Spine About Hajra Khan, PA-C Hajra is a board-certified physician assistant who provides comprehensive care at Excel Pain and Spine. She has experience in urgent care, where she honed her skills in evaluating a wide range of conditions and educating patients on preventive health strategies. She brings this expertise to pain management, focusing on improving patients’ quality of life through personalized treatment plans that combine evidence-based interventions with compassionate support. [ More ](https://www.excelpainandspine.com/hajra-khan?hsLang=en) [ ### Alyssa San Diego, PA-C Physician Assistant Excel Pain and Spine ](https://www.excelpainandspine.com/advanced-practice-practitioners#inline-content-9dnd_area-module-5) ![Alyssa San Diego, PA-C](https://www.excelpainandspine.com/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20(3).png) Alyssa San Diego, PA-C Physician Assistant Excel Pain and Spine About Alyssa San Diego, PA-C Alyssa San Diego is a nationally certified, Florida licensed physician assistant. She started with Excel in Dec 2024 and serves our Davenport, Winter Haven, and Lakeland offices. Alyssa obtained a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology from the University of Florida. She then earned a Master’s of Clinical Medical Science from Barry University’s PA program in St. Petersburg, Florida.  [ More ](https://www.excelpainandspine.com/alyssa-san-diego-pa-c?hsLang=en) [ ### Ria Sanghani, PA-C Physician Assistant Excel Pain and Spine ](https://www.excelpainandspine.com/advanced-practice-practitioners#inline-content-10dnd_area-module-5) ![Ria Sanghani, PA-C](https://www.excelpainandspine.com/hubfs/Kathryn%20-%203.png) Ria Sanghani, PA-C Physician Assistant Excel Pain and Spine About Ria Sanghani, PA-C Ria Sanghani, PA-C, is a board-certified physician assistant through the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. A Tampa, Florida native, Ria earned her Bachelor of Science in Applied Physiology and Kinesiology from the University of Florida. She then went on to complete her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies at Nova Southeastern University. Ria is licensed to practice in the state of Florida and is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care. [ More ](https://www.excelpainandspine.com/ria-sanghani-pa-c?hsLang=en) [ ### Lauren Leone, APRN Nurse Practitioner Excel Pain and Spine ](https://www.excelpainandspine.com/advanced-practice-practitioners#inline-content-11dnd_area-module-5) ![Lauren Leone, APRN](https://www.excelpainandspine.com/hubfs/Lauren.jpg) Lauren Leone, APRN Nurse Practitioner Excel Pain and Spine About Lauren Leone, APRN Lauren Leone is a board‑certified Family Nurse Practitioner with a strong background in critical care, transplant medicine, and oncology. She brings years of experience providing comprehensive, compassionate care across diverse patient populations.  [ More ](https://www.excelpainandspine.com/lauren-leone-aprn?hsLang=en) [ ### Courtney Wight, APRN Nurse Practitioner Excel Pain and Spine ](https://www.excelpainandspine.com/advanced-practice-practitioners#inline-content-12dnd_area-module-5) ![Courtney Wight, APRN ](https://www.excelpainandspine.com/hubfs/Courtney.jpg) Courtney Wight, APRN Nurse Practitioner Excel Pain and Spine About Courtney Wight, APRN Courtney Wight is a board‑certified nurse practitioner. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Southeastern University and went on to complete her Master’s degree at South University. Prior to becoming a nurse practitioner, she dedicated six years to serving as an ICU nurse at Lakeland Regional Hospital. [ More ](https://www.excelpainandspine.com/courtney-wight-aprn?hsLang=en) [ ### Kaitlyn Roeder, PA-C Physician Assistant Excel Pain and Spine ](https://www.excelpainandspine.com/advanced-practice-practitioners#inline-content-13dnd_area-module-5) ![Kaitlyn Roeder, PA-C](https://www.excelpainandspine.com/hubfs/KJR.jpg) Kaitlyn Roeder, PA-C Physician Assistant Excel Pain and Spine About Kaitlyn Roeder, PA-C Kaitlyn Roeder, PA-C, is a board-certified physician assistant at Excel Pain and Spine in Tampa, Florida, specializing in outpatient pain management. Originally from Tucson, Arizona, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Arizona and her Master of Physician Assistant Studies from A.T. Still University. [ More ](https://www.excelpainandspine.com/kaitlyn-roeder-pa-c?hsLang=en) [ ### Nicole Tek, APRN Nurse Practitioner Excel Pain and Spine ](https://www.excelpainandspine.com/advanced-practice-practitioners#inline-content-14dnd_area-module-5) ![Nicole Tek, APRN](https://www.excelpainandspine.com/hubfs/Nichole%20Tek.jpg) Nicole Tek, APRN Nurse Practitioner Excel Pain and Spine About Nicole Tek, APRN Nicole Tek is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner dedicated to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from Clemson University, followed by both her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing from the Medical University of South Carolina. [ More ](https://www.excelpainandspine.com/nicole-tek-aprn?hsLang=en) ## Schedule your Appointment Now If you are ready to take back control of your life with a health care provider who will act as a partner in your pain relief journey, contact us to schedule an appointment today. Please fill out the form, and a representative from the clinic will follow-up to confirm the appointment and obtain any additional information necessary for your visit. ### Submit Your Contact Information ## Let us help you! *"If you change the way you look at things, **the things you look at change."* - Wayne Dyer [ SET UP YOUR APPOINTMENT NOW ](https://www.excelpainandspine.com/schedule-appointment?hsLang=en)