VIP Pain Services offers Pain Management in the Jacksonville area in both the acute and post acute settings. Our providers are board certified with a focus on pain management. We also have partnered with Florida Pain Physicians https://floridapainphysician.com/ to provide our patients with comprehensive outpatient services which includes not only medication management but also interventional pain management and regenerative medicine. Beyond providing safe and appropriate medication management options, Florida Pain physicians are highly skilled experts in non-surgical interventions, using state-of-the-art treatments to relieve pain and improve function.
Our goal is to ensure your pain management needs can be addressed across the healthcare continuum. More specifically, we are determined to provide various pain management approaches that can evolve with the patient over time depending on their unique circumstances. By providing care across the continuum of care, we can help ensure the gaps in Pain Management are addressed.
Our patients are truly the VIPs. We take a comprehensive, personal approach to find the right combination of pharmacological and/or non-pharmacological approaches to meet your specific needs. Our team works closely with our patients to set realistic goals. We will develop a treatment plan based on a systematic approach taking into consideration psychosocial factors, the patient’s coping mechanisms, family dynamics, and variable levels of patient and family understanding.
Your pain is our priority
Carrie Miller, MS, ARNP-BC, CCNS
Chief Clinical and Operations Officer
Carrie Miller is board certified as both a critical care clinical specialist and as a nurse practitioner. She has spent close to 20 years in critical care with a focus on pain management. She graduated from the University of Maryland Trauma program and was chosen for and completed the most sought after rotations including Johns Hopkins’ Head and Neck Trauma as well as University of Maryland’s Trauma and Transplant Team. Carrie is credited with creating a successful Oncology Navigator concierge program at Chesapeake Urology Associates, LLC and also is the owner and CEO of CK Medical consulting where she assists other offices in achieving similar success. Additionally, she began an acute care inpatient pain service for Ascension St Vincent’s Riverside, Clay and Southside hospitals. She believes in empowering patients to share in the treatment decision making process, as well as taking the burden off of patients in having to coordinate their own care.
As a Pain Management Specialist, Carrie is committed to be an integral part of this specialty by offering hope and relief to so many who have had their lives altered by the debilitating side effects of chronic pain. Her goal is to assist the patients of Jacksonville, their families, physicians and community at large as they navigate the challenges of chronic pain together. Carrie feels, “There is nothing more rewarding in health care than having the opportunity to provide a treatment that offers significant improvements for our patients.”
Her experience in providing patients with timely access to comprehensive care, appropriate treatments and an efficient referral process for the resources they need has increased patient satisfaction, retention, and helped ensure patient compliance with recommended treatment options.
Alexis (Alex) Jimenez, M.D.
Medical Director
Dr. Jimenez is a Mayo Clinic trained, double board certified anesthesiologist and interventional pain physician. He completed his anesthesia residency at the prestigious Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, FL, where he was elected as Chief Resident. He then went on to complete an Interventional Multidisciplinary Pain Management fellowship at the world-renowned Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, which is ranked at the top of the pain management programs in the country by U.S. News & World Report.
Fluent in Spanish and English, Dr. Jimenez obtained his medical degree from the Central University of Venezuela in Caracas, Venezuela. He then started his post-graduate training with a General Surgery internship at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, FL.
Furthermore, Dr. Jimenez has expertise in all the areas of chronic pain and his advanced training and a special set of skills allow him to provide the best care possible to each patient. He is a Diplomat of the American Board of Anesthesiology in Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine and is involved with national, international, and local interventional pain management societies. He also holds staff privileges at St. Vincent’s Hospital, Memorial Hospital, and Baptist Hospital in Jacksonville.
Taking an individualized approach to pain management, Dr. Jimenez creates a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to each patient’s specific needs. His philosophy centers on a holistic, evidence-based care approach using interventional pain management procedures, conservative medical treatment in conjunction with physical rehabilitation, and behavioral support. Most interventional procedures are minimally invasive and provide considerable relief.
Dr. Jimenez is also an expert in the field of regenerative medicine, including stem cells and PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) injections. His pain research and innovative use of cutting-edge technology have been presented and recognized by several associations. He is proud to serve his fellow Floridians, providing his patients with the highest level of care.
José G. Avila–Calles, MD, PhD
Dr. Avila completed his medical degree at the University of Zulia School of Medicine in Venezuela in 1997. Then, went onto completing a Master’s in Surgical Sciences from Imperial College in London and a Ph.D. in Experimental Transplant Surgery from the University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada. He joined the University of Illinois in Chicago as Assistant Professor in the Dept. of Surgery and then at Emory University in Atlanta, GA for 3 years. He then did 2 years of surgical residency and completed an Anesthesiology Residency at Emory University School of Medicine. Subsequently, he completed a Pain Medicine Fellowship and is double boarded in Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine.
In the last 5 years, he worked as an Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and then joined East Carolina Anesthesiology Associates for the last 3 years working as Staff Pain Specialist. He is fluent in three languages, Spanish, English, and Italian. He has several prizes and awards, one of which is the “Ahmet Sezgin” Resident Award, bestowed upon him by the anesthesiology residents of Emory University School of Medicine for exhibiting exemplary interpersonal skills, a unique desire to teach, and a contagious zest for life.
Sajeena Mathai, MSN, APRN, FNP-C
Operational Team Lead Post-Acute care
Sajeena Mathai is a board certified advanced registered nurse practitioner with over 15 years experience in the medical field. She is graduated with a Master’s degree in nursing (MSN) from South University in 2016 and certified as a family nurse Practioner with AANP.
She is dedicated to providing the best patient care possible through listening to patients and employing motivational interviewing techniques. She has practiced in a variety of health care settings including Critical care, Internal medicine and pain management. She has been involved in all aspects of patient care including detailed history, physical examinations, development and implementation of treatment plans and non-surgical procedures.
Sajeena finds the specialty of pain management to be very rewarding. She believes in empowering patients to be part of the decision making process so they take an active role in setting realistic goals for themselves. She enjoys working in the skilled nursing facilities where she can establish relationships with her patients.
Aji Joseph AGPCNP-BC
Clinical Team Lead Post-Acute care
Aji Joseph is board certified as an Adult and Gerontological nurse practitioner with AANP. She has 27 years of healthcare experience in Medical Surgical, critical care, internal medicine, and pain management. She is a graduate from Western Governors University with her Masters of Science in Nursing Education and Purdue Global University with her Post Masters degree as a Nurse Practitioner. She has worked in the acute care division of pain management at St Vincent’s Medical Center as well as various skilled nursing and long term care facilities in Jacksonville.
As well as being a timely, compassionate, efficient and comprehensive provider, Aji is motivated by seeing her patients have an improved quality of life once their pain is better controlled. She has always been an advocate for her patients. She believes in a holistic multi-disciplinary team approach in the treatment of patient’s pain for a better quality of life.
Vicki Teal, MSN, ARNP-FNP-C, ENP-C
Lead Acute Care Nurse Practitioner/Emergency Nurse Practitioner
Vicki Teal is double board certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner and Emergency Nurse Practitioner. She started her career more than 20 years ago as a puppy nurse and transitioned over to people. She still has her zoo of 4 dogs, 2 cats and a tortoise. She started work in the medical in a rural Chicago hospital close to 20 years ago before moving to Jacksonville Florida.
Vicki has vast clinical experience working in areas including general surgery, cardiothoracic, trauma ICU at UF Shands Jacksonville, Cardiac cath lab at Orange Park Medical Center and the Emergency Department at St Vincents Medical Center. She has spent the last couple of years working with addiction medication. Through the years, Vicki has come to realize that pain is often life altering and unfortunately often stigmatized in both the public eye and medical field. Her goal is to help the patient to feel comfortable talking about pain while finding a way to treat their pain. She wants to find a way to treat the whole person not just one aspect.
Kelleena Reed, MSN, FNP-C
Board certified Family Nurse Practitioner
Kelleena Reed is a board certified family nurse practitioner. She obtained her Master of Science in Nursing through South University and has spent the past 25 years dedicated to providing holistic care to patients in need.
Kelly is a welcomed addition to our team at VIP Pain Services providing comprehensive pain management to patients across the lifespan. She starts her day with the goal to make her patients smile. She has a passion for providing patients with the tools and resources for maintaining wellness. Quality of life driven, she utilizes a patient centered, multidisciplinary approach to developing individualized treatment plans for effective pain management. Kelly believes that compassion and understanding go a long way in motivating and treating a person’s pain.
Anna Mercer, MS, PA-C
Physician Assistant
Anna Mercer is board certified as a physician assistant with the NCCPA. She graduated from University of Nebraska-Lincoln with her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Stony Brook University in New York with her Master of Science in Physician Assistant. She recently relocated from Minnesota and has over 11 years of direct patient healthcare experience, previously working within Urology and Cardiovascular Surgery.
Anna enjoys developing relationships with her patients and seeks to build trust to solidify the patient-provider relationship. Her goal is to offer unique and innovative treatment options to get to the underlying cause of one’s pain, treating both acute and chronic pain disorders. Anna believes optimal pain management is achieved with a unique, individualized, multidisciplinary approach and strives to empower patients, while actively listening and showing compassion. Her emphasis is to provide patients with education so they can be the best advocate for their healthcare.
“Pain is a very personal experience and can affect all aspects of one’s life. Finding ways to help patients maximize their daily functioning and quality of life, so they can live their lives in a meaningful way is of top priority.”
Outside of her career, Anna enjoys spending time with her husband, 2 children, and 2 dogs. She enjoys outdoor activities, including escaping to the beach.
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Dr. Germina Emily Risos Rio,
Dr. Germina Emily Risos Rio, “aka Gemma” is a seasoned Advanced Practice Nurse and was recognized as one of the top 75 most influential people in healthcare in Northeast Florida. She obtained her bachelor’s in nursing from the University of the Philippines; master’s degree from the University of Florida in Gainesville; and Doctor of Nursing Science (PhD) Degree from Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton. She is nationally certified with the American Nurses Credentialing Center. She is also certified in Public Health and is actively involved in health promotion and preventive care in the community.
Dr. Germina Rio has pioneered many initiatives in her career, including development of the Skilled Nursing Facility advanced practice provider services in Jacksonville, Florida, participation in initiating the BPCI Advanced Program for Orthopedics in SNF; and was a member of the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis committee who developed the advanced practice nurse standards of care for competency. She has presented in local, national and international symposia.
Dr. Germina Rio has extensive clinical experience in internal medicine, critical care, endocrinology, infectious disease, acute and adult geriatric neurology. She believes that in pain management the provider should have a very deep body of knowledge, skills and the right attitude to understand the intricacies of multiple disease processes; and to provide a holistic approach in treating the patients we serve. Dr. Rio has received several recognition and awards for her integrity, wisdom and role model in clinical expertise, education and research.
Tony Echols, MSN, APRN, FNP-C
Board Certified Nurse Practitioner
Tony Echols, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, is board-certified through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. Tony served in the US Army for 8 years as a Medical Specialist and was awarded the Combat Medical Badge in the Persian Gulf War 1991. Upon leaving the military, he received an Associate Science (RN) degree in 1999 and Bachelor of Science (Nursing) in 2014 from Florida State College at Jacksonville. He earned a Master of Science in Nursing with Honors from Chamberlain University of Nursing in 2017.
He has been a Registered Nurse specializing in long term and subacute care for over 22 years. He was employed at River Garden Senior Services from 2001- 2017 and from 2020-2021 as nursing supervisor, nurse manager and nurse practitioner.Tony has gained experience in internal medicine and pain management as a nurse practitioner and realized this is his calling.
Michael Sevick, FNP-C, BC
Board Certified Nurse Practitioner
Michael Sevick FNP-C, BC is a double board-certified nurse practitioner. His breadth of medical experience was initially procured as a registered nurse in a fast-paced regional hospital beginning in 2008. He transitioned into the home-health environment after nearly a decade. This allowed him to manage patient care from an entirely different vantage point. He decided to evolve as a clinician and earned his Master of Science in Nursing with a family practice specialty. The 15 year span of his career has allowed him to treat patients in the areas of cardiovascular, stroke, renal, GI, infectious diseases, and post-operative care.
He has had the privilege to diagnose and treat patients requiring pain management, and psychiatric care. This has allowed him to observe the relationship between mental health, and the perception of pain. Michael has gained experience in performing fluoroscopy guided interventional procedures to mitigate pain in addition to pharmacological methods. It has become clear to Michael that the needs of all patients are not met without considering the unique variables involved in eliciting pain for each individual. He believes in the in the pursuit of providing compassionate and tailored care to this vast, and underserved, segment of our population.
Kenyatta Dacres, APRN, FNP-C
Board Certified Nurse Practitioner
Kenyatta Dacres is a board-certified family nurse practitioner. She has over eight years of nursing with a combination of long-term, rehabilitation, and acute care experience. She has a masters in science in nursing (MSN) from South University. Currently, she is now pursuing her doctoral in nursing practice (DNP) with certification in psychiatric mental health.
She continues to exemplify compassionate care for those she encounters . Earlier in life, she has demonstrated a passion for human growth and development. This field also encouraged her to continue to pursue her educational career in mental health. Kenyatta’s philosophy of healthcare is holism in which she believes that to thoroughly treat humanity one must consider the body as a whole. Her passion for treating others with integrity, dignity, and respect continues to be her motivation.
In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, live music, dancing, and traveling.
Kaitlyn Allen, DNP, APRN
Board Certified Nurse Practitioner
Kaitlyn is a double board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner, holding a Doctorate in Nursing from Jacksonville University. For the past five years, Kaitlyn has been working at Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside, where she has served as a Critical Care and Rapid Response Nurse. Her invaluable experience in these high-pressure environments has honed her clinical skills and equipped her with the ability to thrive in challenging situations.
Kaitlyn enjoys direct patient care but also possesses a passion for education and research. She has successfully contributed to the development and implementation of critical care education programs, empowering fellow healthcare professionals to deliver the highest standard of care. Her dedication to staying up to date with the latest advancements in healthcare has led her to actively engage in research, ensuring that she remains at the forefront of evidence-based practice.
Committed to a patient-centered approach, Kaitlyn firmly believes in a multi-disciplinary approach to healthcare, recognizing the importance of collaboration and communication across all disciplines. She considers the holistic needs of her patients, integrating physical, emotional, and social aspects into her care. By fostering open lines of communication, she ensures that her patients are active participants in their own healthcare journeys.
Meghan Chislett, MSN, APRN, FNP-C
Board Certified Nurse Practitioner
Meg Chislett is a board certified family nurse practitioner through AANP. She gained her Master’s of Science in Nursing through South University, and has spent over a decade working in the medical field in a variety of settings. She began her journey in the Emergency Department, where she refined her skills and demonstrated her proficiency in handling critical situations. In 2020, she transitioned to assume the role of a Family Nurse Practitioner, specializing in geriatric primary care, demonstrating her passion for elderly patient well-being. Beyond her specialization, Meg’s caring nature extends to patients with disabilities and mental illness, further showcasing her ability to adeptly navigate through a wide array of medical scenarios.
At the core of her approach lies an unwavering compassion, with a genuine concern for the welfare of her patients. Embracing a patient-centered philosophy, Meg ensures that each individual receives personalized attention and treatment, fostering an environment of trust and respect. Her advocacy work ensures that her patients’ interests and well-being remain at the forefront of their healthcare journey.
Cynthia Gist, MSN, APRN-BC
Board Certified Nurse Practitioner
Cynthia Gist, MSN, APRN is board certified in Adult Health with ANCC. She has over 30 years practice in areas including critical care at Annapolis Hospital, cardiology and internal medicine at UF Shands-Jacksonville and endocrinology at St. Vincent Riverside and Southside hospitals. She graduated from the University of Florida with a Master of Science degree in Nursing. She was inducted into the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nurses, named the Most Professional Licensed Professional at Orange Park Medical Center and was honored as one of the Great 100 Nurses of Northeast Florida. She has been a member of the Northeast Florida Council of ARNPs and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. Additionally, she has served as Director of Rare Disease Day-Jacksonville which focuses on advancing the care of individuals suffering a rare disease with the focus of education and advocacy so each person may have a voice.
She has a focus of compassion in the care of her patients which recognizes the suffering experienced by each individual and the strong motivation to act to alleviate suffering. She also recognizes that pain is the leading reason for patients seeking medical care and is one of the most disabling. She incorporates an individual approach to patient care including diagnostic modalities and treatment focused on physical, sensory, cognitive, behavioral and sociocultural aspects of the individual patient. By using a multimodal approach to the management of pain, she incorporates science and technology to accomplish the goal of effective relief of pain with a kind, caring and respectful approach.
Kelly Stone, MSN, APRN, FNP-C
Board Certified Nurse Practitioner
Kelly Stone is a dedicated healthcare professional with a strong educational background and a passion for patient care. She earned her Masters of Science in Nursing through Chamberlain University, and is a board-certified family nurse practitioner through the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). With experience dating back to 2018, Kelly began her career as a Registered Nurse, gaining valuable skills and knowledge in the medical field. She has worked at various healthcare facilities including Aveanna Healthcare as a pediatric home health nurse, Baptist South Medical center med/ surge unit with a focus in women’s services as well as Riverside Endoscopy Center as a gastrointestinal procedural nurse. After transitioning to the role of Nurse Practitioner in 2022, she continued to specialize in GI with Digestive Disease Consultants. Known for her compassion and individualized approach to patient care, Kelly is committed to providing high-quality personalized care while treating each patient like family.
Stephanie Parks, APRN, FNP-BC
Board Certified Nurse Practitioner
Stephanie is a board-certified family nurse practitioner through ANCC. She received her masters degree through Chamberlain University. She started her healthcare journey 10 years ago working with inpatient telemetry at St. Vincent’s Riverside. She transitioned to working in the emergency room in 2016 as an RN until she became an APRN in 2023. With 10 years of healthcare experience She can provide excellent patient care with compassion, and empathy.
Stephanie has many years of working in the emergency room, which has allowed her to manage high stress situations. This experience has allowed her to develop the knowledge in managing patients with a vast medical history. Outside of her career, Stephanie enjoys spending time with her daughter at the beach, pool or traveling somewhere fun!
Amila Gazibara, MSN, APRN, FNP-C
Board Certified Nurse Practitioner
Amila Gazibara is a distinguished board-certified advanced registered nurse practitioner, who graduated with a Master’s degree in nursing from Chamberlain University in 2021. Her commitment to advancing her expertise is evident as she is currently pursuing a Doctor in Nursing Practice degree.
Amila’s experience spans both inpatient and outpatient settings, enriched by several years as a Registered Nurse in medical-surgical and telemetry units. In these roles, she developed a profound skill set in clinical practices and patient care, tailoring her approach to meet diverse patient needs effectively. Her journey in nursing has been marked by a continuous quest for knowledge and skill enhancement, making her a versatile and compassionate healthcare professional.
Amila brings with her a wealth of experience and a patient-centered approach to care. She is dedicated to integrating her extensive background in various medical settings to provide holistic and empathetic care. Amila’s philosophy revolves around actively involving patients in their care process, ensuring they are informed and engaged in decision-making, thereby fostering a collaborative environment for healing and recovery. With her ongoing pursuit of a doctoral degree, Amila continues to signify her unwavering commitment to professional growth and excellence in patient care.
Tina Fields, MA
Office Manager
Tina graduated from Everest University in 2009 with her Associates in Medical Assisting. She has worked for Primary Care and Internal Medicine for 4 years before becoming established with pain management over the last 10 years. She is experienced in Interventional therapy included but not limited to Spinal lumbar and cervical injections.
Tina has over 10 years of experience in pain management in both front and back office. She is also certified as a neuropathic pain provider for those suffering from neuropathy from diabetic or cancer related treatments. In addition to her clinical skills, she also has experience in being a practice manager for outpatient pain management. She is a welcomed addition to our team with both her clinical and business knowledge.
Contact Us
For more information please call or email us:
Phone 904-736-2335
Fax 904-736-2336