Otolaryngology Staff
Residents
Front Row: Natalya Chernichenko, MD, Thomas Della Torre, MD, Jen Chow, MD, Stella Lee, MD
Back Row: Jagdeep Hundal, MD, Gregory Lesnik, MD, Adam LeVay, MD, Daniel Plosky, MD
ENT Nurses & PCAs
Toni Brown, LPN II, Candra Short, PCA, David Conte, LPN II
JOSEPH MENDES, PA
Joseph V. Mendes, PA-C, RRT, MS has been a otolaryngology surgical physician assistant with the Yale Department of Surgery since 2002. He graduated from the University of Hartford with a BS in Respiratory Care, and from Pacific University with a Masters in Science in Physician Assistant Studies and received the Alumni Outstanding Graduate Award for clinical and academic excellence. Before working as a physician assistant, he was a registered respiratory therapist and specialized in outpatient cardiopulmonary rehabilitation. Joseph serves as a faculty lecturer for the department, and assists in otolaryngology clinical and academic development for the Yale School of Physician Associate Studies. Joseph works with all of the attending surgeons, complimenting their care in the clinics, operating room and in the hospital.
KARI COYLE
Kari Coyle is the Office Manger to the Section of Otolaryngology. She has an extensive background in management and uses it to promote interoffice teamwork and to facilitate patient services.
SHELLEY JOLIE, RN, BSN
Shelley Jolie, RN, BSN, is the Nurse Coordinator for the Head and Neck Program, with specific responsibilities in assisting patients transitioning between the outpatient and inpatient services. Her principal mission is the education of patients and their families in coping with the new requirements and expectations associated with Head and Neck cancer care. Ms. Jolie received her RN from the Ona M. Wilcox School of Nursing and her BSN from Central Connecticut State University.
MARY CROOKS, LCSW
Mary Crooks, LOSW, is a licensed Clinical Social Worker who is here to help you and your family through your illness. Mary offers an assessment of emotional and social needs, discussion of concerns related to community services, help build coping skills for children and other family members, and provide referrals to substance abuse treatment and mental health services. Mary received her Masters in Social Work from the University of Connecticut, School of Social Work. She can be reached at (203) 688-4183.
ENT Administrative Staff
Meet the staff who will be taking your phone calls, faxes and e-mails. They will schedule your appointments and guide you through your treatment process.
Front Row: Barbara Brown, Deb Pragano, Stacie Heinemann, Jan Thigpen
Back Row: Anna DiFonzo, Midreda Fox, LaTricia Wardlaw, Sandra Howell
