Other Providers

Abby Martens is a nurse practitioner certified in adult-geriatric care through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. She received her bachelor’s degree in nursing at the University of Arkansas and began her career as a registered nurse at Mercy Hospital in Rogers, Arkansas.

She joined Highlands Oncology as an infusion nurse in 2017, during which time she earned her master’s degree in nursing at the University of Missouri at Kansas City. She counts it a privilege to walk alongside people and families experiencing serious illness in the supportive care department. She loves Jesus, enjoys a good laugh, and is quite fond of her cat, Millie.

Amber Anderson is an APRN from Northwest Arkansas. Amber is board certified by ANCC as an Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner. She received her Bachelor of Nursing from Arkansas State University in 2012. She then went on to receive her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Arkansas Medical Sciences in May 2015. She has two beautiful daughters, Arabella and Amara. She loves to travel, cook, and stay active on her Peloton.

Angela Stewart, an Advanced Practice Nurse, is originally from Ft. Smith, Arkansas, and relocated to Fayetteville after attending the University of Arkansas. She graduated with an Associate of Applied Science Degree in nursing from NWACC in 2000. She received her BSN in 2004 from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and continued working on her Masters of Nursing Science at UAMS, graduating in 2006. She is currently attending the University of Arkansas and is working on completing the first Doctor of Nursing Practice program at U of A, and will graduate in May of 2015.

She is a certified Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP). She began working at Highlands Oncology in June 2009. She has also obtained her Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner (AOCNP) certification. She also has a clinical breast examiner’s certification (CBEC). She has most recently attended the University of Massachusetts Tobacco Treatment Specialist Program, and is currently working on her Capstone Project which is Treating Tobacco Use in Lung Cancer Screening patients where she provides a comprehensive smoking cessation program including counseling and pharmacology for lung cancer screening patients who are interested in quitting smoking.

Bailie Moore is an Advanced Practice Nurse, board certified as an Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and a Family Nurse Practitioner by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Bailie comes to Highlands Oncology from Nebraska Medicine Buffett Cancer Center where she worked in hematology/oncology departments. She received her Bachelor of Science and her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Nebraska College of Nursing and her post-graduation training at Clarkson College in Omaha, Nebraska.

Courtney was born and raised in Rogers, AR. She received her master’s degree as a Physician Assistant from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock, Arkansas. She was the president of her class, founding president of the UAMS PA student society, and graduated at the top of her class as valedictorian. In her early years as a PA, she worked in hospital medicine in Conway, AR where she took a special interest in caring for patients at the end of life. She went to UAMS where she practiced inpatient Palliative Care at the state’s only Hospice and Palliative Medicine fellowship program before moving to Baton Rouge, Louisiana to develop and oversee the hospital’s first Palliative Medicine program.

Courtney is passionate about empowering patients and families in their goals of care, providing support and symptom management for complex illnesses, and working with patients who have life-limiting diagnoses while maximizing quality of life. She is honored to return home and be able to continue providing support to those in need and advancing palliative care in Arkansas.

Christy Whillock, MSN, APRN, FNP-C has resided in Northwest Arkansas since graduating from Union University, Jackson, Tennessee, with her undergraduate degree in Nursing in 1995. Christy has extensive experience in Family Medicine, Population Health, Community Health, Managed Care, as well as Insurance Coding and Billing. Christy attended Chamberlain College of Nursing and graduated with her master’s degree in their Family Nurse Practitioner program, graduating with high honors.

Christy is board certified Family Nurse Practitioner by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and is a member of Sigma Theta Tau, International Honor Society of Nursing, American Association of Nurse Practitioners, and Arkansas Nurse Practitioners Association.

Debra Tooker joined Highlands Oncology as a Physician Assistant in 2019. She holds a certification by the National Committee on Certification of Physician Assistants and licensed by the Arkansas State Medical Board. In 2005, she graduated from the Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Missouri with a Bachelor of Science in Biology.

She obtained her Master’s of Science in Physician Assistant Studies in 2010 from Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri. Prior to joining Highlands Oncology, she worked in geriatrics and family medicine in Arkansas. Debra received the American Society of Clinical Pathologist Scholarship in 2004, Shining Start Award from St. Joseph’s Health System in 2005, Missouri Hospital Association Scholarship Award in 2006 and the State of Arkansas Mensa Scholarship Award in 2009.

Erik Friedly is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse with full independent practice authority and extensive experience caring for patients across urgent care, primary care, and cardiovascular intensive care settings. He is committed to providing evidence-based, patient-centered care and is recognized for his thorough clinical assessments, collaborative communication style, and dedication to improving health outcomes for diverse patient populations.

Before joining Highlands, Erik provided comprehensive primary care in community clinics, managing acute and chronic health conditions, coordinating referrals, and expanding access to care for underserved patients. He also served for five years as a Cardiovascular Intensive Care Registered Nurse, delivering advanced post-operative care for patients recovering from cardiac surgery and complex cardiac disease.

Most recently, he practiced in urgent care, where he provided triage, medical treatment, wound care, and emergency response for patients experiencing acute illness or injury.

Prior to his nursing career, Erik held leadership roles in food safety regulation and served as a Staff Sergeant (E-5) in the United States Air Force, with deployment to Iraq—experiences that shaped his commitment to service, precision, and teamwork. His military service culminated in an Associate of Applied Science in Munitions Systems.

Erik earned his Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and holds dual bachelor’s degrees in Food Science and Microbiology, as well as a Master of Science from the University of Arkansas, where he conducted and published research on foodborne pathogens and nutrition. He is nationally certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.

Erik is honored to care for patients and families in Northwest Arkansas and is passionate about empowering individuals through education, prevention, and collaborative treatment planning.

Holland Belline joined Highlands Oncology as an APRN in April 2021. She received her BSN from the University of Arkansas in 2010 and went on to receive her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH in 2018. She is a board-certified Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner. Holland’s interests are hiking, camping, fitness, and spending time with family and friends and her two golden retrievers.

Jillian Hewlett is an Advanced Practice Nurse, board certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners as an Adult-Geriatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner. Jillian received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Arkansas Tech University and went on to receive her Master of Sciences in Nursing from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock, AR.

She did post-master training at the University of Central Arkansas. Prior to joining Highlands Oncology, she worked for Mercy in Rogers, AR.

Jennifer Carpenter, APRN, FNP-C is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse and Family Nurse Practitioner certified through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Arkansas State University and later completed her Master of Science in Nursing at Frontier Nursing University.

Before becoming a nurse practitioner, she worked as a registered nurse in the emergency department, gaining extensive experience caring for patients in critical and acute situations. As a nurse practitioner, she has provided care in both Cardiology and Family Medicine settings, offering comprehensive, patient-centered treatment across a wide range of health conditions.

She is an active member of the Arkansas Nurse Practitioner Association and the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, supporting professional growth and advocacy within her field.

Jennifer recently joined Highlands Oncology and is proud to serve the community where she enjoyed vacationing over the years. She and her family enjoy the many outdoor activities the region offers.

Lindsay Nordmeyer is a board-certified physician assistant, who is an Arkansas native and originally from Valley Springs, AR. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from the University of Arkansas in 2017 and graduated with a master’s degree as a Physician Assistant from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in 2019. She is nationally certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants and the Arkansas Medical Board. She worked in hospital medicine for 2 years before joining Highlands Oncology Group in April 2022.

Lindsey Wilson is a physician assistant with board certification through the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). She received Bachelor of Science degrees in Biology and Business Administration from Williams Baptist University in 2007 and Master of Physician Assistant Studies from Harding University in 2011. She has over a decade of experience in acute care medicine, mainly emergency and hospitalist care. Lindsey joined the Highlands Oncology team in October 2023. She is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, Arkansas Academy of Physician Assistants and Association of Physician Assistants in Oncology.

Michaela R. Berndt, MSN, NP-C, is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with extensive experience in primary care, urgent care, and oncology. She is committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care to patients and families at every stage of life. Her clinical approach emphasizes thorough assessment, clear communication, and personalized treatment planning.

Before joining Highlands Oncology, Michaela practiced in a high-volume family medicine and urgent care setting. She cared for patients of all ages with both acute and chronic conditions. She is experienced in performing procedures such as suturing, incision and drainage, skin biopsies, bone marrow biopsies, and cryotherapy. She is also highly skilled in diagnosing and managing a wide range of medical concerns.

Her background also includes advanced practice experience in hematology and oncology. She managed hospitalized cancer patients who required complex care. She previously served as the on-site sole medical provider for multiple long-term care facilities. There, she oversaw chronic disease management, medication therapy, diagnostic testing, and transitions of care.

Earlier in her career as a Registered Nurse, Michaela worked in oncology, emergency medicine, pre-operative and post-anesthesia care, and cardiac critical care. She served at major health systems throughout Arkansas and Missouri. These experiences shaped her deep understanding of the patient journey. She understands the process from diagnosis and treatment through recovery and long-term support.

Michaela earned her Master of Science in Nursing with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration from Graceland University, where she graduated with High Honors. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Saint Luke’s College of Health Sciences, where she graduated cum laude.

She is a member of Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society, as well as a Member of the Oncology Nursing Society.  She also remains active in community outreach, patient education, and volunteer service.

Michaela is passionate about building meaningful relationships with her patients and partnering with them to make confident and informed choices about their health.

Melanie Haney has been an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) with Highlands Oncology since 2014. She obtained her BSN in 2007 and worked as a registered nurse in cardiology for seven years, and then accomplished her MSN and achieved board certification as an adult-gerontology clinical nurse specialist (AGCNS) in 2014. Since joining Highlands Oncology, Melanie has achieved additional certifications as an advanced oncology clinical nurse specialist (AOCNS) and clinical breast examiner (CBEC).

She was a key player in the development of the practice’s genetic counseling program in 2017 and helped create the hospitalist advanced practice provider program for inpatient management of acutely ill patients. She maintains an active role in both programs. Since 2018, Melanie has served as the genetics advanced practice provider for CARE (Cancer Assessment and Risk Education) clinic, a specialized program that provides management for patients who are at increased risk of cancers due to hereditary genetic mutations, as well as patients that are at an increased risk of breast cancer based on risk assessment.

She completed the Intensive Course in Genomic Cancer Risk Assessment through City of Hope in 2021 and remains a member of the Clinical Cancer Genomics Community of Practice, through which she is able to collaborate with genetics experts around the world to stay up to date on the latest research and recommendations in cancer genetics and prevention. Her family includes her husband, Chad, and 3 young sons. In her spare time, she enjoys crocheting and getting outside with her boys to hike, swim, boat and play when the weather allows.

Rachel is an Advanced Practice Nurse and is board-certified by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners as a Family Nurse Practitioner.

She is a native of Northwest Arkansas. Rachel completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway, AR in 2008. In 2018, Rachel earned a Master of Science in Nursing from Walden University.

Rachel is married with 2 girls. She loves to travel, cook, and garden in her spare time.

Stephanie, “Sam”, is from Houston, TX and moved to NWA after graduating High School. Stephanie received her ADN from NWACC. Most recently, she earned her Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner degree. Her hobbies include golf, crafts, and spending time with family.

Suzan is an advanced practice registered nurse board certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center in Adult Acute Care. Susan attended undergrad at the University of Arkansas and obtained her master’s from UAMS. She is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Nursing at the University of Arkansas. Professional memberships include Sigma Tau Theta, the Arkansas Nurse Practitioner Association, the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, and the Oncology Nursing Society.

Susan has worked in oncology since 2014 and feels passionate about the field. She enjoys close relationships with the patients and being able to help them when they need it the most.

Susan is married and has two small children. She enjoys spending time with her family, exercising, reading, and traveling.

Tammy Palermo recently joined Highlands Oncology as a Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurse Practitioner, bringing more than 20 years of nursing and healthcare experience to the team. She provides compassionate, patient-centered care for individuals with complex wound, ostomy, and continence needs, helping to promote healing, comfort, and confidence throughout each patient’s recovery journey.

A board-certified Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner, Ms. Palermo provides specialized care focused on improving healing, comfort, and quality of life. She collaborates closely with physicians, nurses, and the entire care team to develop individualized treatment plans and ensure seamless communication across all aspects of a patient’s care.

Throughout her career, Ms. Palermo has demonstrated exceptional leadership, mentoring nursing students and serving in supervisory and management roles. She is dedicated to clinical excellence and patient education, helping patients understand their treatment, manage their care at home, and feel empowered throughout their healing journey.

Her professional honors include recognition on the Chancellor’s List and Dean’s List at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, and membership in both Alpha Sigma Lambda, the National Honor Society for Adult Students, and Sigma Theta Tau, the International Honor Society of Nursing.

Highlands is pleased to have such a talented and compassionate APP on staff to care for our patients.

Gina Baumgartner, PT, DPT, received her B.A. in Biology from the University of North Texas in 1994, B.S. in Physical Therapy from U.T. Southwestern Allied Health Professions in 1997, and her Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of Montana, Missoula in 2016. Gina became a Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT) from Klose Training in 2018 and is Lymphology Association of North America (LANA) certified.

She is also a board certified Geriatric Clinical Specialist through the American Physical Therapy Association. Gina is the manager of Rehabilitation and Massage. Other areas of competency include pelvic and bowel health, vestibular disorders, generalized deconditioning weakness, gait and balance deficits, neuromuscular conditions, fall prevention, and orthopedic problems. She enjoys hiking, cycling, traveling, and spending time with her family.

Certified Lymphedema Therapist

Certificate of Achievement in Pelvic Health

Certified Oncology Rehabilitation Therapist

Theresa received her Bachelor of Science degree (2012) and Master of Occupational Therapy degree from Saint Louis University (2013). She began her career working in acute care at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago, IL which is where she developed her passion for working with the hematology and oncology patient population. While there, she also enjoyed both working and volunteering at the rare neuromuscular disease clinic. In 2016, she moved to St. Louis, MO to work in an outpatient lymphedema clinic, where she underwent training to become a KLOSE Certified Lymphedema Therapist and Lymphology Association of North America (LANA) certified practitioner. In 2022, she moved to NWA and underwent training in clinical research where she obtained her Good Clinical Practice (GCP) certificate. In addition to lymphedema, Theresa is experienced in providing rehabilitation services in diverse treatment settings with neurological, cardiac, and cognitive conditions. When not at work, she enjoys the outdoors and family time with her husband and two young daughters.

Certified Lymphedema Therapist

Kristen received a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Arkansas Tech University in 2008 and earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Central Arkansas in 2011. A native of Gentry, Arkansas, Kristen has been practicing pelvic health in Northwest Arkansas for the past decade. With a deep commitment to improving pelvic health, Kristen actively supports her patients both in the clinic and through community education, empowering them to take control of their well- being. Kristen has undergone specialized training in pelvic physical therapy and pregnancy/postpartum rehab through the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). Her extensive training enables her to treat a wide range of abdominopelvic conditions in men, women, and pediatric patients, delivering compassionate care tailored to each individual’s needs. Kristen is working with patients in the Springdale office.

Aileen is a Doctor of Occupational Therapy from Kansas City, Missouri. She has worked with adult patients at North Kansas City Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation and pediatrics in school and outpatient settings. She has been a CLT since March 2022. She received her OTD from Mary Baldwin University in 2017 and her BS in Psychology in 2014 from Virginia Commonwealth University. She received her CLT from the Academy of Lymphatic Studies.

She is a member of the American Occupational Therapy Association and the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy. Aileen is working at the Springdale location. She has partnered with PT to develop peripheral neuropathy, cancer-related fatigue, and chemotherapy- induced cognitive impairment programs in addition to treating patients with impaired fine motor skills and lymphedema. Aileen lives in Fayetteville with her husband and son.

Lymphedema Therapist

Jay earned his Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Ouachita Baptist University in 2017. He then pursued his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at Southwest Baptist University, graduating in 2021. Over the past three and a half years, Jay has gained valuable experience working in an outpatient clinic in Northwest Arkansas. In March of 2025, he obtained his Lymphedema Certification through Klose. Outside of work, Jay enjoys spending time with family and friends, staying active through workouts, and watching college football and baseball.

Physical Therapist

Certified Lymphedema Therapist

Ashley received her Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from Missouri State University in 2009 and Master of Occupational Therapy from Rockhurst University in 2013. She immediately received her certification in lymphedema from KLOSE training in 2013. She began her career working at Cancer Rehabilitation Specialists in Kansas city, MO before she went on to be the director of lymphedema at St. Mary’s hospital in Blue Springs. After her daughter was born, Ashley returned home to the Springfield, MO area where she opened her own private outpatient practice and contracted with plastic surgeons and home health agencies to provide care to the southwest Missouri and Lake of the Ozark’s regions. She has been an avid advocate for lymphedema and lipedema patients, eventually, opening her own non-profit aimed at providing education and resources to those who needed it most. In 2019, Ashley was awarded Best in patient care by the American Health council. Ashley moved to beautiful northwest Arkansas in 2023 with hopes of assisting this growing area to care for her areas of passion in lymphedema, lipedema and pelvic health. In her spare time, you’ll find Ashley singing with a band or playing on one of northwest Arkansas’s many lakes.

Demi received her Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science with a Psychology minor from Missouri Baptist University(2018) and Master of Occupational Therapy degree from Missouri State University(2020). She began her career in Kansas, working within a skilled nursing setting, then transitioning into a acute care and inpatient rehabilitation settings. She has over three years of experience with treatment of a variety of diagnoses. In 2023, she underwent her Klose training and became a Certified Lymphedema Therapist. In the beginning of 2024, she moved to Rogers, Arkansas and began at Highlands Oncology in the Rogers location. She is excited to pursue a new passion of learning and growing within the oncology setting. When not at work, she enjoys movies, music, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Occupational Therapist Certified Lymphedema Therapist

Jackie received her Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Arkansas in 2010 and Doctorate of Physical Therapy from U.S. Army-Baylor in 2013. She served as an Army Officer and Physical Therapist with experience in orthopedics, manual therapy, sports rehab and pelvic therapy. Jackie has been practicing pelvic health for ten years and is passionate about improving quality of life with bowel, bladder and pelvic pain dysfunctions. She feels strongly about providing compassionate, holistic, and trauma-informed care while meeting patients where they are with function and goals. Jackie is working with patients in the Springdale office. She enjoys crafting, reading, and spending time with her family.

Doctor of Physical Therapy Pelvic Health Specialist

Ashley received a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Arkansas in 2006 and earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Central Arkansas in 2009.  Ashley has been practicing pelvic health in Northwest Arkansas for over 15 years. 

With a deep commitment to whole body healing, Ashley encourages her patients to seek out root causes and provides individual plans for each patient’s priorities. Ashley has undergone specialized training in pelvic physical therapy through the Herman and Wallace Pelvic Rehab Institute and the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).

Her extensive training and experience allow her to treat a wide range of abdominopelvic conditions in men, women, and pediatric patients. Ashley is working with patients in the Springdale office.  When not at work, she enjoys the sunshine, family time with her husband and children and chatting with her chickens in the backyard.

Lindsey received her B.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Central Arkansas in 2016 and her M.S. in Speech Language Pathology from the University of Central Arkansas in 2019. She went on to pursue her career working with both pediatric and adult populations but discovered a passion for treating adults with traumatic brain injuries and strokes in both the acute care and outpatient rehabilitation settings. She has a special interest in treating patients with swallowing difficulty (dysphagia).

Lindsey has a passion to deepen her expertise in the field of Oncology, specifically Head and Neck Cancer. Outside of work, Lindsey enjoys staying active and spending time with her husband and young daughter. She also loves listening to music and winding down with a good movie or show with family.

Lindsey received her B.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Central Arkansas in 2016 and her M.S. in Speech Language Pathology from the University of Central Arkansas in 2019. She went on to pursue her career working with both pediatric and adult populations but discovered a passion for treating adults with traumatic brain injuries and strokes in both the acute care and outpatient rehabilitation settings. She has a special interest in treating patients with swallowing difficulty (dysphagia).

Lindsey has a passion to deepen her expertise in the field of Oncology, specifically Head and Neck Cancer. Outside of work, Lindsey enjoys staying active and spending time with her husband and young daughter. She also loves listening to music and winding down with a good movie or show with family.