Our Staff

Isobel Whitehead: Chief Medical Assistant

Isobel was born in Kingston upon Thames, southwest London, England, but moved to Lafayette, California, when she was very young. She and her family lived in Lafayette until she was nine, then moved to a small town outside of Paris, France. The family hopped back over the pond after a couple of years, returning to California where Isobel remained stateside to finish high school and college.

Isobel received a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of California, Santa Barbara. During her studies there she participated in stem cell research. She also brings work experience as a physical therapy aide, a caregiver, and a medication technician.

Isobel feels confident that her “strong background in science gives her an edge when learning about podiatric treatments and exactly how the treatments work to help our patients.”

As a medical assistant at SFA, Isobel says, “The best part of working at Sierra Foot & Ankle is the culture of growth and learning encouraged by Dr. Melhuish and my coworkers. We come to work open to learning from one another and wanting to improve. I love how Dr. Melhuish prioritizes everyone in the clinic to understand the condition and treatment– from the medical assistants to the patients themselves.”

Outside of work: “On a perfect weekend, I get time to embroider, cook a delicious dinner, go on a run, go thrifting, and spend plenty of time outdoors with my dogs. Because of my English background, my favorite thing to eat is a Sunday roast of roast beef, baked potatoes, and Yorkshire puddings!“

Favorite Podcast:  Morbid

Favorite Books: The Twilight Saga, Harry Potter books, and the Bridgerton series.

Favorite Quote: “Variety is the spice of life” – late 18th-century Proverbial saying

Isobel Whitehead Bio Pic

Isabella “Izzy” Valentine: Medical Assistant

Izzy grew up in Folsom, a small suburb outside Sacramento, CA. She remembers living close to Folsom Lake where she loved going for a swim, walking the trails around the lake, and the joys of growing up with an older brother and two wonderful golden retrievers.

Izzy played softball for the University of Nevada, Reno while pursuing her bachelor’s degree in biology. As a collegiate athlete, Izzy also brings personal traits of hard work, determination, and how to be an active team member to our SFA Team.

As a medical assistant, Izzy states, “I love building relationships with our patients and assisting them, along with the Doctor, to achieve positive outcomes. I love the team environment at Sierra Foot & Ankle where we all strive to work as a unit to ensure our patient’s needs are met. As a member of the SFA Team, it is our job to assist patients with getting back to their normal routine and activities.”

Outside of work:  “I enjoy reading. I enjoy exploring new trails and hikes in Reno and Tahoe areas. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, and I love to bake all kinds of desserts.”

Favorite Books:  The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah, Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier, and Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte.

Favorite Quote:  “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi

Izzy Valentine Bio Pic

Juanita Julian: Patient Care Coordinator

Juanita grew up in a small town called Alviso, CA in the heart of Silicon Valley.  My two grandmothers and a favorite aunt have had a significant influence on me since I was very young. They taught me such lessons as how to be myself, and how to cope with difficult issues, and have pushed me to make good decisions for my life.

As Patient Care Coordinator, Juanita helps our clients navigate patient registration, insurance benefits, and is an advocate for good healthcare coordination. Juanita’s passion spills over, “I love interacting with our clients. When working with our clients, I want to make them feel heard, taken care of, and understood.”

Juanita’s experience includes working in client services for small businesses in northern Nevada as well as working with an optometry group in California. Juanita states, “I like using my listening skills, empathy, and compassion when I offer personal attention to our patients. That’s my brand.”

Outside of Work: I really like working on projects centered around my children; I really enjoy being with my children and husband.  I also enjoy a good cup of coffee, relaxing, listening to praise and worship, and shopping.

Favorite Podcast:  Real Talk Kim

Favorite Books: Eat the Cookies, Buy the Shoes by Joyce Myers

Favorite Food: Italian, anything with pasta and bread is hard not to indulge in.

Jaunita Julian

Mary Kay Wagner: Management Liaison

Mary Kay is the management liaison for Dr. Melhuish and multiple organizational activities needed to manage a medical practice. She coordinates activities and manages projects so Dr. Melhuish can focus on patient care and keep our patients doing the things they love to do.

Mary Kay proudly served our country as a member of the Air National Guard in Utah and Arizona during her young years. She completed her bachelor’s degree at Weber State University and earned her master’s in public administration from Northern Michigan University.

In 1991, Mary Kay planted her roots in Carson City, recognizing this was a wonderful community to raise a family. She retired from a rewarding career with the State of Nevada in 2018 and brings an abundance of skills and expertise to help manage our practice.

Outside of work: Mary Kay participates in an active lifestyle which includes running, biking, swimming, skiing, hiking, and gardening. She adopted a pup a few years ago as a good reason to keep her active. When she isn’t on the move she enjoys reading, quilting, and watching a good movie or Netflix series.

Favorite book(s): The Obstacle is The Way by Ryan Holiday; The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr; Whole Brain Living by Jill Bolte Taylor.

Mary Kay Wagner

Get In Touch

Address

2350 South Carson St
Suite 3
Carson City, NV 89701

© Sierra Foot & Ankle. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy.

Web Design by CP Solutions. Marketed by VMD Services.