Kristen Heestand, PA-C holds a master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies, is certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA), and is licensed in Washington State. Prior to graduate school, she completed her undergraduate degree in Exercise Science, with an emphasis on chemistry and biological studies. Throughout her education and clinical training, she developed a passion for preventative medicine which led her to the Cooper Center for Metabolism.

She has undergone training from Dr. Cooper in the methodology to address metabolic dysfunction. She has developed a strong knowledge base and collaborates closely with Dr. Cooper to provide outstanding care to patients suffering from metabolic syndrome, obesity, or infertility. Kristen is dedicated to providing individualized patient care, preventing disease, and achieving long-term health goals.

Kristen also contributes to the Diabesity Institute’s research and healthcare provider training programs.

Alisha Boxley, ARNP holds a master’s degree in nursing and a license as an advanced registered nurse practitioner from Washington State. Prior to joining CCM, she worked as a cardiology and sleep medicine specialist, working with such conditions as hypertension, heart failure, hyperlipidemia, stroke, and sleep apnea. She also has 13 years of experience as a critical care nurse, including post-operative care for open-heart surgery.

Alisha holds much passion for obesity as a condition – in her master’s program, she wrote multiple papers on obesity in adolescents. She is very excited to bring this dedication to CCM and our patients.

Daphne Carballo, PA-C holds a master’s degree in Medical Science, is certified by the NCCPA, and holds a PA license from Washington State. As she completed her clinical training, she realized there was a major gap to be filled in regard to disease prevention, and she knew that she wanted to help address this as a healthcare provider.

Daphne joined CCM as she finds metabolism to be a fascinating field that targets conditions that she is passionate about treating. Her goal as a provider is to be a part of our patients’ short and long-term health goals while demonstrating compassion and patience to inform them about their diagnoses, treatments, and appropriate lifestyle strategies.

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Dr. Cooper and Kristen’s schedules are nearly full, therefore we welcomed Alisha and Daphne to our team to accommodate new patients. Kristen, Alisha, and Daphne continue to undergo training with Dr. Cooper’s supervision, following the protocols and methodology that she has set out.

All of our providers work together as a team, and we are very excited to have new patients work with Alisha and Daphne!

Linda Jensen (MA-R), Miyah Davis (MA-R), Karlee Ervin (MA-R), Cheryl Toenyan (CPT), Hannah Junejo (CPT), and Megan Bair (CPT) comprise our clinical support staff. Their combined skills provide a range of support services, from blood draws and specimen processing to checking in patients, providing patient education authorized by providers, and communicating information between providers and patients. They are dedicated to making your care successful and your well-being is their greatest concern.

When you visit or call the Cooper Center for Metabolism, you will be greeted by Sophia Rivero, Ashton Evertz, and Linda Jensen, who will answer your questions and accommodate your requests. Kacie and Sophia are responsible for scheduling new and established patients, communicating office policies, superbill generation, billing, and referral requests.

When it comes to tracking down your lab results, organizing and entering data in preparation for your appointments, and medical records management, Benjamin Bayer may contact you to find out where your labs were drawn or to notify you of any missing information prior to your appointment. He also keeps all of the providers informed of issues that arise when processing lab results or maintaining medical records.

Kainoa holds a Master of Science Degree in Kinesiology and Exercise Science and is a former faculty member at the University of Hawaii in the Health and Physical Education Department. She is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach and Certified Personal Trainer from the National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA). Kainoa performs aerobic and strength evaluation and individualized training consultation for our patients upon request from their provider, focusing on cardiovascular risk reduction and strength development.  She also provides individual coaching for running, cycling, swimming, and triathlon events.

Jennifer is a registered dietitian with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Dietetics from Cal Poly Pomona. She completed her dietetic internship at the VA hospital in San Diego. She also holds a Master of Science in Psychology. Jennifer provides patients with personalized nutrition recommendations using a non-diet approach. She is passionate about helping people improve their relationship with food and build sustainable habits.