Meet the Advanced Practice Providers

Working alongside our physicians are some of New York’s most talented nurse practitioners and midwifes, specializing in various aspects of women’s health and OB/GYN. Get to know each of them below, and be sure to contact us if you need any additional information.

To make an appointment at University OB/GYN Associates in Syracuse, New York, please call (315) 464-5162.

Janice Agen, MSN, NP

Janice Agen, NP

Nurse Practitioner, Women’s Health

Janice joined the OB/GYN department at Upstate Medical University in 2013. She is a board-certified Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner, with 20+ years of experience caring for women of all ages. Her interests include patient and provider education, family planning, and improving access for women to all types of services, especially the medically underserved.

Education & Training

BS in Community Health Education, 1980
BS in Nursing, Syracuse University, 1985
Masters in Nursing, Women’s Health Care NP, University of Washington, Seattle, 1995

Charina Carissimi, CNM

Certified Nurse Midwife

Charina Carissimi joined the OB/GYN Department at Upstate Medical University as a Certified Nurse Midwife in November 2012. She has 12+ years of experience. In her practice, Charina emphasizes the importance of patient education. She feels that sharing insight and information helps to build confidence and empower her patients.

Education & Training

St Josephs’ School of Nursing, 1999
Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing at SUNY Upstate Medical University, 2001
Masters of Arts Degree in Nurse Midwifery, New York University, 2003

Memberships

American College of Nurse Midwives
International Honor Society of Nursing
Sigma Theta Theta Tau Chapter

Paula Devendorf, CNM, NP

Certified Nurse Midwife and Nurse Practitioner

Pauline (Paula) Devendorf is a Certified Nurse Practitioner in Obstetrics and Gynecology and a Certified Nurse Midwife. She joined University OB/GYN Associates in November 2001. She is the nurse practitioner for Dr Badawy, who specializes in reproductive endocrinology and infertility. Paula also coordinates in vitro fertilization services for patients, and provides education, counseling, support, and planning.

Paula is an adjunct faculty member at St. Joseph's School of Nursing, and serves as a preceptor instructor for Nurse Practitioner students from Syracuse University and Upstate Medical University. She teaches in the POM program at Upstate Medical University, instructing second year medical students on pelvic exams and breast exams.

Education & Training

Masters Degree in Nursing, Stony Brook University
Bachelors Degree in Nursing, Syracuse University

Jennifer Kohler, FNP-BC

Certified Family Nurse Practitioner

Jennifer Kohler is a board-certified family nurse practitioner at the Regional Perinatal Center. She joined the OB/GYN department at Upstate in 2004.

Education & Training

RN, St. Joseph's Hospital School of Nursing, 2000
BS in nursing, Syracuse University, 2001
Master of Science and Family Nurse Practitioner, Syracuse University, 2004
Post-Master's Certificate in Advanced Practice Colposcopy, Drexel University, 2009

Memberships

Sigma Theta Tau
International Honor Society of Nursing

Tara Magee, NP

Health Care Provider Profiles - Update Person Profile

Melanie Lape Pitts, NP

Melanie Lape Pitts

Nurse Practitioner, Women’s Health

Melanie Pitts is a nurse practitioner with 25+ years of experience. She joined the OB/GYN Department at Upstate Medical University in 1999. Mrs. Pitts received the William Painter Award for Nursing Excellence in Women’s Health Services. She is interested in helping her patients toward their reproductive health goals as well as improving their overall health.

Education & Training

BS in nursing, Alfred University
Masters Degree in Women’s Health, University of Pennsylvania

Memberships

Sigma Theta Tau
International Honor Society of Nursing, Omicron chapter

Suzanne Volcko, NP