Student-Focused Staff

Dr. Schwartz is board certified in both Internal Medicine and Pediatrics. She attended Tufts University School of Medicine and completed her residency at Harvard Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH). Dr. Schwartz is the current Chief Medical Officer at FAU. Prior to her arrival in January 2018, Dr. Schwartz was Co-Director of the MGH Down Syndrome Program, a multidisciplinary clinic providing comprehensive health care to individuals with Down Syndrome. She was also a primary care doctor who worked with pediatric and adult patients. A few of Dr. Schwartz’s clinical interests and areas of expertise include preventive medicine, acute care, caring for patients with special needs, physical and emotional health of college students, gender affirming care, sexual and reproductive health, and helping young adults learn how to be their own health advocates. Dr. Schwartz works to provide a safe, affirming environment for all her patients and welcomes members of the LGBTQ community. When not at work, she enjoys spending time with her young daughters and husband.

Dr. Gallo-Thys is a physician board certified in Internal Medicine. She grew up in Boca Raton, Florida and graduated from FAU in 2006 majoring in Biomedical Sciences. She earned her medical degree at Nova Southeastern University in 2010. She attended the University of Massachusetts for Internal Medicine residency training where she was offered a chief medical resident position. Dr. Gallo-Thys practiced hospital-based internal medicine for several years caring for sick hospitalized patients prior to joining FAU student health clinic in 2021. A few of Dr. Gallo-Thys’ clinical interests are acute care visits, preventative care, sexual and reproductive health, and healthcare equity. When not at work, she spends her time on the soccer field with her two sons and husband.

Dr. Ghazi is board certified in Family Medicine. She attended The George Washington University College of Medicine and completed her residency at University of Pennsylvania Department of Family Medicine and Community Health. Dr. Ghazi is currently the Lead Physician at FAU. Prior to starting at FAU in 2019, she was core residency faculty in the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health at the University of Pennsylvania. In addition to teaching residents and medical students full spectrum family medicine in the outpatient, inpatient, and labor floor setting, she practiced “womb to tomb” family medicine in the department as a family physician. A few of Dr. Ghazi’s clinical interests are sexual and reproductive health, preventative medicine, and acute care. When not at work, she enjoys watercolor painting, spending time with her three children, and long walks with her dog.

Dr. Hollibush is board certified in Family Medicine and practiced Occupational and Environmental Medicine for many years. He attended UTESA School of Medicine in the Dominican Republic and did a residency in Family Medicine at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan as well as a Fellowship in Occupational and Environmental Medicine. Dr. Hollibush previously worked for the Federal Government and retired from the Department of State where he traveled all over the world as a Regional Medical Officer. He retired in 2017 while living and working in London while working for the Dept of State at the American Embassy and returned to the USA to live in Ft. Lauderdale. Dr. Hollibush started working for FAU in October 2018 and loves working with the young adult population.

Vanessa Grimaldi is a board-certified Physician Assistant and has been practicing since 2012. She attended FIU in Miami, Florida for undergraduate and received her Bachelor’s degrees in Health Sciences and Chemistry. She received her Master’s in Science in Physician Assistant studies in 2012 from Keiser University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Vanessa has been working at FAU SHS since January 2017. Prior to this, she was working at a family practice where she cared for both children and adults. Vanessa is proud to be part of the FAU SHS team and genuinely enjoys caring for college students. In her spare time, Vanessa enjoys spending time with her loved ones.

Jessica Pazos, PA received her bachelor's degree in biology from Slippery Rock University in Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania. She completed her master's degree in physician assistant studies at Chatham University in Pittsburgh, PA. She is certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. Jessica is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the American College Health Association. Prior to starting at FAU, Jessica worked in primary care, urgent care, and emergency medicine. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and fur babies.  

Angela Mazzei is board certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner. She is designated as an Autonomous Advanced Practice RN. She is a fellow OWL and earned her Master of Science degree from the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing at FAU. Angela returned to FAU to practice in the Student Health Services in 2016 after working in a primary care outpatient practice in the Fort Lauderdale area. Prior to being a Family Nurse Practitioner, she was CCRN certified and was an RN in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit at Broward Health Medical Center. Angela has a great interest in working with the student population as she enjoys shared decision making with the students for preventative medicine and reproductive health. Angela enjoys her time away from work traveling with her husband and daughter to the mountains of Virginia and to Walt Disney World.

Taquesta is a Registered Nurse and joined FAU Student Health Services during the 2022 school year. She attended nursing school at Palm Beach State College. Prior to joining Student Health Services, Taquesta has experience working on pulmonary stepdown. Taquesta is passionate about public health and loves working with the student population here at FAU. On her time off, Taquesta loves spending time with her husband, watching horror movies, and playing video games.

Scott Harrison is a Registered Nurse and has been employed with Student Health Services at FAU for 4+ years. He attended the University of Tampa and graduated with a bachelor's degree in biochemistry. After a lengthy career in Environmental Public Health with the Florida Department of Health, Scott attended nursing school at Palm Beach State. Prior to his arrival at Florida Atlantic University, Scott completed his nurse residency at Boca Raton Regional Hospital and worked at the Drug Abuse Foundation. During his tenure with Student Health Services, he completed his BSN at the FAU – Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing. Nurse Harrison is interested in student health, community health, and public health practice. In addition, he enjoys educating the patients and helping them navigate the health care system. Nurse Harrison also has plans to continue his education and work towards his master’s degree in Family Nurse Practice.

TBD

Tamara “Tami” has a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Mississippi. Prior to coming to FAU in August 2020, she worked in the neonatal ICU and newborn nursery at University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, MS and neonatal ICU at Glenwood Regional Hospital in West Monroe, LA. Tami was hired at Student Health Services during the COVID pandemic and loves assisting the SHS medical team in providing for the emotional and physical well-being of the FAU students. During her spare time, Tami enjoys going to the beach and boating with her husband.

Susanne DiGilio is a Certified Medical Assistant. She has worked with FAU’s Student Health Services since 2015. Before coming to FAU, Susanne worked in a Pediatrics office in Tampa. Susanne’s interest in patient care stems from her passion for helping bring relief to people and seeing them leave a clinic feeling better than when they came in. Supporting clinical procedures while allowing a smooth process from start to finish is among Susanne’s favorite role while treating patients and working with providers. She is originally from Philadelphia and is a big fan of several sports teams like the Eagles, Phillies and 76’ers. Susanne’s free time involves spending time with her family, including watching her kid’s sporting events.