Meet the Advanced Practice Providers
Physicians in Syracuse, New York
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.
Certified Nurse-Midwife, Perinatal Center
Charina is a native of Central New York, growing up not far from Syracuse. Charina is a graduate of St. Joseph’s School of Nursing in Syracuse, where she earned an associate of applied science in nursing. She went on to earn her bachelor of science in nursing science from Upstate Medical University. Charina then moved to Manhattan, NY, and earned a master of arts in midwifery from New York University.
Charina has over 20 years’ experience in women’s healthcare, 18 of which were as a certified nurse-midwife. Charina holds a specialty certification from the American Midwifery Certification Board and certification in electronic fetal monitoring. Charina is also a member of the International Honor Society of Nursing Sigma Theta Tau Chapter and American College of Nurse-Midwives. Charina has worked for the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology since 2012 as a certified nurse-midwife for the Regional Perinatal Center. Charina has worked as a certified nurse midwife providing care in low-risk pregnancy, well women gynecology, adolescent gynecology, and contraception, but found her niche in high-risk obstetrics. Charina emphasizes the importance of patient education to optimize outcomes for women and their babies. She feels sharing insight and information helps build confidence and can empower her patients. Charina lives in the Syracuse area with her family and yellow lab. She enjoys spending time with family and friends.
Nurse Practitioner, Women’s Health
Jodie Carncross is a nurse practitioner with over 10 years of extensive medical experience. She has joined our OB/GYN Department at Upstate Medical University and is a diligent worker. Carncross is interested in helping and directing her many patients toward their reproductive health goals, as well as improving their overall health when dealing with any concerns our patients may have.
Education & Training
- Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner, Le Moyne College (2020)
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Le Moyne College (2017)
- Associate of Applied Science, Nursing St. Josephs College of Nursing (2016)
Certifications
- Core II Telemetry Certification
- BLS CPR American Heart Association
- CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer American Red Cross
Memberships
- Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing
- New York State Nurse Practitioner Association
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 a nurse practitioner in our Crouse Physician’s Office Building location and is the nurse practitioner who works alongside Dr. Rinki Agarwal at the Upstate Cancer Center. Paula specializes in obstetrics and gynecology and provides direct patient care, education, counseling, support, and planning for patients from adolescents through menopause.
Paula serves as a preceptor for nurse practitioner students from Upstate Medical University, Lemoyne College, SUNY Polytechnic in Utica, and Frontier Nursing University. She previously taught for twenty years as a faculty instructor at St. Joseph’s College of Nursing and taught in the POM program at Upstate Medical University, instructing second year medical students on pelvic exams and breast exams.
Education & Training
- Master’s degree in Nursing, Stony Brook University
- Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing, Syracuse University
For more information, please contact our Gynecologic Division at (315) 634-4112.
Certified Nurse-Midwife, Crouse Labor & Delivery
Kimberly Kelstone joined the department of OB/GYN at Upstate in January of 2022. She has been a board-certified nurse-midwife since 2017. Dr. Kelstone is passionate about health education and patient empowerment. She focuses on full-scope healthcare, with a special interest in contraception, sexual health, mental health and wellness, and pregnancy. A member of the LGBTQI+ population, she strives to provide a welcoming, non-judgmental, and supportive space to all patients and their families. She is also actively involved in education for healthcare career students and trainees, as well as patients and their families. Her research interests include social determinants of health, healthcare access for speakers of languages other than English, and social justice in the healthcare setting. In addition to midwifery, Kimberly has been a certified American Sign Language interpreter for over 25 years.
Education & Training
- DNP Midwifery - SUNY Stony Brook University (2018)
- BS Nursing - University of Rochester (2013)
- BS American Sign Language - SUNY Empire State College (1999)
- AAS Educational Interpreting - Rochester Institute of Technology (1992)
Certifications
- Certified Midwife – American Midwifery Certification Board
- Certification of Interpretation & Transliteration – Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf
Memberships
- Advisory Board Member – Pregnancy Outcome and Experience Among Deaf and Hard of Hearing Women
- American College of Nurse-Midwives
- Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf
Languages
- English
- Spanish (conversational)
- American Sign Language
Nurse Practitioner, Women’s Health
Melanie Pitts is a nurse practitioner with over 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
- Master’s degree in Women’s Health, University of Pennsylvania
Memberships
- Sigma Theta Tau
- International Honor Society of Nursing, Omicron chapter
Nurse Practitioner, Perinatal Center
Tara Magee is originally from New York City. She started her career as a registered nurse on a level 3 labor and delivery unit. She then went on to obtain both her baccalaureate and master’s degree through SUNY Stony Brook, where she graduated summa cum laude. She earned her master’s in women’s health and is nationally certified as a women’s health nurse practitioner.
Tara Magee has over 14 years’ experience in women’s health, with a special interest in caring for those experiencing high-risk pregnancies. She is a member of the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses, and the National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health. She holds national specialty certifications in electronic fetal monitoring and in-patient obstetrics (antepartum, intrapartum, postpartum, and nursery) in addition to her women’s health certification.
Tara Magee has provided many women with compassionate care for all stages of life. She has handled medical conditions and processes ranging from routine and high-risk prenatal care, routine gynecological care, contraception management, and management of maternal medical conditions during pregnancy. She has been part of the department of OBGYN with SUNY Upstate University Hospital since 2018, starting with the Women’s Health Services office and eventually transferring into her current position with the Regional Perinatal Center.
Tara Magee relocated to the central New York area in 2016. She is married with two children and enjoys exploring all that NYC has to offer.
Nurse Practitioner
Erina Myagkota is a board-certified family nurse practitioner. She is interested in helping and directing her many patients toward their reproductive health goals, as well as improving their overall health and well-being.
Education & Training
- Masters of Science, Nursing Major, Family Nurse Practitioner, Binghamton University, State University of New York, May 2020
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Upstate Medical University, State University of New York, 2011
- Associates in Applied Science, Nursing, Crouse Hospital School of Nursing, 2009
Certifications
- American Nurses Credentialing Center
Memberships
- Binghamton University GSO Senator Fall’18- Spring’20
Certified Family Nurse Practitioner
Jocelyn Peet joined the department of OB/GYN at Upstate in January of 2023. She is a certified Family Nurse Practitioner. As a nurse, she has helped and empowered women through the labor and delivery process for several years. Her goal as an advanced practice nurse is to do the same but with focus on the prenatal period and high-risk pregnancies. Jocelyn's approach is to listen to her patients, create a trusting relationship, provide high quality compassionate care, and be their advocate. She strives to educate and empower women to make informed decisions regarding their care so that they can be best prepared leading up to their delivery.
Education
- Binghamton University, 2022
Memberships
- American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP)
Nurse Practitioner
Megan Riddick is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and joined the department in 2023. She worked as a Labor & Delivery nurse with high-risk patients for several years before becoming a Nurse Practitioner. She hopes to create a trusting relationship with her patients and continue to help them with their reproductive and health goals.
Education & Training
Masters of Science, Family Nurse Practitioner, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, 2023
Bachelors of Science, Nursing, Utica University, 2018
Bachelors of Science, Biochemistry, Ithaca College, 2011
Certifications
American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP)
Inpatient Obstetrics
Basic Life Support
Neonatal Resuscitation Program
Nurse Practitioner, Gynecologic Oncology
Suzanne Volcko is a nurse practitioner with nearly 20 years of experience. Suzanne Volcko is interested in helping and directing her many patients toward their reproductive health goals, as well as improving their overall health when suffering with chronic pain.
Suzanne is an extremely accomplished nurse practitioner, handling up to 20 beds at a time with patients who need intensive care, as well as overseeing students’ activities on the floor.
Education & Training
- Associates in Nursing Onondaga Community College Syracuse, NY (1994-1997)
- BS in Nursing SUNY Upstate Medical University Syracuse, NY (1999-2001)
- Master’s degree in Nursing, SUNY Upstate Medical University Syracuse, NY (2001-2005)
Memberships
- Nurse Practitioner Association
- Upstate Medical University Alumni Association
Certifications
- ANCC Board Certified
- Basic Life Support
Our staff is exceptionally talented with decades of experience in gynecological conditions and related medical conditions. To learn more about our providers at University OB/GYN Associates in Syracuse, New York, please contact us at (315) 464-5162. You can also schedule your appointment at any one of our many locations with one of our specialists.
