We are an independent group of professionals working in the field of allergy, with the goal of educating others who manage the chronic allergic state. Our board is comprised of physician assistants (PAs) and nurse practitioners (NPs) working in allergy, with membership opportunities extending to physicians, nurses, and medical assistants. Medicine is a team sport, and we are excited to offer continuing education in allergy, asthma, and related fields to every member of the medical team.
We do not take positions on political issues or governmental regulatory action except advocacy for the allergic population.
President
Katie Larson, MS, MAT, PA-C
Physician Assistant
Katie Larson is a PA with Aspire Allergy & Sinus in the Houston area. Katie graduated at the top of her class from Baylor College of Medicine with a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies and also holds a master’s degree in teaching. She has a personal connection with allergic conditions and treatments, as one of her sons successfully underwent oral immunotherapy (OIT) for his food allergies years ago. Katie loves being able to offer patients allergy treatment because, thanks to her son’s experience, she knows how life-changing it can be to no longer suffer from allergies. Katie is a member of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) and recently presented a poster on Single vs. Multi-Allergen OIT at ACAAI in 2022. In her spare time, Katie enjoys traveling with her husband and two boys.
Vice President
Nikki Wade, APRN, FNP-C, AE-C
Nurse Practitioner
Nikki is a certified family nurse practitioner in Midland, TX. She obtained her Associate Degree in Nursing from Midland College in 2000, her Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas in El Paso in 2009, and then her Master’s of Science in Nursing from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Lubbock, TX in 2013.
Prior to becoming a nurse practitioner she worked in many areas including pediatrics, plastic surgery, labor and delivery, postpartum, quality assurance, and home health. As a nurse practitioner she started her career in family practice and then transitioned into asthma, allergy and sinus in 2014.
She is a certified asthma educator and loves to teach both patients and students. She frequently precepts nurse practitioner students.
She is an active member of ACAAI, AANP, and the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC),
She has been married for 25 years and has 3 grown children and a daughter-in-law. She loves to travel with her husband, spend time with their kids and family, and read.
Treasurer
Jofy Kuriakose, APRN, FNP-C
Nurse Practitioner
Jofy Kuriakose is a certified family nurse practitioner working in Plano, TX. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Southwestern Oklahoma State University. As a registered nurse, Jofy has experience in medical-surgical and cardiac settings. In 2008, Jofy graduated from the University of Wisconsin as a Family Nurse Practitioner. As a nurse practitioner, she has worked in family practice and retail care clinics. She also has experience with management of multiple clinics and medical providers. Since 2015, Jofy has been specializing in allergy, sinus and asthma. Jofy is a member of the American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy (AAOA) and American College of Allergy Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI). Jofy loves to build meaningful relationships with her patients and truly make a positive impact on their lives. She is married and has 2 children, a boy and a girl. Jofy loves to spend time with her family and friends, try new restaurants and travel to new places.
Secretary
Hazel Guajardo, APRN, FNP
Nurse Practitioner
Hazel Guajardo is a certified Family Nurse Practitioner in Corpus Christi, Texas. She graduated with her bachelors in nursing degree from University of Texas - Pan American in 2010. She then obtained her master’s degree from Chamberlain University in 2017. As a registered nurse, she worked in gastroenterology and postpartum. As a nurse practitioner, she spent four years providing primary care in a community healthcare setting. There, she was able to care for a diverse population of patients treating numerous acute and chronic conditions, including asthma and allergy. She was also a preceptor to many nurse practitioners and physician assistant students. She transitioned into allergy and sinus in 2021. She enjoys serving her community and helping patients improve their quality of life. She was born and raised in Corpus Christi, Texas. She has been married for 12 years and is a “boy mom” to her 3 energetic sons. Most of her spare time is spent cheering her boys at the baseball field and on the basketball court!
Administrator
Donnie Stone, MPAS, PA-C
Physician Assistant
Donnie R. Stone, PA-C, graduated from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas with a Masters of Physician Assistant Studies. Donnie has been with Aspire Allergy & Sinus since 2015, helping to launch our Waco clinic before moving to the Dallas region in 2018. In addition to the allergy specialty, Donnie has worked in cardiovascular surgery, interventional radiology and cardiology. His goal is to use his experience to give patients their lives back after many years struggling with allergy and sinus issues. When not practicing at Aspire, Donnie enjoys playing golf and spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren.
Executive Director
Bob Lanier, MD
Allergist
Bob Lanier, M.D. is a practicing respiratory immunologist in Fort Worth Texas educated at the University of Texas Medical branch in Galveston. He is now a professor of immunology at North Texas Health Science Center and Peking Union Medical College Beijing, China. He is past president of the American College of Allergy Asthma and Immunology and served as its executive medical director for 7 years.
A former NBC reporter for over 20 years, Dr. Lanier produced and appeared in over 5000 daily nationally syndicated broadcast radio and television segments. Dr. Lanier also the hosted the Learning Channels The Operation, Medical Economics Video Magazine and has been a multiple guest/consultant on Oprah, Nightline, Good Morning America, and the Today show. He is a veteran - having served for 52 years in marriage and 8 years in the Air Force.
His CV lists over 70 contributions in peer reviewed journals as well as textbook chapters in Immunology mostly surrounding his professional interest in monoclonal antibodies. But his legacy is being one of the foremost international authorities on the genetics and mating habits of Procyon lotor.