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
Heather Hunstable, FNP-BC
Nurse Practitioner
Heather Hunstable is a Nurse Practitioner with 12 years of expertise in both pediatrics and family practice. Originally from Nashville, Tennessee, she earned her degree from Belmont University. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a deep commitment to providing compassionate, patient-centered care to individuals of all ages. She joined the Aspire Allergy and Sinus team in 2023 and became Vice President of the ASAP board in 2025. Her extensive background and dedication to healthcare make her a trusted provider in her Texas community.
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
Ana M. Gutierrez, NP-C, MSN
Nurse Practitioner
Hello there, My name is Ana M. Gutierrez, I am a Family Nurse Practitioner that joined the Aspire Team in January of 2022. I was born in Los Angeles, California, and raised in Manhattan, Washington Heights, NYC. I graduated High school in Garden Grove, California and completed my Nursing Undergraduate in Norwalk, Ct and completed Graduate school with a Masters in Science of Nursing, Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner.
I have been in the medical field for over 30 years and my passion is to promote wellness. My favorite part of being a Nurse Practitioner is the privilege of having the opportunity to care for and educate my community on Allergic Rhinitis, SInus disease, Urticaria, Asthma, and Environmental and Food Allergy Treatment options. This brings me JOY!
Interesting past story is that I was a single mom in my twenties raising 2 young children before becoming a Nurse Practitioner. I had an amazing mentor back then who encouraged me to pursue a nursing career when I could barely feed or clothe my children. Her encouragement definitely changed my life trajectory. Her encouragement motivated me to learn and become the best "me". I received several scholarships throughout my undergraduate and graduate degrees that kept my family going during that time. I am forever grateful for my mentors’ ability to see in me what I could not see in myself.
I pursue the virtue of staying positive, no matter what! Encouraging others around me has been my superpower. Although I may be only 4’10" tall, I feel like I am over six feet tall on the inside. I trained as a hospital Chaplin while completing my graduate degree and often use those skills during difficult diagnosis and situations as I practice the art and science of medicine.
Best Chaplin QUOTE: "Conversation is like medicine to the soul" by Dr. Earl Copper, APCED
Best Physician QUOTE: "You treat/care for patients, not numbers (lab results)" by Dr. Edward Paul, MD, Faculty Development, UofA
My career goal is to always work with passion, lead with empathy and promote wellness.
Administrator
Sandra Okere, FNP-C
Nurse Practitioner
I graduated with my Bachelors from Texas Woman's University, Houston in 2012 and obtained my master's degree from University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston in 2017. I am board certified by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. My healthcare experience includes cardiovascular telemetry, Med-Surg, Pediatric Oncology, Men's Health, Family Medicine, and Allergy. I am passionate about patient care and love making a difference in the lives of people. I started working with Aspire Allergy and Sinus in 2022. I have been married for 15 years and have 2 boys and 1 daughter who all love basketball. My hobbies include traveling, spending quality time with family, and being my kids loudest cheerleader at their games.
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.