OUR Providers SPEND TIME WITH PATIENTS. NOT PAPERWORK.
our team
HEALTHCARE TEAM
Peter Lazzopina MD
MD | Chief Medical Officer
Dr. Peter Lazzopina is a board-certified family medicine physician leading a movement to redefine healthcare. In 2018, Dr. Lazz stepped out in faith to begin direct primary care in Harlingen, Texas. Operating then as Frontier Direct Primary Care, Dr. Lazz saw patients in a shared medical office, performed evaluations and procedures on a massage table, and executed administrative tasks on a picnic table. When he and his wife, Stacey, could juggle all the tasks no more, Dr. Lazz recruited his first employee and former nurse, Sandy. There was no question–Dr. Lazz was helping restore and renew the patient-physician relationship. He focused on bringing healing to people rather than on generating data and profits. And the hard work paid off!
2020 truly tested the direct primary care model, showing that even the coronavirus couldn’t slow down the movement. Dr. Lazz opened up the Harlingen location on historic Jackson Street, hired another physician, and hired an operations team to take the administrative burden off the medical team.
During his time as physician, DPC-advocate, and Frontier spokesperson, Dr. Lazz has had the privilege to speak before the Texas Legislature in support of House Bill 484, a pilot program that would allow Medicaid recipients to use their government benefits to pay for DPC memberships. Though the proposed Bill was killed, it was a large step forward for the entire DPC community. In September 2021, Dr. Lazz was featured on Patients Rising podcast, discussing the savings that come out of DPC membership. In April 2022, Frontier Direct Care was featured in the Texas Public Policy Foundation article “Losing Hope–and Finding Care.”
Dr. Peter Lazzopina is a board certified family medicine physician leading a movement to redefine health care. He graduated from Thomas Jefferson Medical College in 2008 and completed residency at Valley Baptist Family Practice Residency. He has cared for thousands of patients and taught physicians in training to do the same as a teaching physician at the same residency program at Valley Baptist to be compassionate, competent physicians. Dr. Lazz has been a family physician in Harlingen for 13 years.
Jordan Dooley MD
Dr. Jordan Dooley completed his medical degree at Michigan State University in 2017. He came to the RGV for specialty training in family medicine and was part of a program led by our founding physician, Dr. Peter Lazzopina. Dr. Dooley witnessed the early development of Frontier Direct Care, and excitedly joined Dr. Lazzopina in his mission to restore the patient-physician relationship in 2019. Board certified in family medicine, Dr. Dooley is also a member of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine and passionate about helping patients utilize healthy nutrition and exercise choice to reverse and prevent chronic diseases. Dr. Dooley is proficient in English language.
Jessica Longoria PA
Jessica Longoria was born in Kingsville, TX and is a graduate of Texas A&M University where she obtained a Bachelor of Science graduating with Honors. She obtained a Bachelor of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from the The University of Texas Pan American graduating with Honors, and later a Master of Physician Assistant Studies at The University of Texas Pan American.
Jessica has fifteen years' experience in Family and Internal Medicine practicing in the RGV Community, with special interest in Chronic Disease Management, Preventative Medicine, and Aesthetic and Wellness Health. Jessica is a Certified Aesthetic Practitioner and is passionate about helping individuals feel and look confident with a natural approach.
In addition to her work at Frontier Direct Care, Jessica Serves as a Preceptor to the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Physician Assistant Program. Jessica is a member of the Rio Grande Valley Physician Assistants Society, the American Academy of Physician Assistants, Texas Academy of Physician Assistants, and American Association of Diabetes Educators.
Jessica resides in Harlingen TX with her husband, two children and dog where she enjoys spending time with family and friends and tolerates exercise regularly. Jessica is proficient in English and Spanish language and serves our members in the Weslaco location.
NP
Cindy Zamorategui obtained her BSN in 2019 and her Masters of Science in Nursing from Walden University. Cindy came to Frontier with five years' experience in nursing, with a special interest in family medicine. She is delighted to be a part of a team that is unified, safe, and that prioritizes patients' healthcare needs.
In addition to her work at Frontier Direct Care, she is co-owner of Care Rx Pharmacy, a local pharmacy that has aided in administering over 15,000 COVID-19 vaccines to the community by holding special vaccine clinics.
Cindy resides in Harlingen, TX with her husband and enjoys life with her three young daughters. Cindy is proficient in both English and Spanish and serves Frontier members in our Harlingen location.
Amy Garza PA
Amy completed her BS in Biology at the University of Texas at Austin in 2007 and obtained her Masters in Physician Assistant Studies at the University of Texas Pan American in 2010. Amy brings 12 years of experience as a Physician Associate in Gastroenterology, Family Medicine, and Internal Medicine. She is dedicated to developing lasting relationships with patients and providing comprehensive health care. During her free time, she loves doing fun activities and crafts with her two children, ages 9 and 6, and her supportive husband of 12 years. Amy keeps busy with her "mom lifestyle" and wouldn't have it any other way and is ecstatic about joining the Frontier Direct Care team in Brownsville.
Patty Garza NP
Patricia (Patty) Garza is an RGV native, mother of two children in college and a dog mom who started her nursing career in 2007 at VBMC with an Associates Degree in Nursing from South Texas College. She continued to pursue her passion for providing medical care to our underserved community and earned her Bachelor’s in Nursing in 2012 followed by her Masters in Nursing from University of Texas-Pan American in 2015. Patty practiced medicine at VBMC until 2021 and then transitioned to research as a sub investigator for multiple studies including research on novel vaccines for COVID-19. Today Patty is a Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner at Frontier Direct Care and patients of all ages see her for their healthcare needs.
Patty is also passionate and certified in an extensive list of aesthetics and wellness services. Services include Medical Weight Loss Treatments, Fillers, Neurotoxins, Laser Hair Removal and Skin Care Treatments, Trainings, and Recommendations.
In her spare time, Patty enjoys spending time with her family, friends and her dog and also enjoys reading and exercising.
Gina Sanchez NP
Georgina (Gina) Sanchez is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from University of Texas- Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) in 1999 and a Master of Science in Nursing degree with certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner from UTRGV in 2014.
Gina enjoys educating her patients and treating them holistically using multiple modalities to attain and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Gina is also proficient in both English and Spanish and in her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and pets, practicing yoga, cooking and traveling.
Laura Saucedo is a local graduate of Harlingen High School South. Immediately after graduation in 1999, she enlisted in the United States Air Force and started her career as a medic. She was awarded a military scholarship and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio in 2010 followed by a Master’s Degree in Nursing also from UTHSCSA in 2014. Laura is a commissioned officer and after 23 years continues to serve in the Texas Army National Guard.
Laura is a Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner with a special interest in flight medicine, nutritional wellness, and is an expert in veterans disability processes and examinations. Additionally, Laura is a highly experienced aesthetic practitioner and travels the country training other professionals on the use of laser and light therapy. She is expertly trained on nearly all aesthetics procedures and is thrilled to assist with the development of the Frontier Aesthetics and Wellness program.
In her free time, Laura supports her local community as a volunteer providing primary care to the underserved of the RGV at Culture of Life Ministries.
Laura resides in Harlingen with her spouse of 23 years. The two enjoy traveling and spending time visiting their two college students.
Peter Ruiz MD
Dr. Peter Ruiz was born in Dayton, Ohio and is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He obtained his medical degree at the University of Texas Medical School at San Antonio in 2006. He completed his residency in 2009 at Valley Baptist Family Pracce Residency Program and its affiliated Valley Baptist Medical Center.
Dr. Ruiz has 13 years' experience in family medicine, with special interests in diabetic patient management, occupational health, and veteran disability evaluations. In addion to his work at Frontier Direct Care, he has served on the Committee on Healthcare Services and Managed Care (TAFP).
Dr. Ruiz is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians and the Texas Academy of Family Physicians. Dr. Ruiz is the ninth of twelve children and resides in Mission, Texas with his wife and two children. Dr. Ruiz is proficient in English and Spanish.
JeNI Wert PA
Jeniece Wert was born in San Antonio, TX and is a graduate of Western Michigan University. She obtained a Master of Education in Special Education from Eastern New Mexico University, and later a Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies at Yale University.
Jeniece has three years' experience in family medicine, with special interest in vaginal diseases and disorders, pelvic organ prolapse, and mood disorders. She has focused her educational career on issues such as Virtual Cardiac Anatomy Models, Ovarian Cancer in Primary Care, and Chronic Lung Disease in Non-Smokers.
In addition to her work at Frontier Direct Care, Jeniece has served at Trinity Health as a primary care provider for two shelters, providing care for undocumented minors. Jeniece resides in Alamo, TX with her husband, three children, and three dogs. Jeniece is proficient in English language and serves our members in the McAllen North location.
Taylor Sheneman pa
Taylor Sheneman earned his Bachelors of Science-Biology in 2017 from Houston Baptist University. He obtained his Masters of Science in Physician Assistant Studies at the University of Texas - Rio Grande Valley in Edinburg, TX in 2020. Taylor has two years' experience in Family Medicine, with special interest in exercise, rehabilitation, and diabetes maintenance.
Taylor is also a dedicated volunteer at Culture of Life Ministries, providing free quality and accessible care to under-served members of the community. He is a member of Alpha Chi fraternity and the National Eagle Scout Association.
Taylor is a member of the Rio Grande Valley Physician Assistants Society, the American Academy of Physician Assistants, and the Texas Academy of Physician Assistants. Taylor resides in Harlingen, TX with his new wife and enjoys weight lifting and outdoor acvities. Taylor serves our Raymondville location and is proficient in the English language.
Christina Bolton MD
Christina Bolton, MD was born and raised in New York & New Jersey. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Biology and a Master's Degree in Biomedical Sciences. She earned her medical degree in 2016 from St. George’s University School of Medicine and completed her residency training in 2019 at the University of Connecticut where she served as Chief Resident. She has an interest in preventive care, health education, lifestyle & aesthetic medicine. Over the course of her training and career, Dr. Bolton has lived and practiced in many states. She relocated with her family to the Valley in 2022 and was drawn to Frontier's patient care model. She is Board Certified in Family Medicine and is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Mauricio Blanco
Erica Gonzalez
Cassie Saldivar
Miranda Macias
Neydi Salazar
JOLISSA PRAT, FNP-C
ARACELeY BERG, FNP-C
Dr. Robinson is a Family Physician who practices medicine in Harlingen, Texas. He is the husband of Alla Robinson and father of three sons: Geoffrey, Gabriel, and Stephen. He is the founder and current Executive Director of Culture of Life Ministries, a not for profit medical ministry which provides free medical care to those in need. He serves as Executive Director of Apage Missionaries for Life: Sending Medical Professionals. He graduated from Florida State University with Bachelor’s degrees in Russian Language and Biochemistry. He earned his medical degree from the University of Florida College of Medicine in 2001 and finished his Family Medicine residency at St Anthony Hospital in Oklahoma City. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians. He has served as Chief of the Department of Family Medicine for the Choctaw Nation in Oklahoma, Director of a Pain Management Clinic, and worked as a hospitalist and emergency room physician. He enjoys homeschooling his children, teaching swimming, traveling abroad as a missionary physician, as well as hiking and camping around the country.
MD| Medical Advisor
ALEX BARRAZA, PA-C
MIRANDA MARTINEZ, PA-C
JANNA HENKEL, PA-C
MICHELLE YBARRA, FNP-BC
SAMANTHA VILLEGAS
CASSANDRA CUELLAR, PA-C
DAVID MARTINEZ, FNP
KATELYNN DAVIDSON
FERNANDO SALINAS
XIMENA CEPEDA
Kristian Carrizales
ESMERALDA MORALES
Illiana I. Vasquez, MSS
Veronica Gonzalez, MSS
HEADQUARTERS TEAM
Chief Executive Officer
Joe Wilson
Chief Growth Officer
Chief Operations Officer
Chief Finance Officer
Brad springer
Chief Customer Officer
MD | Chief Medical Officer
Executive Administrative Assistant
Onboarding Specialist & Counselor – EAP
Member Services Team Lead
Jess Cantu
Chief People Officer
Melissa martinez
Construction Project Manager
Sr. Customer Success Manager
Sarah Holliday
Member Services – Harlingen
Chief Technology Officer
Sandra Campbell
Director of Talent Acquisition
Lauren Orzechowski PA
Director of Medical Operations
Growth Data Analyst
Perla Hernandez
Finance & Accounting Analyst
Sandy Arevalo LVN
Director of Medical Support Staff Training
Helen Maldonado
Member Services – McAllen Westway
Rebecca Figueredo
Member Services – McAllen 23rd Street
Febe Zepeda
Sales Project Manager
Debbie Herrera
Member Services – Raymondville
Michael Jaramillo
Patient Care Coordinator
Ashley Cruz
Patient Care Coordinator
Jessica Banuelos
Controller
Ashley Dickerson
Consultant – Public Health
EmmaRuth Potter
Marketing Coordinator
Melissa Rincones
Talent Acquisition Specialist