Regardless of which provider you choose, our combined experience ensures that you will be in good hands.
Our female providers know first-hand the unique joys, and challenges, faced by women and mothers.
Our Doctors
More Information
Their Profiles
Mia Lynne Van Eken
DO, FACOG
Educational Background
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Degree: DO
Widener University, Chester, Pennsylvania Degrees: BA, Psychology
Minors in Biology, Physical Science
Honors Degree in General Education
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Degree: DO
Internship
Rotating Internship - Delaware County Community Hospital/Crozier Chester Medical Center/Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Residency
OB/GYN Residency Training - UMDNJ/Cooper Hospital/University Medical Center, Camden, New Jersey
Board Certifications
American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Memberships and Societies
American Osteopathic
Association American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
American Medical Association
Hospital Affiliations
Chandler Regional Hospital
Mercy Gilbert Medical Center
Licensure
State of Arizona
Languages Spoken
English
My husband, my daughter and I relocated to Arizona from Philadelphia four years ago. Since that time, I have been practicing OB/GYN in the Chandler and Gilbert area.
Denise Y. Belisle
MD, FACOG
Educational Background
University of Medicine and Dentistry, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Degree: MD
Rutger's University
Degree: BA, Biology and Psychology
University of Medicine and Dentistry, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Degree: MD
Residency and Internship
Cooper Hospital University Medical Center, New Jersey
Board Certifications
American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Memberships and Societies
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Hospital Affiliations
Chandler Regional Hospital
Mercy Gilbert Medical Center
Licensure
State of Arizona
Languages Spoken
English
Spanish
My interest in medicine developed when I was very young. In fifth grade health class I watched the NOVA program "Miracle of Life" and was amazed by the process of human development, from conception to birth.
Julie T. Adams
DO, FACOOG
Educational Background
Des Moines University/College of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery
Degree: DO
Arizona State University
Degree: BS, Marketing
Arizona State University
Degree: BS, Zoology, Minor: Chemistry
Des Moines University/College of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery
Degree: DO
Internship
Traditional Osteopathic Rotating Internship: Midwestern University/Arizona Consortium/Mesa General Hospital
Residency
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Board Certifications
American Board of Osteopathic Obstetricians and Gynecologists - Active Candidate
Hospital Affiliations
Chandler Regional Hospital
Mercy Gilbert Medical Center
Licensure
State of Arizona
Languages Spoken
English
My love for medicine developed at an early age with my mom, a Registered Nurse, and my dad, the first orderly at St. Joseph's Hospital in Phoenix.
Elisa M. Muniz
MD
Educational Background
Saint Louis University School of Medicine
Degree: MD
University of Notre Dame
Degree: BA, Pre-professional Studies
Southern Illinois University School of Medicine
Certificate: Medical Education Preparation
Saint Louis University School of Medicine
Degree: MD
Residency and Internship
Phoenix Integrated Residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Phoenix, Arizona
Hospital Affiliations
Chandler Regional Hospital
Mercy Gilbert Medical Center
Licensure
State of Arizona
Languages Spoken
English
Spanish
At the party to celebrate my graduation from medical school my mother beamed as she presented me we a beautifully wrapped box.
Tracey K. Peatross
MD, FACOG
Educational Background
Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
Degree: MD
Case Western Reserve University
Degree: BA, Cum Laude
Residency and Internship
Aultman Hospital – Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine Affiliated
Canton, Ohio
Licensure
American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology -
Board Certified
Hospital Affiliations
Chandler Regional Hospital
Mercy Gilbert Medical Center
Languages Spoken
English
So many people and things influenced me to become a physician.
Sara J. Giali
DO, FACOG
Educational Background
Midwestern University, Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine (AZCOM), Glendale, Arizona
Degree: DO
Degree: BA, Biology
McCall Memorial Academic Scholarship
Midwestern University, Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine (AZCOM), Glendale, Arizona
Degree: D.O.
Residency and Internship
University of Tennessee College of Medicine, Chattanooga Unit, Erlanger Medical Center, Baroness Campus, Chattanooga, Tennessee
Board Certifications
American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Memberships and Societies
American Osteopathic Association
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Arizona Osteopathic Association
Phoenix OB/GYN Society
Hospital Affiliations
Chandler Regional Hospital
Mercy Gilbert Medical Center
Speical Interests
Prenatal Education
General Obstetrics
Abnormal Pap Management
Licensure
State of Arizona
Languages Spoken
English
I have always had a strong interest in medicine. I remember wrapping ACE bandages on the family pets and giving them exams with my Fisher-Price medical set, even before I was in kindergarten.
I thought something in orthopedics was bound to be in my future, as I was a competitive gymnast until the age of 16. I realized my calling was to help women with their specialized health concerns while I was in my last year of medical school. Once I witnessed my first c-section delivery, I was hooked on becoming an OB/GYN. Pregnancy is such as special time in a woman’s life. I also enjoy counseling woman on various issues including prenatal care, contraception, managing abnormal pap smears, and performing life improving procedures to manage abnormal uterine bleeding.
I am originally from Colorado, but I grew up in the North Phoenix area, attending Deer Valley High School. I went to Texas for college, but returned to attend Midwestern University: Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine in Glendale, Az. I am asked almost on a weekly basis, “Where are you from?” This is due to the accent I gained from my 4 year long residency in Tennessee. I find it amusing that I still can’t seem to shake it, several years later.
My husband and I are the proud parents of two wonderful little girls, who each enrich our lives. Most of my free time is spent with my children, but I also enjoy catching up on my favorite recorded TV shows, reading, and I am an avid cross stitcher. I have previously practiced in the Scottsdale area for 3 years, and now, I am thrilled to be part of Valley Women for Women, since joining the team in June 2009.
Nancy F. Ference
DO
Educational Background
Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine
Degree: DO
University of Arizona
Degree: BS, Molecular and Cellular Biology
Residency
Phoenix Baptist Hospital, Phoenix, Arizona
OB/GYN Residency, Canton, Ohio
Licensure
State of Arizona
Languages Spoken
English
My interest in medicine sparked in high school biology class. I soon came to realize that becoming a physician would provide a rewarding and interesting career.
I went onto the University of Arizona (go Cats!) where I received a Bachelors of Science in Molecular and Cellular Biology. Through my volunteer and work experiences I found that in addition to my attraction to the science of medicine, the interpersonal relationship between a physician and patient was also a winning combination. I went to medical school at the Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine in Glendale. I was fascinated by obstetrics in the first lecture of my second year. I recognized what an honor and privilege it truly would be to bring life into this world. I took a short side-track into family practice residency for one year at Phoenix Baptist Hospital and decided to change my specialty to ob-gyn. I then went off to Canton, OH for ob-gyn residency. The cold, dark winters brought me back home to sunny Arizona. I have been practicing in the Gilbert area for the last two years and am new to Valley Women for Women. I enjoy practicing full spectrum ob-gyn and especially love to see a woman through pregnancy, delivery, and then long term gyn care.
I am a native of Arizona. My husband, daughter, and I live in Gilbert. When time allows I love hiking, swimming, reading, and spending as much time as possible with family and friends
Certified Nurse Midwife
Janice Bovee
CNM, MSN
Educational Background
University of Arizona
Degree: BA, Pre-Med - Magna Cum Laude
Case Western Reserve University, Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing - Cleveland, Ohio
Degree: Master of Science in Nursing
Frontier School of Midwifery and Family Nursing CNEP - Hyden, Kentucky
Degree: Nurse-Midwifery
Teaching Participant
- 2004- current: Phoenix Firefighter Paramedics, Obstetrics/Gynecology
- 1987, 2003: Glendale Community College, Obstetrics Review for Glendale Firefighter Paramedics
Professional Organizations
- American College of Nurse-Midwives 1998- current
- ACNM Chapter Chair 2006-current
Honors and Activities
- Amigos de Salud: Surgical mission, Nicaragua: 2003
- Yakima County Substance Abuse Coalition, Mentor: 1996-2000
- American Association of University Women, Senior Award: 1990
- Dean's Honor List, Magna Cum Laude, University of Arizona: 1987-1990
- Spanish Club Officer, University of Arizona: 1988-1989
- Field Nurse, Marine Biology, University of Arizona, Baja: 1987
Hospital Affiliations
- Chandler Regional Hospital
- Mercy Gilbert Medical Center
Speical Interests
Traveled to Israel, Egypt, Jordan, Austria, Germany, Mexico, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, England, Norway, Canada, Cyprus, Greece, Italy, France and several U.S. states including Hawaii and Alaska
Languages Spoken
- English
- Spanish
Janice Bovee is a Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM). She is an OB-Gyn Nurse-Practitioner specialist as a Nurse-Midwife.
She graduated from Eastern Arizona College in 1977 with an associate's degree in Nursing and the University of Arizona with a bachelor's degree in Arts and Sciences in 1990. She received a master's degree in Nursing at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio in 1998, and graduated from the Frontier School of Midwifery and Family Nursing in Hyden, Kentucky in 1998.
Janice's mother states that at the age of four, Janice was drawing pictures of doctors, nurses, pregnant women and babies! She was blessed with knowing her life's calling at a young age.
Presently, she has had the honor of delivering over 1060 babies. She has assisted physicians with over 400 cesarean births. Helping mothers and their families through the childbearing process is one of her greatest accomplishments. She delivers babies at Chandler Regional Medical Center and Mercy Gilbert Medical Center, and has continuous back-up as needed of the physicians of Valley Women for Women.
As a CNM, Janice also helps women of all ages through their gynecological health within the clinical setting. She is skilled in women's care including; yearly exams, family planning, contraception, STD identification and treatment, and menopausal care.
Before becoming a CNM, Janice was a RN in labor and delivery, newborn and pediatric intensive care and the emergency departments for 23 years.
Janice is an Arizona native and has also lived in Washington State. She has two adult children and seven granddaughters. She has traveled to Jordon, Egypt, Israel, Greece, Cyprus, Germany, Austria, England, France, Italy, Venice, Norway, Mexico, Nicaragua and several US states including Alaska and Hawaii. She is bilingual speaking Spanish.
"I am thrilled to become a new member of the Valley Women for Women team. I believe that nurse-midwifery services will be a positive and empowering compliment to excellent maternity care for the women and their families we serve."
Janice Bovee
Nurse Practitioners and Physician's Assistants
Lori Stapley Driggs
MSN, WHCNP
Educational Background
Drexel University: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Degree: Master of Science: Nursing
Austin Community College, Austin, Texas
Degree or Certification: Surgical Technology: Certification
Delgado Community College, New Orleans, Louisiana
Degree: Associate of Science: Nursing
University of Texas @ Arlington
Degree: Bachelor of Science: Nursing
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Degree or Certification: Women's Healthcare
Nurse Practitioner
Certification
Drexel University: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Degree: Master of Science: Nursing
Preceptorship
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Obstetrics and Gynecology of Lewisville: Dr. Allen: Preceptor
Memberships and Societies
American Association of Nurse Practitioners
NPWH - National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health
Licensure
State of Arizona
Languages Spoken
English
I am a native Arizonan but have lived in many parts of the United States. I had the opportunity to receive my education at many different schools and universities.
Jennifer T. Murphy
MS, PA-C
Educational Background
Central Michical University
Master of Science Physician Assistant
Washtenaw Community College
Certified Nursing Assistant
St. Joseph Mercy Hospital
Patient Care Technician Certification
Central Michigan University
Bachelor of Science Degrees in Child Development and Biology
Central Michical University
Master of Science Physician Assistant
Preceptorship
Hurley Medical Center, Flint, MI
Memberships and Societies
American Academy of Physician Assistants
Licensure/Certification
State of Arizona
National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA)
Languages Spoken
English
I was born and raised in Michigan, and lived there my entire life until my move to Arizona in 2005. I always knew I wanted to be in the medical field, but didn't know in what capacity.
Aurora G. Cardenas
RNC, WHCNP
Educational Background
UCLA Medical Center
Nurse Practitioner
UCLA Medical Center
Nurse Practitioner
Pima Community College
A.S. - Nursing
Pima Community College
A.A. - O.R. Technician
Licensure/Certification
State of Arizona Women's Health Care Nurse Practitioner, 1996
National Certification as a Women's Health Care Nurse Practitioner, 2000
Professional Affiliation with American Association. of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) and Hispanic Nurses Association.
Languages Spoken
English and Spanish
Studied Japanese, Greek, and Portuguese
I have over thirty years of experience providing compassionate health care to women in New Mexico and Arizona.
Denise Craig
RNC, MSN, WHNP-BC
Educational Background
Arizona State University
Degree: Master’s Degree in Nursing/ Women's Healthcare Nurse Practitioner
Northern Arizona University
Degree: Bachelor's Degree in Nursing
Arizona State University
Degree: Master’s Degree in Nursing/ Women's Healthcare Nurse Practitioner
Professional Affiliations
Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AHWONN)
Certification
RN Certification, 2007
NP Certification, 2008
Licensure
State of Arizona
Languages Spoken
English
I am originally from a small town in New York where I spent endless hours outdoors and developed my love for nature and outdoor activities.
Our town had a volunteer ambulance corps, and I joined their youth program when I was 11 years old. There I received my very first medical training, receiving certifications in CPR, First Aid, and Water Rescue. This experience helped me to realize my love of caring for others.
My family moved to Tempe when I was in high school. I attended Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff and received my Bachelor's Degree in Nursing in 1997. Maternal/Child nursing has been my passion for the past ten years, as I have specialized in Nursery Intensive Care and Labor and Delivery at Scottsdale Healthcare Osborn. I feel that caring for women and their family members during the amazing moment of childbirth is truly a gift. For the past five years, I have also been a Nursing Supervisor in the Family Birthing Suites at Osborn. Although I have enjoyed my job immensely, I always had a vision of furthering my education and focusing more on preventative medicine in a primary care setting for women. I attended Arizona State University and received my Master's Degree in Nursing with a specialty in Women's Healthcare Nurse Practitioner studies in May 2008. I am excited to be at Valley Women For Women to provide exceptional healthcare to women throughout their lifespan and to promote health and well being.
My husband and I have lived in Gilbert for seven years. We have two daughters, ages 2 and 4. It has been rewarding watching them learn and grow. I also enjoy hiking, camping, traveling, and reading.
Heidi Kelbar
MS, PA-C
Educational Background
A.T. Still University, Arizona School of Health Sciences, Mesa, Arizona
Master of Science Physician Assistant
Washington State University
Certified Nursing Assistant
St. Joseph Mercy Hospital
Degree: BA, Biology
Licensure/Certification
State of Arizona
National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA)
BLS Certified
Volunteer Activities
Health Fairs at Golden Gate Community Center
P.F. Chang's Race for the Cure
Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure
Languages Spoken
English
Born and raised in Washington State, I graduated from WSU receiving a bachelor's degree in biology.
Kellea T. Danuser
MSN, WHNP-BC
Educational Background
Samuel Merritt University, School of Nursing
Degree: Master’s Degree in Nursing
California State University, Bakersfield
Degree: Bachelor's Degree in Nursing
Samuel Merritt University
Degree: Master’s Degree in Nursing/ Women's Healthcare Nurse Practitioner
Certification
RN Certification, 1989-current
NP Certification, 1996-current
Licensure
State of Arizona
Languages Spoken
English
My love of nursing began on my 8th birthday when my aunt presented me with my first stethoscope.
I knew from that day, that my calling was in the art of nursing and I have been practicing in women's health since becoming a nurse in 1986. I have been actively involved in community and nursing education, research and continue to support nursing education teaching through the University of Phoenix in the College of Nursing. I am a California native and recently relocated to Gilbert in 2008, where I now reside with my husband Paul. We have three wonderful children and they are indeed the joy of our lives. My hobbies are music, playing the piano, NASCAR and Porsche, swimming and everything Titanic; the ship, not the movie. I love watching my son play football and daughter play volleyball and yes, I am one of those mothers yelling from the stands. I am very privileged to be working with such a wonderful group of talented women here at Valley Women for Women and look forward to caring for and serving the women of this community.
