Meet Our Team
Learn more about our staff members here at Houston Spine & Joint Pain Consultants.

Heather Hayes, APRN, FNP-BC
Nurse Practitioner
Heather Hayes is a Family Nurse Practitioner based in Houston, TX, with over 10 years of experience in the nursing profession.
She completed her nursing training at Chamberlain College of Nursing in Phoenix, AZ, and later pursued her graduate studies at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston.
She began her career in emergency nursing, where she became a certified emergency nurse and specialized as a trauma nurse, caring for both pediatric and adult patients. Heather’s diverse background includes working as a travel nurse across the country, where she gained experience in a variety of practice settings, from rural healthcare facilities to Level 1 trauma centers.
With a strong clinical foundation and a passion for patient care, Heather is committed to providing exceptional healthcare in her community.

Nathaly Ortega
Office Manager
Nathaly Ortega is the Office Manager at our clinic, overseeing daily operations to ensure efficiency and a positive patient experience. She manages administrative tasks, coordinates staff schedules, and handles billing and insurance inquiries.
Committed to effective communication and regulatory compliance, Nathaly plays a key role in supporting quality patient care. Her leadership and organizational skills enhance the clinic’s overall operations.

Saima Farid
Clinical Manager
Saima is a Clinical Manager at Houston Spine and Joint Pain Consultants, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to our team.
She has extensive expertise in patient management, health education, and clinical research.
After graduating from medical school, Saima gained additional clinical experience in Pakistan, working in various areas of medicine and pediatrics.
With a strong commitment to delivering exceptional patient care, she leads our clinical operations with both passion and precision.
Outside of work, Saima enjoys working out, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

Mariana
Referral Manager
Mariana is a Referral Manager who facilitates communication between medical providers, legal professionals, and patients.
She coordinates patient care, builds relationships with healthcare providers, liaises with attorneys to manage legal documentation, oversees claims related to LOP cases, and ensures compliance with regulations.

Areeb Ahmed
Clinical Specialist
Areeb Ahmed is a clinical specialist at Houston Spine and Joint Pain Consultants, drawing on his experience as an International Medical Graduate (IMG) and a USMLE aspirant.
He is committed to providing thorough patient assessments, monitoring vitals, and facilitating efficient clinical procedures.
Areeb’s passion for clinical excellence and research drives his mission to enhance patient care standards and develop innovative pain management strategies.

Mohammed Qaisar
Accounts Manager
As an accountant, Muhammad Qaisar manages the financial aspects of patient care with precision and attention to detail.
Qaisar tracks and manages incoming and outgoing transactions, which encompass patient billing, preparing and managing balance sheets, cash flow statements, taxes, billing, and payroll.
His role is essential in ensuring the smooth financial operation of the pain management clinic, effectively supporting both patient care and clinic revenue.

Farhat Syed, MD, LCP-C, AMP, HTL
Business Development Director
Farhat Syed serves as the Business Development Director and Media Manager at Houston Spine and Joint Pain Consultants.
Leveraging expertise in strategic marketing and relationship building, Farhat plays a pivotal role in driving business growth, fostering partnerships, and enhancing the organization’s brand presence in the competitive healthcare sector.

Nazaret Limon
Business Development Specialist
As a Business Development Specialist at Houston Spine and Joint Pain Consultants, Nazaret focuses on fostering growth, building strategic partnerships, and expanding our reach to better serve those in need of spine and joint care.
Her role involves collaborating with healthcare professionals and organizations to ensure we provide top-quality pain management solutions.
Nazaret is passionate about supporting our mission to deliver exceptional care in a compassionate and efficient environment.

Angelique Noelle Merkle
Medical Administrator
Angelique Noelle Merkle, a native of Houston, TX is a dedicated Medical Administrator specializing in medical billing.
With over 10 years of experience, she has developed a deep passion for the healthcare industry and the crucial role that accurate billing plays in providing quality patient care.
Angelique finds fulfillment in navigating the complexities of medical billing, ensuring that healthcare providers and patients alike receive the support they need.
She genuinely enjoys her work and is committed to making a positive impact in the healthcare field.

Katherine Alonso
Medical Assistant
Katherine Alonso is a dedicated medical assistant and runner at Houston Spine and Joint Pain Consultants.
With a patient-centered approach, she supports clinical operations by assisting with patient care, handling vital checks, and ensuring smooth workflow in the clinic. Katherine’s commitment to excellence makes her a valued team member focused on enhancing patient experiences.

Vanesa Ramirez
Front Desk
As a dedicated receptionist with expertise in patient scheduling, Vanesa excels in creating a welcoming and organized environment.
She efficiently manages appointment bookings, maintain accurate records, and ensure seamless communication between patients and healthcare providers.
With a focus on professionalism and empathy, she aims to deliver exceptional customer service while prioritizing patient needs and confidentiality.
Her goal is to contribute to a positive experience for every patient, from the first call to their time in the office.