Vascular Surgery Team
Vascular Surgery Team
The vascular surgery team collaborates with our colleagues in cardiology, internal medicine, neurology, interventional radiology, and podiatry in order to offer each patient a multidisciplinary, yet individualized, diagnostic assessment and therapeutic plan. Our unique philosophy is that only when a patient is evaluated by a health care team that can provide medical, conventional open surgical and minimally invasive endovascular therapy will that patient be guaranteed of receiving the most appropriate remedy for his or her problem. The patient is our focus.
Division Chief
Clinical Staff
Asma Abeer, M.S., PA-C, Physician Assistant
Asma Abeer received her Bachelor of Science in Biology and minor in Gerontology at Ramapo College of New Jersey. She then went on to obtain her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from DeSales University. Following graduation, Asma joined the Division of Vascular Surgery at Johns Hopkins Bayview and has worked there since. Asma primarily manages peri-operative patients in the outpatient setting and assists with vascular patients in the inpatient setting as well.
Belinda Asante, M.S.N., CRNP, CCRN, Nurse Practitioner
Belinda Asante received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Liberty University. She practiced as a critical care nurse for 6 years in surgical, trauma, burn, and cardiovascular units. She then obtained her Master of Science in Nursing at Georgetown University. Since graduating with her MSN in Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, she has been working in the Division of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy. Belinda manages the post-operative patients on the surgical floor and assist in clinic.
Lesley Beavers, M.S.N., AGNP-C, Nurse Practitioner
Lesley Beavers received her Bachelor of Arts in Human Physiology and Psychology at the University of Oregon. She then earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Johns Hopkins University. She started her career at Johns Hopkins Hospital as a post-operative nurse, then transitioned to the surgical critical care unit. She completed her Master of Science in Nursing at Johns Hopkins University from the Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program. Since graduating, she has been working in the Division of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy as an outpatient provider, and at the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing as a clinical instructor.
Michelle Bentkowski, PA-C, Physician Assistant
Michelle Bentkowski received her Bachelor of Science at Loyola University Maryland in 1988, and then went on to obtain her degree and certification in Physician Assistant Studies in 1992. Following graduation, Michelle worked in Emergency Medicine for 14 years before joining the Division of Vascular Surgery at Johns Hopkins Bayview in 2006. Michelle primarily manages peri-operative patients in the outpatient setting and assists with vascular patients in the inpatient setting as well. Michelle was elected to the Miller Coulson Academy for Clinical Excellence in 2019.
Holly Grunebach, M.M.S., M.S.P.H., PA-C
Holly Grunebach studied biology and dance at Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania, then earned a Master of Medical Science degree in physician assistant studies and a Master of Science degree in public health from Arcadia University, also in Pennsylvania. After a year of emergency department work, entered the Postgraduate Surgical Residency for Physician Assistants Program at The Johns Hopkins Hospital, where she has since worked in the Division of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy. Holly has spent much of that time in the Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Clinic, where she assists surgeons in the operating room and at the clinic. She became the lead of the advance practice group in 2016.
Kathryn Hines, M.S.H.S., PA-C, Lead Physician Assistant
Kathryn Hines is the director of surgical advanced practice and administrative director for the Multidisciplinary Diabetic Foot and Wound clinic. She completed a master’s degree in business administration at Johns Hopkins Carey Business School in Baltimore, MD. She also completed a master’s degree in health sciences at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. and her surgical residency for physician assistants at the Johns Hopkins Hospital, where she was awarded Outstanding Surgical PA Resident of the Year. During her time with the Johns Hopkins surgical department, Ms. Hines was also co-director and instructor of the Advanced Surgical Training Program for PAs at George Washington University. Her research has been published in the Annals of Vascular Surgery and the Journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants. Her research interests include peripheral arterial occlusive disease.
Pete Holback, PA-C, Physician Assistant
Peter Holback received his Bachelor of Science at Towson University Maryland in 1983. He then went on to obtain his degree and certification in Physician Assistant Studies in 1987. Following graduation, Pete worked in General Surgery then went on to work in Occupational Medicine for 24 years until joining the Division of Vascular Surgery at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center in 2013. Pete primarily manages peri-operative patients in the outpatient setting and assists with vascular patients in the inpatient setting as well.
Lisa Hurst, R.N.-BC, Registered Nurse
Lisa Hurst is a board-certified Registered Nurse. She earned her nursing degree in South Florida, and prior to her position as Triage Nurse in the Department of Vascular Surgery, she practiced as a bedside nurse for over 25 years on various specialty surgical units. During that time, she enjoyed training new nurses, was an Education Champion, and thrived while caring for complex post-operative patients. With her vast nursing knowledge and years of experience, Lisa is a vital addition to the Vascular Team, serving as a contact for established Vascular Surgery patients.
Abby Keen, M.S.P.A.S., PA-C
Abby Keen received her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Chemistry from McDaniel College, followed by her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from DeSales University. She then completed The Johns Hopkins Hospital Postgraduate PA Surgical Residency Program in 2021. Following graduation, she has been working in the Division of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy. She also enjoys cross covering other services including colorectal, MIS and orthopedics. Abby manages postoperative patients in the inpatient setting as well as assists in clinic in the outpatient setting.
DeEtta McKnight, B.S.N., R.N.
DeEtta McKnight earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from State University of New York at Brockport. Prior to joining the Vascular Service at Johns Hopkins Hospital, she was a Home Care Nurse for over 30 years. As a Wound Treatment Associate (WTA) and Ostomy Treatment Associate (OTA), she served a wide variety of complex needs for patients in the community. With her vast experience and nursing expertise, she is a vital part of the Vascular Team. She specializes in Wound Care and Limb Preservation in the Diabetic Foot Wound Clinic (DFWC).
Jennie McKown, M.S.H.S., PA-C, Physician Assistant
Jennie McKown earned her B.S. in Fitness and Cardiac Rehabilitation/Exercise Science at Ithaca College. She then earned her Master of Science in Health Science at George Washington University’s Physician Assistant Program. As a National Health Service Corps Scholarship recipient, she practiced primary care in South Texas for 5 years. Then, after completing The Johns Hopkins Hospital Postgraduate Surgical Residency for Physician Assistants she joined the Division of Vascular Surgery in 2007. Currently Jennie manages patients on the surgical floor, assists in clinic and is Director of the PA Surgical Residency program.
Shira Mohammed, M.S., PA-C, Physician Assistant
Shira Mohammed received her Bachelor of Science in Biology at Christopher Newport University. She then obtained her master of science in Physician assistant studies from Touro College. After working in obstetrics and gynecology and general surgery, she joined the Division of Vascular Surgery two and a half years ago. Shira manages the post operative patients on the surgical floor as well as assisting surgeons in the operating room.
Karen Neiderer, PA-C, Physician Assistant
Karen Neiderer received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science at Catholic University of America and then earned a Master of Science in Physician Assistant studies from Jefferson College of Health Sciences. She worked as a Physician Assistant on the Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery & Surgical Oncology team at Johns Hopkins before transitioning to the Division of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy. Karen manages the peri-operative patients in the inpatient setting and assists in clinic as well.
