Meet our Staff

Integrated Diabetes Services features a multi-disciplinary team of Certified Diabetes Educators (CDCES) with a true passion and talent for diabetes care and diabetes education. All of our diabetes clinicians live with diabetes personally.  Our office staff is dedicated to serving our patients with sensitivity to their needs and concern for their satisfaction.

Gary Scheiner MS, CDCES

Owner, Clinical Director

An award-winning Certified Diabetes Educator, Masters-level Exercise Physiologist and person with type-1 diabetes since 1985, Gary Scheiner has dedicated his professional life to improving the lives of people with insulin-dependent diabetes. He was named 2014 Diabetes Educator of the year by the American Association of Diabetes Educators.

Gary earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Washington University in St. Louis and a Master of Science in Exercise Physiology from Benedictine University. He received his diabetes training with the world-renowned Joslin Diabetes Center. Gary serves on the faculty of Children With Diabetes and is an active volunteer for the American Diabetes Association, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Diabetes Sisters and Setebaid Diabetes Camps. He also serves on the clinical advisory boards for several diabetes device manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies.

Gary has authored six books: You Can Control Diabetes (1997), Think Like A Pancreas (2004, 2012, 2020), The Ultimate Guide to Accurate Carb Counting (2007), Get Control of Your Blood Sugar (2009), Until There’s A Cure (2012), Practical CGM (2015) and Diabetes-How To Help (2018), as well as dozens of published articles related to diabetes education for consumer and trade magazines and diabetes websites. He speaks at local, national and international conferences on a multitude of topics in diabetes care.  Gary is certified to train on all models of insulin pumps, continuous glucose monitors and hybrid closed loop systems, and has personally used every system that is currently on the market.

A devoted husband and father of four, Gary enjoys exercising (especially basketball, bicycling, running and weight lifting) and cheering on his local Philadelphia sports teams.

Jennifer Smith, RD, LD, CDCES

Director of Lifestyle and Nutrition

Jennifer has also lived with type 1 diabetes since she was a child, so she has first-hand knowledge of the day-to-day events that affect diabetes management. She attended a diabetes-specific sports training camp in 2008 where she discovered her passion for achieving fitness goals while living healthfully with diabetes. In 2009 she successfully completed her first triathlon. This brought a deeper understanding of athletic training requirements and the importance of nutrition to realize athletic goals.

Jennifer holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Nutrition and Biology from the University of Wisconsin. She is a Registered (and Licensed) Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Educator, and Certified Trainer on most makes/models of insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring systems. She is an active member of the American Diabetes Association, American Association of Diabetes Educators and Team WILD (We Inspire Life with Diabetes). She is also a contributing author for the Diabetes Sisters website. As a talented dietitian, diabetes educator, athlete and person with diabetes, Jennifer is in a unique position to assist Integrated Diabetes Services’ intensively managed clients.

Jennifer and her husband Nathan, an Ironman athlete in his own right, share their home with their sons Oskar and Conan, their dog Fillmore and cat Cornelius. In her free time, Jennifer enjoys running, cycling, swimming, yoga, and kayaking. She also loves hiking with Nathan, Oskar and Fillmore. A culinary “experimenter”, she is fond of cooking and baking, with an eye on vegetarian options. Tops on her annual “to-do” list is to travel to strange and exotic places outside the US.

Alicia Downs RN, MSN, CDCES,  BC-ADM

Director of Patient Care and Education

Alicia’s diverse nursing career has given her experience with a broad range of clients and a variety of health conditions in addition to diabetes. One of her passions is advocating for the needs of her patients, whether it be in overcoming insurance restrictions, obtaining community resources, or coordinating with school systems and medical providers. Alicia is a proud graduate of the Cecil College School of Nursing and received her Bachelor’s and Master’s of Science in Nursing from Western Governors University. She is an active member of the American Association of Diabetes Educators and Maryland Nurses Association.

Alicia manages her diabetes with an insulin pump and continuous glucose monitor. Her rocky road included years of mis-diagnoses and ineffective treatments during her college years. That experience gave Alicia the incentive to take the lead in her own health care and educate those around her.

“In this day and age, everyone with diabetes deserves state-of- the-art care, treatment and education,” professes Alicia. “Nobody should have to go through what I went through early on.”

After years as a director of a childcare center, Alicia made the career leap into nursing with the goal of becoming a diabetes educator. Her life has included many unique medical challenges including multiple auto-immune diagnoses and orthopedic conditions. However, Alicia chooses to view these as opportunities to grow stronger rather than as barriers, and applies this approach to her clinical practice.

Alicia’s talents and passions are not restricted to diabetes education. She can be found as a regular performer on stage/film projects and with local bands.  As an award winning steampunk and cos-play designer, she enjoys building costumes and fashion pieces for her husband Tim and son Asher. Alicia and Tim also share black belt martial arts training (Alicia holds a first-, and Tim a third-degree black belt in Tang Soo Do). In more sedate moments, Alicia can be found curled up with a cup of tea, good book and her dogs Billie and Wicket.

Dana Roseman, MPH, CDCES, RDN, LDN

Director of Technology and Applied Research

Dana is a Certified Diabetes Care & Education Specialist and Registered Dietitian.  She holds certifications in insulin pump therapy and obesity interventions for adults.  Dana received a Master’s in Public Health at the University of Illinois at Chicago after receiving a Bachelor’s in Science with Honors at the University of Texas at Austin.  After college, Dana served as an AmeriCorp volunteer on a variety of health education initiatives and played a key role in establishing the first school-based health clinic in the city of Chicago.

After being diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes and working closely with her diabetes educator, Dana was inspired to help others with their diabetes management.  She went on to earn a degree in Clinical Nutrition from UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, and became a Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist.  For almost 20 years, Dana has focused on helping improve patients’ lives through diabetes technology and applied research.  She has trained patients on every currently-available model of insulin pump and continuous glucose monitor and has been involved in over 20 cutting-edge clinical trials related to advanced diabetes and obesity interventions.  Dana is also a pioneer in the area of closed loop “artificial pancreas” systems and uses a hybrid closed-loop system personally.

Dana serves as the Research Information Liaison for the Dallas chapter of JDRF and serves on the JDRF National Speakers Bureau.  Dana also serves on the boards of several non-profit organizations and is active with many local community service projects, including Camp Sweeney (a summer camp for children living with T1D).

Dana loves to stay physically active and is committed to the belief that T1D need not slow anyone down.  She is proud to have completed the New York Marathon (finishing with a blood sugar of 150 mg/dl!).  Dana lives in Dallas, Texas with her husband of 22 years and three teenage children.  Whenever a spare moment, Dana enjoys trail running, yoga and downhill skiing.  In quiet moments, she enjoys making jewelry and reading historical fiction.

Tavia Vital BSN, BA, RN, CDCES

Director of Intensive Diabetes Management

Tavia is a Registered Nurse, Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist, and Certified Trainer on most makes/models of insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring systems. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Regis University in Denver, Colorado after receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish from the University of Iowa. Tavia’s professional experience includes inpatient and outpatient nursing in endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism, as well as a high-risk diabetes and pregnancy clinic.

Even though Tavia has lived with Type 1 Diabetes for over 40 years, she understands that each person’s experiences and needs are unique. She strives to be an expert resource on intensive diabetes management options. She enjoys learning about the newest medications, strategies and technologies available that may help her clients reduce the diabetes burden while improving diabetes self-management skills. Tavia is an active listener, a passionate expert, and a true advocate for people with diabetes. She can be relied upon to provide strong support for clients facing any life challenges.

Tavia is fluent in English and Spanish. She lives in Iowa with her husband and their two children. She loves playing tug with her Husky, Sysko, and talking to her cockatiels, Piper and Daisy. Tavia enjoys walking and kayaking with her family.

Kathryn Gentile, MS, ACSM-CEP, EIM II, CPT, CSNC, CDCES

Director of Exercise Physiology, Teen/Young Adult Specialist

Kathryn Gentile began her career in diabetes as an exercise physiology intern/diabetes educator in training at Integrated Diabetes Services in 2019.  She now provides one-on-one guidance for patients looking for individualized exercise plans, runs group exercise classes, provides diabetes education, and teaches a group class for local insulin users.

Kathryn received her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology from Ave Maria University in Florida and a Master’s degree in Clinical Exercise Physiology from West Chester University in Pennsylvania.  She is Certified by the American College of Sports Medicine as well as the International Sports Science Association.

Kathryn was diagnosed with Type-1 Diabetes at the age of twelve.  She managed her diabetes independently from the getgo, switching from multiple daily injections to pump therapy to a hybrid closed loop system.  Along the way, she has studied the effects of various forms of exercise on glucose levels and enjoys developing basic and advanced exercise prescriptions for patients.

An avid weight lifter, Kathryn is currently into CrossFit.  She participated in competitive cheerleading through high school and college and coached at the college level.  She and her cat Theo share an apartment near West Chester University.  Her aspirations include hiking the Appalachian Trail and perhaps pursuing a doctorate degree.

Kristi Paguio LMSW, CDCES, CSOWM

Diabetes/Mental Health Specialist

Kristi is a licensed clinical social worker, diabetes care and education specialist, and certified specialist in obesity and weight management. Kristi has been working in the field of diabetes since 2007 and has had the privilege of working with people across the lifespan who are impacted by diabetes.  She has experience working with adults, children, athletes, pregnancy, and weight management.

Kristi was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2000 and has specialized in the mental and emotional aspects of diabetes since that time.  She is passionate about empowering those living with diabetes to live their fullest life possible and builds on the strengths of those she works with. Kristi incorporates enthusiasm and a great sense of humor, as she employs a real-life, practical approach to optimizing life with diabetes. Kristi has had the privilege to speak on state and national platforms, advocating and educating about the mental and emotional aspects of diabetes. She is also fluent in Spanish after living abroad in Argentina.

Kristi received her master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from Michigan State University in 2002 and earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Liberty University in 1997.

On a personal note, Kristi lives with her husband Ron in Grand Rapids, Michigan where she enjoys taking her kitty (Jarvis) on hikes to explore the great outdoors. Kristi loves fitness, yoga, kayaking, swimming, dancing, roller skating, and gardening.

Call Kristi: 616-287-3114

Anna Sabino MSW, CDCES

Emotional Health Counselor

Anna Sabino has been living with T1D for over 30 years and proudly offers expert emotional health counseling for children, adults, and families with T1D.   She is a graduate of Syracuse University with a dual degree in psychology and child and family studies.  She earned her Masters in Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis.  Her areas of expertise include family dynamics, crisis management, anxiety, depression, burnout, and post-traumatic stress.

Anna’s greatest passion is helping individuals and families build a sense of confidence and comfort with their diabetes management.  She spent most of her childhood summers attending, volunteering, and working directly with diabetes summer camps and has nearly 20 years of experience creating and overseeing youth and family programs with organizations such as the College Diabetes Network (Diabetes Link), International Diabetes Federation, American Diabetes Association, and the T1D Exchange.

As an MSW and CDCES, Anna has written many articles for professional journals and serves on numerous advisory boards on a local, national and international level.

An avid exerciser, Anna lives outside Boston, MA with her husband and two young children.

Call Anna: 610-642-6055

Colleen Clark Chuo RN, MA, CDCES, CPT

Director of Group Education

Colleen Clark Chuo is a registered nurse and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist with more than 26 years’ experience providing all aspects of diabetes self-management training. She joined IDS after serving as a diabetes nurse-educator at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, focusing on individualized diabetes care plans and behavior modification. She has experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings and takes pride in helping patients navigate the complexities of the modern healthcare system.

Colleen received her Bachelor of Nursing degree from the University of Scranton and a Master’s in nursing education from New York University. She is an active nurse consultant for Michael’s Miracles Foundation, advocating for children with diabetes and providing education for daycare centers, school nurses and staff. In addition, she is a volunteer speaker for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Colleen is a certified trainer on all models of insulin pumps and enjoys educating adults and children on the use of the latest diabetes technologies.

Originally from New Jersey, Colleen moved to Doylestown, PA in 2010. She lives with her husband John and 3 boys: Connor, Jack, and Carter along with their dog Cooper.

Nancy Siegel

Office Administrator

Nancy comes to IDS with a background in education from Temple University.  She has worked in the fitness industry with her son and helped manage his fitness center. Her interest in nutrition and exercise continues to play a major part of her lifestyle.  She has worked in the high end fashion market for many years.   These careers have given Nancy tremendous passion for helping others — something that fits in perfectly at Integrated Diabetes Services!  Her boundless energy and enthusiasm aren’t just an asset; they are also contagious.

In her role as Office Administrator, Nancy oversees the front desk operations of the practice, including client service/support, special events, website maintenance, medical correspondence and e-mail communications. Nancy enjoys cooking and entertaining friends and family. Nancy has two children, Scott and Blair and two precious grandchildren, Taylor and Sia. Both of Nancy’s sisters have diabetes, so she is an official “Type-3”.

Nina Coleman

Receptionist

Nina came to us with a wealth of diverse office experience as well as expertise in social media, photography and yoga instruction.  What’s more, her 14-year-old son Jordan and her sister both have type-1 diabetes, so she knows the difference between a basal and a bolus.  

“I love being part of a team that assists people with diabetes,” says Nina.  “It’s a bonus to be able to apply what I learn here to my own personal life.”

A native of Brooklyn, NY and raised in Rhode Island, Nina is English/Spanish fluent.  Her roles at Integrated Diabetes Services include handling the phones, scheduling, organizing charts, and making sure all IDS clients are treated like family.  She also supports our Office Manager (Nancy) with a variety of administrative tasks.  

Nina lives in Philadelphia with her husband Chris and their three children, Jordan (14), Alex (6) and Jaxson (4).  She enjoys reading, yoga and blaring Spanish music.