Staff

Heather is the Physician Assistant to Dr. B. Todd Drury and works exclusively in the Hand and Upper Extremity Center at Texas Orthopedic Specialists. Heather was raised in Pennsylvania and went to Pennsylvania State University, where she obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Biobehavioral health. Heather then received her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from the New York Institute of Technology. Heather had spent two years working in primary care before practicing at the Hershey Medical Center with the hand surgery department for five years. Heather moved to Texas and joined the Texas Orthopedic Specialists team in December 2022. She loves Texas and spending time outside all year long in the beautiful weather with her two sons and husband.

Kirstin is the Physician Assistant to Dr. Howard Harris. She was born and raised in East Texas, and has a BS in Human Biology with a minor in Chemistry from Texas Women's University. Kirstin was a teacher and coach in the Dallas area for 9 years before attending UT Southwestern, where she received a master's of Physician Assistant Studies. Kirstin joined our practice in 2005.

Lauren is the Physician Assistant to Dr. Michael Nguyen. Lauren grew up in the DFW metroplex. She has a bachelors in Biology and a minor in health professions from Texas Tech University. She received her Masters of Physician Assistant Studies at Texas Tech University HSC in Lubbock and joined Texas Orthopedic Specialists in 2019.

Chase was born and raised in Abilene, Texas. He received his BS in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from Texas State University. He then went on to receive his Masters in Physician Assistant Studies at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas where he graduated as valedictorian of his class. He has a combined 14+ years of experience as a Physician Assistant in orthopedics and emergency medicine at a Level 2 Trauma Center. He originally worked for Texas Orthopedic Specialist in 2006 and rejoined the practice in 2019.

Jessica is the physician assistant to Dr. Nathan Haile. She was born and raised in Louisville, Colorado, and graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder with a bachelor’s degree in integrative physiology and a minor in business. She then went on to receive her Master of Physician Assistant Studies at the University of North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth. Jessica joined Texas Orthopedic Specialists in May 2023. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends, family, and her golden retriever Finn.

Rachel is the physician assistant to Dr. Paul A. Tavakolian. She was born and raised here in Dallas, Texas and graduated from Texas Tech University with a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology. She then went on to receive her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Rachel joined Texas Orthopedic Specialists in February 2024.

Mason BaDour is the Physician Assistant to Dr. Michael Nguyen. Mason was born and raised in Richardson, Texas and earned his BS in Biology from The University of Texas at Dallas. Prior to completing his undergraduate degree, Mason played three years of collegiate baseball at University of the Ozarks before transferring to UTD to finish his studies. He went on to receive his Master of Physician Assistant Studies from University of North Texas Health Science Center. Mason is passionate about helping patients return to the activities they enjoy through individualized treatment plans and collaborative care. Outside of work, he enjoys staying active, barbecuing, and spending time with family and friends.

Sarah Ummach is the Physician Assistant to Dr. Katherine Bartush and specializes in Foot & Ankle Surgery as well as Sports Medicine. Sarah was raised in Waukee, Iowa and went to Texas Christian University where she obtained her Bachelor's degree in Movement Science with a Minor in Biology. She then went on to receive her Master's of Physician Assistant Studies from the University of North Texas Health Science Center where she was awarded the Dean’s Award for Scholarly Excellence in Clinical Practice. Sarah joined Texas Orthopedic Specialists in 2026 upon her graduation at UNTHSC.

Chris Talatala, Nurse Practitioner to O. David Taunton Jr., M.D and Howard W. Harris, M.D. and relocated to Texas from Los Angeles, California, in 2007. She has dedicated her nursing career to surgical care, bringing with her extensive experience gained in California before continuing her practice in Texas. Chris further expanded her expertise across multiple surgical specialties which included a strong focus on orthopedic procedures involving the shoulders, hips, and knees.

Chris earned her Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner degree from the University of Texas at Arlington College of Nursing. As a Nurse Practitioner, she brings valuable experience in pain management and is committed to delivering compassionate, patient-centered, and evidence-based care. She is proud to be a member of the team at Texas Orthopedic Specialists.

Outside of her professional role, Chris enjoys traveling, dancing, and playing pickleball and mahjong. She is also actively involved in her church and values spending quality time with her family.

Amber is a certified Clinical Research Professional through the Society of Clinical Research Associates. She has been the Clinical Research Manager at Texas Orthopedic Specialists since 2005.

Rob graduated from the University of North Texas with a specialization in athletic training. As a licensed and certified athletic trainer, Rob worked in the public schools in Texas for eleven years before he started his clinical career. Rob is the Clinical Manager at Texas Orthopedic Specialists, and joined our practice in 2008.