Advanced Practice Clinicans

Bill Butler, PA-C

Specialist

Mr. Butler completed his Bachelors in PA studies at The University of Texas Southwestern School of Allied Health in Dallas, Texas. He joined the faculty in 2012. His area of focus is surgical critical care.

Amanda B. Loquias, RN, MSN

Faculty Associate

Ms. Loquias earned her Master’s of Science in Nursing at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio in 2005 and is certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner. Amanda joined the Division of Trauma (full-time) in March of 2009. She serves as a Nurse Practitioner with the resident team providing care to our Pediatric Trauma and Emergency Surgery patients.

Lindsey Rippee, MSN, RN, ACNP-BC

Specialist

Ms. Rippee is an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and earned her Master’s Degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. She graduated with high honors and was a member of Sigma Theta Tau, the National Nursing Honor Society. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in nursing from the University of The Incarnate Word and also has a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University, where she was a scholarship athlete. She previously worked as a registered nurse in the Emergency Center at University Hospital, and now specializes in Surgical Critical Care with Trauma team.

Ernest L. Wheeler, PA-C

Specialist

Mr. Wheeler earned his Master’s Degree in Physician Assistant studies at the University of Texas Health Science Center- San Antonio. He now works with us in Trauma and Emergency Services. He also has a Bachelor of Science in Biology which he received at the University of the Southwest. Before becoming a Physician’s Assistant, Mr. Wheeler worked in New Mexico for the City of Hobbs Fire Department. His responsibilities included Assistant Fire Chief, Operations Commander, EMT-Paramedic, Fire Officer/EMT, and an EMT Instructor/Coordinator. It is no wonder that Trauma and Emergency Services is where he would continue as a Physician Assistant.

Cassandra Rubio, PA-C

Specialist

Ms. Rubio is a graduate from the University of Texas at Austin where she earned her Bachelor’s in Business Administration. After graduation, she stayed on campus working with the Electrical & Computer Engineering students as an Academic Advisor. After several years in academia, she decided to pursue a career in healthcare and earned her Master’s Degree in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Texas Health Science Center – San Antonio. She began her career working with the General Surgery Service prior to joining the Trauma and Emergency Services team where she works alongside resident teams to provide care for the South Texas Community.

Kelly Sponhaltz, PA-C

Specialist

Mrs. Sponhaltz earned her Master’s of Physician Assistant Studies from The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas in 2009. She has a varied background including Emergency Medicine, Critical Care, Primary Care, and research. Mrs. Sponhaltz joined the Division of Trauma in June 2017. She serves as an advanced practice provider with the resident team providing care for our Trauma and Emergency Surgery patients.

Mary Von Heiland, MSN, RN, CPNP

Specialist

Mrs. Von Heiland earned her Master’s of Science degree in Nursing from Texas Tech University. She graduated summa cum laude in 2014 and is certified as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. Mary completed a post master’s certificate in Pediatric Acute Care from UT El Paso in 2016. She joined the Division of Trauma in May of 2015 and serves as a Nurse Practitioner with the resident team providing care to our Pediatric Trauma, Burn, and Emergency Surgery patients.

Kaytlyn N. Kuecker, PA-C

Specialist

Mrs. Kuecker completed her Master’s Degree in Physician Assistant studies at Rosalind Franklin University- North Chicago, IL. She works now with us in Trauma and Emergency Services. She also has a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology which she received from Texas State University. 

Daniel Martin, MSN, RN, AGACNP-BC

Specialist

Mr. Martin is an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and earned his Master’s Degree from the University of Texas at Arlington. He received his BSN at the University of Texas at Austin and previously worked as a registered nurse at Clements University Hospital and St. Paul University Hospital at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas prior to becoming certified as a nurse practitioner. He serves as an advanced practice provider with the resident team providing care for our Trauma and Emergency Surgery patients. 

Joe Martinez, MSN, RN, AGACNP-BC

Specialist

Mr. Martinez is an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and earned his Master’s Degree from UT Health San Antonio. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in nursing from the University of the Incarnate Word in 2012 and worked as a registered nurse in the Surgical Trauma Intensive Care Unit at University Hospital. He joined the Division of Trauma in 2019 and works with the resident team in providing care for our Trauma and Emergency Surgery patients.