Biography

Kari received a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Exercise Science and Sports Medicine from California Lutheran University (CLU) in 2002. She went on to earn a Master of Physician Assistant Practice (MPAP) from University of Southern California (USC) in 2006. Kari is certified by the National Committee on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) along with being a certified Clinical Preceptor by the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA).

While in school, Kari worked as an athletic trainer for track & field and women’s basketball at CLU, a women’s club volleyball coach, a personal trainer, a physical therapy aide and an orthopedic medical assistant. Upon graduation from USC, she began working for Dr. Nickel at Ventura Orthopedics.

As a physician assistant, Kari believes her role is to work autonomously and in collaboration with a healthcare team, including the orthopedic surgeon, to provide the best care possible to patients. She strives to explain all non-surgical and surgical options of treatment to patients while keeping them well informed on the best plan of care.

A native of the area, she lives in East Ventura County with her husband and two children. Because of the long commute to work, her favorite way to pass the drive time is by listening to audio books. Kari loves volleyball and, despite an Achilles tendon rupture repair in 2015, still plays regularly. She also enjoys snowboarding, which is the most favorite thing for her and her husband to do together. Also, having participated in several 5K’s, 10K’s and mud runs, Kari is trying her hardest to love running.