On Monday, January 26, 2026, the Pitt/UPMC Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine will welcome a new clinical site as the certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) from UPMC Washington officially join University of Pittsburgh Physicians (UPP).
Washington Health System became part of UPMC in June 2024, transitioning to UPMC Washington. Located in Washington, Pa., UPMC Washington is a 278-bed hospital offering comprehensive inpatient specialty services alongside a network of outpatient locations and physician offices. The addition of this facility expands our department's clinical presence throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania, strengthening our commitment to delivering high-quality anesthesia care across the region.
The CRNA team from UPMC Washington brings extensive expertise and a strong tradition of clinical excellence. Natalie Aiello, CRNA, will serve as Clinical Director, leading the nurse anesthesia team at Washington within the UPP framework. The team includes 25 dedicated CRNAs: Cathy Allinder, Karen Backeris, Brian Bakaitis, Lisa Bushmire, Amanda Drusak, Haley Durkacz, John Durkacz, Jackie Foster, Graham Harbison, Nicolette Harbison, Cigi Henderson, Jay Keppich, Laura Lucatorto, Paula Mattes, Colby McIlvaine, Holli Meighen, Don Miner, Laurel Miner, Ta'Quana Moye, Pete Nasman, Elizabeth Pascarella, Jennifer Sauer, Jessica Simonette, Lisa Skariot, and Deb Wilkerson.
We are excited to welcome this accomplished team to the department and look forward to the collaboration and growth this partnership will bring.