Our Mission
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To improve the lives of headache sufferers by providing the highest quality care using headache best practices in a safe, welcoming environment. We conduct clinical research to explore new frontiers to advance present and future headache treatments. We support the science of Headache Medicine and the education of its practitioners.
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Co-Founders
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Kevin A. Kahn, MD
Kevin Kahn obtained his undergraduate degree in 1988 from the University of Pennsylvania with major in psychology and minor in philosophy. After graduation from the Medical University of South Carolina in 1992 he completed Internship at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Chicago and residency training at Rush Presbyterian St. Luke’s Medical Center in 1996. He completed fellowship training in Headache and Pain Medicine at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine Department of Neurology in 1998 where he later served as Neurology Residency Training Director while conducting research in chronic pain mechanisms and treating patients in the University Headache Clinic. Since 2009 he has served as the medical director for the Carolina Headache Institute where he continues to treat patients with headache disorders and participate in headache research.
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Alan G. Finkel, MD Dr. Finkel received his medical degree from SUNY at Buffalo, completed residency in Neurology and Pain/Headache Fellowship at the UNC Chapel Hill. He is Certified in Neurology, Pain Medicine and Headache Medicine. Dr. Finkel founded a not for profit, the Carolina Headache Foundation, and is a contractor for the Defense and Veteran Brain Injury Center/Department of Defense at the Intrepid Spirit TBI Center at Fort Bragg where he treats and studies military post traumatic headache. His interests include medical education, traumatic brain injury/concussion and health care policy and practice. |
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Karen G. Fisher, RN Karen has more than 40 years of nursing experience and has been with this team for 20+years. At CHI, she strives to create a safe and welcoming environment for patients and ensures that providers and staff have the resources they need to provide the best possible care. You will often see her with iphone in hand, showing new pictures of her grandchildren. Go Illini! |
Management
Kristen Certic, MBA
Originally from Long Island, New York, Kristen relocated to North Carolina after earning her MBA with a specialization in International Business and Marketing from Paris School of Business in Paris, France. As Practice Manager of Carolina Headache Institute, she oversees daily operations, practice growth initiatives, and patient experience efforts, working closely with providers and staff to support exceptional patient care. Kristen is passionate about building efficient systems, strengthening team collaboration, and creating a positive experience for both patients and employees. When she's not at the office, she enjoys traveling, discovering new destinations, and making memories with her family.
Originally from Long Island, New York, Kristen relocated to North Carolina after earning her MBA with a specialization in International Business and Marketing from Paris School of Business in Paris, France. As Practice Manager of Carolina Headache Institute, she oversees daily operations, practice growth initiatives, and patient experience efforts, working closely with providers and staff to support exceptional patient care. Kristen is passionate about building efficient systems, strengthening team collaboration, and creating a positive experience for both patients and employees. When she's not at the office, she enjoys traveling, discovering new destinations, and making memories with her family.
Providers
Aurora K. Pajeau, MD
Aurora Keith Pajeau graduated from University of Texas 1976 with a Psychology major, Texas Tech University School of Medicine in 1986 and attended Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota as a fellow in Internal Medicine. Her Neurology residency was completed at University of Vermont, Burlington in 1991. Dr. Pajeau then went to NEB/NINDS/NIH in Bethesda Maryland and completed a landmark research study in Tropical Spastic Paraparesis in St. Catherine’s Parish, Jamaica, as well as earning an MPH ibn Epidemiology / Biostatistics at George Washington University in Washington DC. Subsequently as assistant professor of Neurology at Mt. Sinai Hospital/Rosalind Franklin Medical School in Chicago, she initiated and directed a stroke center. Prior to coming to CHI she was a partner at BWC in Rocky Mount, NC.
Aurora Keith Pajeau graduated from University of Texas 1976 with a Psychology major, Texas Tech University School of Medicine in 1986 and attended Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota as a fellow in Internal Medicine. Her Neurology residency was completed at University of Vermont, Burlington in 1991. Dr. Pajeau then went to NEB/NINDS/NIH in Bethesda Maryland and completed a landmark research study in Tropical Spastic Paraparesis in St. Catherine’s Parish, Jamaica, as well as earning an MPH ibn Epidemiology / Biostatistics at George Washington University in Washington DC. Subsequently as assistant professor of Neurology at Mt. Sinai Hospital/Rosalind Franklin Medical School in Chicago, she initiated and directed a stroke center. Prior to coming to CHI she was a partner at BWC in Rocky Mount, NC.
Nicole Rothman, FNP-C
Nicole Rothman is an experienced headache specialist. She received her Nurse Practitioner degree from Columbia University and joined our team after practicing headache medicine at the New York Headache Center in Manhattan. Her clinic focuses on the diagnosis and management of all forms of headache. She provides comprehensive care that includes medication and non-medication options such as Botox injections, nerve blocks, and supplements.
Nicole Rothman is an experienced headache specialist. She received her Nurse Practitioner degree from Columbia University and joined our team after practicing headache medicine at the New York Headache Center in Manhattan. Her clinic focuses on the diagnosis and management of all forms of headache. She provides comprehensive care that includes medication and non-medication options such as Botox injections, nerve blocks, and supplements.
Ashley Barham, FNP-C
Ashley Barham graduated from Palm Beach State College in Lake Worth, Florida with an Associates in Applied Science in Nursing (ASN) and began her healthcare career working in hospital emergency/trauma services. With a passion for helping others and a desire to continue learning, she decided to pursue an advanced degree. In 2015, she completed the RN/MSN program at East Carolina University and earned her Master of Science in Nursing. Ashley is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with experience working in a variety of clinical settings. With extensive family ties to the United States military, she has a special interest in providing quality care to our Nation's veterans, law enforcement, and first responders. Outside of work, Ashley enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and two Belgian Malinois dogs, Stella and Gunner.
Ashley Barham graduated from Palm Beach State College in Lake Worth, Florida with an Associates in Applied Science in Nursing (ASN) and began her healthcare career working in hospital emergency/trauma services. With a passion for helping others and a desire to continue learning, she decided to pursue an advanced degree. In 2015, she completed the RN/MSN program at East Carolina University and earned her Master of Science in Nursing. Ashley is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with experience working in a variety of clinical settings. With extensive family ties to the United States military, she has a special interest in providing quality care to our Nation's veterans, law enforcement, and first responders. Outside of work, Ashley enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and two Belgian Malinois dogs, Stella and Gunner.
Krystal Thompson, DNP FNP-BC
Krystal Thompson is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with over 20 years of healthcare experience. Her diverse background includes women’s health, primary care, infectious disease, education, and work with forensics. She holds a Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration and, in 2014, enrolled at East Carolina University to complete her Doctor of Nursing Practice and post-master’s Family Nurse Practitioner certification. Krystal enjoys spending time with her family and hiking, and has a particular interest in little-known facts about nature and history.
Krystal Thompson is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with over 20 years of healthcare experience. Her diverse background includes women’s health, primary care, infectious disease, education, and work with forensics. She holds a Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration and, in 2014, enrolled at East Carolina University to complete her Doctor of Nursing Practice and post-master’s Family Nurse Practitioner certification. Krystal enjoys spending time with her family and hiking, and has a particular interest in little-known facts about nature and history.
Amanda Kay
Coming soon.
With CHI since its inception, Amanda has transitioned from administration to nursing and is now advancing her career by pursuing a DNP, with plans to return to us as a DNP upon graduation.
Coming soon.
With CHI since its inception, Amanda has transitioned from administration to nursing and is now advancing her career by pursuing a DNP, with plans to return to us as a DNP upon graduation.
Nursing
Shannon Hayes, RN
Shannon is a Minnesota native and graduated from the University of Minnesota with her BSN. Prior to joining the CHI team, she worked on an inpatient spine & neurology floor and later worked at the University of Minnesota as a research nurse for oncology clinical trials. Outside of work, Shannon enjoys being active and spending time outdoors, especially hiking, rollerblading, and playing ultimate frisbee. Shannon is a new transplant to The Triangle and is looking forward to exploring the ATT, the restaurant scene, and coffee shops.
Shannon is a Minnesota native and graduated from the University of Minnesota with her BSN. Prior to joining the CHI team, she worked on an inpatient spine & neurology floor and later worked at the University of Minnesota as a research nurse for oncology clinical trials. Outside of work, Shannon enjoys being active and spending time outdoors, especially hiking, rollerblading, and playing ultimate frisbee. Shannon is a new transplant to The Triangle and is looking forward to exploring the ATT, the restaurant scene, and coffee shops.
Administration
Barbara Ansede
Barbara Ansede moved to Holly Springs, NC from NJ three years ago to be closer to family. She is currently enrolled at DeVry studying for her CCS and CPB Certifications having developed a passion for helping patients while working for CHI. Barbara loves spending time cooking, hiking with her dog Luna and photographing nature in her spare time.
Barbara Ansede moved to Holly Springs, NC from NJ three years ago to be closer to family. She is currently enrolled at DeVry studying for her CCS and CPB Certifications having developed a passion for helping patients while working for CHI. Barbara loves spending time cooking, hiking with her dog Luna and photographing nature in her spare time.
Sarah Sprague
Sarah Sprague recently moved from California to North Carolina. She lives with her husband and two kitty cats, Cypress and Indy. Prior to joining CHI she studied business administration and accounting at the University of Nevada, Reno. Sarah’s interests include jogging, anything artistic, cooking gourmet meals with her husband, and most recently, learning how to code.
Sarah Sprague recently moved from California to North Carolina. She lives with her husband and two kitty cats, Cypress and Indy. Prior to joining CHI she studied business administration and accounting at the University of Nevada, Reno. Sarah’s interests include jogging, anything artistic, cooking gourmet meals with her husband, and most recently, learning how to code.
Bayle Gilliam
Bayle Gilliam is our Botox Coordinator from Creedmoor, NC. Prior to coming aboard CHI, she worked in pharmacy for 6 years. Bayle is recently married and loves spending time with her husband and two dogs, Dink and Ruger. She also loves spending time with her growing family which now includes 2 nephews, 4 nieces, and another one on the way!
Tina Dean-McDaniel
Tina Dean-McDaniel moved to North Carolina in 2021 to be closer to family. She has worked in the medical field 15+ years and looks forward to a long career continuing to help people. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, crafting, and spending time with her family.
Tina Dean-McDaniel moved to North Carolina in 2021 to be closer to family. She has worked in the medical field 15+ years and looks forward to a long career continuing to help people. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, crafting, and spending time with her family.
Emmey Cobb
Emmey Cobb is our new Toxins Coordinator; she graduated from East Carolina University in 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Health Services Management. With over 5 years of customer service and administration experience, she is passionate about creating a positive and seamless experience for every patient. Outside of work, Emmey enjoys spending time with friends (and her fur nephew Gunner), visiting breweries, and attending concerts.
Emmey Cobb is our new Toxins Coordinator; she graduated from East Carolina University in 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Health Services Management. With over 5 years of customer service and administration experience, she is passionate about creating a positive and seamless experience for every patient. Outside of work, Emmey enjoys spending time with friends (and her fur nephew Gunner), visiting breweries, and attending concerts.