Our Staff

Kim grew up in Sparks, Nevada in an area where she felt a strong sense of community. She was impacted by hardworking people, such as her parents and educators, who taught her to always give 100% effort towards anything she commits to.

Kim graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno where she studied Molecular Microbiology and Immunology and Human Development and Family Sciences. She has prior experience working with patients as a volunteer medical interpreter and patient safety at Renown Regional Medical Center.

About her work with Sierra Foot & Ankle, Kim says, “Working at SFA is unlike any other work experience or environment I’ve been a part of before. I like talking to established patients and getting to know them. I like how every staff member goes above and beyond to do what is best for the clinic. Dr. Melhuish provides an environment that promotes growth and learning and her trust in our abilities makes us all eager to come to work. I enjoy working for a doctor as intelligent and caring as Dr. Melhuish; she is a great mentor.”

Outside of work: Kim likes lifting weights; my little brother is a bodybuilder and going to the gym together and holding each other accountable is how we bond. She loves traveling and when traveling was restricted, she got back into learning and playing musical instruments. She also enjoys volunteering as a medical interpreter because it helps her improve her Spanish, learn more about the medical field, and help others.

Favorite Podcasts: Kim likes exploring crime podcasts; they have gained popularity within the past year, so she feels like this genre has something to offer for everyone. She also likes listening to “GroSeries: An MCAT Review” because it allows her to passively study things like the digestive system while driving to work or doing her makeup.

As a Medical Assistant at SFA, Alyssa wants to help our clients get on their feet again. She says, “It can be very discouraging to participate in a favorite activity and feel discomfort and pain. I am here to do whatever I can to help patients get back to, and keep doing, what they love to do.”

About her work with Sierra Foot & Ankle, Alyssa says, “I love getting to know Sierra Foot & Ankle patients and seeing how everyone goes above and beyond for their care. I enjoy learning every day and helping patients on their journey to a better lifestyle. Our doctor is willing to stop and teach everyone in the office, including patients, so we ALL understand the care provided. It allows me to become better every day in my personal growth. Every day is a new experience, truly something to cherish.”

Alyssa moved from San Bernardino, California to Gardnerville, Nevada when she was 10 years old. Growing up in the close-knit Carson Valley community instilled hometown values of how “community comes together to help a neighbor.”

Outside of work: Alyssa could not imagine NOT looking out my window to see the Sierra Nevada Mountains. I love hiking, exploring the outdoors, or having an easy day in the park with my partner and son. I enjoy playing silly games, watching bad reality shows, like Love is Blind on Netflix, and going to the gym.

Favorite Podcasts: Alyssa enjoys listening to ‘Am I the A**hole, Crime Junkie, Morbid, Two Hot Takes” podcasts

Favorite Books: My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picoult.  Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly.

Nancy was born and raised right here in Carson City, growing up with two older brothers and many cats. Nancy graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a minor in Addiction treatment services in the spring of 2022. She has prior work experience as a technician for Optimum Physical therapy where she would help patients with exercises and prepare them for the therapist. Nancy’s personal code includes hard work. She feels strongly, “Hard work is a value that drives me, along with kindness for all living beings and doing what I can to help others around me.” 

As a PCC, Nancy interacts with every patient that walks through the door. She assists with check-in, check-out, scheduling, financials, insurance, and any questions our patients may have. “Our feet take us everywhere! Many of our patients deal with pain on a daily basis that inhibits them from participating in the things they love.” Nancy’s approach to helping patients get back to doing what they love is to “listen to their concerns and help them find a solution.” With coordinating patient care, Nancy states, “I always try and make every patient feel heard when I am working with them. But what I enjoy most is seeing the patients who were once in pain now walk out of SFA with a smile on their face.”

Nancy affirms, “I am from two different cultures, and understanding both have impacted me greatly because it shows me how different everyone is, it also teaches me respect and compassion for everyone I come across.” 

Outside of work: Nancy enjoys hiking the Tahoe Basin, creating pottery and products for her side business of selling handmade jewelry and crystals, and practicing yoga.  She feels most alive and excited when participating in “activities where a scared adrenaline rush reminds me that I am human, like jumping off a 30ft cliff into the lake or a zipline across a field of trees.”

Favorite Hobbies:  creating art, reading a book, listening to music, traveling, and tasting new foods.

Favorite Books:  Verity by Colleen Hoover, The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, and Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky.  

Favorite Quote: “Art and love are the same thing: it’s the process of seeing yourself in things that are not you.” Chuck Klosterman  

Taylor grew up in and around Reno and Sparks. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Portland, in December 2021. While completing this degree she focused on a pre-med track and worked as a Medical Scribe for Portland Sports Medicine. Taylor feels this previous work set her up well for working at Sierra Foot & Ankle because the experience not only built her patient-care skills but also the patient care was primarily mechanical which she feels helps her better understand the mechanical issues that are often seen at Sierra Foot & Ankle.

As Dr. Melhuish’s medical assistant, Taylor sees herself as “a bridge between doctor and patient. I greet patients and bring them to the exam rooms and prepare them to see the Doctor. I am often an information bank, not only absorbing what patients are reporting but providing information and answering questions to the best of my knowledge. I also like the hands-on work with patients and building my own relationships with them, which is very rewarding.”

Taylor continues, “I really enjoy how much Dr. Melhuish teaches us as medical assistants. It really shows that she is just as much interested in our success and our journey’s as future healthcare providers.”

Taylor values hard work, helping others, and respect. “I feel incredibly fulfilled with helping others, there are so many people in this world and one of the most impactful things that we can do one for another helps each other. Specifically, in the medical field, this does not come without serious hard work and having respect for all of those who you encounter.

Outside of work: You will find Taylor camping, traveling, spending time with Kona-puppy, and making new recipes she finds on Pinterest or TikTok.

Favorite Podcast: National Park After Dark

Favorite Book: When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi

Favorite Quote: “Today is the first day of the rest of your life.”

Mary Kay is the management liaison for Dr. Melhuish and multiple organizational activities needed to manage a medical practice. She coordinates activities and manages projects so Dr. Melhuish can focus on patient care and keep our patients doing the things they love to do.

Mary Kay proudly served our country as a member of the Air National Guard in Utah and Arizona during her young years. She completed her bachelor’s degree at Weber State University and earned her master’s in public administration from Northern Michigan University.

In 1991, Mary Kay planted her roots in Carson City, recognizing this was a wonderful community to raise a family. She retired from a rewarding career with the State of Nevada in 2018 and brings an abundance of skills and expertise to help manage our practice.

Outside of work: Mary Kay participates in an active lifestyle which includes running, biking, swimming, skiing, hiking, and gardening. She adopted a pup a few years ago as a good reason to keep her active. When she isn’t on the move she enjoys reading, quilting, and watching a good movie or Netflix series.

Favorite book(s): The Obstacle is The Way by Ryan Holiday; The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr; Whole Brain Living by Jill Bolte Taylor.