Advanced Practice Providers

Sharon Dickinson, PA-C

Sharon Dickinson graduated in 2007 with a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies at Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon. She immediately began her career specializing in Cardiology. Compelled by her passion for the field, she has earned the designation of Associate of American College of Cardiology (AACC). She has proudly served (and continues to serve) as a representative for the Cardiovascular team on multiple National Committees within the American College of Cardiology. Compelled by her passion for the field, she was honored with the Fellow of American College of Cardiology (FACC) designation. Sharon has a special interest and has spent much of her career focusing on Advanced Heart Failure. She believes, “everything we do is for the patient and their family” and “our primary goal is to use evidence-based care to help our patients achieve the best quality of life for as long as possible”.

Cindy Archer, AGACNP-BC

Board Certified Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Cindy Archer completed her Post-Master’s Acute Care Nurse Practitioner – Adult Gerontology program in April 2017 at Grand Canyon University in AZ, and received ANCC board certification in June 2017. Prior to that she worked as an RN for over 16 years in the acute care setting, including at Banner University Medical Center in the post-cardiothoracic surgery progressive care unit. She received a Master of Science degree in Nursing Leadership from California State University, Fullerton in 2012. She has a passion for the field of cardiology, and has worked as a cardiology nurse practitioner since 2017, joining Heart One Associates in May, 2020. She is dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based care to her patients with a special interest in patient education. She is originally from New Jersey, then lived in southern California for 22 years, and moved to Arizona in October, 2015. In her spare time, she likes spending time with family, walking, reading, and watching football.

Nathan Van De Graaff, PA-C

Nathan Van De Graaff graduated in 2023 with a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies at Midwestern University in Glendale AZ. Nathan always had a passion for cardiology and was thrilled to be able to work at Heart One Associates. He previously worked in physical therapy and has a strong focus of preventative care and is an advocate for promoting physical and mental health. Nathan was previously resided in Utah and attended Utah Valley University before becoming a resident of Arizona. He lived several years in South America where he became fluent in Spanish. Additionally, he came from Deaf parents and is fluent in American Sign Language. He enjoys spending time with his wife and triplet girls. He spends his weekends exploring new trails in Arizona and playing Pickleball.

Sarah Bricker, DNP, FNP-C

Sarah Bricker earned her Doctorate in Nursing degree at the University of Arizona in 2022, where she completed her training as a family nurse practitioner. She was initially a native Texan before relocating to Arizona in 2018. Before becoming a Nurse Practitioner, Sarah worked as an RN in the Cardiac Cath lab in Texas and at Mayo Clinic Arizona for the past 7 years, assisting in various cardiac procedures. Sarah has a particular interest in Coronary Artery Disease and Valvular Heart Disease. She believes the patient’s needs always come first and is dedicated to providing the highest quality care to our patients. When she’s not caring for our patients, Sarah enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling, watching college football (Go Buckeyes), golfing, eating at new restaurants, and hanging with her beloved dog Brutus.

Kate Freeman, MSN, AGACNP-BC

Kate Freeman graduated in 2016 with her Master of Science in Nursing from Grand Canyon University where she completed her training as an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. Kate grew up under the big skies of Montana. She relocated to Arizona in 2012 after graduating Cum Laude from Montana State University with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Prior to pursuing her advanced practice degree, Kate worked in the East Valley as a registered nurse caring for complex cardiac patients.

Since graduation, Kate has specialized in the management of heart rhythms and devices. She has particular interest in the management of atrial fibrillation. Kate is a strong advocate for patient education and is dedicated to providing evidence-based, patient-centered care to every patient at Heart One. Kate is an active member of the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and Heart Rhythm Society (HRS).

When she is not caring for patients, Kate enjoys traveling, trying new recipes, and spending time with her husband and their two children.

Kaitlin Nakib, PA-C

Kaitlin Nakib graduated with a Master of Medical Sciences in Physician Assistant Studies at Midwestern University in May 2024. She is an Arizona native and also graduated summa cum laude at Arizona State University in Medical Studies. Kaitlin is passionate about providing patient-centered care with the use of evidence-based medicine and cardiac disease prevention. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and dogs, traveling, and reading. She is happy to join the Heart One Associates family!