Katrina Baren received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) in 2006. After years of critical care experience, she earned her Master of Science in Nursing, Education degree in 2012, followed by her post-master’s certificate as a Family Nurse Practitioner in 2014, also at UNR. Katrina is board-certified through the American Nursing Credentialing Center.

With her many years of experience in the medical field, Katrina brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the clinic. She is passionate about helping her patients live more productive and meaningful lives and believes in providing comprehensive and compassionate care. Katrina is a strong advocate of clear, understandable patient education and works hard to ensure each patient receives the best possible interventions, utilizing a combination of evidence-based treatments and lifestyle modifications.

Katrina believes in a holistic approach to healing and strives to empower her patients to take an active role in their healthcare.

Maria “Shiela” Jacobson embarked on her nursing career 29 years ago, garnering invaluable experience in the emergency department and ICU at a government hospital in the Philippines. Upon arriving in the United States in 2002, she broadened her expertise across diverse settings including the emergency room, orthopedics, neurology, medical-surgical wards, and clinical documentation.

In 2015, Shiela became a board-certified nurse practitioner through the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. She subsequently worked in a hospital setting in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in Illinois, and more recently as a primary care provider specializing in geriatric care before relocating to Reno.

With her extensive experience, Shiela is committed to making a positive impact and improving the quality of life for each patient seeking pain relief at our clinic. We are fortunate to have her on our team at Sweetwater Pain & Spine. In her spare time, she loves to travel, explore different cultures, and spend time with her family.

Arlo Schenk received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) in 2008 and his Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner degree in 2014, also from UNR. Prior to his NP degree, Arlo worked as a Firefighter on the Ruby Mountain Hotshots, serving for over six years as a crew medic administering care for traumatic injuries.

During his professional career, Arlo trained across a wide range of settings — from mental health and acute psychiatry to pediatrics and intensive care — acquiring advanced critical care skills. He extended this training by becoming a Professor of Nursing at the Orvis School of Nursing, where he taught Critical Care Skills to undergraduate nursing students.

Today, Arlo works as a nurse practitioner at Sweetwater Pain & Spine and is a strong asset to our collaborative team of providers. In his free time he enjoys hiking, exploring Northern Nevada with his growing family, and beekeeping — selling his own local honey.