About Us

The Connecticut Dermatology Nurse Practitioner and Physician Assistant Organization aspires to promote excellence through building and supporting a vibrant blend of diverse members. We strive to augment inclusion by the joint collaboration of advanced practitioners. Our mission is to foster and cultivate professional growth, education, research, and leadership for nurse practitioners and physician assistants. We aim to deliver an exceptional high standard of care within the field of dermatology practice.
Connecticut Dermatology nurse practitioners and physician assistants (NPPA) organization is a 501 (c) (6) non-profit professional organization created to empower, lead, and educate our NPPA members. Our future undertaking is to hold an annual educational conference to enhance knowledge and skill of the nurse practitioners and physician assistants in the field of dermatology. Our goal is to strengthen the collaboration and partnerships between nurse practitioners and physician assistants as we continue to advance our professions. In joining us, you also become a member of Diversity in Dermatology (DID). DID is a nationally recognized society whose mission is to bring diversified education to the dermatology PA and NP community. The affiliate membership with DID will permit expanded opportunities for the NPPA members such as free membership, publication opportunities, educational events and conferences.

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Introducing The Leadership Team

The NPPA board of directors is a dedicated team of volunteers working within the field of dermatology to build and strengthen our professions.

    President & Founder

   Lindita Vinca

    DNP, APRN

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Vice President

Jennifer Silva

DNP, APRN

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Chair of Committees

Kayla Curtis

DNP, APRN

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Chair of Development

Ellie Christianson

FNP-BC, APRN MSN

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Chair of Community Outreach

Deirdre Cannon

PA-C

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Chair of Education

Lynn Smith 

DNP, DCNP 

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Chair of Aesthetics

Nicole Chevalier

MHS, PA-C

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Lindita Vinca

President & Founder

Lindita Vinca is a Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner with over 15 years of nursing, certified by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and licensed by the state of Connecticut. She graduated from Western Connecticut State University in 2007 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. In 2012, she graduated from Quinnipiac University with a Master’s of Science in Nursing. She subsequently earned her Doctorate of Nursing Practice from Quinnipiac University in 2017. She graduated cum laude and is a member of the Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International. 

 

She has worked in critical care and interventional radiology but found her passion in dermatology where she has experience in medical and surgical dermatology. Her special interests include, but not limited to, eczema, psoriasis, acne, and skin cancer detection. Lindita is a published author of a dermatology chapter in an advanced practice nursing textbook. She has lectured at several dermatology community and academic symposiums. She acts as an active mentor and preceptor for nurse practitioner students. 

 

Lindita was awarded the 2021 state award for excellence in clinical practice by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. She was also featured in the Quinnipiac Alumni magazine in 2019 ‘Saving Our Skins’ for being recognized for excellence in nursing leadership. 

 

When not working she enjoys spending time with her son and daughter, Dion and Sianna, and her husband, Luti. They enjoy traveling, board games, and outdoor adventures together.

Jennifer Silva

Vice President

Jennifer Silva, APRN, DNP received her undergraduate nursing degree from the University of MA, Dartmouth. She worked over ten years as a critical care registered nurse in both Boston and New York at some of the country’s most prestigious hospitals, such as Mass General Hospital, Brigham and Women’s, and Memorial Sloan Kettering. 

After moving to Connecticut, Jennifer attended Quinnipiac University where she obtained her Doctorate in Nursing Practice in 2016. At the same time, she became an ANCC board certified family nurse practitioner. She focused her doctoral thesis on vulnerable populations and created innovative ways through clinical studies, in which changes could be made to help those who are vulnerable in our medical system. It was during one of her clinical rotations at Hartford Hospital Dermatology Clinic where she realized that Dermatology was her passion.

Jennifer believes in a strong collaboration amongst dermatology providers in order to provide the best care to patients. Her belief is through professional growth, education, research, and leadership, we are able to provide our patients with the highest level of care. 

Jennifer treats both adult and pediatric patients and is dedicated to providing patients with the highest quality of care in addressing their specific dermatologic needs and concerns. She provides comprehensive dermatological care to include evaluation and treatment of hair loss disorders, acne, rashes, eczema, psoriasis, and full body skin exams. 

In her free time, she enjoys reading, traveling, spending time with family and friends, and exercising.

Kayla Curtis

Chair of Operations

Kayla Curtis, APRN-DNP is a Board -Certified Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner. She received her Doctorate of Nursing Practice degree and Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Quinnipiac University.


Kayla previously worked at Gaylord Hospital for many years gaining experience and management in extensive wound care, stroke rehabilitation, brain & spinal cord injuries, dialysis, hospice care and chemotherapy. Kayla was also a charge nurse and new employee preceptor.


Kayla is passionate about dermatology and continuous education. She has become a director of operations for the CT NP and PA Dermatology organization whose goal is to cultivate professional growth, education, research, and leadership.


Kayla prides open communication, honesty, ensuring continuous care, and developing relationships with her patients. Kayla believes it important to understand the emotional and physical aspect of skin conditions effecting patient lives. She treats a variety of conditions including psoriasis, eczema, acne, hair loss and provides full body exams.


Kayla enjoys spending time with her husband (Tommy), dog (Leo) and cat (Louie). She loves to go antiquing, refurbish old furniture, and travel in her free time.

Ellie Christianson

Chair of Professional Development

Ellie Christianson APRN is a board-certified Nurse Practitioner with almost 10 years of medical and cosmetic dermatology experience. Ellie received her Bachelor’s of Science degree as a registered nurse from the University of Iowa graduating with honors in 2005.

 

Ellie then worked at Norwalk Hospital Emergency Department for many years prior to receiving her Master of Science in Nursing as a Family Nurse Practitioner in 2012. Ellie was elected to the International Honor Society of Nursing in 2004 and is also a member of the Society of Dermatology Nurse Practitioners and Dermatology Nurses’ Association. Ellie has many years of experience injecting Botox and fillers as well as vast laser experience.

 

In 2014 Ellie was selected from an esteemed group of dermatology providers to treat skin diseases in Africa. Ellie also treated the New York Rangers hockey team early in her career. Ellie is married with 5 children and resides in Wilton, CT. Ellie is currently practicing dermatology at Brookside Dermatology Associates in Bridgeport and Integrated Dermatology in Waterbury.

Deirdre Cannon

Co-Chair of Education

Deirdre is a board-certified Physician Assistant. Deirdre, received her bachelor’s degree in health science from Quinnipiac University in 2004, followed by her master’s degree in physician assistant studies in 2006 also from Quinnipiac University. Deirdre has been working in private practice dermatology since 2006. Deirdre enjoys treating a wide array of skin conditions including acne, eczema, and skin cancer. She aims to educate her patients on general skin health and skin cancer prevention. Philanthropy is very important to Deirdre. She has spent time in both Kenya, as well as India, providing diagnosis and treatment of dermatology conditions in rural communities, education to community members, and training the local clinicians to be able to diagnose and treat.

 

Deirdre is also an adjunct professor in the Physician Assistant program at Quinnipiac University.

Lynn Smith

Co-Chair of Education

Lynn Smith DNP, DCNP is a dedicated nurse practitioner with over ten years of experience in medical and cosmetic dermatology. As a clinical adjunct faculty at Quinnipiac University, she is passionate about educating the next generation of nurses and nurse practitioners by teaching on campus and taking on nurse practitioner students for clinicals. Her role on the Education Advisory Council (EAC) for the Dermatology Nurses’ Association allows her to influence educational development and promote evidence-based practices in dermatology nursing education. She received her Dermatology Nurse Practitioner Certification (DCNP) in 2022 through the Accreditation Board for Specialty Nursing Certification (ABSNC). Lynn has been working as a nurse practitioner since 2012 after receiving her master’s in nursing and then completing her doctorate (DNP) from Quinnipiac University in 2022. She has worked at Essex Dermatology since 2019 with her amazing staff providing medical and cosmetic dermatology full-time. She lives on the shoreline with her husband and three children and is an avid reader in her spare time.

Nicole Chevalier, MHS, PA-C

Chair of Aesthetics

Nicole Chevalier is a highly skilled aesthetics injector who has dedicated herself to helping individuals enhance their natural beauty and boost their self-confidence. With a career spanning over five years, Nicole has established herself as a respected professional in the field, providing top-notch services and delivering exceptional results to her clients.


Nicole’s journey into the world of aesthetics began with a deep passion for helping others feel comfortable and confident in their own skin. Her fascination with dermatology and the transformative power of non-surgical cosmetic procedures led her to pursue a career in the field.


Nicole’s extensive training and mentorship with renowned experts have played a pivotal role in shaping her skills and expertise. She had the privilege of training under esteemed professionals such as Pawnta, a pioneer in the field of aesthetics and celebrity injector in Beverly Hills, Scott Callahan, known for his meticulous approach to facial threading and owner of Dolce Vida Medspa, Anita Wolf, a master of aesthetic education, Dr. Doan, a respected physician famously known for her full facial balancing, and Ruma Aesthetics, renowned for their comprehensive approach to under eye rejuvenation.