We recognize the uncertainty and impact that neurological disorders can have on an individual and family, and from that recognition emerged a guiding principal – our patients are family. We view our ability to serve and care for patients as a privilege, and our goal is to be a resource to everyone involved in the life and support of those diagnosed with a dementia, movement disorder or other neurological disorder. Our staff is dedicated to patient and family education, community outreach, and delivering the best possible opportunity for treatment within clinical research.
Dr. Kerwin is Founder and President of Kerwin Medical Center, a practice that focuses on the development of therapeutics and cures for neurodegenerative diseases. Dr. Kerwin has almost twenty (20) years’ experience in clinical trial research and has served as principal investigator on phase 1, 2, and 3 clinical trials for the development of therapeutics in Alzheimer’s and other dementias such as progressive supranuclear palsy and multiple system atrophy. Kerwin Medical Center is a part of the Global Alzheimer’s Platform (GAP) Network of clinical trial sites and recognized as a Center of Care for CurePSP since 2019.
Prior to forming her memory care practice in Dallas, she was Assistant Professor of Medicine-Geriatrics at Northwestern University in Chicago and a faculty member of the Northwestern University Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer’s Disease. Her award-winning research on the relationship of obesity and memory function in women has been featured in TIME Magazine, the BBC, The Boston Globe, and on local and national news programs.
Dr. Kerwin was the co-chair of the Tau2020 Conference, the first collaborative conference of the Tau Consortium, Alzheimer’s Association and CurePSP. Dr. Kerwin served as a member of the National Board of Directors for the Alzheimer’s Association for seven years and served on multiple advisory boards. Dr. Kerwin has served on multiple advisory boards and has been the academic partner on several community initiatives to improve the care of senior adults with dementia in underserved areas and continues to focus on this aspect of improving access to care.
Dr. Kerwin is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Geriatrics in Texas, Illinois, California and Wisconsin. In her free time, Dr. Kerwin enjoys time with her family, travel and golf.
Dr. Kerwin is in her 7th year as a member of the National Board of Directors for the Alzheimer’s Association and was recently voted to serve as Vice-Chairperson of the Board of Directors, she is an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurology and Neuro-Therapeutics at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas and has been the academic partner on several community initiatives to improve the care of senior adults with dementia in underserved areas and continues to focus on this aspect of improving access to care.
Dr. Kerwin is the principal investigator for several National Institute for Health funded studies on the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease, as well as on collaborative studies for patients with frontotemporal lobe dementia syndromes. She has served as principal investigator on phase 1, 2, and 3 clinical trials for the development of therapeutics in Alzheimer’s and other dementias such as progressive supranuclear palsy and multiple system atrophy.
Dr. Kerwin’s vision for memory care is to utilize her expertise in memory disorders to deliver quality care to her patients, excellence in research, and support to the community of individuals impacted by dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
When she is not searching for a cure for Alzheimer’s, Dr. Kerwin enjoys spending time with her family, reading, traveling, exercise and golf.
Dr. Ríos-Vázquez is a clinical psychologist with specialized postdoctoral training in cross-cultural neuropsychology, with an emphasis in neurodegenerative disorders. She is bilingual in English and Spanish, and licensed in Texas and Puerto Rico.
Dr. Ríos-Vázquez was born and raised in Puerto Rico. She completed a doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology at the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras and a Clinical Psychology Internship at the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation, Gotham Health – Roberto Clemente Institute for Family and Community Care. She then relocated to Dallas, Texas to pursue postdoctoral residency training in neuropsychology at both the Institute for Clinical Neurosciences and NeuroHispanos. She is a member of several professional organizations including the National Academy of Neuropsychology and the Hispanic Neuropsychological Society. Dr. Ríos-Vázquez has presented on several topics including women’s health and cultural and methodological considerations in the neuropsychological assessment of minorities. In her clinical practice, she works with older adults experiencing cognitive and emotional changes associated with neurological disease or injury. She is an experienced clinical rater and has worked in several phase 3 clinical trials for Alzheimer’s disease therapeutics. She is passionate about increasing the presence and participation of minorities in clinical research.
In her free time, she enjoys outdoor activities, exercising, spending time with family and friends, and traveling.
Jennifer is a board-certified Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and has been practicing in the nursing profession for the past 13 years. She received both her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in nursing from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. Her career first began in a fast-paced environment, caring for those in the cardiac and intensive care unit, but after years of experience, she was ready to take on a new journey. That is where she learned that her heart and passion was not only in caring for the aging population, but in that of clinical research. It gives her joy, knowing she’s a part of a research team that focuses every day in finding a cure for Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
At Kerwin Medical Center, Jennifer’s time is dedicated to patient care, cognitive assessments, study oversight, and she leads the center’s recruitment and outreach initiatives. She devotes herself to welcoming and understanding each individual that contacts Kerwin Medical Center, whether it be over the phone or face-to-face when they arrive at the center. After a thorough evaluation to understand the unique circumstances, history, and goals of each individual and their family, she discusses what options are available and how the center can help. As new research opportunities are regularly available within the center, Jennifer communicates with all eligible individuals and connects them with appropriate studies to ensure our dementia patients have ongoing options for care.
Jennifer is married and has two kids, a son and daughter. Outside of work, you will likely find her with her family playing at a park, hiking, biking, or just cuddled up at home enjoying a good ol’ family movie night. She is also the mama to the sweetest fur babies, a 14-year-old dog and an adorable bunny.
Jennifer Panzer Juarez (Jenna) joined Kerwin Medical Center in January 2021 as a Certified Clinical Research Coordinator. With more than15 years of clinical trial experience, Jenna’s background has heavily focused on Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.
With a deep passion for patient care, Jenna truly believes the heart of clinical research is best advanced through partnership, trust, and mutual respect. By joining Kerwin Medical Center, she has achieved her goal of working in a teamwork environment grounded in an unwavering dedication to fight against Alzheimer’s disease.
Jenna is a native Texan, and outside of work, you can find her at a high-school football game or co-leading an active girl scout troop. Guided by her family values, Jenna enjoys volunteering, cooking, traveling and spending time with her husband and their three children.
Jordan Caldwell joined Kerwin Medical Center in August 2021 as a Certified Clinical Research Coordinator. She came to the role with six years of prior clinical research experience investigating new treatments for a multitude of psychological and neurological conditions. She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with degrees in both Psychology and Biology.
Jordan has taken her desire to understand how the brain works to help the team at Kerwin Medical Center find new treatments. Her dedication and hard work show in the care and compassion she gives her patients. Through research and community education she believes that Kerwin Medical Center can make a difference in the fight against Alzheimer’s.
Jordan is a native Texan from the panhandle. When not at work she enjoys spending time with her husband, traveling, reading, and spoiling her cat.
Hanan Al Halawani joined Kerwin Medical Center in pursuit of her goal to join a clinical research team and be a part of the global efforts to advance medical science. She earned her bachelor’s degree in pharmacology and physiology at the University of Westminster, and in doing so, she first recognized her interest in clinical research and neuroscience. She followed those interests to the University of Texas at Dallas where she earned her master’s in applied cognition and neuroscience by assisting with research on the physiological effects of insulin on neuronal activation and the corresponding impact on behavior. Her research helped to focus her professional interests towards the study of Alzheimer’s disease, and when combined, her academic training and career goals align perfectly with the mission of Kerwin Medical Center. As a Clinical Research Coordinator, Hanan carries out day to day clinical trials procedures including different cognitive assessments. she also supports all her fellow clinical team members and assists with every phase of the research process. She is proud to be a member of the research team at Kerwin Medical Center, and is dedicated to helping anyone effected by Alzheimer’s disease.
Outside of the office, Hanan is equally dedicated to her family and friends, and loves spending time with her Husband and daughter, and hosting events. For Hanan, the best feelings come from knowing that her efforts have made those around her happy.
Sarah Sutton is a Clinical Research Coordinator and dedicated member of the Kerwin Medical Center team. She helps keep the team organized and on task as they enroll patients in multiple research studies. Prior to joining Dr. Kerwin, Sarah worked at UTSW for 15 years in the microbiology department, many of these years as the lab manager.
She joined Dr. Kerwin in 2016 as the practice manager for Texas Alzheimer’s and Memory Disorders. When Dr. Kerwin launched Kerwin Medical Center, Sarah transitioned and accepted her current position, allowing her to follow her passion for patient care. Sarah loves her job and is dedicated to the fight against Alzheimer’s and other degenerative brain disorders. “The patients are like family and getting to spend so much quality time with them is just priceless.”
Outside of work, she loves spending time with her 2 daughters, and dog named Chewy. She loves food, traveling and quality time with friends and family.
Heather Conover is a Registered Nurse and Regulatory Compliance Coordinator for Kerwin Medical Center. Prior to joining Dr. Kerwin, Heather worked at Children’s Medical Center in pediatric plastic surgery and then at UTSW/UTD in Neurology with many years focused on patients with rare cognitive disorders. Heather split her time in Neurology between clinical patient care and research in both Alzheimer’s/Dementia and concussion related issues in retired professional athletes.
Heather’s focus at Kerwin Medical Center is regulatory compliance, and helping the team keep all regulatory requirements up to date as well as working with sponsors on study start ups for the center. She enjoys being able to see a study from the beginning stages all the way to the first patient coming in.
Heather is married and has two kids, Boone and Hadley. She leads a very active lifestyle and is a competitive stair climber competing in competitions across the country. Before her career in nursing, she was a police officer for 7 years.
Adra Blaine joined Kerwin Medical Center in May 2021 as the Quality Assurance Coordinator. She has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology from Henderson State University. Adra has over 10 years of experience in clinical research. Prior to joining Kerwin, Adra worked as clinical research coordinator and clinical research associate on Dermatology focused clinical trials.
Adra enjoys being in Quality Assurance because she is able to help by being behind the scenes. She is able to use her experience as a coordinator to help the team be successful during the creation of the source documents and review of completed documents to ensure all procedures are completed and patient safety is maintained.
Adra loves spending time with her husband, family and friends. When Adra is not in the office, you can find her either cooking, baking or in her craft cavern making anything from birthday cards to furniture.
Bio Coming soon!
Blake Edwards has been with KMC since 2017 with various roles such as a community outreach specialist, study coordinator, and most recently the Pharmacy and Lab Manager. He helps with every study from start to close and is well-versed in all current research. Blake is an alumnus of the Southern Methodist University in Dallas, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in biology with special interests in organic chemistry and cell biochemistry. Blake also went on to complete his Masters in Public Health (MPH) from Baylor University in 2021. He is a licensed pharmacy technician and is certified in both compounding sterile pharmacy and advanced cardiac life support. During college and prior to joining the KMC team, Blake worked in retail pharmacy where you may have seen him while at CVS or Kroger.
He enjoys working in research and appreciates how a community of peers unites around the common goal of curing disease. He is a steadfast patient advocate and maintains his focus on the patient and their needs to ensure he delivers the highest standard of care.
Blake is a native to the Dallas area and enjoys road trips, camping, mountain biking, golfing, soccer, hockey, swimming, running, weightlifting, and pretty much anything active!
Tendai is a Registered Pharmacist and has worked with Dr. Kerwin as a research Pharmacist since 2013. She joined KMC in 2018 as the lead Research Pharmacist where she is primarily responsible for coordinating, collaborating, and providing expertise in support of clinical investigational drug trials; and maintaining overall responsibility for pharmacy and pharmacy staff.
Tendai has a Bachelor of Pharmacy Degree (Honors) from the University of Zimbabwe and is certified by the Society of Clinical Research Associates as a Clinical Research Professional.
Prior to joining KMC Tendai had worked in manufacturing, hospital and retail Pharmacy in her Native Zimbabwe and started her journey into research in the United Kingdom managing investigational drug distribution.
Tendai is passionate about equitable distribution of healthcare and believes it starts in clinical research.
Outside of KMC Tendai enjoys spending time with family and friends who have become family, dancing, traveling and more recently a reintroduction to yoga.
Taylor joined Kerwin Medical Center in May 2021 and is responsible for the day-to-day business office operations at Kerwin Medical Center, including human resources and financial management. She uses her business acumen and industry knowledge to develop and implement standard operating procedures and provide tools and resources that enable us to meet our research goals more efficiently. Because of her passion for finding a cure for Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases, her management approach starts and ends with considering the research goals, needs of sponsors, patients, and her fellow associates. Only then does she put her problem-solving skills to work to determine which solutions will achieve the best outcome.
Prior to joining the Kerwin Medical Center, Taylor worked at Southwest Diagnostic Imaging Center for 10 years in a variety of roles. Most recently, she served as the primary liaison with research partners.
Taylor holds a Master of Business Administration from Texas Woman’s University and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of North Texas.
In her free time, Taylor enjoys cooking, traveling and spending time with family and friends.