Our Mid-Level Providers
Liana Jawad, PA-C
Liana Jawad is a certified physician assistant. She was born and raised in Ocala and is a lifelong Florida Gator. Her fascination with the intricacies of the human body and desire to help others led her to pursue a career in medicine. Prior to PA school, Liana worked alongside Dr. Riley in the operating room as the da Vinci robotics coordinator for 6 years.
She completed her Bachelor of Health Science from Nova Southeastern University in 2020 and Master of Physician Assistant Studies in 2023 from the University of Florida. She is certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants and state licensed by the Florida Board of Medicine. Liana is a member of the American Academy of Physician Associates.
Liana is passionate about helping women in her native community improve their health and well-being and is committed to providing compassionate, patient-centered care. She is dedicated to guiding her patients through their surgical journeys and ensuring high-quality perioperative care by empowering and advocating for her patients. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and spending time with her friends, family, and dog Riley.
Kelsey Shaner, PA-C
Kelsey Shaner, PA-C is nationally certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants and state licensed by the Florida Board of Medicine. She is also a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants.
Kelsey earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology in 2019 and her Master of Science in Biology in 2020 from Charleston Southern University in North Charleston, South Carolina. Upon graduation, she began working in the Labor and Delivery department at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). She quickly became passionate about the work and sought ways to advance her career in Women’s Health. She continued to work in Labor and Delivery throughout PA school and graduated with her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies in 2023 from MUSC.
Kelsey is eager to begin her career in Obstetrics and Gynecology, as it has been her dream for many years. She is extremely dedicated to delivering high-quality care to her patients and constantly seeks new ways to do so.
Bekah Schmitz, PA-C
Bekah Schmitz, PA-C is a Board Certified Physician Assistant who joined Florida Women’s Health in April 2024. She is certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) and state licensed by the Florida Board of Medicine. Additionally, she is a member of the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA).
Bekah received her Bachelor of Health Science degree from the University of Florida in 2019 and Master of Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Florida, College of Medicine, in 2022. She is passionate about women’s health and strives to provide comprehensive and up-to-date medical care for all patients.
She feels privileged to be part of the Florida Women’s Health team and provide quality care to every patient she encounters.
During her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and sons, attending their local church and cheering on the Florida Gators.
Tess Aven, DNP, APRN, CNM
Tess Aven, DNP, APRN, CNM is a dedicated and compassionate Certified Nurse Midwife certified through the American Midwifery Certification Board with a wealth of experience in women’s health. Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, Tess developed a deep appreciation for nature and community, which has shaped her holistic approach to patient care. She began her nursing career in the ICU at a Level I trauma center in Cincinnati, where she gained valuable experience in critical care. Over the next decade, she transitioned to labor and delivery, working in both low-risk rural hospitals and high-acuity urban settings. Her experience includes being part of the team that opened the Cincinnati Fetal Care Center and Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in Miami.
It was during her time working at these fetal care centers that Tess’s passion to pursue becoming a midwife was solidified. Seeing firsthand how access to resources can empower women and improve their outcomes, she was inspired to seek certification as a nurse midwife to make a greater impact in women’s healthcare.
After completing her undergraduate studies in Cincinnati, Tess earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) at Baylor University. Now, as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), Tess provides comprehensive, personalized care throughout all stages of a woman’s life, from adolescence through menopause. She specializes in prenatal care, childbirth, postpartum care, and routine gynecological services, with a strong focus on patient education, wellness, and prevention.
Tess is passionate about supporting women during pregnancy and beyond, advocating for safe, evidence-based practices that align with each patient’s preferences. Outside of work, she is a devoted wife and mother to four children. She enjoys spending time with her family and exploring the Florida outdoors.
