Meet our Team

Prior to becoming a Physician Assistant, Mario received his bachelor’s degree in university studies with minors in both Finnish and chemistry from Brigham Young University in Idaho. Following graduation, Mario spent two years working as a paramedic in Colorado Springs before attending the University of New Mexico School of Medicine and obtaining an additional bachelor’s degree in physician assistant studies. In 2010, he moved back to Colorado Springs and joined the Alliance team as a Physician Assistant. In addition to his various academic achievements and interests, Mario also spent time studying art while attending college, he enjoys drawing caricatures. He speaks intermediate Spanish and fluent Finnish. Mario believes that taking time to listen to patients is his best tool he can use to help identify and diagnose health issues to assist with healing. Outside of work, Mario also enjoys spending time and going on adventures with his wife and children. He loves going fly fishing any chance he gets. 

Christian graduated from Midwestern University-Glendale with a Master of Medical Sciences in Physician Assistant Studies.  There he served on the leadership team of the Sports Medicine Club as the PA liaison.  Prior to that he attended Dallas Baptist University in Texas and Graduated with a B.S. in Biology in 2016 and was awarded the College of Math and Science Biology Recognition Award for Excellence in his schoolwork.  He is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and Colorado Academy of Physician Assistants.  Christian strives to honestly deliver empathetic and proficient medical care to all his patients.  He has a special interest in sports medicine and orthopedics and loves being able to help patients get back to their favorite activities.  He believes in personal approach and loves getting to know every person he treats to build trusting relationships.  In his free time, Christian enjoys playing competitive softball, hiking and writing.

Dr. Carroll received his Bachelor of Science from the University of Scranton, a Doctorate of Medicine from Creighton University, a Cardiology rotation at The Royal Brampton, London, England, and various sub-specialties since completing residency in Family Medicine.  Alliance's Urgent Care clinic is backed by Dr. Carroll's wartime experience with the USAF while deployed to Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom - thus we are confident in our ability to handle the various medical urgencies that come to our clinic.  Dr. Carroll is proud of what Alliance has grown into and promises to keep her true to our mission.

Jennica is a physician assistant certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.  She holds both a Bachelor of Sciences from the Medical College of Georgia (2007) and a Master of Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Nebraska Medical Center (2010).  Prior to PA school, Jennica obtained her Bachelor of Arts in biology with a minor in studio art from Wesleyan College in Macon, Georgia.  Jennica is a Wyoming native, military spouse, and mother of 2 amazing kids.  As a military spouse, and prior to moving to Colorado in 2023, Jennica has had the incredible opportunity to practice medicine in the states of Georgia, Nebraska, Virginia, Florida, and overseas as a volunteer with the American Red Cross.  She has practiced extensively in adult and pediatric emergency medicine with additional experience in pediatric weight management, general pediatrics, and pediatric urgent care.   Jennica is excited to call Colorado Springs home and be part of the Alliance family.  She loves to travel, read, draw, sew, and explore the great outdoors with her family through hiking and camping.  

Dr. Earl is a board certified family physician. He was raised in Utah and studied Forensic Science as an undergraduate at Utah Valley University. Prior to graduation, he took a two-year hiatus to serve a mission for his church in the country of Norway. After returning home and completing his undergraduate studies, Dr. Earl joined the Army and attended medical school in California. He then moved his family across the country to Augusta, Georgia to complete residency in Family Medicine at Eisenhower Army Medical Center. He served 7 wonderful years as an active duty Army physician leaving active duty service in 2023. He continues to serve in the Army reserves in his capacity as a family physician. Dr. Earl thinks highly of his patients and has a passion for acute and chronic care of the whole family. Outside of the clinic, he loves to spend time with his wife and 2 children going for walks in the neighborhood, skiing in the mountains, and eating pizza during weekly pizza and movie night. 

Steve has a extensive background in  Emergency and Pediatric Medicine. He graduated from Westminster College in Salt Lake City with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. He worked at Primary Children's in Salt Lake City before moving to Colorado Springs in 2006.  He worked in the Emergency department while completing a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Colorado. Steve has practiced Full Scope Medicine with training beyond the Family Practice arena and well into the Urgent Care & Emergency Medicine fields.  He is recognized for clinical leadership and well rounded in all walks of life.  Steve’s personality and competence will put anyone at ease - whether you are visiting Alliance for a simple check up or urgent issue.  Steve enjoys spending time with his family and exercising. He loves to travel and enjoys the beach.  He served a mission in the Philippines and speaks Tagalog. 

Madison is a graduate of University of Colorado Boulder where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Evolutionary Biology & Ecology (Sko Buffs!). She then pursued her Master’s in Physician Assistant studies at the University of Charleston in wild and wonderful West Virginia. She received extensive training in rural medicine and is passionate about building trusting relationships between providers and patients through open communication and kindness. Madison was raised in Colorado Springs and loves fly fishing, hiking and camping. When she’s not outside you can find her cooking in the kitchen with her large Italian family, or reading her latest book club pick. 

Mallory is a graduate of Clemson University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in genetics.  After graduation, she attended MCPHS University and obtained her master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies.  Mallory was born in Charlotte, NC and has worked at urgent cares in Virginia and New Jersey. She is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants. In her free time, Mallory hosts a monthly virtual book club, loves daily walks with her husband and dog, and cheering on the Clemson Tigers. 

Dr. George Gustafson is a Cardiovascular Disease (cardiology) Specialist in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He graduated with honors from R Franklin University Of Med & Sci / Chicago Medical School and completed his Residency at Johns Hopkins Hospital.  Dr. Gustafson also maintains boarded by the American Board of Internal Medicine and participates as an active Fellow with the American College of Cardiology. Having a diverse career of Cardiology experiences, Dr. Gustafson specializes in diagnosing, monitoring, and treating diseases or conditions of the heart and blood vessels and the cardiovascular system. These conditions include congenital heart defects, angina, arrhythmia, heart failure, rheumatic heart disease, heart aneurysms and coronary artery disease, heart attacks, heart murmurs, coronary heart disease, and hypertension. Dr. Gustafson also practices preventative medicine, helping patients maintain a heart-healthy life.

Lori Holmberg received a Master’s degree in Social Work from Loma Linda University in California in 2005 after receiving her Bachelor’s degree in 2001 from the Azusa Pacific University, California. She is licensed in the State of Colorado to practice mental health counseling as a Clinical Social Worker (CSW). Lori shares the core values and mission of Alliance by practicing compassionate, Christ-centered care to her beloved patients. She has been working as an ally in the mental health field since 2002 and could not see herself doing anything else. She greatly enjoys running, traveling, spending time outdoors, and most of all, laughing with her husband and blended family of four daughters. A favorite quote to she clings to as a mantra is: “Life is not made of unbearable circumstances, but only by the lack of meaning and purpose.” – Victor Frank.

Dr. Jarecke graduated in the specialties of both Medicine and Pediatrics from Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, which is recognized as one of the leading teaching and research hospitals in the country (U.S. News and World Report’s 2012-13).   Only candidates with strong academic record, exceptional interpersonal skills and a sincere desire to work with and for adults and children are accepted.  He is a member of the American College of Physicians, American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Osteopathic Association.  Dr. Jarecke’s philosophy of excellence and compassion in the care of each individual patient are equally important objectives.  During his time as a professional Dr. Jarecke has additionally had the privilege of working as a product specialist for Abbott Laboratories.  Scientific knowledge, combined with the ability to listen to patients and communicate effectively is key to quality care.    Outside of medicine Dr. Jarecke enjoys spending time with his wife and family. 

Jeremy Johnson is a certified Physician Assistant. He prioritizes helping patients through preventative care and catching small problems before they become big ones. He enjoys getting to know his patients on a personal level and the dynamic mix of challenges the medical field offers. Jeremy graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Berry College and went on to achieve a Masters in Physician Assistant Studies from Bethel University (Tennessee).When not working, Jeremy enjoys spending time with his family and friends, traveling, and exploring his interest in cars. Jeremy is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the Colorado Academy of Physician Assistants 

Cecilia (Cece) is a 2021 graduate of the University of Detroit Mercy’s 5-Year Physician Assistant Program where she earned both her Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and her Master’s Degree in Physician Assistant studies. Cece was born and raised in Metro Detroit and worked in two urgent care facilities before moving to Colorado Springs with her fiancé David. In her free time, she enjoys reading, cooking, hiking, paddle boarding, and working out. Cece is excited to be a part of the Alliance Team and experience all that Colorado has to offer. 

Sara Olson is a physician assistant certified by the National Commission on Certification for Physician Assistants.  Sara Olson graduated with a Bachelors degree in biology from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2004 and then worked as a clinical research coordinator developing new medications in the area of gastroenterology before going on to PA school.  She completed her physician assistant training at Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas and graduated with a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies in 2008.  Sara grew up in San Diego, California and relocated to Colorado Springs to join the Alliance team in 2008.  Sara's goal is to work as a team with her patients and fellow providers to help prevent disease and treat them with kindness when they become ill.  She has a special interest in women's health. Sara enjoys spending time with her husband and two children and hopes to be part of the medical missions with the practice in the future. 

Before pursuing a career in pediatrics, Dr. Longanecker received a Bachelor’s of Science in Neuroscience at the University of Texas at Dallas with a minor in Arts and Performance. She went on to attend medical school at the University of North Texas Health Science Center, followed by pediatric residency training at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, Texas. After completing residency in 2013, Dr. Longanecker practiced as a pediatric hospitalist at Texas Tech before returning to outpatient pediatric medicine. She and her family moved to Colorado in 2019. 

 Dr. Longanecker’s professional interests include childhood obesity, asthma and she absolutely loves working with first time parents. In 2020, she became a contributing writer for the Colorado Springs Mom Collective. Her awards include Outstanding Clerkship Educator from Texas Tech Health Science Center and the Children's Health Advocate Award while in residency. While not at work, Dr. Longanecker enjoys yoga, embroidery, skiing and hiking. She and her husband stay busy chasing around their two young boys!

Lindsey is a physician assistant certified by the national commission for certification physician assistants.  She graduated with a bachelor's degree in biomedical sciences at Colorado State University, Fort Collins. After graduation Lindsey worked as a laboratory manager for embryonic research from 2011 - 2013.  She completed her physician assistant training at University of St. Francis in Albuquerque, New Mexico and graduated with a Masters of Science in physician assistant study.  Lindsey was born and raised in Colorado Springs, Colorado and joined the Alliance team in 2018. Lindsey was generally trained in all areas of medicine but enjoys urgent care and women's health.  Outside of medicine, Lindsey stays busy with her family, reading and enjoying the outdoors. 

Lawrence is a Physician Assistant certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. He is a Colorado Springs native, a graduate of Liberty High School and obtained his bachelor’s degree in biology from UCCS including additional cardiovascular physiology courses. Prior to PA School, Lawrence worked as an EMT in Colorado Springs for 5 years both in the emergency room and ambulance. He attended Stony Brook University where he did clinical rotations throughout New York City. He received additional orthopedics training during his program and graduated with a Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies. Lawrence spends his free time hiking the beautiful mountains of Colorado, camping and rock climbing. He has climbed 23 of the 14,000 foot mountains in the state…and counting!

Dr. Wendt is an Arizona native, graduate of the University of Arizona, College of Medicine-Phoenix and is board certified in family medicine. She was chief resident at her program, St. Anthony North Hospital, in Westminster, CO. She worked previously in South Bend, Indiana as an urgent care provider, while her husband finished a fellowship in sports medicine. Most recently, she worked as a primary care physician while her husband was involved with Florida State athletics. A childhood spent accompanying her brother to doctors’ appointments opened Dr. Wendt’s eyes to the possibility of a career in medicine, family medicine in particular. She enjoys taking care of the whole family and understanding family dynamics, and teaching patients – and their families – about disease processes. Her husband, Dr. Luke Stowers, is a new addition to Kaiser Permanente in Colorado Springs. They have a young son named David and a cat named Captain Kirk. When not practicing medicine, she and her family enjoy hiking, skiing, traveling, and finding adventures.