About Us
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Dr. Kristina McAteer, MD, FACEP
Medical Director – Oceanside Medical
Dr. Kristina McAteer was born and raised in upstate New York. She moved to Rhode Island in 1994 to pursue her Bachelor's degree in Biology. After working in the field of public health, she attended the University of Vermont College of Medicine, where she earned her Doctorate of Medicine in 2005. Following the completion of her residency in Emergency Medicine in 2009, Dr. McAteer became board-certified in Emergency Medicine and has been practicing in Rhode Island ever since.
With a wealth of experience in both the emergency room and as a medical lecturer, opening Oceanside Medical had now become a personal goal for Dr. McAteer. As a healthcare professional, she had been repeatedly tasked with diagnosing diseases and realized that much could have been done on the side of prevention. She saw firsthand how someone’s lifestyle could impact their health — and how wellness was the direct catalyst in performance, image, and self-confidence.
This new chapter in her life would now focus on the overall health of the body and mind, making the mind-body connection that is often neglected by most practitioners. Empowered with this vision, Dr. McAteer founded Oceanside Medical with the sole purpose of helping patients look great, feel great, and perform well in their daily lives.
Jason Xynellis
PA-C
Jason Xynellis is a board-certified Physician Assistant who has recently relocated his practice to Oceanside Medical. Jason is originally from Warwick and brings 15 years of direct patient care experience in the fields of general neurology, emergency medicine and primary care. He has been employed as a primary care provider for the past decade.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from The University of Rhode Island and is a 2007 graduate of the Albany Medical College PA program. Jason is also a founding adjunct professor and lecturer for both the Bryant University and Johnson and Wales PA programs.
Jason’s clinical interests include diabetes management, memory and cognitive health, headache management and regenerative/integrative medicine. Jason accepts most commercial insurance plans and Medicare. He also offers a membership-based concierge plan.
Marissa Quirk
APRN, FNP-C
Marissa Quirk is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of Rhode Island and went on to pursue a Master of Science in Nursing at Chamberlain University in the Family Nurse Practitioner specialty. As a registered nurse, she has over ten years of direct bedside critical care nursing experience. Marissa is passionate about providing patients with holistic care and enjoys collaborating with patients to develop treatment plans which focus on patient goals.
Gino Paolucci
DNP, NP
Gino Paolucci, DNP, NP, completed his undergraduate degree at Roger Williams University in Social & Health Sciences. He later went on to complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and then a Masters of Science in Nursing as a Nurse Practitioner. He is currently completing doctoral-level coursework in Healthcare Leadership and Translational Research.
Gino later completed a postgraduate training program in Emergency Medicine and worked in the emergency department, and has now transitioned to the Lead Advanced Practice Practitioner for Interventional Neuroradiology and Vascular Neurology at RI Hospital. He is proud to give back to students and holds faculty appointments at several local universities. Aside from neurovascular diseases, Gino’s interests include fitness as well as men’s health and aesthetics.
Rebecca Hassel
PA-C
Rebecca has been a Physician Assistant for 15 years, specializing in Emergency Medicine and Acute Care and is a preceptor for students in the ED. She graduated from Syracuse University with a Bachelor of Science in the field of molecular biochemistry, and completed a master’s degree in Physician Assistant studies in Albany, New York. She also spent time working at the National Institutes of Health, doing cancer research.
Rebecca has a passion for plants, and is an amateur botanist, believing in the power of herbal medicine as an adjunct to current medical practice. Realizing the benefits of functional medicine, Rebecca has found an interest and a passion for hormone support therapy. She has used her technical and procedural skills to make the practice of Botox, filler, and facial work essential parts of her aesthetic practice.
Diana Afonso
PA-C
Diana Marie Afonso, PA-C completed her undergraduate degree at Providence College, double majoring in Biology (BS) and Spanish (BA). She continued her graduate career at Rutgers Medical School in New Jersey, where she received her Master’s degree in Science/Physician Assistant studies. She has been practicing emergency medicine for Brown EM at RIH and Miriam Emergency Departments for the past ten years.
Diana is also an Adjunct Professor at Johnson & Wales, Bryant University and Tufts University PA programs. She is a member of the Division of Sex and Gender in Emergency Medicine and also an educator for the Emergency Medicine Physician Extender Development Program at Brown EM. Diana is passionate about educating her patients on disease prevention, promoting healthy lifestyles, and boosting all of her patients’ confidence.
Maggie Elson
Patient Coordinator
Maggie is thrilled to be working with Dr. McAteer and this talented team of professionals who are committed to providing our clients with a stellar medical spa experience. Maggie moved to Rhode Island with her growing family almost 25 years ago and immediately fell in love with our beautiful state. After staying home to raise her family, she began her second act working as an administration assistant. The mother of three beautiful daughters and two adorable grandsons, she loves spending time with her family and friends. She enjoys time on the water, sailing and kayaking, plays tennis all year around and volunteers in the community.
Katie Joyce-Barnes
Office Manager
Katie grew up in New Hampshire on Lake Winnipesaukee. Her love of the outdoors and boating brought her to college in Newport, RI, where she majored in Business Administration. A few years spent in Florida and Rhode Island followed until Katie decided to make the move back to New Hampshire in 2009 to raise her daughter. She spent her early career in marine business management, and eventually switched over to municipal administration, specializing in finance, human resources, and public works. She also always worked part time as a bartender. In 2020, Katie reconnected with her college sweetheart and moved back to Rhode Island. A family friend and long-time admirer of Dr. McAteer and her mission, Katie jumped at the chance to bring her business and customer service experience to Oceanside. Her favorite hobby is to spend time sailing around Narragansett Bay with her husband and three children. Katie loves the IPL Facial Rejuvenation and 3-Step Peel paired with the ZO skin brightening program with their medical grade sunscreen to keep her skin looking fresh even after damage from the wind and sea!
Meghan Hedenberg
MA
Meghan Hedenberg has over 10 years experience in the medical field. In 2006 she started with a medical assistant certificate then she completed a certified nursing assistant licensure. She said one of the best roles she had was when she taught clinical groups in the CNA Program from CCRI.
She has been in office administration since She graduated from CCRI with an associates degree and plans on continuing her education to obtain a Bachelors Degree in Healthcare Administration. She believes that education is the best gift you can give to yourself and others. She has a strong work ethic, and is always willing to help anyone whenever she can.
Patients and colleagues whose shes helped, as well as loved ones alike all agree she has the patience of a “saint”. Meghan Hedenberg loves all animals passionately and says her husky is her best friend. She enjoys gardening, tending to plants, and adores her lemon tree. She says that she enjoys being at Oceanside with our team as much as she enjoys being by the ocean with her friends and family.
