Our team is dedicated to providing comprehensive and compassionate care to our students. Each of our providers brings their unique experience and expertise, contributing to the high standards of care we uphold.
In addition to our exceptional providers, our clinic is supported by a team of highly skilled Registered Nurses (R.N.s) and Medical Assistants (M.A.s). These professionals play a vital role in our clinical operations, offering seamless support and ensuring a positive experience for every student who visits our center. Together, we work collaboratively to deliver the best possible care and address the diverse health concerns of our student population.
Saara Schwartz, MD
Medical Director
Dr. Saara Schwartz is a Board-Certified Pediatrician and Adolescent Medicine Specialist with over two decades of expertise in College Health. A graduate of Cornell University with a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition, she earned her Doctor of Medicine degree from New York Medical College and, in 2018, expanded her credentials by attaining certification in functional and integrative medicine. Her innovative approach integrates traditional medical practices with functional medicine, ensuring personalized, patient-centered care tailored to each individual's lifestyle and needs. As the Medical Director for FIU’s Student Health Clinics, Dr. Schwartz has cultivated a culture of excellence, collaboration, and holistic care. Driven by a passion for empowering young adults to make informed health decisions, she is dedicated to guiding students through every step of their healthcare journey.
Dr. Schwartz is proud to serve on the leadership team for FIU Student Health & Wellness, and honored to support students in achieving their health goals and remains steadfast in her mission to inspire wellness and resilience in the next generation.
Kathleen Adams, APRN
Kathleen Adams, a board-certified Adult Health Nurse Practitioner, is an accomplished healthcare professional and proud Panther alumna. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Florida International University's Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing and Health Sciences. Before rejoining FIU in 2011, Kathleen gained extensive experience as a registered nurse, specializing in medical-surgical and oncology nursing, with a strong focus on patient safety and healthcare quality.
Dania Aguirre, MD
Dr. Dania Aguirre was born in Cuba and raised in Miami. She earned her medical degree from Ponce School of Medicine and completed her Internal Medicine residency at the University of Illinois in Chicago. Since May 1995, she has been working as one of the dedicated doctors at FIU’s Student Health Clinics. When she is not with patients, she enjoys spending time in nature, caring for animals, and exploring the Fine Arts.
Ana Barreras Lopez, MSN, APRN-FNP
Ana Barreras Lopez is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner. She started working at FIU’s Student Health Clinics in October 2023. She earned her Master of Science degree from Florida National University (2023), and Registered Nurse from Miami Dade College (2020). Before joining SHC, she was working in Subacute Units and Rehabilitation as RN, Nurse Manager, and Wound Care Nurse. She is a Foreign Physician who graduated in 1994 in General Medicine and completed her residency in Pathology (1998). In her personal time, Ana enjoys rock and roll music and spending time with her family.
Raymundo Corrales, APRN-FNP
Raymundo (Ray) Corrales is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) at FIU’s Student Health Clinics. He is board certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. Originally from California, he came to nursing as a second career, first as an RN and then as an APRN. Ray received his nursing degree from Tompkins Cortland Community College in Dryden, NY and graduated from Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, NY with his Master's of Science in Nursing. Prior to being a Nurse Practitioner, Ray worked as an RN in the ICU at Cortland Regional Medical Center. Since becoming an APRN, Ray has worked in both the geriatric (short term rehab/nursing homes) and young adult (college health centers) populations. Ray enjoys helping people gain peace of mind through delivering preventative multi-culturally competent and holistic healthcare that includes each patient in the decision-making process. When not working, Ray enjoys traveling to warm locales, playing music, and, as recently discovered, axe throwing.
Ariel Fuentes, DNP, APRN-FNP
Ariel Fuentes is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner who started working for FIU's Student Health Clinics at the beginning of 2023. She completed her Bachelor's ('19), Master's ('22), and Doctoral ('23) education at FIU. Ariel enjoys collaborating with and providing care to our student population and is proud to be working alongside the other amazing providers and staff members. When Ariel is not working, she enjoys reading and spending time with her pets and loved ones.
Diana Gonzalez Perez, APRN-FNP
Diana Gonzalez Perez received her bachelor's and master's degrees in nursing from Barry University in Miami Shores, Florida. She is certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. Prior to starting at FIU, Diana worked in primary care, neurology, and pediatrics. In her free time, she enjoys exercising and spending time with her family, especially on vacation.
Jacqueline Iriarte, PMHNP
Jacqueline (Jackie) Iriarte is a board certified Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, who has been practicing since 2018. She earned her Bachelor and Master of Science degrees from Florida International University (FIU). Jackie returned to FIU in 2023 to practice in the Student Health Clinics after working in a psychiatric/mental health outpatient care practice in the Miami area. In her free time, Jackie enjoys spending time with loved ones and her pets.
Kathleen Perez, APRN-FNP
Kathleen (Kat) Perez is board certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree at Nova Southeastern University in 2017. She worked as a registered nurse in the neurology and cardiovascular ICU prior to becoming a nurse practitioner, and was inspired to return to school after taking care of patients during the COVID pandemic. Kathleen received her Master of Science in Nursing degree at the University of Miami in 2023. After graduating she joined the FIU Student Health Clinics, incorporating holistic approaches to managing medical conditions. When she’s away from the clinic, she is out in the ocean sailing with her husband, exploring a new city, or reading a good fantasy book.
Alexis Valdes-Recio, APRN-FNP
Alexis Valdes-Recio is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner who started working at FIU's Student Health Clinics in 2026. She completed her Bachelor's degree at Nova South Eastern University ('20) and completed her Master's ('24) and Doctoral ('25) degrees at FIU. Before becoming a nurse practitioner, Alexis gained valuable experience in both cardiac progressive care and pediatrics, giving her the opportunity to care for patients with a wide range of healthcare needs. Alexis is passionate about creating a welcoming environment where patients feel heard, respected, and empowered to take an active role in their healthcare. Outside of the clinic, Alexis enjoys cooking, baking, reading, and spending quality time with her husband, baby, and labradoodle.