Meet Your Advanced Practice Providers
Darshawnda Sharraine Wilson
MSN, APRN, ANP-BC
Darshawnda “Sharraine” Wilson is a Board-Certified Adult Nurse Practitioner who believes thatstrong connections and meaningful communication are at the heart of exceptional patient care. She prioritizes active listening—taking the time to understand each patient’s story, lifestyle, and concerns—to provide care that is both compassionate and personalized.
Sharraine is a strong advocate for shared decision-making, partnering with her patients throughout their wellness journey. She presents treatment options with professional insight while empowering patients to be active participants in their care. Known for her holistic approach, she focuses on the whole person—addressing both pain and overall well-being, and guiding patients toward the resources they need to thrive.
She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biology in 1996 and her Bachelor’s degree in Nursing in 1998, both from Texas Christian University. She went on to complete her Master of Science in Nursing at The University of Texas at Arlington in 2003. Sharraine has been an integral part of our team since 2007, contributing her deep expertise and genuine compassion to the team.
Outside of work, Sharraine enjoys spending time with her children, who are actively involved in sports. An avid cyclist, she also supports her husband in managing their family business, Southern Collegiate Sports.
Gary Barnes
MS, APRN, FNP-BC
A lifelong resident of Farmers Branch, Gary Barnes is a compassionate and experienced Family Nurse Practitioner, board certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
Gary began his nursing career after earning his Associate Degree from El Centro College in Dallas. Following several years of hands-on experience as a Registered Nurse, he continued his education at Texas Woman’s University, where he earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Nursing.
With over 19 years of experience in interventional chronic pain management, Gary is dedicated to helping his patients improve their quality of life and return to the activities they love. His calm demeanor, clinical expertise, and genuine care make him a trusted provider among patients and colleagues alike.
Outside of work, Gary enjoys spending time with his family, fishing, working in the yard, and woodworking.
Cheyenne Pagel
MSN, APRN, FNP-BC
Cheyenne Pagel is an accomplished Nurse Practitioner with extensive experience in high-acuity patient care. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The University of Texas at Tyler and later completed her Master of Science in Nursing from The University of Texas at Arlington.
Cheyenne began her career in the fast-paced environment of the Emergency Department, where she developed expertise in critical care, triage, and rapid response. With over five years of experience in pain management, she continues to deliver exceptional patient-centered care. Her patients value her upbeat personality, empathetic communication, and collaborative approach—always taking time to listen and tailor solutions to each individual’s needs.
When she’s not caring for patients, Cheyenne enjoys reading, crafting, and spending time with her husband and children.
Katie Inserra
MSN, APRN, FNP-BC
A St. Louis, Missouri native, Katie Inserra is a dedicated Nurse Practitioner with a strong foundation in patient care and leadership. She earned dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Exercise Science and Nursing from the University of Mississippi, where she graduated from the Honors College and was an active member of Pi Beta Phi sorority. She later obtained her Master of Science in Nursing from Texas Woman’s University.
Katie began her nursing career in the Progressive Care Unit at Medical City Dallas, where she advanced to Clinical Nurse Coordinator—overseeing unit operations and delivering exceptional care to critically ill patients. Today, she brings that same commitment and expertise to her patients in pain management, where she’s known for her professionalism, attention to detail, and compassionate problem-solving approach that helps patients achieve their wellness goals.
Outside of work, Katie enjoys traveling, relaxing at the lake, and spending quality time with her dog.
Emily Caldwell
MSN, APRN, FNP-C
Emily Caldwell is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner who believes that effective pain management begins with empathy and collaboration. She takes time to truly listen, seeking to understand each patient’s condition, lifestyle, and goals to provide care that is both compassionate and personalized. Emily values open communication and shared decision-making, partnering with her patients to ensure they feel heard, respected, and empowered throughout their treatment journey.
Known for her holistic and patient-centered approach, Emily integrates conventional medicine with innovative, evidence-based therapies to develop individualized care plans. She focuses on treating the whole person—addressing physical, emotional, and lifestyle factors that contribute to pain. Passionate about the potential of regenerative medicine and the evolving field of pain management, she is committed to staying at the forefront of advancements to offer the most effective and least invasive options available.
She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2014 and began her career as an ICU nurse, providing compassionate and thoughtful care to critically ill patients. She later earned her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas Medical Branch in 2021 and joined the exceptional team at Optimal Pain soon thereafter.
Outside of work, Emily enjoys traveling, attending concerts, exploring new adventures, and spending quality time with family and friends.
Paige Rickman
Practice Manager
For more than a decade, Paige Rickman has been an integral part of Optimal Pain and
Regenerative Medicine. She began her career with the practice as a medical assistant and scribe before advancing to Practice Manager—a reflection of her dedication, problem-solving mindset, and genuine passion for patient care.
Paige firmly believes that “teamwork makes the dream work,” and she leads with positivity, fostering a culture of collaboration and respect that empowers both staff and patients alike. Her leadership style embodies the values of excellence, empathy, and continuous growth.
Beyond the office, Paige enjoys reading, training in jiu-jitsu, and spending quality time with her husband and two sons.
