Clarus Physicians and Physician Assistants

Neil A. Shah, MD, FAAD

Neil A. Shah, MD, FAAD

NEIL A. SHAH, MD, FAAD
FOUNDER & MEDICAL DIRECTOR

Dr. Shah holds dual board-certifications in dermatology and micrographic dermatologic surgery. His clinical practice focus is skin cancer treatment, including Mohs surgery, and reconstructive surgery following skin cancer treatment. Dr. Shah founded Clarus Dermatology in 2012 with the goal of bringing timely, world-class, comprehensive dermatological care to patients
throughout Minnesota. Since that time, Clarus Dermatology has expanded from one clinic to six clinic sites throughout the Twin Cities metro area, as well as greater Minnesota.

As a member of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), a Diplomat of the American Board of Dermatology and a Fellow of the American Society for Mohs Surgery, Dr. Shah remains involved in organized medicine having served as a past president of the Minnesota Dermatological Society and past president of Doctors for the Practice of Safe and Ethical Aesthetic Medicine.

Dr. Shah is a 2007 graduate of the University of Minnesota Medical School where he was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society. Dr. Shah completed his residency at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. with an internship in internal medicine. Before medical school, he graduated magna cum laude from Ursinus College with departmental honors in Biology. He is a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society, the Tri-Beta Biological Honor Society, and the Sigma Xi research honor society.

Outside of Clarus, Dr. Shah enjoys spending time with his wife, four children and dog, enjoying travel, cooking and skiing.

Abrielle Mumm, MSPAS, PA-C

Physician Assistant

Abrielle Mumm, MSPAS, PA-C, earned her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies at Northwestern College in Orange City, IA. Prior to PA school, Abbey received her Bachelor’s degree in Health Science from the University of Iowa. She is a member of the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants and recently completed the SDPA Diplomate Fellowship Program.

Abbey completed two clinical rotations in dermatology which affirmed her long-standing passion and enthusiasm for all things dermatology-related. She looks forward to building relationships with her patients and providing individualized, patient-centered care. She strives to educate her patients and ensure they possess a thorough understanding of their conditions and treatment plans.

Outside of work, you can find Abbey spending time with her fiancé and their two golden retrievers. In her free time, she enjoys baking, golfing, and traveling.

Erin Layne, MPAS, PA-C

Erin Layne, MPAS, PA-C

Physician Assistant

Erin Layne, MPAS, PA-C earned her Masters Degree in Physician Assistant Studies from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Before that, she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Chemistry from the University of North Dakota (leading to Erin’s frequent cheer,”Go Sioux!”).

Erin began her career as a Physician Assistant in urgent care serving Richmond, Virginia and surrounding communities. In that role, she gained a wide range of experiences, including management of a variety of patient illnesses. Prior to becoming a Physician Assistant, Erin trained as a medical assistant in a dermatology office. She developed a passion for the specialty and knew she wanted to further her career in the dermatology field as a Physician Assistant.

Erin and her husband enjoy spending time with their dogs, Leo and Ruby, traveling, spending time on the lake, and enjoying the company of family and friends.

Esther Ajayi, MPAS, PA-C

Esther Ajayi, MPAS, PA-C

Physician Assistant

Esther Ajayi, MPAS, PA-C earned her Master’s Degree in Physician Assistant Studies from University of St. Francis. Prior to PA school, she completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from University of North Dakota, then continued her education at Midwestern University where she earned her Masters in Biomedical Science.

Esther became interested in Dermatology prior to PA school and worked as a medical assistant in a dermatology office where she gained years of experience and skill sets. She has a special interest in medical dermatology along with cosmetic procedures and strives to make sure her patients look and feel their best.

Following PA school, Esther moved back to Minnesota. When she’s not caring for patients, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

Heather Guertin, MPAS, PA-C

Heather Guertin, MPAS, PA-C

Physician Assistant

After returning home to Minnesota, Heather Guertin, MPAS, PA-C, started her career in emergency medicine. In that role, Heather encountered patients with a wide variety of health conditions for whom she diagnosed the cause of illness and established a treatment plan to improve their condition. As she cared for patients, she discovered a passion for dermatology, which she began pursuing as her specialty. In addition to her general dermatology skills, Heather has a specific interest and talent in cosmetic dermatology, listening to her patients’ goals and concerns and formulating a plan to achieve the best cosmetic results. Her favorite cosmetic procedures include Botox, dermal fillers, and chemical peels. In her spare time, Heather enjoys being outdoors, drinking coffee, camping, and hiking. She also loves spending time with her husband and two young daughters.

Heather earned her Master’s Degree in Physician Assistant studies from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in Boston, Massachusetts where she graduated with honors. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities.

Katelyn Krueger, MPAS, PA-C

Katelyn Krueger, MPAS, PA-C

Physician Assistant

Katelyn Krueger, MPAS, PA-C, enjoys treating a variety of skin issues, helping others feel confident in their skin. She strives for early detection and prevention of skin cancer. Katelyn’s practice model is based upon informed decision making, which involves educating patients about their options and working with them to create a treatment plan.

Katelyn earned a Master’s Degree in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of North Dakota. Prior to PA school, she completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Radiologic Sciences from North Dakota State University and worked in radiology for four years as an IR and CT Technologist. Katelyn became interested in dermatology early on in PA school as she dealt with some skin issues herself. She chose to do an elective rotation with Clarus Dermatology and loved the variety of medical, procedural, and cosmetic dermatology.

After ten years in North Dakota, Katelyn and her husband moved back to central Minnesota to live out their dreams of spending summers at the lake as well as to be closer to their families. Together they enjoy lake activities, campfires, snowboarding, hockey, and traveling. They may usually be found accompanied by their little dachshund, Waylon. Katelyn enjoys trail running, reading, and cooking. She dreams of compiling her very own cookbook one day.

Nathan Jones, MPAS, PA-C

Physician Assistant

Nathan Jones, MPAS, PA-C, earned his Master’s Degree in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Before PA school, he earned Bachelor’s of Science degrees in Biology and Health Science, and an Associate’s of Science degree in Chemistry from Presentation College in Aberdeen, SD.

While in PA school, Nathan was able to gain experience with dermatologists and cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgeons, which sparked his interest in general dermatology, surgical procedures, and cosmetic dermatology. Nathan enjoys educating patients on their skin concernsand developing an evidence-based treatment plan that works best for the patient’s life.

Originally from South Dakota, Nathan is looking forward to living in Minnesota with his wife, Mallori, and dog for the nice weather and many lake adventures. In their free time they enjoy reading, walking, golfing, watching all types of sports, cooking, and traveling.

Terra Fodstad, MMS, PA-C

Terra Menkosky, MMS, PA-C

Physician Assistant

Terra Menkosky, MMS, PA-C has been practicing as a physician assistant for the past five years. She received her Masters of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Midwestern University in Glendale, Arizona in 2017. She began her medical career in Arizona where she practiced in pediatrics for 4 years. While working with youth, Terra found her passion for treating skin conditions in her patients and transitioned her practice to dermatology.

Terra enjoys treating all ages of patients to help them feel confident in their skin by managing a wide range of skin conditions. Terra seeks to develop a patient-provider relationship that includes shared decision making, and she takes pride in educating her patients regarding their skin concerns.

Terra is happy to be back in her home state of Minnesota where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Cellular and Molecular Biology from Winona State University. When not at work, she enjoys spending time with her young daughter, husband, and their dog. In her free time, Terra enjoys reading, baking, barre classes, and traveling.