Our Team

Portia Marsh, Practice Manager

Portia Marsh (she/her/hers) has joined the Burkhart Pediatric & Adolescent Dermatology (BPAD) team as the Practice Manager. She joins the team with years of experience managing a busy urgent care clinic in rural Arizona, and aims to bring her expertise and enthusiasm to help grow and develop BPAD into a practice that focuses on delivering exceptional patient care to babies, children, teens, and their families, while simultaneously supporting BPAD’s objectives and mission.

Portia attended Armstrong State University in Savannah, GA, and graduated Summa Cum Laude with degrees in Business Economics and Health Services Administration. Portia continues to seek opportunities for professional growth and recently earned her Master’s in Healthcare Administration from Southern New Hampshire University with the goal of bringing that knowledge to her management of BPAD.

As an avid community volunteer, Portia served as a patient advocate at St. Joseph’s/Candler Hospital in Savannah and as an ambassador with the Peace Corps. Portia led a research initiative, in conjunction with the Savannah Bicycle Campaign, to improve the safety of cyclists; served as a consultant advising local business owners on ways to improve the efficiency of their businesses; and she also conducted economic research with the Center for Regional Analysis, Savannah Economic Development Authority, and World Trade Center Savannah. These ventures give Portia unique experience and perspective to lead a specialty clinic through its stages of inception and infancy. She was also the recipient of the Yvonne English Memorial Award for academic achievement and service to her university, as well as the Mary Foy Space Award for excellence in economics.

Originally from Atlanta, GA, she currently resides in Raleigh. Portia moved several times cross country with her husband, who previously served in the Army, but looks forward to calling Raleigh her forever home. Portia enjoys competing in triathlons, continuing her education, traveling, and spending time with her husband, their newborn, and their energetic Siberian Husky. Recently, Portia completed her first full Ironman event in Boulder, as becoming an Ironman has been a longtime personal goal of hers. Portia and her husband also just traveled to the Patagonia Region where they spent three weeks exploring Argentina and Chile to the fullest by summiting Mount Fitz Roy, backpacking the infamous Torres del Paine W Trek, and sailing through the Strait of Magellan to Cape Horn (known as the world’s southernmost point).

Betty Tinnin, Licensed Practical Nurse

Betty Tinnin (she/her/hers) is Burkhart Pediatric & Adolescent Dermatology’s (BPAD) Licensed Practical Nurse. She comes to BPAD with over 30 years of nursing experience, which includes Obstetrics and Gynecology, Female Oncology, Cardiology, Geriatrics, Medical Auditing, and currently Dermatology. Her years of experience have supplied her with extensive knowledge to help improve the lives of babies, children, teens, and their families, through providing respectful and inclusive care at BPAD.

Betty graduated from Roanoke City Schools, School of Practical Nursing in Roanoke, VA, and has since developed a vast career in nursing. Betty loves being a nurse and truly believes it is her calling. She finds much joy in knowing that she makes a difference in so many lives. Education being a huge factor in her own life, she went back to school in 2001 and attended Troutmans Technical College to obtain her manicurist license. Betty constantly educates herself on the most recent healthcare technological advances, and seeks ways to advance her nursing knowledge and technical skill so that she can ensure she is providing the best possible care to her patients. She understands that the healthcare industry is always growing, and she plans to grow with it.

Recently, Betty participated in the 43rd Annual Southeastern Consortium for Dermatology, where she assisted with the patient viewing portion. Betty has also received the Duke Dermatology Streicher Award in recognition for her exceptional contributions to the Department of Dermatology and total commitment to the goals of outstanding patient care, education, and research.

When not at work, Betty enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter, along with their extended family. In her downtime, she enjoys reading, singing, exercising, and utilizing her manicurist license. She also likes to volunteer for organizations that give back to the community.

“The longer I’m in the profession, the more experiences shape my life, the more amazing colleagues influence me, the more I see the micro and macro power of nursing.” – Joni Watson

Priya Gayam, Medical Assistant

Priya Gayam (she/her/hers) is the Medical Assistant at Burkhart Pediatric & Adolescent Dermatology (BPAD). She attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) and graduated with a degree in Global Studies with a concentration on Global Health as well as a double minor in Biology and Neuroscience. Wanting to broaden her knowledge and skills, she joined the BPAD team with several years of private practice experience previously working in allergy and asthma. As a Medical Assistant, Priya enjoys the versatility of her position and considers it a great privilege to be able to contribute to the care of patients and their families. Every day is different and there is always something to learn.

As an active community volunteer, Priya received the Buckley Public Service Scholar award through her involvement with various organizations such as UNC Hospital and the Residence Hall Association. With a love for science, she has also assisted in developing and teaching an after-school science program for middle school students with the goal to make STEM fields more accessible.

As a North Carolina native, she is always looking for new places to explore. When not in the office, Priya enjoys photography (both film and digital), kayaking, traveling, watching documentaries, and spending time with family. During the warmer parts of the year, her favorite place to kayak is Lake Gaston.

Ana Ayala, Receptionist

Ana Ayala (she/her/hers) is one of Burkhart Pediatric & Adolescent Dermatology’s (BPAD) awesome Receptionists. She joins our team with 7 years of administrative experience previously working as a Medical Receptionist and Health Information Specialist. Ana graduated from ECPI College of Technology with an Associate of Applied Science in Medical Administration and began her career in the healthcare field gaining a great deal of experience working with diverse communities. Ana started to build on her skills, gaining experience in medical record keeping and insurance billing.

Ana is very excited to be a part of the BPAD team and enjoys the interactions it allows her to have with patients. It also provides her with the opportunity to use her bilingual language skills, assisting patients with translating and understanding their medical needs. Ana plans to further her education by attending Durham Technical Community College to become a certified Spanish Medical Interpreter. After all, she is always looking for ways to expand upon her training and education.

When Ana isn’t at BPAD, she enjoys spending time with her son and daughter. As a family, they enjoy the outdoors by hiking and ATV riding. She also likes to participate in activities that involve the improvement of the community.

Chasnee Tinnin, Receptionist

Chasnee Tinnin (she/her/hers) is one of the friendly Receptionists here at Burkhart Pediatric & Adolescent Dermatology (BPAD). She loves to put a smile on the patients’ faces when handing out prizes at the end of their visit.

Chasnee is currently a Senior at Orange High School in Hillsborough, NC, and takes pride in being an A-honor roll student. She also participates in clubs, such as the Minorities Achievers’ Program, and has a leadership role in the SAT Prep Club at her school. Chasnee enjoys playing the clarinet and learns new songs often. She participated in the band program throughout middle school and high school for a total of 5 years.

Additionally, she is taking courses at Durham Technical Community College to jumpstart her higher education journey. Ultimately, Chasnee hopes to gain lots of working experience with us at BPAD for a transferable skill set she can use in the Forensics degree she is looking to pursue.

Outside of work, Chasnee enjoys cooking for her family and trying new foods. She has a goal to try at least one new food each week.

Maria Banda, Receptionist

Maria Banda (she/her/hers) joins BPAD as one of our caring Receptionists. What Maria loves most about working at BPAD is that she has the opportunity to interact with community members and help them find resources available to them within the community, especially among the Hispanic population. She likes putting her bilingual abilities to use to help translate for individuals who would prefer to speak Spanish, so that patients and their families can communicate about their health in a language that is most comfortable for them.

Born and raised in Chapel Hill, Maria has always called North Carolina home. Maria is currently a Senior at North Carolina State University, where she is studying to obtain a degree in both Marketing and Spanish. In just her first year, she already successfully completed her Spanish Minor. She is also very involved in the university and is an active member of the Students for Immigrant Rights and Equalities Club, as well as the Mi Familia Club. In addition to her involvement, she also received a gold medal placement 2 consecutive years for the National Spanish Exam in levels 4 and 5.

When not at work, Maria enjoys spending time with friends and family. She also loves traveling and visiting foreign countries, having already explored Mexico, Spain, Italy, and the Dominican Republic. She also enjoys living a healthy life through working out and weightlifting.

Melanie Tutka, Office Assistant

Melanie Tutka (she/her/hers) is Burkhart Pediatric & Adolescent Dermatology’s (BPAD) Office Assistant, and she is very much looking forward to learning her new role at our office. So far, her favorite part is helping patients pick out prizes at the end of their visit.

Melanie is currently a Junior at Green Hope High School (GHHS) and is a member of the GHHS Unified Track Team and a JV Cheerleader. She also loves to dance and is a dancer at Infinity Ballet where she enjoys taking tap and modern dance classes. Melanie is also one of the original players of the Miracle League of the Triangle and she enjoys playing baseball with them in the Spring and Fall.

When not at work, Melanie really enjoys getting involved in her local community and currently volunteers at Esteamed Coffee. She has also volunteered with the North Carolina Down Syndrome Alliance and the Food Bank of Eastern North Carolina.