Meet Our Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Team

Evren Kaynak, M.D.

Medical Director

Dr. Kaynak has been serving as the medical director of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation since 2016. He received his medical degree from Istanbul University Cerrahpasa. He completed his residency in internal medicine and fellowship training in cardiovascular medicine at the University of Texas in Houston. He completed his fellowship in interventional cardiology at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami Beach, FL. He practices at Yuma Cardiac Center.

Jamie Legan-Leon, R.N., C.C.R.P., E.P.

Resource Coordinator, Cardiopulmonary Rehab

Jamie began her career as an exercise physiologist working in corporate wellness in the Phoenix area after obtaining her Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Physiology with a minor in wellness from Arizona State University in 1999. A Kofa High School graduate, Jamie returned to Yuma in 2000 and worked at Southwest Rehab and Advanced Prosthetics and Orthotics. She obtained her nursing degree at Arizona Western College in 2004, and began her nursing career at Yuma Regional Medical Center. She worked on the cardiac unit on Tower 2 before joining the Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation team in 2005. She was promoted to her current role as resource coordinator in 2013. While working at YRMC, she has been on the hospital’s wellness committee and has served as an educator in the Healthy Kids program. She has also been involved as a board member for the Arizona Society of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehab. Jamie was president of the state society from 2017-2018, where she served as the chair of the annual State Conference. In 2009 she was awarded the YRMC’s Super Star award, along with being nominated for Yuma County Nurse of the Year in 2010. In 2014, Jamie obtained her Certified Cardiac Rehab Professional (CCRP) qualification from the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation. Jamie appreciates the many long-term relationships she builds with her patients in Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation. She enjoys seeing the progress they make with their fitness and overall health. When she is not at work, you can find Jamie supporing her son and husband on the baseball or football sidelines, enjoying an art show with her daughter, or traveling.

Grace Werley, R.R.T.

Respiratory Therapist

Grace Werley is a Yuma native. She graduated from Cibola High School in 2001 and received her Associate of Science in Respiratory Therapy in 2015 from Carrington College in Phoenix, AZ. Grace began her career at Yuma Regional Medical Center, where she gained experience in various areas, including the intensive care unit and the Emergency Department. In April 2019, she made the transition to outpatient cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation. She enjoys getting to work one-on-one with her patients and seeing just how much the pulmonary rehabilitation program makes a difference in their lives. She also helps run Huffers and Puffers, a support group for patients with pulmonary diseases. Grace is currently working towards her nursing degree at Arizona Western College.

Norma Gallego

Scheduler/Registration Educator

Norma is our scheduling and registration staff person in the morning. But, works as her department’s educator in the afternoons. She has over 25 years at YRMC with experience in customer service, scheduling, leadership and education. In her spare time, she helps volunteer at her local church and she enjoys cooking. A Yuma native, she is the mother of two sons currently serving in the military. Norma is the “helping hand” on our team.

Amanda Garcia, M.S., E.P.

Exercise Physiologist

Amanda graduated from Lake Superior State University in Michigan, where she completed a bachelor’s degree in exercise science. She also minored in health and fitness as well as golf coaching. She completed an internship at Yuma Regional Medical Center in cardiopulmonary rehabilitation prior to her graduation. Amanda received her Masters of Science in Health Care Delivery from Arizona State University. She was a collegiate golfer and track athlete, and now coaches the women’s golf team at Kofa High School. Amanda enjoys working with her patients and helps them make lifestyle changes to help them improve their health. Her hobbies include traveling, playing soccer, golf, working out, hiking and camping.

Andrew Maestas, B.S., E.P.

Exercise Physiologist

Andrew graduated from the University of Wyoming in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology and Health Promotion and is currently finishing a Master’s of Science in Exercise Science at Liberty University. During his time at the University of Wyoming, he played on the Rugby Club team. Andrew joined the Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation team in October 2019 as a seasonal employee. Andrew enjoys connecting with his patients and working with them to improve their health through exercise.

Jacob Montchal, B.S.

Exercise Physiologist

A Yuma native, Jake was excited to return home after earning his degree in exercise science at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, AZ. Before joining the Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation team full time in 2016 as an exercise physiologist, Jake volunteered in the department. He loves getting to know his patients and finding ways to make their rehabilitation experience fun and enjoyable. Over the last three years, Jake has enjoyed working with many heart and lung patients from different walks of life. He also volunteers his time with the Huffers and Puffers support group, offering any patients suffering from chronic lung disease the support they need.

Jennifer Scott, M.A., E.P.

Exercise Physiologist

Jennifer has worked in the adult fitness field for over 25 years in multiple capacities. She has been a personal trainer and group exercise leader, previously certified through NASM. She has a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Sonoma State University. In 2004, she found her way into the cardiac rehab field as an exercise physiologist. In 2010, she completed a master’s degree in kinesiology with a certificate in gerontology. Her master’s thesis was focused on the cardiac rehab population and experience. Jennifer is ACLS, BLS certified and has earned the Certified Cardiac Rehab Professional (CCRP) designation through the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation. Her hobbies and passions are mountain biking, hiking, trail running and generally spending time traveling and recreating with her husband. A german shepherd puppy is in the not too distant future. Stay tuned!

Morgan Versluis, B.S., E.P.

Exercise Physiologist

Morgan graduated from Central Michigan University in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in Clinical Exercise Science with a minor in psychology. After finishing an internship at Hayes Green Beach Memorial Hospital in Charlotte, Michigan, she moved to Yuma to work as a seasonal exercise physiologist. She enjoys helping her patients reach goals and become stronger during their time in cardiac rehab. While in Yuma, Morgan adopted her first rescue dog, Benson. Morgan and Benson have made two cross-country road trips together, and they love to see new places. In Michigan, Morgan enjoys spending warm summers on the lake or by the fire with her family, friends, and dogs. Soon, Morgan plans on earning her nursing degree to work in either forensics or cardiac rehab.