James R. Nichols, M.D.
Dr. Nichols grew up in the San Francisco area and went to Point Loma Nazarene College in San Diego. He received his medical degree from Ross University in 1998 and successfully completed his family medicine residency at University of Illinois in Peoria, Illinois, in 2001. He has been board certified in Family Medicine since 2001. Dr. Nichols worked as an Emergency physician at several valley emergency departments until 2014. After serving for 10 years, he resigned commission as a Major in the US Air Force Reserve in 2008. In 2007 he purchased Ahwatukee Family Medical Center and began caring for patients as a Family Physician. He continues to work with patients as the attending physician for our physician assistants and nurse practitioners. Dr. Nichols has partnered with SignatureMD to provide a more personalized, prevention and health restoration focused approach to care as a concierge physician. Please click on the link below to find out more about his concierge practice.
Dr. Nichols has been married to Amy since 1988, and they have four children, Bobby, Sam, Kristin and Madyison. Dr. Nichols loves going on walks and tennis dates with his wife, biking with buddies, constantly revamping his exercise routine, and spending time with his kids. He tries to live each day by treating his staff and patients the way he would want someone to treat his family - he knows he's not perfect, but tries his best.
Trevor Whitmore, PA-C
Mr. Whitmore grew up in the state of Oregon before relocating to Arizona in 1980, where he established roots in the East Valley. Throughout his youth and early adulthood, he embraced opportunities that shaped both his character and worldview, including representing the United States as part of the USA Wrestling Team during a competition tour in Scandinavia.
Prior to beginning his formal education, Mr. Whitmore dedicated time to serving a church mission in Santiago, Chile. During this experience, he became fluent in Spanish, a skill he continues to use today. His work as a Spanish translator further deepened his passion for helping others and ultimately inspired him to pursue a career in medicine.
Mr. Whitmore earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Grand Canyon University, followed by a Master of Science degree in Physician Assistant Studies from A.T. Still University in 2000. After achieving his national certification as a Physician Assistant (PA-C), he began a diverse and accomplished medical career.
With over 25 years of experience, Mr. Whitmore has practiced in a wide range of specialties, including Emergency Medicine, Urgent Care, Dermatology, Orthopedic Surgery, and Family Medicine. His breadth of experience allows him to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care across all stages of life.
He is an active fellow member of several professional organizations, including the American Academy of Family Practice Physician Assistants, the Arizona State Association of Physician Assistants, and the American Academy of Physician Assistants.
Outside of his professional life, Mr. Whitmore values time spent with family and friends. He enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, water sports, and maintains a strong commitment to physical fitness, wellness, and nutrition. He has been married for 33 years and is the proud father of four grown children and a growing number of grandchildren.
Mr. Whitmore’s life and career have been defined by service. Guided by his faith, devotion to family, and a deep commitment to caring for others, he continues to make a meaningful impact in the lives of his patients and community.
Michelle Barnett, FNP
MMichelle is a board‑certified Nurse Practitioner with 18 years of clinical experience, including two years in orthopedics, four years in pediatrics, and twelve years in family practice. She earned her Nurse Practitioner degree from the University of Utah and has worked in respected clinical settings such as University of North Carolina Orthopedics where she specialized in joint injections, soft tissue injuries and arthritic care and Lumberton Children’s Clinic where she practiced pediatric care for four years.
For more than a decade, Michelle has dedicated her career to family medicine, where she finds the greatest joy in building long‑term relationships with her patients. She is passionate about helping individuals achieve their best quality of life through education, preventive care, and sustainable lifestyle changes. She believes strongly in empowering patients to take control of their health and prioritizes lifestyle‑based approaches before medication whenever appropriate.
Outside the clinic, Michelle is a mother of four who keep her life full and lively. She enjoys running, camping, and hiking—and she rarely turns down a good chocolate chip cookie. Her favorite quote guides both her personal and professional life: “Find something to laugh about each day; it won't make every day easy, but it will help ease you through each day.”
Ronda Naranjo, FNP
Ronda Naranjo is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner committed to providing compassionate, supportive health care to our patients.
Ronda grew up in central Ohio but has called Arizona home for over 20 years. She pursued her undergraduate studies at Northern Arizona University where she received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She continued her education at Grand Canyon University where she earned her Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner. She is certified through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
Outside of her profession, she and her husband share six children and enjoy traveling and spending quality time with their family.
Sasha Anderson, PA-C
Sasha is a board certified Physician Assistant originally from the East Coast. She grew up in Connecticut and then went to school in Massachusetts where she received a dual degree at Springfield College: her Bachelor's in Health Sciences and her Masters in Physician Assistant Studies.
She moved to Arizona in 2025 with her partner and has been enjoying her time exploring the area. Outside of work, she enjoys hobbies including reading, playing volleyball, taking reformer pilates classes, paddle-boarding, and spending time with her family and friends.
She is excited to be part of the AFMC family and is passionate about educating patients regarding preventative health.
