About Avendi Rx®
Locally owned, customer service centered, and safety focused
“Take care of the resident, and everything else will take care of itself.”
At Avendi Rx®, we live and work by the motto, “Take care of the resident, everything else will take care of itself.” This means putting resident safety and customer service at the forefront of every decision we make. We are passionate about Long Term Care because it’s all we do! The facilities we service feel safe knowing their residents are receiving top notch care while simultaneously having a reliable support system for their own needs.
Avendi Rx® is committed to accuracy and efficiency, all while leading the industry by utilizing:
• Paperless management systems
• A seamless delivery system
• Pharmacogenetic technology
• Prescription-filling robotics
• Easy-to-use emergency systems
• 24/7 on-call services
Diti Shah, PharmD, BCGP
Director of Consulting Services
Diti received her Doctor of Pharmacy from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in Boston. Her relocation to NC gave her an opportunity to work as a Clinical Review Pharmacist before taking a position at Avendi Rx as a Consultant Pharmacist. Recently, Diti received her Board-Certified Geriatric Pharmacist (BCGP) Certification which allows her to continue working towards providing the best resident care. In her free time, Diti enjoys spending time with her family and traveling.
Jacob L. Hollar, PharmD, BCGP
Consultant Pharmacist
Jacob graduated with his Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and joined Avendi Rx® in 2016. Jacob never hesitates to go the extra mile in helping with medication issues, insurance rejections, and staff education. Lastly, Jacob attained his Board-Certified Geriatric Pharmacist (BCGP) from the Board of Pharmaceutical Specialties to better himself in the geriatric healthcare industry. Jake likes hiking, biking, listening to music, and spending time with family.
Brad Deal, PharmD
Consultant Pharmacist
Brad graduated with his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of South Carolina. He joined Avendi Rx® in 2017 and enjoys collaborating to support residents’ health and the opportunities to see residents thriving, whether they are able to return home or live happily as a long term care resident. In his free time, Brad enjoys working out, playing softball, and watching sports.
Katie M Howard, RPh
Consultant Pharmacist
Katie received her Bachelor of Pharmacy degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Her extensive geriatric healthcare experience allows her to collaborate with facilities to ensure that they remain compliant with federal and state regulations while assuring residents have safe and effective medication therapy. In Katie’s free time, she enjoys spending time in the mountains, scrapbooking family memories, and visiting national parks (11 so far!).
Ashley Lail, BSN, RN
Nurse Consultant
Ashley graduated with an Associate Degree in Nursing from Catawba Valley Community College and received her Bachelor’s in Nursing degree from Appalachian State University. Ashley has spent her entire nursing career in long term care and is passionate about educating the nursing staff in Avendi Rx® communities. Ashely is also a Certified Medication Aide instructor with experience in instructing med pass techniques. She enjoys playing disc golf, as well as spending time with her family and three dogs.
Anson Clark, BS, RN
Nurse Consultant
Anson graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology from Appalachian State University. He earned his Associate Degree in Nursing from Wake Technical Community College and spent the next eight years working as an ICU RN at a level 1 trauma hospital and stroke center. In his off hours, Anson enjoys time with his family in the great outdoors, coaching soccer, and being involved at his local church.
Ed Salyards, RPh, MS
Owner/ Director
Ed graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Pharmacy. He spent his first two decades working in hospital administration. Ed combined his education and work background with his love of working in the community to open a new type of long term care pharmacy and with that, Avendi Rx® opened its doors on February 2nd, 2016.
Dana Anderson
Operations Manager
Dana joined Avendi Rx® in 2016, taking the lead on business and pharmaceutical operations. Dana is always willing to go the extra mile and enjoys working closely with facilities and their staff to provide support. Dana spends her free time with her husband and two children traveling to the beach and the mountains in their Jeep.
Isabella Zaliagiris
Director of Marketing
Isabella graduated from UNC Chapel Hill with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Media and Journalism. With three years of LTC experience, she joined the Avendi Rx® team in 2019 to focus on expanding pharmacy operations throughout the southeast. As a people person by nature, Isabella enjoys meeting new individuals and supporting current partners. Outside of work, you can find her hanging with her dog, Lovette, and cheering on Carolina basketball (Go Heels!)
Kristen Stamey
Administrative Assistant
Kristen joined the Avendi Rx® team in 2019 to support leadership personnel in day-to-day functions. She keeps the administrative team on track by juggling the many tasks that go along with running a large-scale long term care pharmacy operation. Kristen is a mom to three children and enjoys hiking, attending her kid’s activities, and spontaneous adventures.
Julie Rasmussen, CPhT
Customer Service Supervisor
Julie graduated from SUNY Brockport with a BS in psychology and works as the Customer Service Supervisor of Avendi Rx®. With over 18 years of long term care pharmacy experience, Julie plays an integral role in day-to-day business functions. Julie became a Certified Pharmacy Technician in 2002. Julie spends her time hanging out with her kids, reading, and taking care of her multiple pets.
Karrie Lee, CPhT
Pharmacy Technician Manager
Karrie began her career working in long term care pharmacy and received an Associate of Science degree from Catawba Valley Community College. In 2016, Karrie accepted a job offer at Avendi Rx® and quickly moved up becoming the lead Pharmacy Technician Manager. In her free time, Karrie enjoys spending time with her two kittens, going to the gym, and hiking with her friends and family.
Jody Butler, CPhT
E-Kit (Emergency Kit) Coordinator
Jody is a nationally certified pharmacy technician and joined Avendi Rx in October 2016, after serving the pharmaceutical community for almost ten years. She is the E-kit Coordinator for Avendi Rx® where she manages E-Kit inventory and billing for all E-Kit transactions. She spends her down time reading, shooting pool, and volunteering with a local cat rescue.
Rhonda Rodriguez, CPhT
Returns Coordinator
Rhonda started with Avendi Rx® in April of 2016. As Returns Coordinator, she processes returns from partner homes while complying with DEA guidelines. Rhonda also fills prescriptions and provide backup support for the E-kits. Rhonda is a mother of three and enjoys watching movies and sleeping in when she gets the chance.