Coming from her hometown of Tucson, AZ, Shalia came to Utah to attend Brigham Young University, where she graduated Cum Laude in Physiology and Developmental Biology. During her time there, she researched nicotinic receptors in a neuroscience lab.

She then delved into the medical field working at the University of Utah across all surgical specialties in the operating room. In her spare time, she also volunteered and interned as a Spanish medical interpreter for the underserved at a community clinic in Salt Lake City. She takes great pride in being able to meet the needs of her patients regardless of language barriers.

Shalia later studied at Touro University Nevada, receiving her Master’s Degree as a Physician Assistant. Amidst the rigor of the program, she gave extra effort to develop her skills in dermatology and surgical techniques. She trained in clinics and operating rooms across the state under excellent plastic surgeons, including Dr. Ward himself.

Shalia’s passion and joy is found in inspiring confidence within her patients. She loves to treat them (whether it be medically, surgically, or otherwise) with the utmost respect and skill.