Our Staff
Dr. Leslie Schmitz, DO
After graduating with high honors from St. Xavier University’s Pre-Med program, Dr. Leslie Schmitz earned her Medical degree and served her Internship at Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine. She served her residency in Illinois at Evanston Northwestern Hospital where, recognizing her leadership skills, she was installed as Chief Medical Resident in her final year.
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While waiting for her commencement of a Nephrology Fellowship at St. Louis University she practiced Internal Medicine as a Hospitalist in Lihue, Hawaii. As a Nephrology fellow, again cited for her leadership, was named Chief Nephrology Fellow for the last year of her tenure.
Upon completion of her Fellowship and after successfully passing her Board exams she practiced Nephrology for five years working with leading Nephrologists in Illinois and Indiana. She is board certified in Nephrology.
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In December 2012, she joined with her friend and fellow Nephrologist, Dr. Margaret Quate in forming the partnership of Kidney Care of Michiana, a thriving practice here in Mishawaka, Indiana.
In her leisure time she cherishes time spent with her family, looks forward to travel and enjoys working out at the gym, swimming and gardening.
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Dr. Margaret Quate-Operacz, MD
Dr. Margaret Quate (Peggy) combines a high degree of medical skills with great communication skills. She graduated with high honors from the University of Toledo. From there she attended the University of Cincinnati for seven years completing her Medical Degree, Internal Medicine Residency and a Fellowship in Nephrology. She is Board Certified in both fields.
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She has been practicing Nephrology and Internal Medicine for over 6 years since the completion of her training. Since December 2012, she has partnered with her friend and fellow Nephrologist, Dr. Leslie Schmitz to form Kidney Care of Michiana, a growing practice here in Mishawaka. She believes strongly in providing the best and most up to date quality care to her patients. Good communication and close attention to detail are things she strives for.
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Peggy is married with three children. What free time she has, she enjoys spending time with her family. She loves to travel and exercise.
Sarah Bortone, NP
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Sarah S. Bortone, RN, MSN, FNP-BC graduated from the University of Indianapolis with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Biology. Wanting to enter the medical field, she then earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the Indiana University South Bend and then proceeded to graduate with her Masters of Science in Nursing degree from Indiana University of South Bend. Prior to joining Kidney Care of Michiana, Sarah worked at Mishawaka Orthopedics and was on staff at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center as an R.N. She began her career as a Nurse Practitioner with Decatur Vein Clinic. Sarah believes strongly in holistic, compassionate care for her patients and strives to achieve this.
Sarah is a mother of two children. She enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, exercising and the outdoors.
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Gina Gordenier, RN, MSN, AGACNP-BC
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Gina Gordenier, RN, MSN, AGACNP-BC, received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Indiana University South Bend and her Master of Science in Nursing from Walden University. Before joining Kidney Care of Michiana, Gina worked as a registered nurse at Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center. Her nursing background includes emergency medicine, interventional radiology, and vascular surgery. Gina believes strongly in evidence-based practice and establishing solid relationships with her patients to provide the best care.
Gina is married with two children. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, watching her children play soccer, traveling, running, and cycling.
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