About Us | Our Staff
Physicians and Staff
Lora A. Plaskon, M.D., M.S.E.
Mia A. Swartz, M.D., M.S.
Anita Cassis, M.D.
Lora A. Plaskon, M.D., M.S.E.
Lora Plaskon models her approach to practicing medicine on a holistic philosophy while focusing on disorders of the urinary tract. Using state-of-the-art tools, she tailors her care to the individual needs of her clients viewing lifestyle and psychosocial elements as essential factors in determining a plan of care. Dr. Plaskon and her staff have years of experience in general urology. Prior to making the decision to specialize in female urologic problems, Dr. Plaskon practiced general urology at Evergreen Urology in Kirkland, WA. She is pleased that many of her patients still come to see her in Issaquah.
- M.D. – Indiana University, 1995
- M.S. Epidemiology – University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 2001
- Internship, Internal Medicine – University of Washington
- Residency, General Surgery – University of Washington
- Residency, Urology – University of Washington
- Physician License – State of Washington
- Associate Fellow – American College of Surgeons
- Member – Association of Women Surgeons
- Board Certified and Member – American Urologic Association
Mia Swartz, M.D., M.S.
Dr. Mia Swartz as the newest urogynecologist at Athena Urology. Dr. Swartz comes to us from the Cleveland Clinic and is the only urologist in the Northwest to have completed an accredited fellowship in Female Urology and Pelvic Floor Reconstruction. She has special expertise in female pelvic floor disorders including incontinence, pelvic prolapse, pelvic pain, and sexual dysfunction. She has been internationally recognized as an expert in sacral neuromodulation and treating bowel and bladder elimination disorders. Her credentials are only exceeded by her warm bedside manner and surgical skill.
- M.D. – Loma Linda University School of Medicine, 2001
- Internship, Department of Surgery – University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 2002
- Residency, Department of Surgery – University of Washington, 2002
- M.S. Epidemiology – University of Washington, 2005
- Residency, Urology – University of Washington, 2007
- Fellowship – Female Urology and Pelvic Floor Reconstruction – Cleveland Clinic, Department of Urology, Cleveland, OH, 2007-2009
- Member – Association of Women Surgeons
- Board Certified and Member – American Urologic Association
Anita Cassis, M.D.
After 16 years of practicing general urology, Dr. Cassis is excited to focus on women, and offer expertise in the field of urinary incontinence and other female urinary problems. There is no substitute for experience, and she is able to apply her fundamental background and skills with attention not only to the specific problem, but the whole patient. She prides herself in being a good listener, because issues faced by women require insight and sensitivity. Dr Cassis feels the challenging aspects of female symptoms and disease mandate patient education of the underlying disease process for treatment to be successful: "it is a privilege to have the knowledge to share, and provide care that can make a difference."
- M.D. – University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 1984
- Internship, General Surgery – Swedish Medical Center, Seattle, WA 1984-1986
- Residency-Urology – University of Washington,1986-1990
- Fellowship – Transplant Surgery, Virginia Mason Medical Center, 1991-1992
- Physician License – State of WA
- Member – Western Section Urologic Association
- Board Certified and member – American Urologic Association
Kathy Raich, RN, CURN
Kathy has worked in the field of urology for over 10 years and brings an enthusiasm to the clinic to educate women about their pelvic health. She has always had a special interest in women's health and believes in a holistic approach to her nursing that incorporates the emotional and psychological well-being when providing care. Part of her responsibilities at Athena Urology has been to set up a program for conservative management of pelvic floor disorders, so you will often see Kathy for a follow-up visit once you have been evaluated by Dr. Cassis, Dr. Plaskon, or Dr. Swartz. Kathy is certified as a specialist in urology nursing by the Society of Urology Nurses and Associates (SUNA) and is a member of the American Holistic Nurses Association (AHNA) and the International Continence Asssociation. She plays violin with the Bellevue Philharmonic Orchestra, has recently taken up Scottish fiddling and Scottish dancing; she also enjoys yoga, backpacking, and cross country skiing.
Colleen McKee
Colleen is one of the first people you will see when you enter Athena Urology, and she is also the person you will speak with to schedule your appointments and direct your calls. Colleen is a critical part of our clinic team in that she helps the clinic to run efficiently. She has 12 years of experience as a patient care coordinator and understands the importance of meeting your special needs when scheduling your appointment. Colleen has four great children and two beautiful grandchildren.
Deanna Phillips
Deanna has been in the field of urology/gynecology for eight years and specializes in a diagnostic procedure called Urodynamics. She performs the Urodynanmics studies at Athena and often is the person who calls you following surgeries. Deanna is a member of Society of Urologic Nurses and Associates ( SUNA) and has completed SUNA's course in Urodynamic training. She has a very busy home life with four teenagers and a very active grandson.
Stacy Bisconer
Stacy joined Athena Urology in August of 2007 and has been the primary contact for patients, other physicians and medical reps, both as front desk receptionist and as our office manager. Her expertise and experience is very helpful in terms of meeting patients’ special needs for scheduling and continued care. Making sure the office runs smoothly and that the patients get optimum service are Stacy’s ultimate goals. Stacy also coordinates marketing and continued education with fellow doctors and therapists. Outside of Athena, Stacy enjoys her busy family life, gardening and knitting.