At Virgin Islands Ear, Nose & Throat, every staff member has been trained as a professional to ensure you receive the best possible quality care. We take pride in our capability to serve you and we look forward to a mutually satisfactory relationship.

Joseph R. Smolarz, MD, F.A.C.S. is a board-certified otolaryngologist. He completed his residency in July of 2010 from the University of Texas – Houston Health Science Center. During his training, he had clinical affiliations at Memorial Hermann Hospital, a Level I trauma center, Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital, a large pediatric hospital, and M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, one of the nation's leading cancer treatment centers.

Kelli H. Smolarz, PA-C is a certified physician assistant. Before joining the team at VI ENT, Kelli spent over 5 years at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas in the Department of Reconstructive Plastic Surgery, alongside the most well-respected surgeons in their field. She has extensive experience in both the outpatient clinical setting as well as the operating room.

Jessi Grostefon, PA-C is a dedicated physician assistant with extensive experience in ENT care since 2016. A graduate of Butler University, Jessi worked in California’s Central Valley for over five years before joining VIENT in January 2024. Known for her compassionate, patient-centered approach, she focuses on treating the whole person and empowering patients to live healthier lives.

Sharon M. Berry, Au.D., CCC-A, joined the Virgin Islands Ear, Nose & Throat team as a certified audiologist in January 2008. A native Virgin Islander, Sharon returned to St. Thomas after a successful career at the Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Sharon works primarily within the Virgin Islands Hearing and Balance Center, specializing in diagnosing, treating and managing the care of infants, children and adults with hearing and/or balance issues.

Jessica K. Hamilton, Au.D., CCC-A, joined the Virgin Islands Ear, Nose & Throat team as a certified audiologist in October 2023. Jessica is thrilled to be a part of the VI ENT team. She looks forward to providing individualized hearing health care to the Virgin Islands community.

Jana Blake is the Practice Manager of Virgin Islands Ear, Nose & Throat and St. Thomas Sleep Center. In this role, Jana is responsible for patient and insurance billing administration, accounts receivable management, insurance provider relations and external communication for the two healthcare practices.

Cheryl Petsche is the assistant manager at Virgin Islands Ear, Nose & Throat. Cheryl is familiar with all aspects of the practice and is closely involved with the integral functions. She has been with the practice since 2011 and graduated from the University of the Virgin Islands with a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology.

Paula Barry has been a Patient Representative with Virgin Islands Ear, Nose and Throat since we opened the St. Croix office in 2010.  Paula is knowledgeable about the day-to-day operations of our St. Croix office; she is an expert in front desk operations, assisting patients with appointments, insurance verifications and billing.  Paula is a great asset to our practice and we are pleased to have her as part of our team.