Meet The Team
Northlake Nephrology's Dedicated Medical Professionals
Dr. John C. Simon, MD
With over three decades of nephrology and critical care expertise, Dr. John Simon is the Northshore’s leader in treating kidney-related conditions. Dr. Simon received his MD from Tulane University School of Medicine, where he also completed his residency and fellowship in nephrology and critical care. He holds current board certifications in internal medicine, nephrology, and critical care from the American Board of Internal Medicine.
In 1996, Dr. Simon founded Northlake Nephrology Institute, where he now leads the Northshore’s largest and most experienced kidney and renal care team. His long-standing affiliations with local hospitals and medical groups reflect his commitment to the community and his collaborative approach to healthcare. Dr. Simon is dedicated to delivering patient-focused, comprehensive kidney care and is excited to accept new and existing patients.
Dr. Dan Tveit, MD
Originally from Seattle, Dr. Daniel Tveit is a highly experienced nephrologist with nearly 16 years at Northlake Nephrology Institute in Slidell. Dr. Tveit has a distinguished background that includes eight years of service in the U.S. Navy after earning his MD from Tulane University School of Medicine.
He completed his internship at The Naval Medical Center in San Diego, California, and his residency at The Naval Medical Center in Portsmouth, Virginia. He then completed a nephrology fellowship at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC. During his military service, Dr. Tveit was awarded Army and Navy Commendation Medals for his dedication and excellence, among other honors and distinctions. Dr. Tveit is Board Certified in Nephrology.
Dr. Tveit is also a former teacher, lecturer, and conference leader for medical students and nephrology fellows, sharing his knowledge and expertise with the next generation of healthcare professionals.
At Northlake Nephrology, Dr. Tveit is known for his patient-centered approach and commitment to providing high-quality care. His extensive experience and leadership skills make him a respected member of the medical community.
Dr. Sumitha Ganji, MD
Dr. Sumitha Ganji is a compassionate nephrologist with nearly nine years of experience in private practice, known for her dedication to underserved populations. She is skilled in creating comprehensive, evidence-based treatment plans and is highly respected by patients and colleagues for her empathetic communication and leadership abilities.
Dr. Ganji holds an MD from Tulane University School of Medicine and a Master’s in Public Health from Tulane School of Public Health & Tropical Medicine. She completed her internal medicine residency at Johns Hopkins Hospital and a nephrology fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania, and is Board Certified in Nephrology and Internal Medicine.
Since joining Northlake Nephrology Slidell in 2015, Dr. Ganji has also served as the medical director of DaVita Fremaux Dialysis Center. She was named one of Louisiana’s Top Doctors in Nephrology in 2020.
Dr. Georgi Kovachev, MD
With a wealth of experience in nephrology and a commitment to patient care, Dr. Georgi Kovachev is a valued member of the Northlake Nephrology Team in Slidell. Dr. Kovachev completed his MD at Trakia University in Bulgaria and went on to complete his residency in internal medicine in Rochester, NY and a Nephrology fellowship at Yale University.
Dr. Kovachev holds current certifications from the American Board of Nephrology and the American Society of Nephrology. His decade-long involvement in medical research has led to several published articles and presentations in respected medical publications, contributing to advancements in the field of nephrology. Dr. Kovachev is Board Certified in Nephrology.
In addition to his medical career, Dr. Kovachev served in the Bulgarian Army, where he developed a strong sense of discipline and resilience. Since joining Northlake Nephrology Institute in 2017, he has been an integral part of the team.
Chelsea Jaide Wood, RN, APRN, FNP-C
Chelsea Jaide Wood is a dedicated and highly skilled Advanced Practice Registered Nurse at Northlake Nephrology Institute. With a robust background in nephrology, Wood specializes in the treatment of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), Home Hemodialysis, and Peritoneal Dialysis. Her expertise extends to the management of CKD stages 1-5, hypertension, electrolyte disorders, glomerulonephritis, end-stage kidney disease, medical kidney stone management, and various dialysis modalities.
Wood earned her Master of Science in Nursing with a focus on Family Nurse Practitioner from Alcorn State University in Natchez, MS. She is certified by the Mississippi and Louisiana Boards of Nursing and holds national certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner (AANP). Additionally, she is proficient in Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS).
A member of both the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and Sigma Theta Tau, the international honor society for nurses, Wood remains at the forefront of her field through continuous professional development and engagement with nursing communities. At Northlake Nephrology Institute, Wood is known for her compassionate patient care and thorough approach to managing complex renal conditions.
Joyce "Paula" Champagne, MSN, AGNP-C
Joyce “Paula” Champagne is a seasoned Adult Gerontological Nurse Practitioner with nearly thirty years of nursing experience. Since joining Northlake Nephrology Institute in 2015, she has been dedicated to delivering evidence-based care with a focus on both health promotion and chronic condition management.
Paula holds a Master’s Degree in Nursing from the University of Southern Mississippi. She is licensed in both Mississippi and Louisiana, and is also certified in Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS). Active in the professional community, Champagne is a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, The American Nephrology Nurse’s Association, and American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.
Her diverse experience includes roles in medical-surgical units, ICUs, nursing homes, home health, and hospital case management. At Northlake Nephrology Institute, Paula is known for her commitment to excellence and her ability to provide high-quality, holistic care to her patients.
