Dr. Andy Ruiz is President and Partner at Stonegate Pharmacies: Stonegate Pharmacy, and Stonegate Pharmacy on Broadway.

Andy attended The University of Texas at Austin for 2 years prior to entering the University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy where he earned his Doctor of Pharmacy in 2008. After completion of his Doctor of Pharmacy, Andy assisted in the design and implementation of the first combined Master of Science in Pharmacy and Community Pharmacy Residency. He was also the first trainee of this American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) accredited residency. After completion of the combined Master of Science/Residency Program, Andy joined an independent pharmacy in San Antonio,Texas where he was the Wellness Director and Pharmacist-in-Charge of a closed door specialty and home infusion pharmacy. In May of 2011, Andy moved to Austin and soon after assumed his role as business partner and Pharmacist-in-Charge at Stonegate Pharmacy. As President, Andy oversees all operations of Stonegate Pharmacies.

Andy enjoys teaching at the academic, interprofessional and intraprofessional level. At the University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy Andy teaches both elective and didactic courses as an Adjunct Assistant Professor. Dr. Ruiz also serves as an Adjunct Assistant Professor for Midwestern University College of Pharmacy, and faculty preceptor for Incarnate Word University Feik School of Pharmacy. In addition, Andy lectures for various chemicals companies on Hormone Replacement Therapy for Men and Women and Endocrine dysfunction. He is also a Fellow, and serves as an instructor, for the American College of Apothecaries where he teaches advanced courses in Men’s and Women’s Health.

In 2010, Andy published his original research on Bioidentical Hormones. Prior to 2010, Andy published original research on Infectious Disease. Andy served on the Board of The International Academy of Compounding Pharmacists (IACP) Foundation and served as the Foundation’s Research Committee Chair. Andy is currently a member of the National Community Pharmacist Association (NCPA), Texas Pharmacy Association (TPA), American College of Apothecaries (ACA), and Alliance of Independent Pharmacists of Texas (AIP). Andy is also active in research and his current research is focused on the safety and efficacy of various routes of administration for Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy in menopausal women. He hopes to start a new study on the utility of sublingual hormone replacement therapy.

Aleem, (PharmD, B.A.) is a proud longhorn and obtained his doctorate of pharmacy from The University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy in 2003. He also completed a dual degree at The University of Texas at Austin in social and cognitive psychology. Aleem was born and raised in Denton,TX and grew up in a household of artists and scientists- a natural fit for the compounding pharmacy profession! He has an extensive background in both compounding and infusion pharmacies and brings his passion to improve the health outcomes of the community he serves. He may equally be spotted in the wilds of the greenbelt with his lovely wife and three young children or catching a show as part of the Austin music community.

Cesar Trevino, Pharm.D., B.S. graduated from the University of the Incarnate Word Feik School of Pharmacy in May of 2013 with his Doctor of Pharmacy. He was honored as only the 3rd graduate ever to receive the FSOP Dean’s Pinnacle Award. He was born in Laredo, TX and was raised in Zapata, TX. He came to San Antonio in 2002 to attend University of Texas San Antonio where he graduated with his Bachelors of Science with a major in Biology. Cesar is fluent in both English and Spanish, and holds a certificate of Pharmacy Education in Spanish from UIW FSOP. He is also an APhA certified immunizer and has experience with vaccinations ranging from the influenza vaccine to the varicella zoster vaccine.

Mario graduated with his B.S. in Pharmacy from the University of Texas at Austin in 1972. With a wealth of knowledge and experience Mario, joined Stonegate Pharmacy in 2015 after 10 years of successful ownership and management of his namesake, Mario's Pharmacy. Mario remains a pinnacle of leadership at Stonegate's San Antonio location and brings with him a dedicated team of experienced Pharmacy Technicians that have been by his side since 1998. Mario is known for his personable and caring demeanor. His patients quickly become friends and he is dedicated to serving his community. Mario also serves as a preceptor for the University of Texas and enjoys spending time with his wife, Esmeralda, their 3 children, Mario Jr.,Marisol & Cristina, and their 2 grandchildren, Alexander & Isabella.

Wendy Zhou, Pharm.D., graduated with Honors from the University of Austin College of Pharmacy in 2017. She was raised in Sugar Land, TX, attending University of Austin for her undergraduate studies. She has been working with Stonegate Pharmacy since 2012, first as a pharmacy technician, then as an pharmacist intern, finally as a pharmacist in 2017.

Outside of work, Wendy is involved with Austin Pets Alive! as both a volunteer and a foster parent. She loves working with cats and has 2 of her own. She also enjoys reading, binge watching TV shows, and playing games.

Kiersten Tippet, Pharm.D. graduated from the University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy in May 2019. She was one of three others in her graduating class to receive the College of Pharmacy Award for Exemplary Leadership. She was born and raised in Colleyville, Texas, and attended the University of Texas at Austin for her pharmacy prerequisites. She has been working at Stonegate Pharmacy with her twin sister, Sydney since 2015 as a pharmacy tech, pharmacist intern, and now as a pharmacist. She is currently working on obtaining an HRT Specialist designation.

Outside of work, Kiersten enjoys spending time with her husband and two golden retrievers, cooking, traveling to new destinations around the world, working out, and volunteering in the community.

Sydney attended pharmacy school at the University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy where she received her PharmD in 2019. With many years of community pharmacy experience as a technician and as a pharmacist intern, Sydney is focused on bettering the community and helping patients live healthier lives. Sydney started as a pharmacist at Stonegate Pharmacy in 2019, but has worked at the pharmacy as a technician while she was attending the University of Texas at Austin during undergrad in 2015 and later as a pharmacist intern in 2016. Sydney aims to continue to grow Stonegate Pharmacy in its research and development efforts to advance compounding pharmacy to more effectively deliver therapeutics to improve patient outcomes.

Outside of work, Sydney enjoys spending time with family and friends, working out, attending Texas football games and traveling any chance she gets.

Dr. Ralph Galega obtained his Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy in 2019. He previously attended the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs where he graduated with his Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and a Master of Science in Chemistry with an emphasis in Molecular Biology.

He moved from Colorado to Texas for pharmacy school and began working with Stonegate Pharmacy, initially as an intern and eventually as a pharmacist.

Ralph's love for research enabled him to participate in ground breaking work which was recognized on the national level at pharmacy conferences and later published in peer reviewed journals.

When not at work, you can find him either travelling, at the gym, going for a run/hike, and most importantly looking for the next best place in town to try a foreign cuisine. His love for gastronomy makes him dream of one day owning a food truck.

Todd obtained a B.S. in Biochemistry from Abilene Christian University in 1990 and a B.S. in Pharmacy from Southwestern Oklahoma State University in 1993. In his 28 years of practicing pharmacy, Todd has led multiple successful teams in retail and mail services settings. He has found the most fulfilling part of his career to be forming relationships with his patients and helping them achieve their health goals. He looks forward to starting new relationships with our patients at Stonegate Pharmacy.

Outside of work, Todd enjoys spending time with his family, being active in his church, exercising, and being an avid sports fan.

Judy Garza, Pharm.D., graduated from the University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy in May 2015. She is originally from South Texas and completed her undergraduate degree in Dallas at Southern Methodist University where she double majored in Mathematics and Chemistry. She has a background in independent pharmacy and compounding. She joined the Stonegate team in April 2023 and is excited to serve a new community.

In her free time, she enjoys eating out with friends, spoiling her dogs and Netflix marathons. She also enjoys football Sundays and a fun game night with friends.

Shawn Ahmad graduated from the University of Houston College of Pharmacy in 2018. With over a decade of pharmacy experience, including five years as Pharmacist-in-Charge of an independent pharmacy, Shawn holds a strong clinical concentration in primary care and chronic disease state management. He is passionate about improving patient care through enhanced counseling services, ensuring patients achieve better health outcomes.

Highly involved in the profession, Shawn serves as a board member of the Texas Pharmacy Association, a trustee on the Texas Pharmacy Foundation, and as president of the University of Houston Pharmacy Alumni Association. His contributions extend across legislative advocacy, scholarship, and academic efforts to advance the profession of pharmacy.

Outside of work, Shawn enjoys spending time with his wife and family, playing trivia, traveling, lifting weights, and exploring new restaurants.

Janet Thongkam, Pharm.D., graduated from the University of the Incarnate Word Feik School of Pharmacy in May 2024 with her Masters of Arts Administration and Doctor of Pharmacy. While pursuing her degrees, she worked as a pharmacy technician/pharmacist intern at H-E-B Compounding Pharmacy. She joined the Stonegate team in July 2024 and is eager to learn from such a talented group. She is committed to making every patient feel heard, valued, and well-informed.

Outside of work, Janet enjoys traveling, running, and spending time with friends and family.

Carlos Sanchez, Pharm.D., graduated from the University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy in May 2023. Prior to pharmacy school, Carlos attended and graduated from Texas A&M University with his Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science in 2018. He is originally from Brownsville, Texas. Carlos completed a Community-based PGY-1 Pharmacy Residency at Ascension St. Vincent in Indianapolis, Indiana. Carlos returned to Texas upon graduating from his residency and joined the Stonegate team as a pharmacist in July 2023. Previously, Carlos was a part of the Stonegate team as a pharmacist intern during pharmacy school.

During residency, Carlos discovered his passion for patient care, education, and medication access. He is excited to bring that passion to the Stonegate team to build relationships with patients and to be a great resource for them.

Outside of work, Carlos enjoys attending concerts, exercising, playing video games, cooking, and watching sports. He also enjoys trying new restaurants and running trails in Austin.

Andrew Hwang, PharmD, MBA graduated from the University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy in 2015. Before pharmacy school, Andrew attended Baylor University where he graduated with his Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry.

Andrew’s pharmacy journey began at HEB before attending pharmacy school - first as a pharmacy technician, then pharmacist intern, then pharmacist, then pharmacy manager at HEB. While working as a pharmacy manager at HEB, he returned to school and obtained an additional Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from SNHU and an MBA with an IT management focus from WGU. After obtaining those degrees, Andrew worked for Tarrytown Expocare pharmacy as an IT Pharmacy Systems Analyst and Product Manager for their customer digital platforms (patient portal and mobile app).

Andrew joined Stonegate Pharmacy full time in November of 2024 and is excited to bring his combined passion for technology and pharmacy to provide excellent and efficient patient care.

Outside of work, Andrew enjoys spending time with his dogs, traveling, and exercising.

Jessica has worked in a variety of health care organizations and achieved successive promotions due to her work ethic, integrity, knowledge and responsibility. She has continuous devotion to community health across the lifespan and quality of care initiatives. In 2013 she was nationally certified as a Nurse Executive, Advanced, by American Nurses Credentialing Center. She served on Texas TEAM, a state action coalition to promote the Future of Nursing Report from the Institute of Medicine. She also served as the Diversity Champion for Central Texas with the Texas Nurses Foundation APIN II Grant. Jessica was appointed to a Texas Board of Nursing Taskforce to study implications of the growth of nursing education programs in Texas and long term care nursing staffing.

Jessica received her Bachelors in Nursing degree in 2008 and Master’s in Nursing degree in 2011 from the UT Austin School of Nursing. She went back to receive her Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate and graduated in 2021 from The University of Texas at Arlington. She was the outstanding BSN graduate at the School of Nursing in 2008 and recipient of the Rising Star Alumni Award in 2015.

Outside of work you can find Jess in the stands and on the sidelines supporting her 3 boys.