About ATSU-CHC

jenniferharrington@atsu.edu

Jennifer Harrington, DMS, PA-C, DFAAPA, has over 26 years of clinical experience and 17 years of PA educational experience, and has held pivotal roles in professional leadership, advocacy, and PA educational research. She has used her clinical skills to care for underserved patients in homeless areas, a community health center in rural Appalachia, inner-city regions, and developing countries, and has educated over 1,400 currently practicing PAs.

In PA education, she has held roles such as didactic director, interprofessional education coordinator, international medical outreach leader, student government advisor, academic coordinator, accreditation specialist, and program director. She enjoys developing innovative PA curricula and is currently researching the effectiveness of a curriculum she designed to increase proclivity for serving medically underserved patients.

Dr. Harrington has spoken at state, national, and international conferences, has had medical writing and research published in medical books and journals, has been a guest speaker on medical podcasts, has served as an AAPA House of Delegates Representative, has served in the PA Foundation’s Nutritional Outreach Fellowship, and was selected to be an AAPA Distinguished Fellow, an honor awarded to fewer than 2% of PAs. As a student, Dr. Harrington spent a semester in Papua New Guinea doing medical missions at a rural hospital and also went on a summer medical outreach to Malaysian villages. She later developed her own non-profit international medical outreach program through which over 11,000 patients in Peru, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Honduras have been treated and over 180 PA students and medical providers have participated.

Awards:

• 2023 PA Mom of the Year, awarded for being, “a tireless advocate for the underserved, a transformative educator, and a beacon of leadership and service at home and in her global community.”
• AAPA Distinguished Fellow, awarded in July 2022 for exceptional contributions to the PA profession.
• Outstanding Academic Leadership Award, awarded in 2020 for, “strong clinical knowledge, extensive involvement in and contributions to academia, an ongoing desire to improve education, evidence of a constant pursuit of educational excellence, and a willingness to serve students.”
• Kentucky Mother of the Year, awarded April 2017 by American Mothers Inc. for, “providing an inspiration of a mother’s unconditional love, inner strength, service to others, and courage.”
• Pi Alpha–PA National Honorary Society, awarded in 2016 by the PAEA for, “demonstrating a lifelong commitment to learning applied to benefit others.”
• PA Excellence in Service Award, awarded in 2012 for, “significant contributions of unconditional service to students and faculty.”

nataliortiz@atsu.edu

Natali Ortiz is an administrative assistant for A.T. Still University, CCPA Program. She recently joined ATSU in the Summer of 2023, bringing over 10 years of experience in administrative services with the American Red Cross. She also supported volunteer and disaster services, establishing community outreach specifically within the Spanish-speaking community, creating partnerships and serving those in need. In 2005, Hurricane Katrina was her first experience working with victims of a natural disaster. This experience brought a passion for serving others. Natali transitioned into a supervisory role, managing health & safety instructors who taught lifesaving skills such as CPR and first aid, throughout Central/Southern California and Nevada.

Natali resides in her hometown of Santa Maria, where she obtained an associate degree in criminal justice and studied towards a major in social sciences. Her educational studies stemmed from an interest in helping and understanding troubled young adults.

Amanda Clark, MMSc, PA-C, is a board-certified physician assistant and educator with a strong background in clinical practice and graduate-level medical education. She has since dedicated her career to advancing both patient care and the training of future healthcare providers.

Her clinical experience spans the fields of gastroenterology, surgery, and acute care/family medicine. Building on this foundation, she transitioned into academia in 2021, where she enjoys curriculum design and student-centered teaching while still practicing in family medicine part-time. She was delighted to join the dedicated team at A.T. Still University in June 2025, where Professor Clark course directs Technical Skills I and II. She also participates in multiple other lectures, labs, and assessments throughout the didactic year while serving as chair of admissions. Her academic interests include PA education innovation, skills remediation, PA admissions, and preparing students for success in clinical rotations and the PANCE.

What she loves most about PA education is being able to witness the transformation and growth of a student as they enter such a rigorous program and then ultimately emerge on the other side stronger, smarter, and well-prepared to serve a diverse patient population with competence and (most importantly) compassion.

Education

• Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from Georgia College and State University in 2008
• Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Mercer University in 2012

Awards

• Phi Alpha
• Didactic Professor of the Year (Mercer University 2024, 2025)

Chelsey Cantwell, DMS, PA-C, has served in PA education over the last five years. Before that, she began her career as a physician assistant in orthopedic surgery, working at a level I trauma center in orthopedic trauma and elective foot and ankle surgery. Dr. Cantwell continues her clinical career in outpatient elective foot and ankle surgery, where she enjoys seeing patients in the clinic setting. She began her PA education career in 2020, where she found a passion in training the next generation of physician assistants.

Education Dr. Cantwell holds a Doctor of Medical Science degree from Lincoln Memorial University School of Medical Sciences in Harrogate, TN. Her Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree is from University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg, KY, and her undergraduate studies were completed at Milligan University in Elizabethton, TN. She continues her scholarship through multiple organizations such as the Physician Assistants in Orthopedic Surgery organization, the American Academy of Physician Associates, and the Tennessee Academy of Physician Assistants.

Stacy Chelf, PhD, holds a PhD in Clinical Anatomy and has spent the past nine years teaching gross and cross-sectional anatomy to medical, physician assistant, and graduate students. A classically trained anatomist with extensive cadaveric dissection experience, she brings a three-dimensional understanding of human structure and function into the classroom, preparing students to apply anatomy directly to clinical practice.

She is passionate about helping students build confidence in connecting anatomy to patient care through lectures, imaging review, and hands-on learning. She has also served as director of didactic education for the LMU-Knoxville PA program and as vice chair of the anatomy department at LMU-DCOM, where she led curriculum development, supported accreditation compliance, and advanced student success initiatives.

Her scholarship includes peer-reviewed publications, national and international conference presentations, and funded research in anatomy education, bone health, and osteopathic manipulative therapy.

Education and recognition
Dr. Chelf earned her PhD in Clinical Anatomy from Lincoln Memorial University–DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine, a Master of Science in Anatomical Science from Lincoln Memorial University, a Master of Arts in Instructional Leadership from Tennessee Technological University, and a Bachelor of Science in Biological Science, magna cum laude, from Lee University. She has been recognized with several honors, including First DCOM Faculty of the Month and induction into the Alpha Chi National College Honor Society.

Jacqualine Dancy, MPAS, PA-C, brings over 20 years of diverse clinical experience, having practiced in urgent care, occupational medicine, emergency medicine, and family practice. She has been incredibly fortunate to have had amazing mentors throughout her career and aspires to be that same guiding force for you during your PA education.

She has served as a preceptor for numerous PA and nurse practitioner (NP) students. Her favorite part of teaching is witnessing the transformation of students from being "nervous newbies" to proficient practitioners.

Professor Dancy is honored to be with the CCPA program at A.T. Still University and is excited to meet and learn more about you. To introduce you to her journey, she shares that becoming a physician assistant (PA) was truly a calling for her, not just a career.

Education

• California Polytechnic State University, Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communication (2000)
• University of California, Davis, Certificate of Completion, NP-PA Program (2003)
• University of Nebraska, School of Medicine, Master of Physician Assistant Studies (DLP-PA) (2006)

After graduation from PA school, Melissa Day, DMS, MPAS, PA-C, practiced clinically in family and internal medicine before transitioning full time into academia in 2016. Additionally, she has volunteered her time at an endocrinology office. Dr. Day spent four years in didactic education before moving into the clinical phase of PA education, where she has served as clinical coordinator and director of clinical education.

She really enjoys recruitment and retention of preceptors and clinical sites and seeing students mature into the student clinician role. She has been an active member of both the Tennessee Academy of Physician Assistants (TAPA) and the Kentucky Academy of Physician Assistants (KAPA), as well as the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) and the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA). She joined the ATSU Central California Physician Assistant Program in June 2024.

Education
Dr. Day holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg, KY, where she majored in biology and minored in chemistry and Spanish in 2009. She graduated with a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies in 2009 from University of the Cumberlands.

After graduating from PA school in 2013, James Garrett, MPAS, PA-C, began his clinical career in family medicine in rural West Texas. After moving back to his home state of Georgia, he practiced in emergency medicine for two years and has maintained clinical practice in Urgent Care Medicine for the past 10 years. James began serving as a clinical preceptor for numerous PA and NP students shortly after PA school and continued until transitioning to full-time academia in 2019. Prior to joining the ATSU CCPA program in October 2025, he served as principal didactic faculty at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine PA program for six years. He enjoys mentoring the next generation of PAs during one of the most trying but rewarding times in their lives.

Education
James earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Kennesaw State University in 2005 and a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Texas Tech University Health Science Center in 2013.

Stephanie Hull, DMS, EdS, MMS, PA-C, has over 22 years of clinical experience and over 13 years of higher education experience. She started her career as a PA in emergency medicine in West Virginia. In addition to emergency medicine, she also worked in cardiac electrophysiology, hospital medicine, and urgent care. Dr. Hull began her higher education career at Lincoln Memorial University in rural east Tennessee. She was principal faculty for both the didactic and clinical teams, director of didactic education, and associate program director for the LMU-Harrogate PA program. She was the assistant dean and founding program director for the LMU-Knoxville PA program. Dr. Hull brings her knowledge of curriculum development and application of ARC-PA standards to the ATSU CCPA program. She currently works for a rural general surgery practice in east Tennessee and is principal faculty for the ATSU CCPA program.

Education
Dr. Hull completed her B.S. in Physician Assistant Studies at Pennsylvania College of Technology in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. She completed her MMS with a concentration in emergency medicine at Alderson-Broaddus University in Philippi, West Virginia. She completed her EdS and DMS at Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tennessee.

Mike Maricle, MPAS, PA-C, started as an emergency medical technician (EMT) in South Los Angeles in 2006. After an injury ended his 911 career, he spent nearly 10 years as a nocturnist physician assistant in the San Francisco Bay Area and Central Coast emergency departments. He’s had many wonderful mentors along the way and is looking forward to guiding and inspiring the next generation of PAs on their healthcare journeys.

Education

• Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies, A.T. Still University
• Bachelor of Arts, cum laude, University of California

Chuck Merrill, MD, worked as an emergency physician at St. Mary Medical Center in Long Beach, CA, and Marian Regional Medical Center in Santa Maria, both trauma centers and teaching hospitals. He was the teaching head in emergency medicine for the Internal Medicine Residency Program at St. Mary’s and was one of the founding fathers of Marian’s Family Medicine and Ob/Gyn Residency Programs. He served as the chief medical officer and as the designated institutional officer at Marian until June of 2025. Now free of administrative responsibilities, he wishes to share his knowledge and wisdom with the next generation.

Awards and Education

• BS, Biologic Sciences, University of Southern California
• MD, Washington University, St. Louis, MO
• Internship, Pediatrics, St. Louis Children's Hospital
• Residency, Emergency Medicine, Harbor/UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles
• Board Certified, American Board of Emergency Medicine
• Fellow, American College of Emergency Physicians
• Oral Board Examiner, American Board of Emergency Medicine

Teah Nash, MSPAS, PA-C, is a dedicated physician assistant with a career spanning over a decade. She began her educational journey at UC Santa Barbara with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 2006 and then received a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies in 2013 from Western University of Health Sciences. Driven by a desire to further enhance her skills and increase her medical knowledge, Teah then undertook a 14-month Emergency Medicine Physician Assistant (EMPA) Fellowship at a level II trauma and burn center. Upon completion of the fellowship in 2014, Teah became a full-time staff PA at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, where she further honed her emergency medicine skills while precepting the next fellowship cohort behind her.

In late 2015, Teah then moved to the Central Coast and joined MedStop Urgent Care in San Luis Obispo, CA. Through MedStop, Teah has evaluated and managed urgent care concerns, practiced occupational medicine, and performed certified medical examinations for commercial drivers.

Recognizing the importance of education and knowledge-sharing, Teah is now embarking on the next chapter in her career with A.T. Still University.

Education

• Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies, Western University of Health Sciences (2013)
• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, University of California – Santa Barbara (2006)

Edwin E. Nyambi, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, was born in Cameroon, Africa. He moved to the USA in 2004. He received an Associate of Science (A.S.) in prepharmacy at Albany State University (Albany, Georgia). He received a certificate in Diversity, B.S. in Biology, B.S. in Sociology, with a minor in Chemistry from the University of Utah (Salt Lake City, Utah). Dr. Nyambi completed his Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) at the University of Utah School of Medicine. He completed an internal medicine internship at the VA Medical Center (Salt Lake City, UT). He earned his Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) degree, followed by fellowship training in general psychiatry, from the University of Lynchburg (Lynchburg, Virginia).

Dr. Nyambi has worked in psychiatry as a research assistant (2009-2014), psychiatric technician (2012-2018), and PA (2018-present) at the University of Utah Health (Huntsman Mental Health Institute), providing child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry consultations in the emergency department and OB emergency department.

Dr. Nyambi’s clinical and research interests include psychiatry crisis services, consultation-liaison psychiatry, outpatient psychiatry, and human genetics. Dr. Nyambi’s teaching interests are broad; he has taught the following courses over his professional career: anatomy, biochemistry, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, and several clinical medicine specialty courses.

Awards
Dr. Nyambi has received several honors and awards throughout his academic and professional career, including: University of Utah PA Program Specialty Preceptor of the Year Award for class 54 (2025); Huntsman Mental Health Institute Undeniably Noble Individual (nominee, 2019); University of Utah Continuing Education Scholarship (2010); University of Utah Department of Psychiatry Undergraduate Summer Research Grant (2010); Phi Theta Kappa, Albany State University (2008); All-Georgia Academic Team (2008); Ken Allen Rodgers Outstanding Leader Award (2008); Honor’s Scholar Award, Albany State University (2008); Outstanding Student, Division of Science and Mathematics Award, Albany State University (2008); All-USA Academic Team (nominee, 2008); International Scholar Laureate Program, Albany State University (2007); National Dean’s List, Albany State University (2007); Who’s Who Among Students in American Junior Colleges (2007); and the HOPE Scholarship Award, Georgia Student Finance Commission (2006-2008).

Melissa Wiley, DMS, MSPAS, PA-C, completed both her undergraduate and graduate studies at the University of Pittsburgh, earning a Bachelor of Science in Emergency Medicine in 2008 and a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies in 2011. After graduation from PA school, Dr. Wiley practiced clinically in orthopedic surgery before transitioning into academia in 2019.

Dr. Wiley has dedicated herself to developing as a medical educator. In 2022, she earned a Doctor of Medical Science, with a focus in Medical Education, from Lincoln Memorial University. She has dedicated two years to didactic instruction, with the remainder of her academic career focused on the clinical phase. Having worked on both the didactic and clinical sides, she has had the opportunity to course and block direct across multiple courses and provide student mentorship to both didactic- and clinical-phase students.

She enjoys recruitment and retention of preceptors and clinical sites. She is passionate about missions and serving the medically underserved. She has been an active member of the Tennessee Academy of Physician Assistant (TAPA), as well as the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA), and the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA). She joined the ATSU Central Coast Physician Assistant Program in September 2024.

Awards

• Lincoln Memorial University School of Medical Science Employee of the Month (June 2023)
• Lincoln Memorial University Doctor of Medical Science Class of 2021 Outstanding
• Academic Leader Award

Arlene Salmon MMSc, MBA, PA-C, graduated from the United States Air Force Academy and went on to serve as a command pilot for over 20 years, flying both the T-38 and C-130 aircraft. After retiring from military service, Arlene pursued a career in medicine, earning a Master of Medical Science degree in Physician Assistant Studies from Mercer University in Georgia. Following graduation, she worked in family practice and then transitioned into emergency medicine while also quickly returning to Mercer as a faculty member. It was at Mercer where she developed a passion for teaching future generations of physician assistants.

Arlene joined ATSU in June 2025, bringing both her academic and clinical expertise to the Central Coast Physician Assistant (CCPA) program. In addition to her current teaching responsibilities, she practices as a physician assistant in a busy emergency department in Atlanta, Georgia, which allows her to bring real-world clinical experiences into her instruction. In her free time, she enjoys exercising and spending time with her husband of 33 years, Scott, and their three children Ryan, Kendall, and Mason.

Before Brandy Brooks, EdD, MHS, PA-C, became a physician assistant, she worked as a physical therapy aide for multiple years. She believes this made her well-rounded and where she started to learn the art of collaboratively building trusting and caring relationships with patients. After graduation, she decided to go into family practice & sports medicine at a community hospital in Olympia, WA. She learned quickly to work effectively and efficiently, spending adequate time with each patient and treating them as she would hope a family member would be treated.

As her patient panel continued to grow and became very diverse, she additionally accepted a leadership role in the clinic administration. She was honored to sit on the Capital Medical Center Network Operations Council for Physician Governance Board for two years as the only advanced practice practitioner on the board. She then moved into aesthetic cosmetic and medical dermatology in Bakersfield, CA, and rose to the clinical supervisor for two medical cosmetic spas, performing many diverse procedures daily, as well as conducting medical clearances for all patients.

Dr. Brooks is a proud member of the LGBT Physician Assistant Caucus and has worked heavily in transgender medicine throughout her career. Her desire to help throughout all walks of her community is very important to her, as well as performing research on these topics. Of extreme importance to Dr. Brooks is to help stop sex trafficking, as well as help medical professionals be trained and confident to identify and treat victims. Her research, “The Need for a Mandatory Sex Trafficking Component in Physician Assistant Education”, was published in the Journal of Physician Assistant Education in 2021. She continued to work to combat and educate on sex trafficking throughout the nation, and the responsibility of medical professionals in this patient population. She is also a member of the Bakersfield Junior League.

Education
Dr. Brooks is a 2012 graduate of Saint Martin’s University in Lacey, WA, where she was a Division II NCAA softball student-athlete and graduated with a biology degree. She then continued her education at South College in Knoxville, TN, where she received her Master of Health Science and was inducted into the Phi Alpha Honor Society for the Physician Assistant Profession. In 2019, she completed her Doctor of Education in Health Professions from A.T. Still University. She believes that education should never stop and thus strives to be a lifelong learner personally and professionally.

Born in a rural area of Arizona, Jarrod Harbour, DHSc, MBA, PA-C, graduated with a Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies at A.T. Still University’s Arizona School of Health Sciences in 2015. During his time in the program, he did his clinical rotations in Central Valley, California, in a community health center. He loved the concept of the community health centers and the impact on the underserved; Dr. Harbour decided to become a family practice PA for the organization.

As a practitioner, he would go on to be a preceptor to several students and be involved in the organization’s subcommittees. In 2018, he was promoted to assistant medical director for the community health center, where he would oversee 6 different clinics in the area. In 2022, Dr. Harbour was promoted to Director of Walk-In and Special Services.

His accomplishments go beyond into the community, including creating the first MAT clinic in Tulare County to help combat opioid and alcohol dependence. Dr. Harbour wanted to give back to education by accepting a position as Regional Director of Medical Education (RDME) in 2019, where he would organize clinical rotations and provide educational activities for second-year PA students. In 2021, Dr. Harbour was chosen as the RDME of the year by A.T. Still University.

He continues to be a lifelong student, as Dr. Harbour has received his Doctor of Health Science degree with a concentration in leadership and organizational behavior in 2021. He graduated with his MBA in healthcare management in 2022 and is currently pursuing his MHA, pending graduation in 2024.

Phil DaVisio, DMSc, PA-C, CAQ-EM, was born and raised in Denver, Colorado. His career in medicine began in 1989. Over the next decade, Dr. DaVisio worked as a field paramedic, field instructor, flight paramedic, and ultimately clinical services director for a 911 ambulance operation until he decided to enter the PA profession.

In 2004, Dr. DaVisio graduated from the Kettering College PA program and began working in emergency medicine in Stockton, CA. He ultimately stayed at that facility full time for 12 years, during which he worked his way up the ranks to site APC director and regional APC director, ultimately functioning as the assistant ED director. In 2016, Dr. DaVisio moved to Kaiser Permanente in the South Sacramento emergency department full time, and shortly after, he was named lead APC for the facility, working with PAs in eight departments. In 2019, Dr. DaVisio completed his MSPAS through ATSU and, in 2021, completed his DMSc through the University of Lynchburg. Dr. DaVisio also completed his CAQ in emergency medicine in 2011 and recently recertified it.

In addition to clinical work, in 2018, Dr. DaVisio was elected to a director-at-large position with the Society of Emergency Medicine Physician Assistants and was recently elected to president-elect, with his term ending in 2024. Dr. DaVisio also serves on several committees with his current employer and SEMPA.

Jennifer Owen, MPAS, PA-C, is a physician assistant with 14 years of experience in clinical practice. She's always had a passion for taking care of people and wanting to help others. She is a local to the Central Coast and is happy to be able to give back to the community she grew up in.

She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology, with an emphasis in athletic training, at Cal State Fullerton in 2005. She then worked as an athletic trainer at Righetti High School in Santa Maria, California, for two years. Jennifer wanted to be more involved in inpatient care and disease prevention and decided to return to PA school.

Jennifer attended Rocky Mountain College, Master of Physician Assistant program, in Billings, Montana. She graduated in 2010 and was fortunate enough to move back to the Central Coast. She started her PA career in urgent care medicine and then family practice for the first seven years. For the last seven years, she has been practicing in allergy, asthma, immunology. She is very happy to be helping improve patients’ quality of life with the treatment of their allergies. She is excited to be part of an area of medicine that continues to evolve and advance. Jennifer is excited to expand her career by joining the ATSU PA program as adjunct faculty, helping to teach and prepare new PA students.

Shauna Lynch, DO, JD, AOBFP, ABOIM, ABIHM, is a dual board-certified integrative and family practice physician who is trained in traditional western medicine and also trained to take a holistic view of the body. Her integrative, complementary, and functional medicine approach has allowed her to delve deeper into the root causes of medical symptoms. This patient-centered focus facilitates her customized and personalized care plans for her patients. She focuses in on preventative lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise, herbal supplements, nutraceutical supplements, and, when appropriate, prescription pharmaceuticals.

Dr. Lynch obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Psychology from Merrimack College in North Andover, MA. She completed her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree (DO) from Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, CA. Dr. Lynch performed her internship and residency in family practice at Kingman Regional Medical Center in Arizona. She completed her Doctor of Jurisprudence (JD) in 2023 from the San Luis Obispo College of Law.

She has been CEO and medical director for two medical corporations on the Central Coast. She has held several supervising roles, reviewing and auditing charts and consulting with physician assistants and nurse practitioners in family practice and urgent care settings. She has also performed medicolegal chart reviews for attorneys. She is looking forward to entering academia.

Credentials

• Board-certified Family Practice physician (AOBFP)
• Board-certified Integrative Medicine (ABPS)
• Doctor of Jurisprudence (2023)
• Additional certification in Integrative and Holistic Medicine (ABIHM)
• Fellowship in Metabolic and Nutritional Medicine (A4M)
• Urgent care/Occupational experience
• Licensed in the state of California and Hawaii

Joseph Carter, DMSc, PA-C, began his career with the U.S. Army, where he served in various leadership roles, eventually transitioning to healthcare. After earning his Master of Physician Assistant Studies from the military’s Interservice Physician Assistant Program, Dr. Carter began working in a variety of settings, including orthopedics, spine surgery, family practice, and urgent care.

Dr. Carter has extensive experience in clinical leadership, having served as the Medical Clinic Administrator at the Santa Ynez Tribal Health Clinic, where he was responsible for the operational leadership of the medical department. During his tenure, he implemented patient-centered care teams, improved productivity, and expanded access to specialty care services. He is currently working full-time at Cottage Health Urgent Care.

Education
Dr. Carter holds a Doctor of Medical Science degree from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, and he continues to enhance his expertise through ongoing certifications, including a Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship, a certificate in Obesity Management in Primary Care, and a Point of Care Ultrasound in Primary Care Fellowship. He has lectured at AAPA national conferences on topics such as family practice management of spine injuries, clinical skills, and primary care ultrasound.

Tina Kibodeaux hails from Texas and served in the Navy, spending most of her tour of duty in Washington, D.C., with the White House Communications Agency. After her service, she fulfilled a long-time dream by moving to California. In Los Angeles, she leveraged her technical and organizational skills at an advertising agency before relocating to Santa Maria. Tina joined A.T. Still University in 2019, contributing to the early development of the Central Coast PA Program.

Adolfo Ortiz, MS, was born in Morelia, Mexico, and moved to King City, CA, when he was 5 years old. He attended California State University, Long Beach, where he pursued his undergraduate studies in psychology. After completing his Bachelor of Arts degree, Adolfo embarked on a year of service with AmeriCorps, dedicating his time and expertise to AltaMed in the Los Angeles and Orange County areas, where he played a vital role in community health initiatives, working with at-risk youth at local high schools and clinics.

Driven by a passion for helping students achieve their educational and personal goals, he pursued further education, earning a master's degree in higher education counseling and student affairs at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. His dedication to supporting students' academic journeys led him to the College of Business at Cal Poly as an academic advisor. In November 2021, Adolfo joined the ATSU community with the CCPA program. Adolfo’s commitment to education and service exemplifies his unwavering dedication to helping others thrive by empowering students to reach their full potential.

Jessica McFadden was born in Orangeburg, South Carolina, and was raised in Columbia, South Carolina. After completing high school, she enlisted in the U.S. Air Force as a Security Forces member and held many titles ranging from Response Force Leader to Crime Prevention Program Manager. During her time in service, Jessica began her bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration at Grand Canyon University (online), which continued to fuel her love for the healthcare field. Once completing her six years of service, Jessica wanted to delve deeper into the world of healthcare and health education.

In September 2023, Jessica joined the ATSU team with the Central California Physician Assistant program. Jessica’s strong passion for the healthcare field drives her commitment to providing valuable support to the clinical students as they embark on a new chapter of their PA journey.

Lisett Hernandez’s journey has its roots firmly planted in the Santa Maria Valley, her hometown. Before embarking on her career in clinical education with ATSU, Lisett had a fulfilling position in the healthcare industry, specializing in labor and delivery. For eight years, she served as a scrub technician, and her role extended far beyond operating room duties. Lisett actively participated in assisting with all deliveries, showcasing her passion for supporting both mothers and newborns during their crucial moments.

Romelia “Mel” Ker-Wolf is a global citizen with a vibrant cultural background, born and raised on the lush island of Borneo in Malaysia. Her journey across several countries has shaped her colorful worldview and chameleon-like adaptability. Fluent in five languages and seven dialects, Mel thrives on meaningful conversations and building connections with people from all walks of life.

Mel joined ATSU in November 2024, bringing along 15 years of experience in education and six years in healthcare. Her extensive background has equipped her with a profound understanding of both fields, giving her a well-rounded perspective and a deep commitment to making a lasting impact in the lives of those she serves. Ever the lifelong learner, Mel is always on the lookout for fresh, innovative ways to grow and give back to her community.

Dot Winslow, MFA, BS, is the solo library assistant and the president of the Diversity in Education Committee California. She holds a Master of Fine Arts degree from Antioch University Los Angeles, and a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration with a minor in Italian from Saint Mary’s College of California. She is also a certified teacher in California Poets in the Schools and is training to become a Certified Applied Poetry Facilitator through the International Federation of BiblioPoetry Therapy. Dot is passionate about helping others and is honored to be able to help young professionals become caring providers.

Dot has lived on the Central Coast since 2012. Originally from the Bay Area, she is a SF Giants fan and enjoys trying new food. Dot has one red-eyed white rabbit named Rainbow and a California milk snake named Ridley, along with a husband and teen stepdaughter. Dot joined ATSU in April 2022, coming to the library profession from a background in sales in the electrical distribution industry.

Olivia Ross is the admissions counselor for the CCPA program. Born and raised on the Central Coast in California, she earned her degree in sociology from Chico State. During her time at Chico State, Olivia became involved on campus and discovered her true passion for helping students uncover their potential. Coming from a big family with parents who did not attend college, Olivia proudly became the first generation to graduate.

After completing her degree, Olivia briefly worked in plumbing sales before transitioning into her desired field of admissions and higher education. With a natural affinity for connecting with people, Olivia finds joy in meeting new individuals and assisting students in their journey of self-discovery and growth. As an admissions counselor for ATSU, Olivia's dedication and genuine care for students shine through. Her unique background and experiences provide her with a valuable perspective that allows her to guide students effectively. Olivia's enthusiasm and commitment to helping students reach their goals make her an invaluable asset to the university.

Born and raised in New York City, Evelyn “Evie” Feliciano is of Puerto Rican descent and the proud oldest sibling in a vibrant family of seven. In 1991, she moved to California’s beautiful Central Coast, where she began her dedicated career with the County of Santa Barbara. Starting as an administrative assistant, she later took on roles as an eligibility worker for Medi-Cal, general relief, and as a case worker for California Children’s Services.

Evie joined ATSU in March 2024, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to serving her community. Notably, she was part of the first COVID team established by the County of Santa Barbara, playing a crucial role during the pandemic.

Cesar Chavez is a Santa Maria native and dedicated IT support technician with a strong foundation in technology. With over a year of experience at A.T. Still University, he has a proven track record of providing excellent support to students and staff.

Prior to joining ATSU, he started his It career working for the IT department at Allan Hancock College as a student worker for five years, where he honed his technical skills and gained valuable experience in troubleshooting various hardware and software issues.

Born and raised on the Central Coast, Jessica “Jess” Ybarra has spent over 16 years making a difference in healthcare. She began her career as a medical assistant for a family practice and addiction specialist, building a strong foundation in patient care. She then joined CHC of the Central Coast as a lean facilitator and later worked in the quality department, focusing on process improvement and quality assurance. At the County of San Luis Obispo, she served in the drug and alcohol department, supporting diverse populations with compassion and professionalism.

Now at A.T. Still University, Jessica draws on her extensive background in patient services, quality improvement, and healthcare operations, pairing technical expertise with a deep commitment to patient-centered care. Known for her approachable demeanor and collaborative spirit, she works to create an environment where everyone feels supported and teams can thrive.