Meet your Student Academy Board of Directors and learn about leadership volunteer opportunities with the Student Academy and AAPA.
Student Academy Board of Directors
Each year, AAPA student members elect PA student leaders to represent all PA students in the U.S. The PA Foundation appoints a PA Foundation Student Representative, and the AAPA Board appoints two graduate advisors. The following individuals are the national Student Academy leaders through June 30, 2027.
The Student Academy Policy Manual is available here. In addition to the AAPA Policy Manual and other governing documents, the Student Academy Policy Manual guides the business and work of the Student Academy Board of Directors and the Student Board Committees.
See the list of scheduled Student Board meetings here.
Board of Directors
Appointed Positions
Graduate Advisor
President Laura Hassan, M.Ed., PA-C
Laura Hassan, M.Ed., PA-C, is a recent physician associate graduate practicing in urology on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. She is a passionate advocate for the PA profession, leadership development, and healthcare equity and has dedicated her career to creating opportunities for students, patients, and future PA leaders.
Laura’s professional journey reflects a longstanding commitment to serving high-need and underserved communities. Before becoming a PA, she worked as a precious metals analytical chemist and later completed a residency to become a science teacher and STEM program leader in Philadelphia. In this role, she secured grant funding, developed innovative robotics after-school programs, and expanded access to hands-on science and technology experiences for students who might not otherwise have had those opportunities. Today, she continues this service-minded approach in clinical practice, caring for patients in the same region where she attended PA school, an area facing significant healthcare workforce shortages.
Her transition from classroom teacher to physician associate was driven by a desire to educate patients, address health misconceptions, and improve access to care in vulnerable populations. Throughout her time at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Laura served as class president, was inducted into the Phi Alpha Honor Society, and received numerous honors, including the Susan and Tom Lusty Memorial Scholarship, the AAPA Past Presidents Scholarship, and the United Negro College Fund Diversity in Healthcare Scholarship. She was also elected UMES PA Student of the Year.
Laura has demonstrated a strong commitment to service and leadership within the PA profession. She served as a student representative for the American Association of Surgical Physician Assistants (AASPA), helping connect students with mentorship, educational resources, and professional development opportunities. She has also led pre-PA workshops, mentored aspiring and current PA students, and participated in service initiatives designed to strengthen the pipeline of future healthcare professionals. Through these experiences, Laura has developed a collaborative leadership style grounded in mentorship, advocacy, and empowering others to succeed.
Her professional interests include surgical oncology, women’s health, health equity, and expanding access to high-quality healthcare in underserved communities. She is particularly passionate about improving cancer care access in underserved populations and fostering the next generation of PA leaders.
Laura lives on Maryland’s Eastern Shore with her husband and newborn son. Outside of work, she enjoys volunteering through her church, mentoring future PA students, traveling, and spending time with family.
President-elect Brionna Palmer
Brionna Palmer is a first-generation college student and healthcare leader pursuing her Master of Medical Science in physician assistant studies at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, an HBCU. A proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., she is dedicated to academic excellence, mentorship, and community engagement.
Palmer’s experience includes work as a surgical technologist, research focused on improving outcomes in underserved communities, and studying abroad in Italy, where she broadened her perspective on healthcare systems and cultural competency. Passionate about education, she has taught students from Pre-K through SAT preparation, supported adult GED learners, and now mentors aspiring PA students. She believes knowledge is power, and representation, along with intentional support, are key to empowering future healthcare leaders.
Active in organizations including the Maryland Academy of PAs, African Heritage PA Caucus, ThePAC, and the American Association of Surgical PAs, Palmer is also an early graduate of the AHEC Scholars Program, completing over 200 hours of service focused on rural and medically underserved communities. Her leadership and service have been recognized through numerous scholarships, including the Prentiss L. Harrison Memorial/African Heritage PA Caucus Scholarship; the PAC: Diversity Matters Scholarship; the PAF Ron Nelson Memorial Scholarship, and her school Community Leadership Scholarship.
As president-elect, Palmer is committed to fostering inclusivity, amplifying student voices, and creating opportunities for future generations of PA students. Outside of medicine, she is a creative entrepreneur and self-taught seamstress who enjoys cooking, reading, traveling, family, and serving her community.
Chief Delegate Téah Segura
Téah Segura (she/they) is a second-year student in the Yale PA Program. A proud first-generation student and Colombian American, she earned her Bachelor of Science in behavioral and cognitive neuroscience with a minor in ethnomusicology from the University of Florida.
After graduation, Segura worked in behavioral therapy at the Florida Autism Center. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the center closed and transitioned to in-home therapy. Unfortunately, some children were unable to receive care due to their housing situations being deemed “unsafe.” Segura and a colleague successfully advocated for the reopening of in-person services for families who had lost access to care. She later moved to Houston to work at Baylor College of Medicine in clinical research on neurodegenerative disorders, particularly Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, and collaborated on an initiative to increase Hispanic and Latino representation in research by delivering bilingual resources and outreach in the community.
At Yale, she serves as her cohort’s DEI co-chair and is a student facilitator for the U.S. Health Justice elective, where PA, MD, and NP students co-lead discussions and host panels on structural inequities in healthcare. She is passionate about health equity and inclusive education, hoping to expand the pipeline for future PAs from underrepresented and nontraditional backgrounds.
In her free time, Segura enjoys exploring coffee shops, hosting dinner parties with friends, and spending time with her cat, Suki.
Director of Student Communications Emely Perez
Emely Perez is a second-year PA student at Florida International University (FIU) and currently serves as historian for her cohort’s executive board. She is passionate about advancing awareness of the PA profession through social media outreach, professional advocacy, and forming meaningful connections within the healthcare community.
Perez earned her Bachelor of Science in biological sciences from FIU, where she held several leadership positions within the university’s pre-PA organization, ultimately serving as president. During her undergraduate studies, she gained valuable clinical experience as a medical scribe in emergency medicine and wound care. Following graduation, she continued to expand her healthcare experience as a medical assistant in dermatology.
Outside of medicine, Perez enjoys maintaining an active lifestyle through dance, Pilates, barre, and cycling. In her free time, she enjoys reading, traveling, and spending quality time with family and friends.
Director of Diversity & Outreach Queena Williams
Queena Williams is a first-generation Ghanaian American and a current first-year PA student at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES). She earned her bachelor’s degree in health education and promotion from Towson University in 2021.
During her gap years, she gained diverse clinical experience working as a phlebotomist and medical assistant. These roles deepened her appreciation for the PA profession and sparked her passion for advocacy and advancement of the profession. She is a member of the Virginia Association of Minority PAs, PAs of Color, and the National Society of Black PAs.
As a didactic year student at UMES, Williams currently serves as the Maryland Academy of PAs student representative. Within this role, she serves as a voice for PA advocacy and representation of her cohort.
In her leisure time, Williams enjoys watching anime, attending comic cons, and reading manga.
Northeast Regional Director Amanda Sullivan
[email protected]
Amanda Sullivan is a second-year PA student at Quinnipiac University in North Haven, Connecticut. She earned her Bachelor of Science in health science studies from Quinnipiac University as part of the university’s six-year Entry-Level Master’s in Physician Assistant (ELMPA) program.
As an undergraduate student, Sullivan served as chapter president of Alpha Delta Pi, where she worked closely with Ronald McDonald House Charities through volunteer and fundraising initiatives. Through these experiences, she developed a deep appreciation for the support systems that help patients and families navigate challenging circumstances. She carried this perspective into her roles as a physical therapist aide and urgent care medical assistant.
Within her PA program, Sullivan has remained actively involved in leadership and service. She has volunteered in support of Quinnipiac’s admissions process, participated in fundraising efforts for Cycle for Survival, and serves as a peer tutor for first-year PA students. She is passionate about student leadership, advocacy, and the impact students can have in shaping the future of the PA profession. As Northeast regional director, Sullivan looks forward to amplifying student voices and fostering collaboration among PA students across the region.
Outside of her academic and professional pursuits, Sullivan enjoys reading, exploring coffee shops throughout Connecticut, and attending spin classes!
Mid-Atlantic Regional Director Abigail Gunawan
Abigail Gunawan is a PA student at Howard University, where she is actively engaged in leadership, service, and student advocacy. She earned her Bachelor of Science in nutritional science from the University of Maryland, College Park. With a strong foundation in both clinical medicine and community engagement, Gunawan is passionate about mentorship, representation, and expanding access to opportunities within the PA profession.
Gunawan’s clinical experience includes working as a certified medical assistant in dermatology, where she supported providers in high-volume settings, trained staff, and assisted in a variety of procedures. She developed a strong appreciation for patient-centered care while balancing clinical efficiency and team coordination. She has a growing interest in dermatology, vascular surgery, and orthopaedics, and is eager to explore these fields further throughout her clinical training. Her passion for education and prevention led her to serve as a nutrition educator, teaching elementary school students about healthy eating and translating complex health concepts into practical, accessible knowledge.
A dedicated advocate for service, Gunawan has been involved with Power of Compassion for over a decade and now serves as a volunteer manager, coordinating weekly outreach efforts that provide meals and resources to underserved communities while supporting individuals in achieving long-term stability. She has also contributed to organizing international service missions to Papua, Indonesia, where she taught children English and math and helped fundraise for educational initiatives. As Community Service Chair at Howard, she leads outreach efforts that promote healthcare careers to younger students and collaborates with medical, pharmacy, and dental students to foster interprofessional engagement.
As Mid-Atlantic regional director, Gunawan is dedicated to strengthening communication between Student Academy Representatives, increasing awareness of AAPA resources, and fostering meaningful connections across PA programs. She is committed to ensuring that students feel supported, represented, and empowered as they grow into future leaders in medicine.
Southeast Regional Director Daniel Toole
Daniel Toole is a first-year PA student at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. While at Duke University, he has been very involved in leadership, including serving as his program’s AAPA Student Academy Representative and helping to plan and execute student events for his cohort. Strongly committed to being a PA advocate, Toole led a letter writing campaign encouraging elected officials to oppose new restrictive federal student loan changes and met with North Carolina General Assembly members to encourage their support of modernized PA practice legislation.
Toole is originally from Brevard, North Carolina. He earned his Bachelor of Science in agricultural business management from North Carolina State University, where he was an active member of the Park Scholarships program. Observing unique rural healthcare challenges while growing up in the Appalachian Mountains, he is devoted to expanding access to healthcare in rural areas as a clinician. Prior to PA school, Toole served as a scribe in urology as well as a medical assistant in both cardiology and ENT.
He is currently married to his best friend, Ruth. Together they enjoy spending time in nature, playing pickleball, and listening to music together. Toole is also a musician and can often be found playing guitar and banjo in his free time.
North Central Regional Director Denny Nguyen
Denny Nguyen (he/him) is a didactic year student at Bethel University in St. Paul, Minnesota. He is guided by the belief that leadership is contagious. When one person commits to growth, they inspire others to grow alongside them, creating a ripple effect that strengthens entire communities.
Nguyen’s passion for building community began through the Vietnamese Student Association, where he served as education director, internal vice president, and advisor. His involvement expanded into the Union of Vietnamese Student Associations of the Midwest, where he connected leaders across multiple states and planned conferences at the regional level. He currently serves as student representative to the Minnesota Academy of PAs, where he established an inter-program volunteer initiative in partnership with the Special Olympics to provide screening exams to athletes.
As North Central regional director, he is excited to connect with his Student Academy Representatives, support their initiatives, and create new opportunities to bring out the leader in every PA student!
In his free time, he enjoys learning languages, playing pickleball and nerding out over board games.
South Central Regional Director Claire Cook
Claire Alexis Cook (she/her/hers) is a second-year PA student at the University of Nebraska Medical Center with a Bachelor of Science in clinical diagnostic science (clinical laboratory science concentration) from the University of Missouri. During undergrad, Cook balanced concurrent roles as an EMT, microbiology and chemistry teaching assistant, lab assistant, and phlebotomist. She also served as a peer educator for the Relationship and Sexual Violence Prevention Center and studied as a Coloratura Soprano with the ShowMe Opera program.
After certifying as a medical laboratory scientist, Cook moved to Omaha to work full-time in microbiology/virology. Missing direct patient care, she volunteered as a faculty preceptor and phlebotomist at clinics serving underserved populations. She later added a part-time CNA role while maintaining full-time work and volunteer responsibilities.
Her unique career path shaped her belief that professional advocacy is vital to enacting change and improving care in underserved and rural communities. Today, Cook serves as her class’s AAPA Student Academy Representative, encouraging peer involvement in the profession. She attended Hill Day to advocate for healthcare policy and is an AHEC Scholar for Nebraska’s Southeast Region, focusing on rural health needs.
In her free time, she enjoys hiking and climbing, recently completing a multi-pitch ascent of Ancient Art in Moab, Utah. She is also never found without a book and enjoys relaxing at home with her two cats.
Western Regional Director JeongAh (Jo) Joo
JeongAh “Jo” Joo is a second-year didactic student in the Primary Care PA Program at the University of Southern California. Born in South Korea and raised across Germany and the United States, Joo brings a uniquely global perspective to her leadership and future clinical career. She earned her Bachelor of Science in neuroscience from Michigan State University, fueled by a lifelong fascination with how the brain functions and how diverse life experiences shape human identity. Before entering PA school, Joo channeled this passion into her work as an EEG technician and as a case manager, where she dedicated her skills to serving underserved populations, predominantly focusing on Korean elderly communities and addressing local health inequities.
Deeply invested in professional leadership and clinical excellence, Joo currently serves as a Student Academy Representative for her program. Her dedication to PA advocacy includes visiting Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., where she championed legislative initiatives vital to the PA profession.
Off duty, Joo brings the heat to the gym, where she is big on strength training and lifting heavy. Of course, heavy lifting requires heavy refueling, which is where her self-certified foodie status comes in. Joo is always spearheading local mukbang adventures with her friends. If you need the inside scoop on the best eats in Los Angeles (or a dedicated dining partner), she’s got you covered. Above all, Joo is incredibly thrilled to take on this role, bringing that same high energy to connecting with, learning from, and lifting up PA students throughout the region.
PA Foundation Student Trustee Hunter Drake
[email protected]
Hunter Drake (she/her) is a second-year PA student at Monmouth University in Long Branch, New Jersey. A proud first-generation college graduate, Drake brings with her a decade of clinical and leadership experience spanning emergency medicine, research, advocacy, and education.
Originally from Massachusetts, Drake earned her Bachelor of Science in exercise science from the University of Maine, graduating summa cum laude. She later completed a Post-Baccalaureate in pre-medical studies at Columbia University, becoming the first graduate from her high school to attend an Ivy League institution. At Columbia, she served as president of both the Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Medical Student Council and the Queer Health Alliance, while also working as a graduate assistant for the women’s basketball team throughout her tenure.
Drake also served as a student researcher with Columbia’s Institute for Social and Economic Research and Policy, in partnership with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. She contributed to a comprehensive study titled Epidemic/Pandemic Response in Africa: COVID-19 in Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa, which analyzed pandemic responses in five of Africa’s most prominent economic and cultural hubs. The project was later presented at the Preparedness by Schmidt Futures forum and formed part of a multi-institutional analysis across 23 nations, involving 47 research teams. For her leadership and academic excellence, Drake was awarded the Kevin J. and Edith Sullivan Scholarship during her time at Columbia.
Before entering PA school, Drake amassed over 10,000 hours of hands-on clinical experience across a range of roles, including work in pediatric critical care—a specialty she is deeply passionate about and hopes to continue pursuing after graduation. Most recently, she served as an Emergency Department Technician at Lahey Medical Center, a Level I trauma center. In addition to her clinical work, Drake has shown a longstanding commitment to education and mentorship. She has served as a middle school ski instructor, a volunteer summer school aide, and a volunteer tutor for low-income families during the COVID-19 pandemic—providing academic support to students with limited access to resources.
Currently, Drake serves as president of the Monmouth University Physician Assistant Student Society and is a frequent speaker on pre-PA pathways and healthcare access panels, where she advocates for inclusivity and representation in medicine. As the newly appointed Student Trustee of the Physician Associate Foundation, she looks forward to bringing a student-centered perspective to national initiatives, expanding opportunities for leadership and service, and advocating for equitable access to healthcare education across the profession. She is especially passionate about advancing pathways for underrepresented students in medicine and creating space for future leaders to thrive.
In her free time, Drake enjoys walk-and-talks with friends, skiing, cooking, traveling, hot yoga, and spoiling her dog, Olive.
Check back soon to meet your new Student Academy Graduate Advisor!
PAEA Graduate Advisor Dr. Deborah Bank, DMSC, MS, PA-C
Dr. Deborah Bank is a PA with more than 20 years of experience in clinical medicine. Bank began her career in cardiothoracic surgery and critical care medicine at Northwell Northshore University Hospital. She has worked in education as a clinical preceptor in the intensive care unit for most of her career and transitioned into didactic education about seven years ago.
As an educator, Bank is the academic coordinator for the Touro University PA program – NUMC extension program on Long Island, and loves her position assisting students with their goals of becoming PAs. She has a keen interest in working with students to publish their capstone projects as well.
As a member of PAEA and their Future Educator Steering Committee (FEDSC), Bank hopes to bring that same passion to the AAPA graduate student board for her term here.
AAPA Graduate Advisor Hillary Lewia, DMSc, PA-C
Dr. Hillary Lewia is a dedicated trauma and critical care PA at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, Kansas. After earning a Master of Health Science from the University of Oklahoma PA Program in 2018, Lewia went on to complete a Doctorate of Medical Science from the University of Lynchburg in 2023.
Lewia’s passion for leadership and advocacy began as a student, serving three years as a student delegate in AAPA’s House of Delegates (HOD). During this time, Lewia was elected chief delegate in 2019 and served on the AAPA Student Academy Board of Directors from 2018–2019. This formative experience ignited a drive to champion PA students and the profession. Lewia continued their dedication to PA advocacy as an Oklahoma delegate in 2020 and a Kansas delegate from 2022 to the present, while also contributing to numerous AAPA committees and commissions, including the HOD Standing Rules Committee and reference committees, the Early Career PA Commission, and the Judicial Affairs Commission.
As president of the Kansas Academy of PAs from 2024–2025, Lewia was instrumental in helping pass the PA Compact in Kansas, expanding opportunities for PAs and improving access to care for patients. In addition to professional advocacy, Lewia is passionate about PA education, and participates in PA school interviews, serves as a clinical preceptor, and educates PA students through guest lectures and rotation prep.
Now, as AAPA Graduate Advisor to the Student Academy Board of Diretors, Lewia is honored to help inspire, mentor, and empower future PA leaders as they represent their peers across the country and make the transition from students to practicing professionals. Lewia is committed to uplifting the next generation of PAs with the same dedication and vision that sparked her own journey.
The Student Academy’s Assembly of Representatives (AOR) annually elects PA student leaders who represent PA students around the country. The following individuals are the Student Academy leaders through June 30, 2019. The Student Academy Board met in October in Alexandria, Va. for their annual board meeting. They also meet via conference call throughout the year.
The Student Academy’s leadership includes:
Student Academy Board of Directors
President Stephen Lewia, MPAM, PA-C
Stephen Lewia is currently a PA Fellow in the Emergency Medicine Physician Assistant (EMPA) Fellowship at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in San Bernardino, California. Through this program, he will also work towards his Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) degree through the University of Lynchburg. Lewia attended PA school at the University of Lynchburg in Lynchburg, Virginia. He served as president of his student society, as well as class president for the 2018 cohort. Since starting PA school, Lewia has become very interested in PA advocacy. In his first year at Lynchburg, he served as a student delegate for AAPA’s House of Delegates (HOD), as well as a student representative on a HOD reference committee. In his new position as Student Academy President, he plans to increase student involvement through education and awareness. With the radical changes the PA profession faces, his goal is to be an advocate for a more informed student body.
Lewia earned a BS in Biology and Master of Teaching from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). While at VCU, he also attended a local community college and became a nationally registered paramedic. After graduating from VCU, he taught biology and anatomy at an inner-city high school in Richmond, Virginia. When he wasn’t teaching, he volunteered for a local rescue squad where he worked to bridge the education gap between paid and volunteer providers.
President-elect Cooper Couch
Cooper Couch is a second-year student at University of Southern California’s Primary Care PA Program where he serves as president of his class and student society and as co-chair of USC’s Student Run Clinic Executive Board. After a trip to Washington, D.C. with his class and PA Education Association (PAEA), he became passionate about PA leadership and advocacy. In the summer of 2018, Couch was a National Medical Fellowships Primary Care Leadership Program (PCLP) scholar. He is currently completing a one-year student leader fellowship with the LBGT PA Caucus.
Prior to PA school, Couch graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Middlebury College where he studied Spanish literature and linguistics and studied abroad for a year in Madrid, Spain. At Middlebury, he co-founded a grassroots mental health project that created a peer-support system to better address students’ mental health needs and support campus diversity and inclusion initiatives. Upon graduation, he served on the board of directors at a local humane society in Vermont and worked as the reunion host coordinator for Middlebury College, a bilingual patient services coordinator at a free clinic in Vermont, and as a phlebotomist at a local hospital. He then moved to Denver, Colorado, where he worked as a clinical assistant at Children’s Hospital Colorado.
Couch values compassion, honesty, and intentionality in his interactions with others. He volunteers at multiple non-profit organizations that support low-income individuals, empower youth, and promote equality. He is committed to working in primary care with medically underserved populations. While volunteering at Roundup River Ranch in Colorado, Couch met his fiancé Marty. In their free time, Couch and Marty enjoy long-distance running, cooking, hiking, camping, and traveling together.
Chief Delegate Hillary Bennett, PA-C
Hillary Bennett is a trauma/critical care PA at OU Medical Center and a recent graduate of the University of Oklahoma Health Science Center (OUHSC) located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
She has served the Student Academy for the past two years as a student delegate for the AAPA House of Delegates (HOD), as well as a student representative on an HOD reference committee. While on HOD, she helped pass Optimal Team Practice at AAPA’s 2017 Conference. She also co-authored a 2018 HOD resolution regarding loan parity amongst healthcare professionals. She is currently a member of the HOD Standing Rules Committee, Student Academy’s Leadership, and Advocacy & Policy Committees.
Bennett served as the OUHSC Christian Medical and Dental Association secretary. With a passion for the medically underserved, she has participated in multiple medical missions including trips to Guatemala, Mexico, and South Sudan.
Prior to PA school, Bennett earned a Bachelor of Science in Health, P.E., and Sport Management concentrating in kinesiology from Southwestern Christian University. During her undergraduate education, she participated in Oklahoma Intercollegiate Legislation (O.I.L.)., which allowed her to engage with state and federal legislators while authoring, presenting, and passing state legislation. This understanding of diplomacy demonstrated the importance of advocacy for education, healthcare, and the PA profession.
In her free time, Bennett enjoys spending time with family, traveling, participating in outdoors activities like kayaking, camping, and hiking, and running with her dog, Survivor.
Director of Outreach Kaila Gaughan
Kaila is a second-year PA student at the University of Kentucky (UK) in Lexington, Kentucky, where she serves as the class of 2019’s Assembly of Representatives (AOR) representative. During her time in PA school, Gaughan has developed a passion for PA advocacy and interprofessionalism. In 2017, she was selected for the PA Education Association (PAEA) Student Health Policy Fellowship where she had the opportunity to advocate for PA education on Capitol Hill. She continued her advocacy at the state and federal level by taking part in Kentucky’s Lobby Day in Frankfort and AAPA’s Leadership and Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C. in March 2018. She has taken part in many different interprofessional opportunities during her time at UK.
In her new position as director of outreach, Gaughan hopes to get more students involved with advocacy and promote interprofessional opportunities between different healthcare students. She hopes that more students will find the passion that she has and will get involved with furthering our profession.
Prior to PA school, Gaughan received her Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Arcadia University in Glenside, Pennsylvania, and worked as a certified nursing assistant and an emergency medical technician. In her free time, Gaughan enjoys spending time with her biggest supporters (her friends and family), reading, being outdoors, travelling, and playing with her cat, Pharaoh.
Director of Student Communications Diana Wiley
Diana is a second-year PA student at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (OUHSC), where she currently serves as president of her class and student society. As a first-year student, she sat on the Executive Board of the OUHSC Student Government Association, as well as the Oklahoma Association of PAs’ Board of Directors as chair of the Student Advisory Committee. She is passionate about PA advocacy and being a voice for the profession, and inspiring other students to do the same.
Prior to PA school, she attended the University of Oklahoma and graduated in 2011 with a Bachelor of Science in Zoology-Biomedical Sciences. After graduation, she worked for a disability and supplemental insurance company where she saw first-hand the devastating impacts of chronic illness. This ignited a passion for disease prevention, and she began to appreciate the critical role that diet and exercise play in the development of chronic disease. She went back to school and graduated with a Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences from OUHSC in 2016.
After graduation, Wiley plans to work in a rural Oklahoma community and hopes to increase access to quality healthcare to underserved patients across the state. In her free time, she enjoys yoga, cooking, and exploring local restaurants and breweries with her boyfriend. She is an advocate of animal rescue and frequently fosters for the local humane society in addition to wrangling four dogs of her own.
Northeast Regional Director Brittany Palaski
Brittany Palaski is a second-year student at Massachusetts General Hospital’s Iinstitute of Health Professions program. Born and raised in Boston, Palaski received her Bachelor of Science in clinical lab sciences with a minor in disability studies at University of Massachusetts Lowell in 2015, graduating magna cum laude.
While at UMass Lowell, Palaski served as captain of her dance team, leading the team to their first national qualification in history. She also served as chair of the leadership legacy committee on Omnicron Delta Kappa (ODK), a leadership honors society. In addition to her leadership commitments, Palaski tutored organic chemistry and genetics, allowing her to find a passion for teaching and educating. While at UMass Lowell, she also founded Speaking Through Dance, which allowed students in need to obtain scholarships towards their dance education as well as raise awareness for autism. After graduation, Palaski moved to Concord, Massachusetts, and started working as a medical and surgical assistant at a local dermatology practice.
During her time as northeast regional director, Palaski plans to use her position to communicate student stories, and connect schools throughout the northeast. She is inspired to listen to other student experiences and use them to continue advocating for the PA profession.
After finishing PA school, Palaski plans to remain in the Boston area with her husband and pursue a career in dermatology or pediatrics. In her spare time, Palaski continues to teach and choreograph for the local dance community. She also enjoys traveling and will take any and all opportunities to explore.
Mid-Atlantic Regional Director Mike Gumpert
Mike Gumpert is a first-year PA student at the Jefferson College of Health Sciences, where he also serves as the vice president of the student society. Gumpert graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2009, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in English and entered the Navy as a nuclear submarine officer. Over the next eight years his passion for helping others and empowering those around him in dynamic environments led him to the discovery of the PA profession. Gumpert prepared for PA school by volunteering as an aid at an emergency room while he worked though his biological science prerequisites.
Gumpert’s goal for the mid-Atlantic region is to increase collaboration between programs and empower fellow PA students to get involved with the evolution of the PA profession. He is a firm believer that the best solutions can come from any experience level and strives to give his peers a voice.
Gumpert currently lives in Roanoke, Virginia, where, in his free time, he enjoys travel, hiking, camping, kayaking and reading.
Southeast Regional Director Frank Stooksbury
Frank Stooksbury currently attends the PA program at Campbell University in Buies Creek, North Carolina. He began his medical training and leadership experience in the U.S. Air Force in 1999. Stooksbury was placed in charge of his training group and was an honor graduate from Airman Leadership School. After leaving the service, Stooksbury became the lead imaging technologist at Edward White Hospital in Florida, working in that capacity for seven years.
Stooksbury moved to North Carolina at that point to be closer to family. In North Carolina, he worked in interventional radiology at Moore Regional Hospital, while finishing his undergraduate degree from Grand Canyon University. While at Moore Regional, Stooksbury was promoted to run the interventional radiology department and worked closely with physicians and PAs to deliver outstanding care to their patients. After finishing his undergraduate degree in healthcare administration, Stooksbury focused on taking advanced science courses through Campbell University until starting the PA program. Stooksbury looks forward to serving the southeast region as southeast regional director.
North Central Regional Director Kellie Niehaus
Kellie Niehaus is a second-year PA student at Ohio University (OU) in Dublin, Ohio, where she currently serves as president of her class. Prior to PA school. Niehaus received a Bachelor of Science with honors from University of Dayton (UD), with a major in pre-medicine and a minor in psychology.
During her undergraduate education, Niehaus was actively involved in volunteering at a local free clinic, Reach Out of Montgomery County. Additionally, she elected to participate in UD’s Semester of Service program where Niehaus interned full-time at a homeless shelter, assisting in rehousing homeless men, women, and families in the greater Dayton, Ohio, area.
At Ohio University, Niehaus is energetically involved with her school’s student society as well as in expanding the number of interprofessional activities available to her peers with medical students at OU’s Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine. Niehaus is also a member of the student committee of the Ohio Association of PAs. Her clinical interests include: emergency medicine, trauma surgery, and expanding care to the underserved.
As north central regional director, Niehaus hopes to encourage constituents of the district to engage in community service, interprofessional activities, and continued advocacy for the PA profession. She is consistently inspired by the boundless intelligence, passion, drive, and ingenuity PA students across the country possess and is eager to work with the students of the north central district this year.
In her free time, Niehaus enjoys spending time with her family, rugby, backpacking, and anything else that gives her an excuse to get outdoors!
South Central Regional Director Nelson Head
Nelson Head is a second-year PA student at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He currently serves as class vice-president and the AOR representative for his program.
Prior to PA school, Nelson attended Texas Christian University on a swimming scholarship and graduated with his Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology in 2013. He served as president of the TCU Student-Athlete Advisory Council and was awarded with the Big XII Conference Dr. Prentice Gautt Postgraduate Scholarship. Upon graduation, Head then worked as a medical scribe in the emergency room and outpatient urology at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital in Fort Worth, Texas, and then as a surgical assistant at St. John Medical Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
As south central regional director, Head hopes to foster relationships with other students and their constituent programs as well as serve as a mentor and resource to AORs in his region, fostering skills to achieve the goals of the Student Academy as a united, collaborative team. Since starting PA school, Head has been very interested in PA advocacy, attending the AAPA Leadership and Advocacy Summit in March 2018 as well as Oklahoma’s “PA Day at the Capitol” in April 2018.
In his personal time, Head enjoys playing with his golden retriever, Harley. He is also very active in exercise and enjoys attending live music events, trying new restaurants, traveling, and cheering on his TCU Horned Frogs at football games (Go Frogs)!
Western Regional Director Brittany Hager
Brittany Hager is a second-year student at the University of Washington’s MEDEX Northwest program in Tacoma, Washington. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Spanish from the University of Washington Seattle campus in 2013 and worked as certified nursing assistant in preparation for her PA studies.
During her undergraduate education, Hager was a member of the Minority Association of Pre-Health Students, an organization dedicated to representing minority pre-health students on campus and increasing healthcare access for the underserved. She also learned the significance of working with cultural competence and participated in outreach in several disadvantaged communities throughout Washington state.
Off campus, Hager served as a counselor to at-risk homeless youth at YouthCare, a Seattle-based non-profit. The majority of her time was spent at Casa de los Amigos, a safe haven for undocumented immigrant minors while they sought legal counsel. Many of these adolescents were affected by gang activity and/or trafficking. Hager enjoyed learning about each client’s unique experience while interpreting Spanish-English, teaching math, and organizing group outings. She also volunteered as a recreational therapy assistant for patients with dementia at SeaMar, a community-based organization committed to providing quality, comprehensive healthcare to indigent populations, especially Latinos.
Hager’s program is primary care-focused and she is excited by the possibility of working in community health after graduation. In April 2018, she was awarded the MEDEX Northwest Richard A. Smith Scholarship for her commitment to increasing access to healthcare for the underserved in addition to her broad and global perspective on healthcare issues.
As western regional director, Hager hopes to gain insight into the needs and concerns of PA students while strengthening communication between PA students and the Assembly of Representatives.
Appointed Positions
PA Foundation Student Representative Jamie Pepi Shelstad
Jamie Pepi is a second-year PA student at Bethel University in Tennessee where she currently serves as the AOR representative for her program and is a member of an opioid crisis student volunteer group. Driven by a passion for global and underserved populations, Shelstad volunteered in numerous rural clinics and began her studies of public health while living in Gaborone, Botswana during her undergraduate education. Prior to PA school, Shelstad earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a concentration in neuroscience from the University of Colorado at Boulder, as well as a bachelor’s degree in Spanish language and linguistics from Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Shelstad also worked towards her Masters of Public Health with a global health emphasis at George Washington University in Washington, D.C.
As a recipient of the 2017 Timi Agar Barwick Scholarship for Humanism in Medicine, Shelstad is eager to give back as means of appreciation. As the PA Foundation student representative, Shelstad hopes to engage and expand service leadership among PA students by connecting to individuals and schools on a personal level. Through increasing philanthropic participation, she hopes to increase awareness of cultural competency and inspire her fellow students to get involved with their passions on local and global levels.
After graduation Shelstad will participate in a Spanish immersion program just outside Guatemala. She then hopes to work with a pediatric subspecialty while using her public health and medical education to support and empower global underserved communities. In her extra time, Shelstad enjoys hiking, traveling, baking, finding new adrenaline activities, or doing anything out in the sunshine.
Graduate Advisors
AAPA Graduate Advisor – Jennifer Feirstein, MSPAS, PA-C
Jennifer is an assistant clinical professor and academic coordinator in the Department of PA Studies at Northern Arizona University, Phoenix, Arizona. She has been in PA education since 2013, and prior to that worked full-time in primary care medicine. She received a master’s degree in PA studies in 2004 from Arcadia University and a bachelor’s degree in health sciences with an emphasis in physiological sciences from the University of Arizona in 2002. Feirstein has been very active in the Arizona State Academy of PAs (ASAPA) since 2004. She has been a delegate to the AAPA since 2006, and has also served on the ASAPA Board of Directors, CME committee, and student and community outreach committee. She has previously been involved with the AAPA as a member and chair of its Public Relations Committee. She has also become involved with the PA Education Association (PAEA) and currently serves on the PACKRAT exam development board.
Feirstein’s professional interests include fostering student leadership, increasing the percentage of PAs practicing in primary care medicine, and professional organization policy.
PAEA Graduate Advisor – Jon Kilstrom, PA-C
Jon is an assistant professor at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) PA Program in Omaha, Nebraksa, where he primarily oversees clinical skills instruction. He graduated in 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in Emergency Medical Services from Creighton University in Omaha and in 2014 with a master’s degree in PA studies from Union College in Lincoln, Ne. As a student, he served as the AOR representative for his PA program.
Following graduation, Kilstrom worked in internal medicine and urgent care for Baylor Family Medical Center in Grapevine, Texas. Upon returning to Nebraska, he began working in emergency medicine where he continues to practice in addition to his academic duties at UNMC.
Kilstrom has 15 years of experience in emergency medical services, working as a paramedic prior to attending PA school. He remains an active advisory board member for the Creighton University EMS Education program. He serves as the UNMC student society advisor, is a member of the UNMC PA Program and College of Allied Health Admissions Committee, serves on the Nebraska Opioid Treatment Subcommittee, and is a member of the UNMC Grievance Committee.
Kilstrom’s professional interests include emergency medicine, simulation in healthcare education and admissions practices in PA education.
PA Foundation Student Representative Jamie Pepi Shelstad
Jamie Pepi is a second-year PA student at Bethel University in Tennessee where she currently serves as the AOR representative for her program and is a member of an opioid crisis student volunteer group. Driven by a passion for global and underserved populations, Shelstad volunteered in numerous rural clinics and began her studies of public health while living in Gaborone, Botswana during her undergraduate education. Prior to PA school, Shelstad earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a concentration in neuroscience from the University of Colorado at Boulder, as well as a bachelor’s degree in Spanish language and linguistics from Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Shelstad also worked towards her Masters of Public Health with a global health emphasis at George Washington University in Washington, D.C.
As a recipient of the 2017 Timi Agar Barwick Scholarship for Humanism in Medicine, Shelstad is eager to give back as means of appreciation. As the PA Foundation student representative, Shelstad hopes to engage and expand service leadership among PA students by connecting to individuals and schools on a personal level. Through increasing philanthropic participation, she hopes to increase awareness of cultural competency and inspire her fellow students to get involved with their passions on local and global levels.
After graduation Shelstad will participate in a Spanish immersion program just outside Guatemala. She then hopes to work with a pediatric subspecialty while using her public health and medical education to support and empower global underserved communities. In her extra time, Shelstad enjoys hiking, traveling, baking, finding new adrenaline activities, or doing anything out in the sunshine.