Your Expert, Guide, Cheerleader, Friend

Throughout undergrad, Kendall was involved extensively in microbiology research and was the co-founder of a dental hygiene product donation program partnered with a local food bank. Her passion for coaching and mentoring others is shown through her seven consecutive years of volunteering as a cheerleading coach for a local non-profit youth sports organization, where she held various leadership positions. Her experiences working with underserved communities and understanding the importance of holistic admissions have shaped her perspective on the value of non-academic achievements in dental school applications.

As an admissions consultant, Kendall's strengths lie in her ability to empathize with students and help them highlight their distinctive attributes. She understands the importance of painting a complete picture of an applicant's capabilities and is dedicated to helping students navigate the often-complex dental school admissions process, particularly through crafting compelling personal statements and supplemental essays.

Kendall is intimately familiar with the challenges and opportunities faced by aspiring dental students. Her experiences have equipped her with the knowledge and skills necessary to guide students through the admissions process and help them achieve their goals.

Born in Puerto Rico and raised in Stamford, CT, Kristian brings a special perspective to his work as a mentor. Khristian’s academic journey began at MIT, where he majored in general mathematics and minored in literature. During his undergraduate studies and gap years, he worked as a research associate investigating intestinal stem cells. 

Initially applying to Stanford as a regular candidate, he soon realized his desire to pursue further research and joined the Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) internally. His current research focuses on the role of fibroblast heterogeneity in inflammatory bowel disease.

In addition to his research pursuits, Khristian is committed to mentorship and community service. He has served as president of Medical Students with Disability and Chronic Illnesses (MSDCI) and regularly mentors middle and high school students in Palo Alto. Khristian’s research interests include colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, and immunology, and his dream is to become a colorectal surgeon. 

As an Inspira Advantage mentor, Khristian offers a unique perspective to all applicants, including those who are "non-traditional" or are candidates with disabilities. He is passionate about understanding each student's story and journey, helping them to create a final application package that reflects their individuality. His ultimate goal is to empower students to reach their full potential and become part of the next generation of physicians. He is also dedicated to teaching and mentoring the next generation of doctors and scientists, ensuring that his knowledge and expertise are passed on to those who will follow in his footsteps.

Kylie's academic journey led her to Florida State University, where she majored in family and child sciences with a minor in biology and chemistry. Before PA school, Kylie gained valuable healthcare experience working as a medical assistant in dermatology, further solidifying her commitment to patient care.

Kylie pursued PA studies at South College. Her commitment to the program and her peers led to her selection as one of five students to represent South College at the Annual Curriculum Review for two consecutive years. This panel reviewed and evaluated the program's curriculum to determine its quality and effectiveness, providing Kylie with valuable insights into PA education and program development. Kylie also dedicated her free time to mentoring pre-PA students from her sorority, sharing her knowledge and experiences to help guide them on their path to becoming physician assistants.

As a PA admissions specialist, Kylie brings a deep understanding of the skills and qualities highly valued by admissions committees. Her experience in facilitating interviews at her PA program has given her expert insights into the admissions process, which she now uses to help students make their applications shine.

Kylie's approach to admissions consulting is characterized by her hardworking nature, dedication, and genuine excitement to work with each student. She is eager to help students achieve their dreams of becoming physician assistants, leveraging her experiences and insights to ensure each applicant's strengths and potential are effectively communicated throughout the application process.

Currently, Lauren is the Executive Director of Clinical Operations & Perioperative Services at Greenwich Hospital. Her nursing career began as a critical care nurse in the Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit at NewYork-Presbyterian Weill Cornell Medical Center. She gained experience in multiple critical care areas, including surgical trauma, burn, cardiac, and interventional neuroradiology, where she was recognized with the Helen S. Tanenbaum Clinical Excellence Award.

Lauren's academic background includes a BSN from Saint Mary's College (Notre Dame, IN), an MSN in nursing education from Gonzaga University, and a DNP in executive nursing leadership from Baylor University. Her research and writing expertise are evident in her co-authored publications in the Journal of Nursing Administration, Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, and Journal of Critical Care Medicine.

Lauren's certifications in critical care and nursing administration demonstrate her commitment to staying up-to-date with the latest developments in her field. Her passion for nursing and mentoring others is evident in her approach to guiding students through the nursing school admissions process.

With her blend of clinical expertise, leadership experience, and passion for mentoring, Lauren’s guidance would be an asset to any aspiring nursing student. Her detail-oriented approach and dedication to helping others achieve their goals make her an ideal guide for navigating the complexities of nursing school admissions.

Lauren completed her undergraduate studies at George Washington University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication with double minors in Human Services & Social Justice and Journalism. During her time there, she distinguished herself at the University Writing Center, where she assisted students from various academic backgrounds with their writing needs.

After completing a required Pedagogy & Praxis for Writers course, Lauren worked for 2.5 years helping students attending GW’s undergraduate, graduate, law, and medical schools with everything from admissions essays to resumes, dissertations, theses, and course papers. She received the highest scores from anonymous students surveyed who visited her at the writing center across all consultants during the spring of 2017. She also interned in early childhood education policy at the National Association of State Boards of Education and helped to work on legislative advocacy initiatives as an intern at the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).

Lauren's passion for healthcare first emerged during her time at WomenHeart: The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease, where she specialized in fundraising and grant writing. This experience sparked her interest in nursing, prompting her to pursue Emory University's Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. Before beginning nursing school, Lauren also served as a Community Engagement Intern at Buddhi, a digital platform for individuals affected by cancer, and was the first Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion intern at the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization.

Lauren’s extensive experience in writing and healthcare, coupled with her passion for helping others, solidifies her as an incredible resource for students of all learning styles. As a coach, her greatest strength is helping students craft compelling personal statements and stand-out applications. Now, as a registered nurse, she is excited to help prospective nursing students realize their dreams and navigate the complex admissions process.

Lea's passion for dentistry and research began during her final year of college while working at a local medical clinic. Witnessing the lack of accessible dental care in her central Georgia community, she became determined to make a difference. This experience fuels her genuine enthusiasm for leveraging research to broaden access to dental care and develop prevention mechanisms that are accessible, affordable, and widely impactful. Her current research focuses on the interaction between diet and the oral microbiome, aiming to discover innovative means of dental disease prevention.

At USCF, Lea has been awarded the UCSF Benioff Center for Microbiome Medicine Pilot Trainee Award Grant, an NIH-funded grant from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, and the Student Research Fellowship awarded by the American Association of Dental Research. She also holds several first-author publications, including a book chapter.

As a counselor, Lea excels in mentoring pre-dental students. She offers comprehensive guidance on various aspects of dental school applications, including crafting personal statements, recommending improvements, and assisting in the selection of schools and programs. Her firsthand experience with the application process and her involvement in dental outreach events at undergraduate institutions make her a knowledgeable mentor for aspiring dental professionals.

Looking ahead, Lea aspires to become an academician at a research-focused dental school, reflecting her strong enthusiasm for teaching and mentoring. Her commitment to both clinical excellence and groundbreaking research positions her as an ideal guide for students navigating the complex world of dental education and research. 

Leesha’s journey to becoming a PA began during her undergraduate studies at Calvin College, where she initially planned to pursue a nursing degree. However, after realizing her true calling, she changed course and sought a Spanish major and biochemistry minor while obtaining the prerequisites needed to apply to PA programs.

During this time, Leesha recognized that the path to becoming a PA was more complex than other careers. To help make the journey easier for other students, she took on a leadership position in her college's pre-PA club, a commitment she continues to uphold even after over five years of experience as a PA.

Leesha's education at Duke Physician Assistant Program, the nation's first official PA program and ranked number one by US News, further solidified her dedication to the profession. Throughout her education and career, she has developed a passion for global health, spending a rotation in Bolivia during her PA program and now caring for underserved and uninsured patients at Yale New Haven Hospital, a federally qualified health center.

Leesha's second passion lies in hematology and oncology, where she has built up her experience caring for patients at Yale New Haven Smilow Cancer Hospital. As part of the inpatient team, she has provided compassionate care to patients admitted for cancer progression, treatment, and complications, as well as end-of-life care.

During her final year as a student in the Duke PA program, Leesha served on the admissions committee for one application cycle. She was an interviewer for the Team Process Exercise and was on the panel reviewing applicants. This experience has given her insider information regarding the admissions process and the qualities that make a successful PA candidate.

As a mentor, Leesha's approach is centered around empowering and enabling candidates to put in the hard work required for a successful application. She believes that the time and effort an applicant invests will go a long way in determining the success of their application. Her goal is to provide tools and guidance that allow candidates to display their skills and interests best, highlighting their individual merit.

Leesha identifies and highlights each student’s strengths, helping them find the best-fit schools and effectively represent themselves. She sets goals and establishes schedules to ensure that candidates stay on track throughout the application process. Leesha's approach is built on the belief that if candidates are willing to put in the work, they will be well-positioned for success.

During her undergraduate years, Lily earned a place on the Dean's List every semester and served on the executive board of the Honors College. She also gained hands-on experience working full-time as a veterinary technician at a general practice veterinary hospital. She further expanded her clinical skills during her gap year, working as a veterinary assistant and surgical technician in the Neurology Department at MedVet Chicago.

Lily has become a permanent member of the Wildlife Epidemiology Laboratory at UIUC. As an active turtle team leader, she is mapping the prevalence of Chlamydia spp. in native turtles and investigating its public health implications—a subject that forms the basis of her MPH thesis project. This research demonstrates her commitment to the One Health approach, bridging veterinary medicine with public health concerns.

Lily's leadership skills and dedication to the veterinary profession are evident in her various roles within the school community. She serves as the Zoetis student representative, secretary of the Surgical club, and clinical pathology representative of the pathology club.

As an admissions coach, Lily is passionate about advancing the veterinary field by guiding and supporting aspiring veterinarians. Her approach to mentoring focuses on helping applicants with organization, creating effective to-do lists, and improving their writing and critical thinking skills for the essay portion of the application process. Lily values direct and honest communication within the veterinary profession and encourages students to openly discuss their fears, obstacles, and any concerns they may have.

Drawing from her personal experience overcoming immigration-related challenges, Lily offers insights into dealing with imposter syndrome—a common experience among students and professionals. She provides students with practical tools to face such challenges, helping them build confidence and resilience as they pursue their veterinary careers.

Linda has held multiple leadership roles in student clubs, conducted animal behavior research, and has worked at a surgical research facility. Throughout her undergraduate years, Linda worked with a diverse range of species, including dogs, cats, sheep, beef cattle, dairy cattle, goats, pigs, horses, and rodents. This hands-on experience provided her with a comprehensive understanding of various animal species and their needs, laying the groundwork for her future career as a veterinarian.

Linda's dedication to her chosen field was evident in her work at the UC Davis Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital, a surgical research facility, and the new student orientation office. These experiences not only allowed her to gain practical knowledge but also grew her passion for serving the veterinary community and supporting aspiring veterinarians.

Linda has had the privilege of guiding numerous students through the intricate process of admission to veterinary school. She recognizes the challenges and potential obstacles that applicants may face but firmly believes that every aspiring veterinarian deserves the opportunity to pursue their passion. Whether it's seeking advice on selecting schools, crafting a compelling personal statement, or preparing for interviews, Linda is ready to share her expertise and support students throughout their journey.

Linda's current veterinary interests span a wide range of areas, including small animal general practice, emergency medicine, lab animal medicine, mixed animal medicine, and improving access to veterinary care in underrepresented communities. Her diverse experiences and exposure to various disciplines of veterinary medicine have equipped her with knowledge and stories that she is eager to share with those interested in pursuing this rewarding field.

Linda has held many roles throughout her career, such as providing care for pediatric patients at The Children’s Hospital Colorado for five years, incarcerated adults at the Denver City Jail, and the geriatric population in long-term care. Currently, she works in home health with the special needs community.

Linda’s dedication to cultural competence education emerged through her research projects during her master's program. She discovered a passion for educating nurses on cultural competence to streamline nursing duties and ensure patients receive equitable care regardless of their culture, race, or religious beliefs. Linda's presentation on Cultural Competence in Nursing, hosted by the Sigma Theta Tau Omicron Delta chapter, was recorded as a webinar for independent learning by nurses worldwide.

As a coach, Linda leverages her extensive experience and passion for cultural competence education to empower nursing candidates. Her individualized approach to the admissions process highlights each candidate's strengths and experiences, preparing them to make a significant impact in the medical profession. Linda believes that each candidate brings a unique skill set that is invaluable in the medical profession and in the lives of future patients. Her ability to connect with candidates on a personal level and her commitment to their success ensure they are well-prepared and confident as they navigate the admissions process.

Lois graduated from the University of Texas at Austin as a Dean's Honored Graduate, placing her in the top 1% of her class. She earned a Bachelor of Science and Arts in biochemistry with honors, receiving distinctions in Research and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.  

As part of the Polymathic Scholars Program, Lois conducted innovative research on the use of video games in STEM education at UT Austin. Lois’ work led to the creation of IRON'ed IT!, a video game exploring iron transport systems in Vibrio cholerae, and culminated in her thesis titled, "The Effects of Interactive Digital Media in STEM Education."  She was also the president of UT Austin’s Health Careers Mentorship Program.

Throughout her academic career, Lois has been actively involved in various extracurricular activities. In high school, she excelled as a track and field athlete and competed in speaking events, including poetry interpretation, extemporaneous speaking, and debate at Texas University Interscholastic League competitions.

Lois's commitment to education extends beyond her own studies. She has been tutoring, teaching, and mentoring since high school, including underrepresented and first-generation students. Her approach is characterized by a deep understanding of the application process and a commitment to helping students strike the perfect balance of being well-informed and prepared without feeling overwhelmed.

As an advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, Lois has served on numerous committees aimed at improving the climate for underrepresented and marginalized groups. This commitment is reflected in her academic distinctions and continues to shape her approach to medicine and community service. Lois aspires to use her medical education to improve healthcare in rural communities like the one she grew up in.

As a counselor, Lois is fully invested in students as people. She believes that the best application and interview material is found in the unstructured moments when she has conversations with her students and they are reflecting on their lives and journeys. Her greatest strength is the ability to meet students and their families where they are at, distilling the information required to understand the medical school application process in a way that is both informative and manageable.

Outside of her academic pursuits, Lois enjoys reading and watching movies, particularly thrillers. She has also discovered a new passion for outdoor activities, including backpacking, camping, and hiking.

Lynley's academic journey began with a major in communications at the University of Miami, where she developed valuable writing skills. However, her passion for nutrition and wellness led her to switch majors to exercise physiology and minor in advertising and public relations. Her fascination with physiology coursework inspired her to pursue a healthcare career.

After shadowing numerous medical professionals, Lynley discovered the physician assistant profession and knew it was the perfect fit for her. Before attending PA school, she gained extensive experience as an orthopedic patient care technician at NorthShore University Health System and worked on the COVID-19 units throughout the pandemic. Additionally, she worked as a plastic surgery medical assistant at the Plastic Surgery Clinic of Chicago, where she developed a love for surgery. At Mount Sinai Health System, Lynley applies her knowledge and skills to deliver exceptional patient care. 

Lynley’s passion for counseling stems from her own experience of feeling that there weren't enough resources available when she applied to PA school. She is dedicated to providing applicants with the guidance and resources she wishes she had.

What sets Lynley apart as a consultant is her background in communications, which gives her confidence in her writing and editing skills for student essays—her ability to craft compelling narratives is a key asset for applicants. Another of her greatest strengths is her familiarity with and proficiency in helping applicants prepare for various interview styles. She uses these skills and personal experiences to help students write masterful essays, ace their interviews, and get accepted to their top PA programs. 

In her counseling sessions, Lynley reviews any questions or updates from the prior meeting, sets a goal for the session, and plans for the next steps. Her structured approach ensures that students remain focused and make steady progress toward their application goals, ultimately leading to PA school success. 

Madison has a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Texas, Austin, and a Master’s degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center’s PA Program – one of the top PA programs in the United States. She is currently an Orthopedic and Trauma Surgery PA at Yale New Haven Hospital. 

Madison is deeply passionate about guiding students on their path to becoming a PA. She has extensive experience coaching and mentoring students throughout her undergraduate career and during PA school. While completing her graduate education, she served as an admissions interviewer at UT Southwestern. This experience, among others, allowed her to gain knowledge and expertise regarding what top PA programs are looking for in prospective students. 

As a coach, Madison helps Advantage students with the application process as a whole, from early candidacy building to interview prep. She is an outstanding resource for students pursuing the PA profession. She is extremely passionate about the medical field and helping others turn their aspirations into reality. Madison is excited to build connections and share her vast knowledge to help PA applicants get into their dream program!

Madison's educational journey began at Hofstra University on Long Island, New York, where she graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in community health. During her time at Hofstra, she was a member of the Division I field hockey team for all four years, demonstrating her ability to balance academic and athletic pursuits. As a senior, Madison's leadership skills were recognized when she was elected as the Vice President of Eta Sigma Gamma, the national professional health education honor society.

After graduating, Madison gained valuable hands-on experience working as a patient care technician for a year at a hospital. She then enrolled in the PA program at Gannon University in Ruskin, Florida. During her didactic year, Madison was personally selected as a student leader and representative for her class, and even elected as the community service chairperson.

During Madison's clinical year, she was recognized by her professors and the staff who inducted her into Pi Alpha, the national honor society for physician assistants. She graduated from Gannon University as one of the top students in her class and passed the PANCE (Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination) on her first attempt.

After graduation, Madison relocated to Dallas, Texas, where she was hired and has been working as an orthopedic and pain management physician assistant, further honing her skills and gaining experience in these specialized areas of medicine.

As an admissions consultant, Madison's approach is highly individualized, recognizing that each student has their own story, interests, strengths, weaknesses, and passions. She believes in empowering students to be their authentic selves throughout the application process, guiding them in crafting compelling narratives that highlight their qualities and experiences.

Madison's goal is to provide comprehensive support and guidance to students, helping them navigate the complexities of the PA school application process with confidence and ease. She understands that there is no one-size-fits-all approach, and she works closely with each student to develop a personalized plan that aligns with their individual needs and aspirations.

Maris' academic journey began at Carleton College, a rigorous liberal arts school, where she majored in both biology and studio art. Her undergraduate experience was marked by a strong commitment to extracurricular activities, including being a two-sport student-athlete and representing DIII athletics as a member of the Student Athletic Advisory Committee (SAAC).

Before attending veterinary school, Maris gained hands-on experience in various settings. She worked at a small animal clinic for six years, interned at a zoo, and was a counselor at a horseback riding camp. During her senior year, Maris participated in a competitive Research Experience for Undergrads (REU) program at Friday Harbor Laboratories, where she published her first manuscript. After graduation, she began veterinary school at the University of Illinois, her first-choice professional school.

At UIUC, Maris was the Conservation Chair of the school's Wildlife Medical Clinic and was elected secretary of the Non-Traditional Species Club. She was also a UIUC's Sustainability Committee member and has worked as a microbiology student in the Veterinary Diagnostic Lab, participating in a swine influenza project. Maris’ research focuses on infectious animal diseases that have fallen victim to the illegal wildlife trade. She received a research assistantship position, designing qPCR assays to detect pathogens in penguins, fish, and reptiles.

Maris's passion for assisting others in the veterinary school application process stems from her own experience of feeling under-guided when applying to veterinary school. She is committed to providing a helping hand to prospective veterinary school students, sharing her knowledge to make their application journey as smooth and stress-free as possible.

As a consultant, Maris brings a unique perspective to her work, leveraging her extensive experience with various writing styles to provide an in-depth understanding of the requirements for admission to veterinary school. Her greatest strengths are in writing, having published several manuscripts, and spending a lot of time writing and reviewing other people's writing.

In her counseling sessions, Maris approaches each applicant by understanding all elements of their profile, such as hometown, college clubs, animal experiences, and research, to determine what will make their application stand out. In her third year as an Inspira counselor, Maris has successfully guided many students to veterinary school and continues to teach students various molecular and diagnostic techniques every day in the diagnostic lab. 

Maris's ultimate goal is to pursue a career in wildlife epidemiology and conservation, leveraging her blend of academic excellence, research experience, and passion for helping animals. 

Mary graduated from Penn State with a BS in industrial engineering and a minor in biomedical engineering. She then worked as a Management Consultant in Healthcare M&A at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) for 2.5 years before transitioning to the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. 

At PwC, Mary coached students leading 10 interns each summer to full-time job offers and serving on a panel to guide over 500 new hires on achieving professional success. In dental school, Mary has served on various admissions panels and was an Orientation Leader for the most recent D1 class. Additionally, she has completed the Health Services Research Dental Fellowship through Penn's Leonard Davis Institute, combining her technical academic background, professional experience in client services, and passion for serving her community through healthcare by conducting insightful health services research. She is also working on a research project with Penn's Center for Integrative Global Oral Health. 

Mary’s passion for mentorship and helping others succeed started in college, where she mentored students in a business organization. She is passionate about helping others achieve their goals and maximize their potential. She believes everyone has a story worth sharing and her strengths lie in helping others produce a compelling, cohesive application story that is unique to them and will stand out from the crowd. Her individualized approach to the admissions process empowers candidates to present their best selves confidently.

Maryam's passion for mentorship and giving back to the dental community drives her commitment to helping aspiring dental professionals. Having navigated the rigorous processes of dental school applications, residency applications, and specialty applications herself, she has gained invaluable insights into the interview processes at various stages of dental training. She enjoys coaching applicants through the challenges of higher education, drawing from her own experiences to provide personalized support and encouragement.

As a coach, Maryam's greatest strengths include her exceptional time management and organizational skills. She understands the importance of effectively prioritizing tasks, meeting deadlines, and staying on track throughout the application process. With her structured approach, Maryam guides candidates through the journey of higher education applications, ensuring that they are well-prepared and confident in their pursuits.

Maryam improved her clinical skills and knowledge through an oral surgery-focused general practice residency at Western University.

At UPenn, Medha graduated with Honors in biology and a minor in the biological basis of behavior and healthcare management. Medha acted as chair of the College of Arts and Science Penn Student Government, co-leader at the Cut Hypertension Community Clinic, and director of special events of the Internal Affairs Association. Before entering medical school, Medha spent two years working in life sciences consulting at ClearView Healthcare Partners in Boston, gaining experience in the healthcare industry. 

At Perelman, Medha was actively involved in various initiatives that demonstrated her commitment to healthcare innovation and community service. She has worked with the Penn Medicine/Wharton Fund for Health and Wharton Investment Venture Associates, exploring the intersection of business and medicine. Additionally, Medha co-founded an accelerator for social determinants of health startups through Penn HealthX, demonstrating her dedication to addressing the social determinants of health.

Medha's research experience includes working at the Center for Surgery and Health Economics, where she has contributed to advancing knowledge in the field of surgery and health economics. Her other involvements at Perelman include the Oncology Interest Group, South Asian Medical Student Association, and Unity Community Clinic, highlighting her commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in healthcare.

Medha's approach to mentoring is characterized by her enthusiasm, empathy, and dedication to helping others achieve their goals. She is excited to work with applicants from diverse backgrounds and provide personalized guidance and support throughout the medical school application process. Her blend of experience in life sciences consulting, research, and community service, combined with her involvement in medical school admissions, makes her a stellar mentor. 

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Melani holds a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Cincinnati after attaining her Bachelor’s degree from Northern Kentucky University. In addition to having more than 30 years experience in nursing academia, Melani also held the prestigious role of Dean of Nursing. With her exceptional track record, she currently guides students in nursing programs and those preparing for the NCLEX, achieving an impressive 100% pass rate from 2020 to 2023.

Over her many years in nursing education, Melani developed a keen interest in nurturing the next generation of nurses. This passion led to her key role in creating the application process for enrolling into the nursing program during her tenure as Dean of Nursing. Melani also cherishes the opportunity to help students learn test-taking strategies, understand how to answer nursing questions, and assist them in becoming more structured and organized. Her work has been recognized on numerous occasions, with accolades including "Best of Tutors" for the years 2020, 2021, and 2022.

Melani understands that everyone learns differently and believes in creating personalized strategies to help students succeed. She begins her tutoring by conducting a personal assessment to pinpoint students' strengths and weaknesses, which forms the basis for the subsequent roadmap that will guide students towards their individual goals.

Melissa is a trauma/acute care physician assistant at MedStar Washington Hospital Center who completed her PA studies at James Madison University. Her journey in healthcare began at Norwich University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in athletic training while competing as a Division III cross-country and track athlete.

After graduation, Melissa worked for three years as a certified athletic trainer, gaining hands-on experience in patient care. Her diverse professional background includes roles as an associate athletic trainer at Washington College, an athletic training resident at New Hampshire Musculoskeletal Institute, and a rehab services aide at Northwestern Medical Center.

As a former athletic coach in basketball and track, Melissa brings a unique perspective to her role as an admissions consultant. Her strengths include creating realistic timelines and helping others reach their goals. She is known for her ability to break down complex processes into manageable steps, making her an excellent mentor for pre-PA students navigating the application process.

Melissa's clinical rotations during her PA program have provided her with a broad range of medical experiences in numerous fields, including gastroenterology, OBGYN, emergency medicine, internal medicine, general surgery, pediatrics, family medicine, and an international elective in Tanzania, Africa.