A native of Windber, PA (Somerset County), I attended Saint Francis University and became a certified Physician Assistant in 2004. Upon graduation, I relocated to Westmoreland County and established my career in the field of gastroenterology and hepatology. Having had the opportunity to continuously learn and practice in this internal medicine subspecialty in both inpatient and outpatient settings, I began teaching as an adjunct instructor at Seton Hill in 2016. I accepted a full-time faculty position in the summer of 2019 and presently teach in multiple courses of our graduate program, particularly Clinical Medicine, Procedures and Diagnostics and History and Physical Examination. I continue to provide care in our community to patients through the Independence Health Medical Group, Department of Gastroenterology. In 2023, I earned a doctoral degree in PA studies through the University of Pittsburgh School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences.

Education

• Doctor of PA Studies, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 2023
• Master of Physician Assistant Science, Saint Francis University, Loretto, PA, 2004
• B.S. Health Science, Saint Francis University, Loretto, PA 2003

Awards

• April 2023- University of Pittsburgh Doctor of PA Studies- Ambassador Award. Recognized for excellence in demonstrating values consistent with the program mission and support of peers.
• 2016 Recipient of the Community Liver Alliance "Outstanding Ally of the Alliance" for patient advocacy, community education and practice excellence in the field of liver disease

Organizations

• Physician Assistant Education Association
• American College of Gastroenterology- serving on Advanced Practice Provider Committee
• Pennsylvania Society of Physician Assistants
• American Academy of Physician Assistants

Presentations

• “Spring into Colon Cancer Awareness Month”- February 2020, Community Outreach Colorectal Cancer Awareness presentation (multidisciplinary), Excela Health, Excela Square at Latrobe
• “Hazard Ahead: Stories and Experiences from Seton Hill University Alumni on the frontlines against COVID-19”- Moderator- part of Seton Hill University’s Pandemic Talks series- March, 2021
• “NAFLD- What’s That? Mitigating a Lesser Known Public Health Crisis: Practical Solutions for Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease” Pennsylvania Society of Physician Assistants Annual Conference. Pittsburgh, PA, November 2, 2022
• Doctoral Capstone: "Diversity, Equity and Inclusion- Taking Action: A Unique, Immersive, Dual-Phase Student Experience Utilizing Dialogue and Professional Patient Simulation." March 2023
• "Stayin' Alive: Why Take Chances with Colorectal Cancer?" March 2015. Excela Health Community Outreach- Mall Walkers Presentation
• "Epidemics in Liver Disease: Hepatitis C Update" November 2017, Category I CME Event Sponsored by the Community Liver Alliance and Excela Health

Certifications

• National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support