MHSA – About Us
Meet the Faculty & Staff
Faculty
Michael Nichols
Dean, Anesthesiologist Assistant Programs, Program Director, Master of Health Sciences in Anesthesia Program
Michael currently serves as the Dean of Anesthesiologist Assistant Programs at the Edwards Via College of Osteopathic Medicine and Program Director for the Master of Health Science in Anesthesia Program at Bluefield University. Founder of both Avance Education Solutions (private management consultancy) and the Foundation for Advancement of the Anesthesia Care Team (non-profit organization), Michael Nichols has held Assistant Professorships of Anesthesiology within the School of Medicine at Case Western Reserve University and Nova Southeastern University. He served in leadership positions in both locations as the Director of Program Development and Assistant Program Director, respectively. As the Director of Program Development at the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, he oversaw all business development, project management, operations, and shared services for the regional program locations for the Department of Anesthesiology & Perioperative Medicine.
Practicing as a respected anesthesia clinician for over 22 years, Michael currently holds a Master of Science from Case Western Reserve University and his Masters of Business Administration with a concentration in Business Analytics from the University of Dayton. He continues to be involved in his profession’s national organizations, as he has for many years. Most notably, his having served as the President of the American Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants in 2007 and in 2011. Additionally, he holds the honor of having served as the first non-physician to be appointed to the Executive Board of the American Society of Anesthesiologists Political Action Committee.
Gary Bridges, DO, RPh
Co-Medical Director
William Potter, MD
Co-Medical Director
Ralph Dapaah, CAA
Assistant Program Director for Clinical Affairs
Originally from Los Angeles, California, Ralph Dapaah currently serves as Chief Anesthetist with Anesthesia Associates of Gainesville, where he specializes in Cardiothoracic and Obstetric Anesthesiology. He completed his Masters of Health Sciences in Anesthesiology at Nova Southeastern University in 2011 with honors and subsequently earned the Chancellor’s Award. Currently, Ralph serves on the American Academy of Anesthesiologists Assistants (AAAA) as a member of the Board of Directors. He previously served as President of the Georgia Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants (GAAA), and as a board member of (GAAA). His involvement in both the state and national level anesthesia academies has always been his passion along with academia, “the chance to help educate, influence, and mold our future anesthesia professionals is undeniably one of the most gratifying aspects of being an anesthesia professional and educator.” His hobbies include playing multiple sports, wake surfing, snowboarding, going to the beach, attending concerts, and is a huge foodie.
Gary Jones, CAA
Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
Dan Cawley, DC, MSHS, MS
Program Faculty
Dr. Daniel Cawley is a Georgia native and currently serves as an Assistant Professor of Anatomy at Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine. Currently, he serves as the course director for the Master of Health Science in Anesthesia program and teaches lectures and cadaver labs in the DO program. Before coming to VCOM, he taught gross anatomy to students in the Doctor of Podiatric Medicine and Physician Assistant program at Barry University in Miami, FL. Earlier in his career, he taught undergraduate anatomy and physiology. In addition to teaching, Dr. Cawley pursues research in diverse areas related to functional anatomy. His research goal is to better understand the myofascial system and how manual therapies improve functioning and decrease pain. Before pursuing an academic career, Dr. Cawley worked as a Chiropractic physician in private practice.
After graduating from the University of Georgia with a degree in nutrition science, a Doctor of Chiropractic and a Master’s in Sports Health Science from Life University, and a Master’s in Biology from Georgia State University. In addition, he pursued additional graduate coursework at Penn State College of Medicine in Hershey Pennsylvania. Currently, he is enrolled in an online Master’s in Imaging program through the University of Edinburgh. He hopes to expand his knowledge in medical imaging to integrate it into his research and academic pursuits. In his free time, Dr. Cawley likes to hang out with his wife Rebecca, and their 2 kids. Together they enjoy camping, hiking, going to the beach, and watching UGA football.
Katherine Hunt, MHS, CAA
Program Faculty
Katie graduated in 2007 from Davidson College with a Bachelor of Arts in French. Two weeks after graduation, Katie moved to sunny Fort Lauderdale to attend Nova Southeastern University, completing her Master of Health Science in 2009. Among her accomplishments at Nova, Katie was awarded the Dean’s Award for the highest student GPA at graduation and was a member of the winning Anesthesia Jeopardy team at the 2008 AAAA conference in Hilton Head, South Carolina. Katie has spent her entire CAA career working for Physician Specialists in Anesthesia at Emory Saint Joseph’s Hospital of Atlanta as both a general and cardiac anesthetist. In 2022, Katie joined the National Commission for Certification of Anesthesiologist Assistants as an exam committee member, where she helped write, edit, and review questions for the recertification exam. Katie resides in Chamblee, GA with her two dogs, Glavine and Maddux.
Laura Knoblauch, MHSc, MBA, CAA
Program Faculty
Laura Knoblauch, a faculty member, and a Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant (CAA), hails from the bustling city of Denver, Colorado. In 2015, she achieved her Master of Medical Sciences in Anesthesia from the University of Colorado-Anschutz Medical Campus. Her pursuit of knowledge and diverse skill set led her to attain a Master of Business Administration in Health Administration from the University of Colorado-Denver Campus in 2018.
Laura’s unwavering dedication to her profession is evident through her leadership roles. She served as the President of the American Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants, consecutively in 2019 and 2022, with her presidential term spanning from 2018 to 2023. In addition, she held the position of President for the Colorado Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants from 2017 to 2018 and currently serves as the President-Elect for the South Carolina Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants. Furthermore, Laura actively contributes to the executive leadership of the Illinois Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants, advocating for legislative changes to advance the profession within the state. Laura has previously guest lectured at other AA educational programs and has held multiple leadership positions in anesthesia groups and at hospitals.
Beyond her professional achievements, Laura’s adventurous spirit shines through her love for exploration. She has ventured to remote and captivating landscapes, including the pristine wilderness of Antarctica. Laura enjoys going on hikes and being outside. She is married to Nate, and they have a cherished fur baby, Sadie. In her full-time role, Laura passionately practices as a CAA at a level-one trauma center and a surgery center.
Elizabeth Maddox, MHS, CAA
Assistant Program Director for Simulation
Elizabeth Maddox is originally from Atlanta and completed her Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in 2013 at the University of Georgia. While attending UGA, she worked as a research assistant and published articles. Before pursuing a career in Anesthesia, Beth worked as a Project Assistant at a global healthcare consulting firm to improve overall patient care in various healthcare facilities. She received her Master of Science in Anesthesia from Nova Southeastern in 2016 and worked at one of the highest acuity hospitals in Atlanta for six years. Having spent her summers at the lake for the last twenty years, Beth found the closest hospital to Lake Martin, East Alabama Medical Center. She currently lives on the lake with her golden retriever, Jolene. Her passions include hiking, camping, paddle boarding, and water skiing. She is well on her way to visiting all of the U.S. National Parks and traveling to a different country every year.
Gary Mount, PharmD
Program Faculty
Dr. Gary Mount graduated in 1990 with a BS in pharmacy from Auburn University; in 2006 with his PharmD from the University of Florida, Magna cum Laude and recognized with a Superior Academic Achievement Award. Gary is married to Fatima, and they have three children Zack, Nick, and Gabby, and two daughters-in-law, Merry and Ilga. Gary has served as a staff pharmacist, clinical pharmacist, assistant director and director of a small hospital, and director of the pharmacy for a large institution for eleven years, where he provided strategic leadership for 80 employees. Gary’s retail experience has been in the chain and independent and as director of an independent. Having worked in many settings, Gary has a broad view of the pharmacy profession. Currently, Gary is an Assistant Pharmacology Professor at Edward Via College of Medicine, where he lectures on all body systems and conducts research with a special interest in pharmacogenomics.
William Summerford, MS, MHSc, CAA
Program Faculty
Will is a born and bred Alabamian who graduated from Auburn University with both a Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Sciences and a Master of Science degree in the same field. After sadly leaving Auburn, Will worked as a neurophysiologist throughout the states of Georgia, Florida, and Alabama. He provided intraoperative neuromonitoring services for various surgeries, particularly surgeries of the head, neck, and spine. Will then completed his Master of Health Sciences in Anesthesiology from Nova Southeastern University in Tampa, FL in 2013, completing his degree with honors and earning the Chancellor’s Award. After graduating from Nova, Will has worked as a Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant at hospitals in Georgia and Alabama. Will recently formed and serves as the President of the Alabama Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants (ALAAA). His hobbies include deer and duck hunting, saltwater fishing, mediocre golfing, and spending time with his two children.
Staff
Jacob Adams
Director of Simulation Education
Jacob currently serves as the Director of Simulation Education. He deeply understands the value of a safe learning environment for future healthcare workers. His role at the MHSA program is facilitating learning through simulation alongside program faculty and staff to help prepare students to practice anesthesia in the clinical setting. Jacob previously served as the Director for Standardized Patients at Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine and as a paramedic in his community. His favorite part about working in education is the relationship he can form with students to encourage them and help them succeed. Jacob enjoys spending time with family and friends in his free time and serving as a community group facilitator at his church.
Ashley Anne Whaley, M.Ed.
Director of Admissions
Ashley Anne is originally from Louisville, Kentucky, and moved to Auburn in 2011. She graduated from Auburn University in 2016 with a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Special Education and moved to Nashville, Tennessee where she taught for two years. She returned to the Plains to teach Special Education for five more years in the Auburn and Opelika area. In 2021, she obtained her Master’s degree from Auburn University in Early Childhood Special Education. Ashley Anne has always had a passion for education, developing meaningful relationships with students, and finding a way to help them succeed. She is looking forward to the opportunity to continue expanding her passion for Higher Education and working with the incoming MHSA students. She currently resides in Opelika with her husband KJ, and two French Bulldogs, Stevie and Axl. They are welcoming a daughter early in 2024. She loves to travel, walk, and spend time outdoors with family and friends. She frequents Lake Martin and loves all things Auburn, especially sports, War Eagle!
Jessica Milton
Director of Student Academic Success
Jessica Milton, PhD serves as the Director for Student Academic Success at both the Auburn and Spartanburg campuses as part of the Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine’s Center for Faculty, Student, and Institutional Support (CIFSS). Originally from Selma, Alabama, Jessica relocated to Auburn for her undergraduate studies and has remained there ever since. She possesses extensive experience and expertise in the field of education, particularly in supporting students with diverse learning needs. Jessica earned her Doctor of Philosophy in Rehabilitation and Special Education, with a focus on Disability Studies, from Auburn University in May 2020. Her academic credentials also include multiple certifications in Educational Leadership, Administration, and Collaborative Special Education.
With over 12 years of experience in education, Jessica excels in planning and implementing academic support services for students. Most recently, she served as the Assistant Director of Student Services for the EAGLES Program at Auburn University, which is an inclusive higher education initiative for students with intellectual disabilities. Additionally, Jessica has been actively involved in teaching both undergraduate and graduate courses, as well as conducting research, resulting in several peer-reviewed publications and presentations on topics related to inclusive education and special education strategies. Her contributions have garnered recognition within the academic community, including awards for her outstanding integration of diversity and inclusion.
Outside her professional commitments, Jessica is an amateur baker, avid reader, and wannabee beekeeper. She also enjoys spending time with her two daughters, visiting Lake Martin, and cheering for the Auburn Tigers. Additionally, she has earned a Master of Education Administration and an Educational Specialist in Educational Leadership from Auburn University.
Olivia Segars, M.Ed.
Director of Medical Education
Olivia Segars, the Director of Medical Education for the MHSA program, was born and raised in Alabama. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Education from Auburn University at Montgomery, and immediately after, completed a Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from Auburn University. While attending Auburn University, she served as a graduate assistant for the First Year Experience department, where she spent two summers working with the locally famed Camp War Eagle freshmen orientation program.
Olivia then joined the VCOM-Auburn family as their campus’s Student Services Coordinator. Her lifelong respect for the medical field, influenced by several family members who worked in healthcare, blends well with her passion for education. Furthermore, Olivia’s high school sweetheart and husband is a proud graduate of VCOM-Auburn and now practices as a family medicine physician.
When she’s not at work, Olivia enjoys spending time with her two children and four dogs getting into mischief. She loves camping, hiking, and kayaking. After a day of exploring, you can often find Olivia and her family trying out new recipes on the grill at a campground. When asked what Olivia’s favorite teams are she will proudly shout War Eagle and Go Braves!
MaryBeth Smith, MS
Director of Clinical Rotations
MaryBeth Smith, the Director of Clinical Rotations, was born and raised in Enterprise, Alabama. Previously, MaryBeth served as the Executive Assistant to the Dean of the MHSA Program. Before joining the VCOM – Bluefield team, MaryBeth received a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and a minor in Psychology from Auburn University while working in the Athletics Director and Head Football Coach’s Office. MaryBeth worked for Auburn Sports Properties as the Partner Services Assistant from 2019 – 2021, while pursuing a Master of Science in Sports Administration, which she received in May 2021. MaryBeth then joined the Hunger Solutions Institute in the College of Human Sciences at Auburn University to research food insecurity on community college campuses in the state of Alabama.
Beyond her professional commitments, MaryBeth finds joy in spending quality time with her husband, Clarke, their son, Henry, and their two dogs, Basil and Kena. She is also an active member of the Church of the Highlands.
Sonja Cox, MS
Executive Assistant
Sonja Cox, the Executive Administrative Assistant for the Anesthesiologist Assistant Program, is originally from Natchitoches, Louisiana but currently resides in Auburn, Alabama. She earned a Bachelor’s degree from Louisiana State University (2018) in Sport Administration, a Bachelor’s degree from Liberty University (2021) in Sports Venue and Event Management, and a Master’s degree from Northwestern State University (2022) in Human Health and Performance. While attending Northwestern State University, she worked as the Director of Football Operations for three years and was a Graduate Assistant for the Human Health and Performance Department. She also worked as a Field Crew Supervisor for ASM Global based in New Orleans, Louisiana serving the Superdome, Smoothie King Center, and Champions Square.
Sonja recently moved to Auburn to be with her fiancé, a graduate assistant for the offensive line at Auburn University. When not working, she can usually be found cheering on her fiancé and the Auburn Football Team, playing with their dog Reb, or at any sporting event or concert she can go to.
Fran Burke, BSW
Medical Education Specialist
Fran Burke, Medical Education Specialist for the MHSA program in Auburn, was born and raised in Montgomery, Alabama. She earned her Bachelor’s in Social Work from Auburn University in 2017. Her professional journey has seen her excel as the SenioRx Administrator at the Lee Russell Council of Governments, where she honed her skills in client coordination, program development, and professionalism for six years. Her commitment to service is evident in her extensive work with diverse populations.
Fran joined the VCOM family as the first Medical Education Specialist for the Auburn MHSA program in March 2024. Fran’s background, blending administrative excellence with a deep understanding of community needs, positions her perfectly to contribute to the educational and professional development of MHSA students. Her role is crucial in ensuring that the students are academically prepared and empathetically aligned with the needs of the communities they will serve.
Fran enjoys spending time with her husband and two children when she’s not at work. She loves being outdoors, concerts, the beach, and cheering on the Auburn Tigers. War Eagle!
Georgia Edwards
Administrative Assistant
Georgia Edwards is from Prattville, Alabama, and currently resides in Auburn, Alabama. Georgia currently serves as an Administrative Assistant. She earned her Associate’s degree in Science from Southern Union State Community College. She is now attending Troy University, working on her Bachelor’s in Hospitality Management with a minor in Applied Health Science, Tourism, and Event Management. When she’s not at work, Georgia enjoys practicing the piano for herself and her family. She loves playing tennis, running 5k’s, hiking, and going out on the lake. Georgia enjoys keeping a consistent schedule and loves managing her time wisely.
Advisory Council
Roben Casey, JD
Vice President & General Counsel
East Alabama Medical Center
Ralph Dapaah, CAA
Chief Anesthetist / MHSA Assistant Program Director for Clinical Affairs (pending)
Anesthesia Associates of Gainesville
John Delzell, MD, MSPH
Vice President for Medical Education & Designated Institutional Officer
Northeast Georgia Health System
Emily Lambert, PhD
Dean, College of Science & Health Sciences
Bluefield University
Ryan Neil, MD
Physician Anesthesiologist & Medical Director
Southern Anesthesia Management (Mobile Division)
Heath Parker, DO
Dean, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (Auburn Campus)
VCOM (Auburn)
John Rocovich, JD
Founder & Chair, Board of Trustees
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM)
Megan Varellas, CAA
Chair
National Commission for Certification of Anesthesiologist Assistants
Cary Chandler, BS, AMP
Senior Director / Director, Business Development & Startups
Auburn Research & Technology Foundation / Auburn University
Kraig de Lanzac, MD
Physician Anesthesiologist / Assistant Secretary & Chair for the Section on Representation
American Society of Anesthesiologists
Maurice Gilbert, MD
Physician Anesthesiologist & Past President
Georgia Society of Anesthesiologists
Lloyd Meeks, MD
Physician
Anesthesiology & Critical Care Medicine
Gregory Nichols, PMP, MBA
Assistant Vice President, Cash Product Office
Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland
Jeff Plagenhoef, MD
Physician Anesthesiologist & Past President
American Society of Anesthesiologists
Dixie Tooke-Rawlins, DO
President & Provost
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM)
Robert Wagner, CAA, DHSc
Chair, Department of Anesthesia
Nova Southeastern University
Anesthesiologist Assistant Information
Program Application Timeline
If you’re planning to apply to the Anesthesiologist Assistant program, it’s best to start early.
Applications for the June 5th, 2024, program start are due in late June for early admission and no later than mid-November for standard admission. No matter which interview cycle you choose, starting early will give you more time to prepare and polish your application. Applying early will also increase your odds of being admitted as the VCOM-Bluefield program runs on a rolling admissions cycle throughout the academic year.
Here’s a sample schedule for a student hoping to enter the MHSA Program in the Summer of 2024. This is the best-case scenario, which leaves time to craft a great application, resolve unforeseen issues (i.e. a lost transcript, a delinquent recommendation, etc.), and submit with time to spare. Of course, you’ll need to adjust this schedule if you intend to apply for early admission.
November 2022: Begin researching the Anesthesiologist Assistant profession, investigating potential programs, joining online forums for prospective AA students, and visiting the MHSA Program in Auburn.
February 2023: Request information programs that interest you and consider visiting the program or shadowing a CAA in the clinical setting – they can recommend a good program fit and may even help you make some connections.
March 2023: Begin writing your Personal Statement and identifying whom you’d like to write your Letters of Recommendation.
April 2023: Finalize your list of programs to which you will apply. Familiarize yourself with the CAA profession, the program, and the academic institution. Contact your recommenders and continue to polish your Personal Statement.
May 2023: Request official transcripts from any secondary education institution from which you’ve received a degree, enrolled in coursework, or were issued a certificate. Send your recommenders supplemental materials (like your resume, personal statement, etc.) that they can use as a reference. Contact students and professors at your AA programs of interest – arrange a program visit, if you can.
June 2023: Have someone in the medical field (preferably in anesthesiology, surgery, or perioperative services) and a few friends read over your Personal Statement.
June – September 2023: Complete and submit all applications, keeping two copies of every section for your records. Verify that your recommendations have been sent. Complete the online behavioral analysis assessment test.
July – October 2023: Interview at the MHSA program and any other program of interest. Try to relax while you wait out hearing back from the programs.
November 2023: Focus on financial aid – fill out all federal loan paperwork and look into private loans, grants, and fellowships. Attend the MHSA Program Open House in Auburn.
August – December 2023: Celebrate your acceptance! Appeal the aid package (or apply for alternative loans) if the amount offered doesn’t meet your needs.
History of the AA Profession
A realization that the field of anesthesiology was experiencing serious staffing shortages culminated in the early 1960s. To meet growing demands, in response to the shortage and with concerns over the increasing complexity of anesthesia and surgery, three anesthesiologists (Drs. Gravenstein, Steinhaus, and Volpitto) proposed the concept of an “anesthesia technologist” who would be a member of the anesthesia team and would be considered an “applied physiologist”. This was the precursor to what is now the Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant (CAA). The three physicians designed an educational program whereby matriculates would build on an undergraduate premedical education then obtain a master’s degree in anesthesiology. This practitioner would perform the same job as the nurse anesthetist but would be able to go on to medical school if they desired. This new professional, the “Anesthesiologist Assistant”, or CAA, thus had the potential to alleviate the shortage that was occurring in anesthesia. The concept became reality in 1969 when the first Anesthesiologist Assistant training program began accepting students at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, followed shortly thereafter by a second program at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio.
It was envisioned that this new anesthesia professional would have a bachelor’s degree in science with premedical training and be awarded a master’s degree that allowed for both vertical mobility toward a medical degree and lateral mobility into other areas requiring training in biomedical equipment and physiologic measurement. The Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant would remain under the supervision of the anesthesiologist as responsibility and immediate care of the patient must remain within the province of the anesthesiologist; consequently, personnel could not work independently but only under the medical direction of the physician anesthesiologist. This provided an advantage for the physician anesthesiologist, as one physician could provide attention to several patients with the proper employment of the anesthesia team as described above.
Since its inception, the Anesthesiologist Assistant profession has grown, though it remains a largely regionalized profession. This is due to the small but growing number of educational programs, which until 2004 numbered only two, and to the limited number of jurisdictions, 17, where certified anesthesiologist assistants are authorized to practice. In 1989, the National Commission for Certification of Anesthesiologist Assistants (NCCAA) was formed to establish a national certification process. Today, the American Society of Anesthesiologists considers Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants to be an advanced practice provider who work under the direction of a physician anesthesiologist and participate in the provision of anesthesia. Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants perform such tasks as administering drugs, obtaining vascular access, applying and interpreting monitors, establishing and maintaining patient airway, and assisting with preoperative assessment.
Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants enjoy a dynamic profession that continues to realize exponential growth as evidenced by the addition of new training sites and new states opening to CAA practice.