Meet Inspira Advantage’s PA School Admissions Experts

Quinn's dedication and hard work paid off when she was accepted into her dream school: the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus’ PA program. Quinn's passion for admissions counseling stems from the help she received from prior applicants during her own application cycle. She understands the challenges and uncertainties that come with navigating the admissions process and is committed to providing the same level of support and guidance to all students. 

One of Quinn's greatest strengths as an admissions counselor is her approachability and ability to connect with students on a personal level. She prides herself on identifying each student’s strengths and helping highlight them throughout the application process. Quinn's positive attitude is contagious, and one of her main goals is to boost every student’s confidence, ensuring they feel empowered and supported every step of the way.

Quinn excels in assisting with interview preparation, providing students with the tools and strategies they need to present their best selves during the application. She also offers prompt and detailed essay edits and feedback, ensuring that each student’s personal statement and other essays effectively communicate their stories and aspirations.

Quinn cannot wait to guide students toward achieving their dreams, just as she achieved her own. Her passion for admissions counseling and her dedication to student success make her an exceptional mentor and a trusted guide on the path to a rewarding career in the medical field.

Before attending Gannon University’s PA program, Jordan graduated with a Bachelor's degree in athletic training from the University of Texas at Austin and gained a year’s worth of experience as an orthopedic technician. She was the recipient of multiple awards and scholarships, including the Tina Bonci Excellence in Athletic Training Award and Scholarship and the University of Texas College of Education College Scholar Honor.

Jordan’s extensive history in leadership and mentorship extends beyond Gannon University to include her leading a mentor-based seminar course for college freshmen at her alma mater. She also recently wrote a literature review on Commotio Cordis in Athletics that has been approved for publication in a peer-reviewed medical journal. While in PA school, Jordan was inducted into the Pi Alpha National Honor Society for Physician Assistants and received the Academic Excellence Award for her PA class. 

Jordan's strength lies in her robust leadership and mentorship roles, which she leverages to guide and inspire aspiring physician assistants. This passion for teaching and mentorship is complemented by her experience as an evaluator in physician assistant program interviews for prospective students. Known for her structured and goal-oriented approach, Jordan helps applicants break the process down into clear, manageable steps while keeping sight of their long-term objectives. She’s both encouraging and patient, creating a calm, supportive environment where applicants feel confident asking questions and overcoming challenges.

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.

She 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. Students Kylie has coached have been accepted to PA programs at South College, Nova Southeastern University, Hofstra University, Florida State University, and others. 

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.

Sierra’s PA journey began at Indiana University Bloomington, where she earned a BA in biology and discovered her passion for becoming a physician assistant. After graduating, Sierra took two gap years to earn patient care experience. She specialized in clinical research ranging from macular degeneration to glioblastoma. 

Throughout her academic career, Sierra has consistently shown a commitment to helping others. During her undergraduate years, she worked as a tutor, assisting fellow students in various subjects. This experience, coupled with her support of peers navigating the PA school application process, has further developed her mentoring skills and reinforced her desire to guide others toward their goals.

Sierra has mastered the art of maintaining a healthy work-life balance, successfully juggling the demands of PA school with her personal life. She is passionate about helping other students achieve this balance, recognizing its importance for long-term success and well-being in the healthcare field. Her greatest strengths as a consultant are her organization and compassion. Her exceptional planning and time management skills help keep each applicant focused and motivated. She understands how overwhelming the process can be and brings a calm, steady presence to every session, offering clear guidance and support every step of the way.

Sierra has learned the ins and outs of strengthening applications holistically to stand out to admissions committees. Sierra's enthusiasm for mentoring, coupled with her firsthand experience of the PA school application process, positions her as a relatable and knowledgeable guide. She’s excited to share practical strategies for crafting standout applications and navigating the demands of PA school with the mindset needed to thrive.

Following college, Savannah worked as a patient care technician at Sarasota Memorial Hospital, where she received the Technician of Excellence Award for her exceptional work with renal, diabetic, and wound care patients. This experience, combined with her academic achievements, laid a strong foundation for her PA career.

Savannah has been actively mentoring pre-PA students for years, helping them prepare for the application process and PA school life. Her passion for mentorship led her to join Plexus, an association at the University of Southern Florida that pairs undergraduate students with current graduate students. While a PA student, she served on the Plexus Leadership Board as a Module Coordinator, responsible for editing and updating the modules used by mentors. She worked one-on-one with pre-PA students to discuss the specifics of PA school and provide advice on curating competitive applications.

Savannah excels in providing writing assistance for personal statements and essays for both primary and secondary applications. Her interview preparation style includes providing resources, prompts, and conducting mock interviews with detailed feedback. She strives to make students feel comfortable and confident while challenging them to ensure they are thoroughly prepared.

Savannah is excited to work with aspiring PA students, help them navigate the application process, build competitive applications, and ultimately achieve their goal of becoming certified physician assistants. Her approach is characterized by empathy, practical advice, and a genuine desire to see the success of each student. She finds great reward in watching students begin their journey toward a fulfilling PA career. 

Cindy's journey in healthcare began at UC Irvine, where she earned her Bachelor's degree in biological sciences, consistently appearing on the Dean's Honor Roll list. Her perseverance extended beyond the classroom; she was actively involved in research within the Department of Radiation Oncology, contributing to the advancement of scientific understanding in cancer treatment. Cindy's dedication to global health was evident through her involvement in a non-profit medical organization that fundraised for heart surgeries, health clinics, and orphanages in Vietnam.

Following graduation, Cindy gained clinical experience across various medical specialties, including ophthalmology, pulmonology, general dentistry, and pain management. She has held positions as an ophthalmic technician at the Astorino and Associate Eye Center and VMR Institute, medical assistant at Lanh Phung MD Inc. and Orange County Lung Center, and dental assistant at Ivy Dental. This diverse exposure not only helped her accrue the necessary hours for PA school applications but also provided her with a comprehensive understanding of different areas of medicine.

Cindy's experience as an interviewer for USC's PA program provides her with an expert perspective. This insider knowledge allows her to offer students a comprehensive understanding of the admissions process from both sides of the table. As a coach, Cindy leverages this experience to provide authentic insights into what admissions committees look for in candidates during interviews. She offers tailored advice on how to effectively present oneself and guides applicants on demonstrating their qualities in a way that resonates with interviewers.

Cindy has been actively mentoring aspiring PA students for over six years. Her mentorship covers a wide range of areas, including completing prerequisite courses, program selection, personal statement editing, and providing vital mental support throughout the rigorous application process. Students she’s worked with have been accepted to numerous PA programs, including the University of Southern California, Bryant University, Duke University, UC Davis, Touro Nevada University, and California Baptist University.

As a counselor, Cindy is known for her holistic approach—she strives to understand students beyond their academic achievements, taking into account their medical experiences, life challenges, and personal journeys. She is invested in helping them present their unique qualities and strengths in their applications. Cindy’s approach to mentoring is effective because she not only helps students identify and showcase their strengths, but she also offers a clear roadmap for success. She is a meticulous essay editor, ensuring every student’s CASPA application is polished and ready for submission

Cindy is known for her outgoing, personable nature, ensuring that students feel comfortable, supported, and heard. Her enthusiasm for guiding students through the application process is palpable, and she is always eager to help students succeed on their journeys to PA school.

As a Full Professor of Pharmacology, Shaleen leverages her wealth of expertise to mentor future healthcare professionals. She holds a PhD in microbiology and immunology from the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University on a full scholarship. She serves as the Pharmacology Course Director for physician assistants, teaching infectious disease pharmacology to students across various disciplines, including medical, physician assistant, dental, optometry, veterinary, and biomedical sciences students. 

Shaleen’s contributions to the field extend beyond teaching and mentoring. She has presented her research at national and international conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals, demonstrating her commitment to advancing medical knowledge. Her research focuses on cancer cell metabolomics and mechanisms of microbial latency. Her dual focus on research and education ensures that students receive a comprehensive and informed perspective on the healthcare field.

Shaleen’s passion for mentoring is rooted in her extensive experience on Midwestern University’s medical and PA admissions committees. Her extensive involvement provides her with expert insights into what makes a successful applicant, helping students navigate the complexities of medical and physician assistant applications.

As a mentor, Shaleen excels in sharing her knowledge and experiences with aspiring healthcare professionals. Her guidance helps students build confidence and develop strong applications and interview skills. She is motivated by students' "light bulb" moments and supports them throughout their educational journeys. She actively involves students in her research laboratory, focusing on cancer cell metabolomics and mechanisms of microbial latency. Many students have successfully continued to graduate healthcare programs, benefiting from her expertise and support.

As an admissions coach, Shaleen draws upon her extensive admissions experience to help students develop the most impactful application that represents their personal journeys, even if pitfalls exist along the way. Shaleen has used her experience in admissions to help students navigate the process of PA applications and interviews. From her experience, a successful post-graduate candidate is informed, prepared, and confident—she helps students achieve this through her mentorship.

Ana is deeply committed to delivering and advocating for high-quality care to underserved and diverse populations. As a PA student, she actively engaged with her community by volunteering at the student-run HAVEN Clinic, which provides medical services to individuals who are uninsured and ineligible for Medicaid. She also volunteered with the Neighborhood Health Project (NHP), offering glucose and blood pressure screenings to individuals experiencing homelessness. During PA school, she also received the Yale School of Medicine Leadership Award and the Connecticut Academy of Physician Associates PA Student of the Year Award. 

At the University of Maine, Ana volunteered with Operation H.E.A.R.T.S and Medical Outreach Maine, where she became passionate about expanding medical care through teaching opportunities. This passion brought her to serve as President of the University of Maine’s chapter for Partners for World Health. This role afforded her the opportunity to travel to Uganda to serve local and refugee obstetric populations with prenatal education and care. Prior to PA school, Ana honed her patient care skills as a clinical trial coordinator at Boston Children’s Hospital and as a nursing assistant at Dirigo Pines retirement community. These experiences gave her a strong foundation in patient care and a deep passion for health education. 

Upon finishing PA school, Ana has become an active member of the Connecticut Academy of Physician Assistants. She continues to use her health policy knowledge and passion for health education to serve in an advisory capacity in underserved communities as she provides quality care in the field of dermatology. Students Ana has coached have been accepted to PA programs at Tufts University, George Washington University, James Madison University, the University of Delaware, and others. 

Ana’s commitment to mentorship and education is evident in her diverse experiences, from intensive one-on-one sessions with prospective professional students to leading large group events to level the playing field in the admissions process. As a PA from a rural Maine town with no immediate or extended family members in healthcare, she is excited to guide the next generation of physician assistant leaders in achieving their goals, no matter their background.

Originally from Farmington, Connecticut, Nick began his academic journey at Providence College, where he pursued a pre-med track, graduating with a BS in biology. However, seeking to broaden his horizons, he worked for a few years in various jobs, including clinical research and sales at a tech startup. As a customer success manager, he managed over 100 client relationships, serving as the main point of contact and resource for partner institutions. This experience, while enjoyable, ultimately reinforced his desire to pursue a career in healthcare as a PA.

Nick transitioned to becoming a patient care technician at the Medical University of South Carolina before beginning his PA studies. He was an integral member of the care team, performing vital signs checks, blood glucose monitoring, blood draws, and assisting nurses with various tasks to ensure high-quality, patient-centered care. His commitment to patient care extends to his volunteer work, including time spent at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center in the Child Life and Artreach programs, where he engaged with and entertained young patients.

Nick's leadership skills and dedication to community service are evident in his role as president of a campus club that mentors children from a local all-boys middle school whose families are at or below the poverty line. This experience demonstrates his commitment to giving back to the community and supporting youth.

In his PA school applications, Nick successfully leveraged his experiences and extensive extracurricular activities. His success and learned experience position him well to guide other applicants through the competitive PA school application process. He was inducted into the National Honor Society and received an Award for Leadership upon graduation from Charleston Southern University.

As an admissions consultant, Nick combines his easy-going demeanor with a detail-oriented approach, ensuring that every aspect of an application is meticulously crafted to reflect the candidate's vision and strengths. His understanding of what admissions committees look for, coupled with his ability to bring out the best in each application, helps him provide personalized admissions support. 

Nick looks forward to working with applicants and helping them navigate their journey towards an incredible PA career. His background, passion for mentorship, and experience with the PA school application process make him well-equipped to guide students through every step of their application journey.

Sarah's academic journey began at Florida State University, where she graduated with a BS in biological sciences. During her undergraduate studies, she was actively involved in the pre-PA club, contributed to multiple research studies on generational behavioral changes due to drug abuse, and directed recruitment and marketing for her college sorority.

After completing her undergraduate degree, Sarah pursued an MS at the University of South Florida. Concurrently, she gained hands-on experience as a certified nursing assistant and medical assistant in primary care and specialty vein care. Her dedication to helping others extended beyond her local community, as she participated in a medical mission trip to Peru, assisting indigenous populations with primary and urgent complaints.

Sarah continued to demonstrate her passion for helping others as a PA student at the University of Florida. She volunteered for the Equal Access Clinic Network, providing free medical care to the Gainesville community. Additionally, she presented her undergraduate research in course lectures and volunteered at pre-PA meetings.

As a mentor, Sarah is passionate about guiding aspiring physician assistant students through the application process. She has been committed to helping individuals become the best possible applicants, ultimately leading them to become the best patient advocates they can be. Her approach is punctual, encouraging, thoughtful, and tailored to each student's needs, ensuring they receive the support necessary to succeed in their pursuit of becoming a PA. Sarah takes a structured, step-by-step approach to coaching, helping students stay organized and focused throughout the process. She is also highly hands-on, working closely with each student to navigate challenges, refine application materials, and build confidence.

Joann has a strong interest in diversity, equity, and inclusion. During her undergraduate education, she served as the Chairwoman of the DEI Committee. Her commitment to DEI is further recognized through her receipt of the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Scholarship, which awarded her full tuition coverage. Joann's experience in healthcare is extensive, with over 3,000 hours of patient care experience across various specialties before graduating from PA school, including inpatient obstetrics and emergency medicine.

Joann's passion for mentorship began during her sophomore year when she started a YouTube channel about her journey to getting accepted into PA school. This platform allowed her to connect with aspiring PA students and provide informal guidance and advice. She has since mentored many students and is eager to continue helping others achieve their goals.

Gianna grew up in Buffalo, New York, and attended the University of Pittsburgh for her undergraduate education. She initially studied biology undeclared before declaring a major in rehabilitation science with an emphasis on PA school-relevant coursework such as anatomy with a full cadaver lab, physiology with a lab, and pharmacology. 

During her time at the University of Pittsburgh, she completed a certificate in the Conceptual Foundations of Medicine with related areas in biology and chemistry. Her academic achievements were recognized through multiple honorary memberships and awards at the exclusive University of Pittsburgh Honors Convocation for her distinguished academic performance and leadership experience.

Gianna's healthcare experience is diverse and extensive. She worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and home health aide, gaining hands-on experience in patient care. Additionally, she conducted her own field experience internship at UPMC and volunteered as a clinical research assistant, MDA camp counselor, and twice-weekly hospital volunteer at the UPMC HELP Program. Her major GPA of 3.98 further highlights her academic excellence.

After completing her undergraduate studies, Gianna applied to several PA programs and was offered interviews at the majority of them. She accepted an offer at Stony Brook University, finishing her education in 24 months with a 3.87 GPA. The majority of her clinical rotation experience was through the New York City Health and Hospital system, with a portion completed in Buffalo, New York.

Gianna is currently considering furthering her education with a Doctorate of Physician Assistant Studies degree. Outside of her professional pursuits, she enjoys spending time with friends, traveling, baking, playing with her dog, and working on her art career. Her passion for art is evident in her disciplined ballet dancing background and her previous role as a ballet teacher prior to starting PA school.

As a mentor, Gianna brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to help aspiring physician assistants navigate the application process. Her timeliness, organizational skills, and step-by-step approach provide a solid foundation for each student’s experiences. However, it is her confidence in each student that goes the furthest. Gianna is excited to be part of each student’s journey through their admissions process, ensuring they present their best selves and achieve their dreams of becoming fellow physician assistants.

Her journey to becoming a physician assistant began at Duquesne University, where she graduated with a degree in human and health sciences with a minor in supply chain management. During her time at Duquesne, she gained clinical experience working as a patient care technician and medical assistant at various hospitals in Pittsburgh. This exposure to the clinical world of healthcare had a lasting impact on her, shaping her desire to pursue a career in patient care.

After graduating from Duquesne, Johanna worked as an IT systems analyst for Allegheny Health Network in Pittsburgh, becoming certified in EPIC software. She also pursued her MBA degree with a focus on healthcare administration from Seton Hill University while working full-time. However, two years into her IT career, Johanna felt a strong desire to transition into the clinical aspect of healthcare.

Johanna was then accepted into Seton Hill University's physician assistant program. Her current role as a PA in cardiothoracic surgery is multifaceted, involving acute care in the hospital, clinic work in an outpatient setting, and working in the operating room. She helped to bring the need of physician assistants into the first assist role in the OR at her current hospital, something she is very passionate about. Johanna's passion for physician assistant studies is evident in her commitment to helping others join the field.

As a mentor, Johanna brings a blend of administrative and clinical experience to her role. Students she has coached have been accepted to PA programs including Seton Hill University, Quinnipiac University, and Monmouth University. 

Her understanding of the healthcare system, combined with her passion for patient care, positions her well to guide aspiring physician assistants through the challenges of PA school and the application process. Johanna is excited to share her knowledge and expertise with those eager to join the physician assistant profession.