PA School Application Support for Seniors & Students Taking a Gap Year

Oresta holds a BS in biological sciences with a concentration in organismal physiology from Drexel University, where she was honored as the Student of the Year. She also received the EMT-B Volunteer of the Year Award and was a Liberty Scholar throughout her undergraduate studies. 

After college, Oresta earned a Master’s in physician assistant studies from Rutgers University, one of the nation’s top-ranked PA programs. She was awarded the prestigious National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Scholarship, which, upon graduation, allowed her to give back to an underserved health professional shortage area (HPSA) in Bronx, NY. She spent nearly four years practicing family medicine there,  deepening her commitment to community care and expanding her skill set in both dermatology and surgery. She also volunteered with Waves of Health on a medical mission trip to provide primary care to the remote pediatric and adult population of the Dominican Republic. 

Currently, Oresta serves as a dermatology PA-C at Metro Dermatology. Her previous roles include working as a school-based PA at Morris Heights Health Center and as a family medicine PA-C at Urban Health Plan. Alongside her clinical work, she precepts PA students and is actively involved in research, including co-authorship on a published cardioprotection study. 

Her mentorship journey began with her participation in the Physician Assistant Shadowing Program (PASSPoRT) at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Inspired by the value of early exposure and support, she launched a pre-PA blog to help students with application cycles, goal-setting, and confidence-building. She has helped numerous students achieve their dreams of getting into PA school and recognizes that guidance before attending PA school is important for student success. 

Oresta has worked with students from numerous backgrounds and tailors her approach to suit the diverse needs of applicants. As a consultant, Oresta prides herself on ensuring individuals are adequately prepared for the PA application process ahead of time to be strong applicants with competitive profiles. She recognizes the importance of mentorship, guidance, and a streamlined approach to help applicants become well-equipped on their journey in medicine while maintaining their individuality.

Rebekah earned a BS in chemistry with a minor in public health from the University of South Carolina, where she graduated summa cum laude and was a member of the prestigious Honors College. Rebekah also received the Outstanding Senior Award and the Hiram and Lawanda Award for Excellence in Chemistry, among other accolades. 

After college, she attended the Charleston Southern University PA program, where she graduated with a perfect 4.0 GPA, earned the Academic Excellence Award, and was recognized as the top graduate in her class. Rebekah also worked as a student admissions ambassador at CSU. She received multiple awards and scholarships, including the CSU Academic Excellence Award, the CSU CAE Healthcare Foundation Scholarship, and the AAPA Foundation Scholarship. 

A nationally certified and clinically active PA, Rebekah practices in both pediatric surgery and internal medicine/hospitalist care at Prisma Health Children’s Hospital. Her dual-specialty background allows her to offer students a well-rounded perspective on the clinical pathways available within the PA profession. She also serves as a preceptor and clinical faculty mentor, working directly with pre-PA students, PA students, medical students, and residents.

Deeply committed to medical education and professional leadership, Rebekah is an area representative and board member for the South Carolina Academy of Physician Assistants. She is a published author in the Journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and has presented her clinical research at regional and national conferences. A passionate researcher, Rebekah has spent over a decade engaged in projects ranging from environmental chemistry to clinical pediatrics. Her recent work on restraint use in pediatric trauma patients received regional and national accolades, including the Podium Presentation Award at the Southeastern Trauma Symposium and the Injury Prevention Award from the Pediatric Trauma Society.

Beyond her clinical and research accomplishments, Rebekah is also an award-winning scholar and fellowship recipient. Her accolades include multiple university and PA program awards, and selection for the Mount Vernon Leadership Fellowship in Washington, D.C. With experience in scholarship advising, medical outreach, and mission work, Rebekah is passionate about guiding pre-PA students through every step of the journey to PA school—from applications and interviews to clinical preparation and professional development.

A proud graduate of Old Dominion University, Deniece graduated with a  BS in medical technology with a minor in fashion merchandising. She spent five years working as a certified clinical laboratory scientist specializing in microbiology, building a strong foundation in diagnostics, precision, and patient safety. Her scientific rigor and natural ability to connect with people led her to earn an MPA at EVMS. 

Currently practicing in multiple care settings across the U.S., Deniece brings real-world insight and energy to her role as an admissions coach, offering students clarity, connection, and strategy through every stage of the PA school application process. Deniece’s passion for coaching stems from her own journey into the profession, where mentorship made all the difference. Now, she’s paying it forward—helping the next generation of PAs walk boldly into their calling.

Deniece is deeply invested in shaping the future of medicine. A dedicated mentor and role model, she has supported countless aspiring and current PA students, many of whom have completed their programs. She has served on the EVMS admissions committee, led mock interviews, coached personal statement development, and spearheaded outreach to local HBCUs to raise awareness of the PA profession and expand the pipeline of underrepresented providers.

Deniece believes that representation isn’t just a talking point—it’s a mission. She believes in opening doors and holding them wide for others. Her mentorship empowers students from all backgrounds to navigate their path toward healthcare leadership with clarity and confidence.

Drawing on her experience as a practicing PA, Deniece guides pre-PA students through every stage of the application process. With a sharp eye for what makes a candidate stand out, she helps students craft competitive, authentic, and strategic applications.

Known for her warm, supportive approach, Deniece builds strong, personalized connections with every student, creating a coaching experience that’s both encouraging and results-driven. She’ll even make sure each student is the best-dressed at their interview. 

She has successfully mentored many applicants, including non-traditional students, career changers, re-applicants, and gap year students, equipping each with tailored tools and insights to elevate their candidacy. Her clinical background, mentorship mindset, and deep understanding of the PA admissions process make her a trusted and invaluable coach for future PAs.