PA School Admissions Consulting for Juniors

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.

Taylor's educational journey began at the University of Georgia, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in education in athletic training. After graduation, she gained valuable experience as a certified athletic trainer and faculty member for a sports physical therapy and athletic training residency program.

Building on this foundation, Taylor pursued a dual Master's degree at Emory University, graduating with the Highest Honors from both the physician assistant program and the Rollins School of Public Health. Her outstanding achievements led to her induction into honorary societies at both schools—Delta Omega Honorary Society in Public Health at Rollins, and Pi Alpha National Honor Society for Physician Assistants through her PA program.

In her current role at Emory Healthcare, Taylor is the sole advanced practice provider in transplant infectious diseases, managing a complex inpatient consultation service. This position allows her to apply her expertise in infectious disease and transplant medicine while working with a diverse range of patients and healthcare professionals.

Taylor's passion extends beyond clinical practice to education and mentorship. As an appointed clinical education faculty member of the Emory University PA program, she focuses on improving learners' clinical experiences, deepening clinician longevity in mentorship and preceptorship, and advocating for APPs' joint pursuit of clinical and non-clinical roles. This commitment reflects her holistic approach to healthcare and her desire to expand the impact of PAs in various sectors of the medical field.

Her educational approach emphasizes student mentorship, interprofessional education, collaborative practice, and effective knowledge acquisition and assessment for adult learners. Taylor regularly precepts and mentors PA students, providing helpful tips for the admissions process and the qualities sought by top programs.

Taylor is committed to guiding prospective students through the complex application process, offering quality mentorship that helps each student leverage their personality and experiences. Her firsthand knowledge of the PA profession and academic path enables her to set students up for success.

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.