Erin Jones: Hi everyone! I have had a chance to meet many of you already, but here is some information for those of you I haven't met yet. After a lot of moving my family settled in Roanoke when I was 12, so I claim it as home. For those of you who are new to the area, Welcome! I received a B.S. in Communications from James Madison University in 2003 and then worked in marketing and as a Financial Advisor before returning to school. I completed my prerequisite courses for the PA program at Jefferson College and have spent the past 8 months working as a Nurse Assistant in a GYN Oncology practice. In my free time I enjoy exercising, cooking, reading and doing anything outdoors. I am looking forward to meeting and getting to know each of you better over the next two years!

Hey everyone!! I am Dana Waldron and I am 21 years old. I just graduated from James Madison University in May of 2007 with a Bachelors degree in Health Sciences. I am from the Roanoke area and have lived here my entire life. I recently got engaged to Andrew (finally) and we plan to get married in the fall of 2008. For fun, I like to do pretty much anything, especially things that involve water and being outside and I enjoy spending time with my family. I am really excited about the next 2 years and getting to know all of you.

Hi. My name is Sarah Wilson and I am new to Roanoke from Detroit, MI. I have moved with my husband and 14 month old son and we love how warm and sunny it is here in Virginia! I graduated from a small school in Michigan with my bachelors in Biochemistry/pre-med and am so excited to start this next leg of the journey to become a PA! My long term goal is to work either on Indian Reservations, preferably in New Mexico or South Dakota, or in rural communities where there are folks in need of health care but don't have the means to attain it. I have worked in such areas, and I have also worked with inner city clinics in Chicago and Jackson, MI. I can't wait to get started!

Hi! I’m Madeline Jewell and I’m from California. I grew up in a small mountain town in California where it actually did snow, so I hope I’m a little prepared for the weather in VA. I’m 24 years old and got my undergraduate degree in biology from the University of California Irvine. I have been working as a medical assistant for an OB/GYN for the past two years in the Newport Beach area (not much snow there).  I absolutely love the outdoors and cannot wait to live on the East Coast for a couple of years! I cannot wait to meet all of you.  I have a feeling we’re all going to need each other big time! See you soon.

Congrats everybody! My name's Amanda Hullett. I'm originally from South Carolina but went to college in Tennessee. I finished up my Bachelor's at Jefferson this past May. I'm 22 years old and have been living in Roanoke for a little over a year now. I have a miniature dachshund, and I enjoy any outdoor activities. I'm currently working at Roanoke Memorial Hospital as an NA. I'm really looking forward to meeting all of you very soon!

Hello!!! I'm Elisabeth Schutte and have just moved to Roanoke from Madison, WI. I completed my undergraduate degree in Biochemistry from the University of Wisconsin in Madison about two years ago and since then have been spending my time as a workaholic in the Emergency Room at the hospital and in the clinics as a phlebotomist. Although I have spent the last 6 years in Wisconsin, I am originally from Sioux Falls, South Dakota so I am a born and raised 24 yr. old Midwest girl. As I am sure all of you are, I am ecstatic about starting PA school and following my dreams into health care. Congratulations to everyone and I can't wait to meet you all in class!

Hello, I’m Trish Babbitt…Congratulations to everyone on their acceptance in to the PA program. I hope everyone’s summer was fun. I look forward to our adventure together in the PA program. My family and I reside north of Bedford, which is about 45 miles east of JCHS. My family consists of my wonderful husband, two daughters and son. I uphold a strong family life which keeps me running in all directions constantly; they are all unquestionably worth it. I graduated from JCHS in 2006 as a Respiratory Therapist. I work in the medical surgery ICU (mostly), at Roanoke Memorial Hospital (RMH). I love my work as a respiratory therapist at RMH, as I am introduced to a wide spectrum of knowledge, opportunities, and learning experiences. It is my constant inquiries in to every aspect of medicine and continuation in education that led me to the PA program…Other than my family, friends, and learning… I enjoy horseback riding, hiking, canoeing, tennis, running…just about anything outside! Take care and look forward to meeting everyone.

Greetings class of 2009! I'm looking forward to spending the next few months with all of you. My name is Shane Weeks, I'm 23 years old, and I claim to be from Colorado. I graduated from Guam Int'l Christian Academy in December of 2000 and have traveled throughout the U.S. for the past few years. I became an EMT-Basic three years ago and recently graduated from the paramedic program at JCHS. I decided I needed to continue my education after I realized that road tripping and hiking was not sustainable for life. I have worked in the Emergency Room at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital for the past year as a Tech and anticipate learning more about the practice of medicine. When I'm not at work or school, I enjoy mountain biking, running, Frisbee golf, rock climbing and just about anything else that has to do with the outdoors. If anyone needs a study break during the next year, find me and we'll go hiking. E-mail: shanebro16@yahoo.com

Hello PA class of 2009! My name is Katie Joseph, and I just recently graduated from the University of Dayton in May with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and Pre-Physical Therapy. I am 22 years and was born in Columbus, Ohio (GO BUCKS!), but I was raised just outside Dayton, Ohio. Moving to Roanoke is my first real experience living away from my home, so that is going to be a big adjustment in itself for me. I am very nervous/excited about the whole experience! My mom and my dad also attending UD and I have two younger brothers, Matt (20) and Bobby (17). Saying that I'm going to miss my family when I move is a huge understatement, but I think they are happy to get rid of me. I love music, sleeping, coffee, running, pizza, the sun, and gossip magazines. This summer, I am serving and bartending at a local Italian Bistro called Figlio and just taking it easy before heading down to Virginia. I am young and without a lot of hands-on experience in the field, so I am extremely excited to meet you and take in all of your wisdom and knowledge. It looks like we have a great group and I can't wait to get to know all of you; get excited to spend a lot of time together these next couple years! See you in August! Take care, Katie. kejoseph7@mail.jcsh.edu

Hello all, first I would like to congratulate everyone on their acceptance to the PA program here at Jefferson. I look forward to meeting you all and getting to know you. My name is Amy Courtney, I am 22. I graduated from Appalachian State University in December, 2006 with a degree in exercise science, a minor in psychology and biology. I grew up in Pasadena MD, very close to Annapolis; making me a very big ACC basketball fan GO TERPS! I played softball and volleyball in high school and in intramural sports in college. Since my graduation I have been working as a medical assistant in a pediatricians office, which I love. I have wanted to be a PA since I was in high school. It helped that my mother is a PA at Johns Hopkins Hospital, she has greatly influenced and supported my decision. I love helping and working with people. I have two younger brothers who I am very close with, and an older sister. On my down time I love to watch movies, sports and do a little scrap booking. Enjoy the rest of your summer! Amy (amycourt11@gmail.com)

Tricia Christiansen: Congrats JCHS class of 2009. I can't wait to meet all of you. My background includes being an Emergency Medical Technician, Radiology tech, and medical assistant. I've been working for the last four and a half years in an urgent care walk in clinic, five and a half years in a family practice clinic, and have also been an instructor for the Health Sciences dept. at Everett Community College for the last four and a half years. My hobbies include running, biking, hiking, swimming, kayaking, cooking, gardening, pets (I have 2 cats and a hamster), music, dancing, and reading. I'm moving to Virginia from Everett, WA. and am looking forward to a great adventure to add to my list of life's experiences. See you in a couple of weeks.

Hey everyone and congratulations on your acceptance to the PA program. My name is Jessica Curtis and I am 22 years old.  I am from a small town, Granite Falls, in the foothills of North Carolina. I just graduated from Appalachian State University (2x National Football Champs! Go App!) in May with a Bachelor degree in Biology and Chemistry. I am an only child and very close to my family. I enjoy spending time with them and my boyfriend, Michael, whom I plan to marry after completing the PA program. I am spending my summer working at my parents’ restaurant, volunteering at the local Hospice, and relaxing before starting school. I am so eager to meet each one of you and get started on this journey. We have a long, hard road ahead of us, but I can’t wait. Enjoy the rest of the summer and I’ll see you all in August.

Congratulations to everyone! I am looking forward to meeting you all and pursuing the Physician Assistant program with you. My name is Rima Patel and I was born and grew up in Zambia located below the equator in Africa. I moved to the United States during high school years. I pursued undergraduate and graduate education in New Jersey. Successfully committed to the health care industry, I have been working for more than five years in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, public sector and management consulting industries. At present, I am volunteering at physicians’ clinics and fulfilling my role as a community service chairperson for a non-profit organization in Philadelphia. Apart from professional pursuits, I am acquiring certification as a yoga instructor. Some of my many hobbies and interests include community service, health and fitness, traveling, reading, arts and crafts, cooking, dancing and photography. See you all very soon! Good Luck! E-mail: rimapatel01@yahoo.com

Kristina McKinley Harvey: Born on February 22, 1985, in Cape Cod, MA. She is the daughter of Nancy Lee Harvey and has a brother, William K. Harvey, who works at UBS in Stamford, CT. Kristina graduated from Falmouth High School in 2003 and played varsity field hockey, track, and lacrosse. She also competitively figure skated for 15 years and received her USFSA Senior Gold Medal at the age of thirteen. Kristina went on to the University of Connecticut to play Division I lacrosse and major in allied health. After two years, she transferred to the George Washington University, where she continued to play Division I lacrosse and majored in biology (pre-med). She received her bachelor of science from George Washington University in May of 2007 and was on the Dean's list. She also captained her lacrosse team to a share of the regular season title and they then lost in the final game of the tournament, but had their best year ever! She was selected to the A-10 second team all conference for her last season of play. Kristina is extremely excited to start her career path towards becoming a P.A. at Jefferson College of Health Sciences!

Hi everyone. My name is Bill McGuire and I am looking forward to meeting you all and to getting started with our classes at JCHS. I live in Roanoke, but I am originally from Kentucky (Go Big Blue!). After a tour with the Air Force as a medical service specialist--a long name which essentially means "corpsman," I was married to Rose, who is a nurse from the Philippines and the love of my life. We stayed in Maryland for a few more years where I worked as a Respiratory Therapist. When the children were born (Shane, 11, and Jessamine, 10), we moved here to be near my parents. I now work at Lewis-Gale Hospital, where I have the pleasure of being an anesthesia tech for a really great group of anesthesiologists. And you ask how I could possibly work all of that living into a short amount of time. Well, the time was not so short. I will be the old guy with a bottle of Geritol by my laptop. Be that as it may, I have known people who have been through the Physician Assistant program at JCHS, and, as President Bush is fond of saying," It's hard work." But the fulfillment of a dream for me, and I'm sure for all of us, will be worth the sacrifices and sleepless nights. We will get through this, together. Now, if someone would pass the coffee...

Hello! My name is Laura Hood and I am 26 years old. I was born and raised in the small town of Big Stone Gap, Virginia. I earned a B.S. from Virginia Tech in Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise while working as a student athletic trainer for VT athletics. I followed my interest in sports medicine to East Tennessee State University where I completed a M.S. in Physical Education/Sport Management and worked as a graduate assistant athletic trainer. I currently live and work in Radford, Virginia and have been completing prerequisites at Jefferson for the past two years. In my spare time I enjoy anything outdoors, spending time with those closest to me and of course HOKIE football! I am eager to meet everyone and begin this new adventure. Congratulations to you all!! See you in August! Email: ldhood5@jchs.edu

A recent graduate of Greensboro College in Greensboro, North Carolina, Miranda Gilley majored in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. She participated in Beta Beta Beta, and was awarded the Russel Family Fellowship as well as the Arnold Van Pelt Biology Award. She has worked as a Pharmacy Technician at Morehead Memorial Hospital in Eden, North Carolina, as well as Moses Cone Hospital in Greensboro as a Nursing Secretary/Monitor Technician. Miranda is very excited to begin her studies at Jefferson College. E-mail: mgilley@gborocollege.edu

Hi everyone! My name is Emily Styers and I am 22 years old. I am from Boone, North Carolina where I just graduated from Appalachian State University, with an Exercise Science degree. For the past several years I have worked in home health physical therapy and at a low cost Hispanic health clinic. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with friends and family as well as doing anything active. I look very forward to meeting you all! emma_styers@yahoo.com

Hi Everyone! Congratulations on your acceptance to JCHS!! I am Krissi Hooker from Danville, VA, and I will be 26 by the time classes start in August. I graduated from Virginia Tech in 2002 with a BA in Spanish, and I lived in Roanoke for three years following graduation. I worked at the Health Department and Planned Parenthood as a Spanish interpreter, and later at Roanoke Memorial Hospital as a Police Dispatcher. Then I lived in Harrisonburg for a short while, but I disliked it so much that I ended my lease on my apartment early and came back to Danville to live until PA school starts this August! My parents just retired--my dad was a physician and my mom was his business manager. My sister is a photographer, and my brother is a firefighter/medic. None of us have children yet, but I have a great dog. She's a beagle-mix, and my parents spoil her rotten!! I'm an EMT-B, but I haven't joined a Rescue Squad since I left Roanoke. I am so excited to be moving back to Roanoke--it feels like home to me now! As August gets closer, I get a little more nervous every day about classes starting!! I hope everyone has a fantastic summer, and I'm looking forward to taking this next step into our lives with you!

Hey guys. My name is Ravin Mehta. I’m originally from Johnson City, Tennessee where I received my B.S. in Computer and Information Sciences from East Tennessee State University. Most of my health background is related to Orthopedics, yet I have a little bit of interest in everything. I currently reside in Virginia, yet I spend my weekends in Tennessee working on a Spine & Joint Unit. I have a strong interest in the outdoors. I spend a great deal of my time hiking and camping with my weimaraner, Scout. My additional time is spent dabbling in judo, experimenting with web design, and playing guitar. I want to commend you on undertaking the ambitious goal of becoming a PA. I look forward to sharing the PA experience alongside you during the approaching semesters. Cheers. Contact Info: Ravin011@hotmail.com

Congrats to everyone on your acceptance! This wasn’t easy. I am absolutely thrilled to get to know each of you. My name is Jessica Ballance. I’m originally from Virginia Beach, VA, but relocated to Northern VA after graduation from Marymount University. I enjoy vacationing every chance I get, and watching football with my boyfriend. I especially love catching the occasional game at FEDEX field, GO SKINS!!!  I received my BS in Biology in 2005 and have been working as a neurophysiologist for Sentient Medical Systems for 2 years. I am very grateful for this job, as it has opened my eyes to a whole new profession that I would have never known about or considered. Now it is my goal to do my best in this program, and I am certain we will all grow to rely on one another to get through it.  More than anything though, I am excited to move to Roanoke and begin this new chapter in my life and career. Looking forward to meeting you all. I can be reached by email at aka4jess@yahoo.com

Hello everyone and congratulations.  My name is Sara St. Peter, I am 22 years old and from Franklin County, VA, just south of Roanoke. I am currently a Pharmacy Technician and completed most of my prerequisites at Jefferson. In our free time, my husband and I enjoy the outdoors: gardening, fishing, canoeing, hiking and camping. I am excited to begin the program and cannot wait to meet you all. Please feel free to contact me via e-mail at seshively5@mail.jchs.edu.

Greetings from sunny West Point, MS!  My name is Sarah Nolan and I was born and raised in Woodstock, VA. I earned a BS from the USAF Academy and served as an F-16 Aircraft Maintenance Officer. After serving in the Gulf, I was diagnosed with an auto-immune disease and subsequently parted from the service. My disease has offered me a unique perspective on health care, and has led to an interest in Veterans’ care. My husband and I are looking forward to moving back to VA with our menagerie (dog, varying number of cats and fish) and enjoying four seasons again. Hobbies include swimming, stained glass, gardening, home repair type projects, and just about anything outside! E-mail: redsarahnolan@yahoo.com

Congratulations Everyone! Hi, I am Reshma Sherigar. I am from Roanoke. I live with my husband Rathnakar Sherigar. I finished my pre-PA courses at the Jefferson College. Looking forward to meeting everyone.

Hello and congratulations to everyone! My name is Roya Yazdani and I am 22 years old. Currently I live in Dallas, Texas, and will move to Roanoke sometimes in July. I completed the prerequisite courses at North Lake College and University of Texas at Dallas, where I was majoring in Biochemistry. I also work as a student volunteer at Baylor Medical Center, shadowing a physician assistant in the emergency department. I enjoy drawing, watching movies, traveling and outdoor activities. I am also a big Mavericks fan! I am looking forward to meeting all of you. Feel free to email me at saye1985@yahoo.com.

My name is Jason Welsch. I am 31 years old and presently live in Aurora, Illinois. I have been married to my wonderful Romanian wife for the last four years, and I have to say that the way we met was really quite interesting. I am very excited about being accepted into the PA program, especially since this has been a goal of mine since before I left the military six years ago. I was a Navy Hospital Corpsman for three of the six years of my military service. I joined the Navy in 1994 as a non-designated seaman. Although deep down I had an idea that I wanted to work in health care, I was not really sure at the time of my enlistment. After being on board ship for about a month I realized that healthcare was what I was meant to do. After going through training I was sent to the “Green” side of the navy (which means you work with the marines). It was there that I was introduced to the PA profession. We would actually see our own patients make a diagnosis and treatment plan before we would present the case to the doctor. I really enjoyed doing that so much that the doctor I worked with said that I should look into the Physician Assistant program. Presently I work as a medical assistant in an internal medicine office, which I also have been working at for six years. Needless to say, I think that I have a strong medical background that will be useful for the program and any of my fellow classmates that may need some assistance in certain areas. I also hope to learn new things from all of you as well. I am a strong believer in the power of networking, and enjoy helping people. I look forward to starting class. See you all soon. Contact info:  jasonwelsch@comcast.net

Hello, class of 2009! My name is Jon Dollison. This past year I spent my time working as a Respiratory Technician and EMT-B for a major Chicago hospital and private ambulance. Before that I attended the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor (GO BLUE!) where I received my bachelors degree in Movement Science. I am newlywed of eight months. My wife is an assistant manager at Starbucks, so she will be helping me stay awake through late night study hours! I enjoy spending time with my wife, kicking back to watch "Grey's Anatomy," a good summer walk or run at the park, and of course learning about medicine. I am looking forward to meeting all of you as I am sure the next 2 years are going to be some of the most memorable, exciting, and challenging times for us all. I hope everyone has a great summer and I wish you all the best of luck.

Hi everyone. My name is Joe Argenta. I'm 32 years old and spent most my childhood in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and Winston-Salem, North Carolina. I have a daughter named Hannah who is 27 months old, and a son named Conner who is 7 months old, and wife named Greta, who won't tell me how old she is. I graduated from Marshall University in West Virginia with degrees in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education. Over the past few years, I have worked as a teacher and a writer. More recently, I have been working as Clinical research Assistant at Wake Forest University Hospital, performing 3-D laser imaging of craniofacial deformities and conducting various child developmental testing. After graduation, I hope to work in Pediatrics or Emergency Medicine. My family is moving to our new home in Roanoke in July. I look forward to meeting everyone and starting this program together. jargenta@bellsouth.net

My name is Angela Tanner. I have worked in health care for the last ten years as a medical technologist. I grew up in Ferrum, VA, and graduated from Radford University. I have lived in Greensboro, NC, for the last couple of years. I have worked in hospital and physicians, office labs and have learned lots from every job I have held. I currently work in an OB/GYN & Infertility office. I am both excited and nervous about the opportunity to return to school and look forward to meeting everyone. I am a single mom to a wonderful six year old son, so I will not make good roommate material. Here is my personal info. angektanner@yahoo.com

Hello and congratulations to all of my fellow Class of 2009 members! My name is Sharon Andrews. I have lived in and around Roanoke since I was 11 years old. I am married to a wonderful man, Daniel, who is extremely encouraging and supportive of my decision to become a PA. We have a beautiful 21-year-old daughter, Aimee, who thinks I am crazy for going to school at my age. She is going to deliver our first grandchild this November. We also have three “furry children”: two mixed collies and a cocker spaniel. I have been a nurse since 1984, but have taken several breaks from nursing to work in other areas. My experience includes charge nurse and wound care nurse for several nursing homes, staff nurse for a physicians’ office, office manager/education nurse for a home health company, tumor registrar, and office manager for several family businesses. In 2005 I quit working and enrolled in JCHS to begin taking the prerequisites for this program. When I’m not studying (which might not be until after August 2009) I collect and play primitive wind instruments, read, and watch sci-fi movies and Looney Tunes. I look forward to meeting all of you. Feel free to contact me any time: smandrews5@mail.jchs.edu

Hello and congratulations to everyone! My name is Carmen McLean and I am 23 years old. I moved around a lot growing up and am currently living in Greensboro, NC. I graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill last May with a BS degree in Chemistry. I like to spend my time outdoors, reading or running with my dog Tuck. I also enjoy cooking, spending time with family and friends, and watching Carolina basketball (Go Heels!). I am really looking forward to meeting you all! carmenmclean@gmail.com

Hi Everyone, My name is Theresa D’Avila, but please call me “Tee” (that’s what my friends and family use). Let me first congratulate all of you on being accepted to the JCHS PA Class of 2009. Job well done!!! I am 41 years old and live just outside of Roanoke on Smith Mountain Lake. I have lived here for the past 2 years and have been visiting for the last 7. The very first time I came to the lake I knew I wanted to make it my home...and now it is! This is such a beautiful part of the country.  I am originally from New York, but have lived all over the country. I have been a certified surgical technician for the last 21 years. I currently work at Roanoke Memorial Hospital. I have wanted to become a PA for a long time and it is so wonderful to be accomplishing that goal. I look forward to meeting each and every one of you soon. I know we will all become close friends. Until that time if there is anything I could do for you to make your move here easier, please let me know. In my free time, which isn’t much, I love to cook, water ski, jet ski, swim, read and have fun. I am very outgoing and love to laugh. So let’s laugh together. Oh yeah, Lake Party at my house this summer! Until then have a Great Summer, Be Safe. See you Soon!!! Tee.My email is: tee3266@msn.com .

Hello Class of 2009. I would like to start off by congratulating everyone on their acceptance into the program! Now here's a little something about me. My name is Neelema Patel from Atlanta, GA. I graduated from Georgia State University in the summer of 2006. I received a B.S. in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. After graduating, I took some time to follow physicians, a physician assistant, and a nurse practitioner to get a feel of what I would be doing in the future. I was also able to squeeze in a trip to India to visit some family. In my free time I enjoy being with my family and friends. I'm really close to my mummy, pappa, and younger brother, Nihar. I am also very close to my friends Akshar, Punam, Deesha, and Krunali. I am going to miss everyone so much. I love all kinds of sports especially baseball and football. I like to read, eat, go shopping, eat, work out and of course eat. I'm planning on moving up to Roanoke at the beginning of August. I've never lived away from home so its going to be a really big change for me. But I'm sure after meeting and getting to know everyone I'll have a home away from home :) Currently, I am attending Kennesaw State University as a postbacc. student to fulfill some prerequisites in order to start at JCHS with y'all (yes, I have a slight southern accent and use y'all) If anyone wants to get in contact with me, you can email me at neelema.patel@gmail.com. Again, congratulations to everyone and I'm so excited to meet everyone in August.