Hello everyone in the class of 2010! My name is Angela Fraley and I am very excited to meet you all! I was born and raised in Narrows, Virginia, and my family still resides there to this day. I graduated with a degree from Virginia Tech in Psychology in 2003. Since then, I have been taking classes here at JCHS since 2006, and I have loved every minute of it! The people here are wonderful and I am very blessed to be able to pursue PA school here as well.  Besides studying all the time, I love traveling, going out with friends (especially to Va. Tech football games ), and playing tennis. I am a HUGE NY Yankees fan and I really like to catch their games whenever they are on TV. I am looking forward to seeing you all in August! Feel free to contact me anytime at hokiesangel2003@yahoo.com.

Hey everyone!   My name is Amanda Thompson and I’m 23 years old. I graduated from the University of Virginia in 2006 in Biology and Spanish.  If you speak Spanish I would love to try to fit in conversation practice over coffee or study Spanish medical terms- like we’ll have time. =) I’m currently living in Roanoke about 10 minutes away from school, if anyone needs a newspaper to look for housing I can mail some out. That is the best way to find a nice house around here. I’m going to start recruiting for study groups now. While it is great to buckle down alone to study I also enjoy how group dynamics bring in fresh ideas and outlooks. Who is with me? =) With what little time we will have for the next two years, I plan on playing outside when I can to distress. Roanoke and the surrounding areas have some great outdoor activities. I’m nervous about school but super excited. I can’t wait to meet everyone. I say we should take that first orientation week to get to know each other in a stress free environment, hurray. See everyone in August.

My name is Chelsey Myers. I was born in Torrance, California, but grew up in a small town in northern Nevada.  My great passions in life are volleyball, medicine, and traveling.  I have played volleyball since I was thirteen, and I was given the opportunity to play while I was in college. I attended college at Seattle Pacific University in Seattle, WA, where I studied biology and played varsity volleyball for four years.  I love traveling abroad, and my favorite country to explore is Greece.  I'm a very active person who loves the outdoors and any kind of sporting event! chelise822@aol.com

Hello everyone. My name is, Christopher Thomas.  I am 21 years old and a recent graduate of Bridgewater College with a bachelors of science in biology. I grew up in Orange County Virginia and have worked as a patient care technician at the heart and vascular center of the University of Virginia throughout my undergraduate years. During free time I enjoy playing sports and anything that involves time outdoors. I look forward to meeting everyone in August; this should be both a challenging yet exciting endeavor for everyone. Email: cjthomas8@mail.jchs.edu

Jennifer Pitts: I am born and raised in Burlington, NC.  I attended the University of Maryland at College Park and obtained my B.S. in Psychology.  I am currently working in community mental health provided direct patient care to individuals with severe and persistent mental illnesses.  On February 14th my boyfriend proposed to me and we plan to marry on completion of my Masters.  I am passionate about serving in rural Eastern NC or VA.  I have worked in primary care, emergency medicine, and orthopedics. My hobbies include: volleyball, singing, country music, being an aunt, and working out.  I currently volunteer for the sexual assault and rape crisis center in my county as a victim's advocate.  Serving the community is important to me.  I am looking forward to meeting the Class of 2010.

Jess Showman: I grew up in a very small town called Mount Jackson, Va, (north I-81). I am very active and love to ski, play basketball, volleyball, and swim. I also enjoy baking a variety of cookies and cakes! I’ve been known to have a “bubbly” personality, I love to talk, and my favorite color is pink!

Hi, I’m Lauren Bowers.  I am 23 years old and graduated from the College of William & Mary in 2008 with degrees in Neuroscience and Kinesiology.  My greatest passion in life has always been soccer, and I am proud to have represented the Tribe as a varsity women’s soccer player for four years.  I have two younger sisters who also play soccer, one at JMU and the other at UVA.  Aside from soccer, I love to do anything active especially running, hiking, playing tennis, and working out.  I am really excited about PA school, and ready for the challenges we will be facing.  I am from Northern Virginia and will be moving to Roanoke in August, and I would love to be in touch with anyone from the program before then.  Please feel free to email or call me anytime!  Email: lmbowe@wm.edu

Hello everyone! My name is Allie Lewis and I'm 21 years old. I have three siblings - Jenni (31), Bryan (29), and Kyle (23). I'm the youngest, born just south of Roanoke in Rocky Mount, VA. My family moved to Roanoke when I was five, and I've stuck around ever since. I just graduated from the College of William and Mary with a BS in Biology and a BS in Kinesiology. I'm already missing my friends in Williamsburg, but I am definitely not missing the summer humidity!  Most of my time in school (when we weren't studying) was spent running mileage for the track team. I specialized in the 800m, running 2:08 by my final meet. Maintaining post-collegiate exercise has been a task, but if anyone wants to go out for a run, feel free to let me know! I can't wait to meet all of you - see you in August!

Hi everyone! My name is Amy Neuhs. I am originally from Glasgow, Virginia, but have been living in Pennsylvania for the past two years. I graduated from Roanoke College in 2005, and then went to work for the Army before deciding to become a PA. I love animals, and have been very active in animal rescue and fostering in my free time. I look forward to "coming home" to Virginia, starting the program, and meeting you all!

Ashley Rawls: Growing up on the Southern coast of North Carolina has left me with a love for the outdoors.  Running is my newly discovered passion, but I enjoy everything from soccer to snowboarding.  My ‘best friend’ is my Labrador Retriever Dawn, and she used to be my faithful running partner until her age started to catch up with her.  However, she does not object to a nice afternoon out on the beach or by the lake, granted I do not forget her umbrella!  I graduated from North Carolina State University with a B.S. in Microbiology in May 2008.  While I was a student, I worked as a Medical Assistant at a family practice and at the N.C. State Veterinary College as a technician/lab assistant in the Aquatic Medicine Laboratory—if anyone has a sick fish, let me know.  I recently moved to Salem, Virginia, and I am looking forward to orientation and meeting everyone!

Hello everyone!  I’m Audrey Martin and I am 22 years old.  I just graduated from Virginia Tech in May 2008 with a Bachelors degree in Biological Sciences.  I am an EMT with the Virginia Tech Rescue Squad and I work as a Nursing Assistant at Montgomery Regional Hospital in Blacksburg.  I’m from Northern Virginia but as an Army brat, I’ve lived in quite a few places.  I am so excited about starting PA school and I look forward to meeting you all in August!

My name is Elizabeth Tomlinson, but I’ve gone by Betsy for 24 years now and have become quite accustomed to it!  I was born in Asheville, NC, but will forever call Roanoke my hometown because I’ve lived here since I was 3.  After attending Northside High School and graduating as valedictorian in 2002, I transformed from a Viking to a Hokie J  At Virginia Tech, I majored in Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise and minored in Chemistry.  I not only loved VT for its academic opportunities but also for the impact VT sports had on the Blacksburg community.  Needless to say I will forever be a Hokie at heart.  I have since been working with Carilion in the Neuropsychology department administering behavioral, psychological, and neuropsychological testing on head trauma patients.  When out of the office, my hobbies include fine wine, gourmet food, and traveling the world with my friends and family. I also love watching sports, drinking coffee-can’t live without it-and I’m mildly obsessed with Christmas! After PA school I hope to be commissioned into the Navy and help those servicemen and women who defend our country and our freedom.

Hi, my name is Brook Powell.  I am 24 years old and so excited to start the program at Jefferson College.  I was born and raised in Rocky Mount, Virginia.  I graduated in May 2006 from Ferrum College, which a small school in the same county that I am from.  After college I started working in a pathology lab at a local hospital.  I guess you could say I am a small town girl, but I wouldn't have it any other way.  I have a great family and awesome friends.  The outdoors and sports are a couple of things that I enjoy.  My friends and I often go camping, canoeing, and like to hang out on Smith Mountain Lake, which is close by.  I cheered and played softball in school.  Volleyball is another sport that I love to play, but only for fun.  All in all, I consider myself a really laid back person who is easy to get along with.   I can't wait to meet everyone!

Crystal Foster: I was born and raised in a small town in northern Minnesota, called Detroit Lakes. I am 23 years old; I am not married and have no children. In high school I was interested in a lot of sports like: tennis, cheerleading, and golf.  When I was 17 I joined the Army National Guard, which I am still a part of.  After high school I went to study at the University Minnesota of Duluth where I started with a major in Psychology, but soon added another one in Biology. While at UMD I enjoyed doing a lot of community service mainly with Beta Lambda Psi, a service/social sorority which I was president of.  I knew I wanted to be a PA while at UMD because of a growing interest in the medical fields, and the enjoyment I felt when I would care for people while volunteering and St. Mary’s hospital. When I graduated from UMD I moved back home to get some patient care experience. I got a job working at a dialysis clinic and at a lab doing phlebotomy. I am very excited to start school at JCHS this year. I know the work will be very changing, but rewarding and can’t wait for the enjoyment the PA field will bring to me.

Hey everyone! I'm Dana Smith and I'm 23 years old. I graduated in May 2007 from North Carolina State University with a BS in Biological Sciences. I've been working as a Medical Assistant for the past 3 years in a hospital, and now a family practice office.  I've cheered pretty much my entire life, from about 4 years old through my undergrad at NC State (Go Wolfpack!:) ) For fun, I love sports (watching and playing), cooking, working out, running, shopping, anything outdoors, and spending time with my family. I'm excited for August and can't wait to meet everyone! email: dbsmith10@hotmail.com or dbsmith8@mail.jchs.edu

Grace Mathis: I am a 23 year old native Charlottean girl.  I attended Appalachian State University (National Champs… GO APP) and graduated in 2006 with a major in Exercise Science.  Since then I have been working as an OB tech in the Maternity Unit at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, NC.  I am a big family person and love spending time with all my friends all over the map.  Although very much a city girl, I enjoy camping, skiing and running.  Some of my other interest include, traveling, shopping, attending concerts and reading.  I am so excited about starting the program and I look forward to meeting everyone.  Have a great rest of the summer… see you soon.    My e-mail address is gnmathis7@mail.jchs.edu or gnmathis@gmail.com.

Jen Freimund: I am originally from Los Angeles, CA, and attended the University of California at Santa Barbara, and completed graduate studies at Middle Tennessee State University.  Prior to attending JCHS, I worked in clinical research in San Diego. My interests include traveling, exploring new cultures, hearing live music, playing sports (especially soccer), and enjoying the outdoors. I am very excited about entering a new and challenging career path as a PA, and am looking forward to meeting everyone this summer. jenfreimund@yahoo.com

Katherine Lea-Ann Min: I graduated from Roanoke College in 2002 with a BS in Psychology and Human Development.  I've spent the last two years in Charleston, SC, working as a research assistant and a nursing assistant at the hospital. I left the "Star City" 2 years ago but am extremely excited to return in August.  In my free time I love to play the piano, workout, hike, cook, and spend as much time as possible with my family, friends, and of course the man in my life....my 80 lb Weimaraner!  I am so honored and fortunate to be a part of the class of 2010 and cannot wait to meet everyone in August.  klmin@roanoke.edu

My name is Marie Nicely.  I was born and raised in Lexington, VA.  I am 22 years old.  I graduated from Bridgewater College with a degree in pre-med biology in 2007.  I presently live in Roanoke, VA, with my husband and two kittens.  I have recently worked as a physical therapy tech at Carilion Stonewall Jackson Hospital.   I love to read, hike, bike, and ride horses.  I am excited to be attending Jefferson College of Health Sciences in the fall.

Hi everyone! My name is Mary Boyce and I am from the Forest area of VA. I am a Hokie at heart as I just graduated from Virginia Tech with a BS in Nutrition and Biology. Since then, I’ve married my high school sweetheart and have been working as a long-term substitute at a high school and wheeling patients around in the local hospital as a radiology tech assistant. I love all outdoor activities, however my passion lies in water sports, so I’m happy that I am moving closer to Smith Mountain Lake. I’m so excited to meet all of my classmates and to get this next chapter of my life started! My e-mail is mneeley@vt.edu.

Hi. My name is Meg Ellis. I am originally from Bristol, Tennessee, and I am one of five girls in my family (my poor dad, right?!). I love traveling, running, dogs and the mountains. I went to college at Elon University in North Carolina and majored in Sports Medicine. Following graduation, I headed to Colorado for a year where I took extra classes, worked, and pretty much hit the slopes every weekend. It was an amazing year and I had a blast! After that I headed back home to Bristol—again, taking more classes and working as a physical therapy tech.  Shortly after moving home I met my husband—Scott. We were married on June 16, 2007 (best day ever) and with our three dogs, we moved to Roanoke. We have been living here for the last year and I have been working as an EKG Tech at Carillion. I have really loved working and getting to know Roanoke. I am anxiously and excitedly waiting for the coming year. See you at Jefferson!

Hello everyone, my name is Michael Clark and I graduated from Emory University in Atlanta with a BA in Spanish and a few classes short of a BS in Biology.  I spent a portion of my three-and-a-half years at Emory abroad- first in Salamanca, Spain, and then in London, England.  I met some amazing people in both places, and while in the UK studied the U.S. healthcare system and the National Health Service.  This experience greatly affected my decision to pursue a career as PA and opened my eyes to a variety of issues in healthcare that we as future PAs can address.  While in Atlanta I worked as a clinical research assistant at Grady Memorial Hospital, and have worked as a technician in both Radiology and the Emergency Department at Lynchburg General Hospital.  Things I find relaxing include traveling, photography, running and the Weather Channel…  I am excited to get to know everyone over the course of the next few years and am reachable at maclark8@mail.jchs.edu.  I look forward to meeting each of you in August and enjoy the rest of the summer!

Hello fellow future PA's!!  Congratulations to all of us, this was no easy task!  My name is Monica Cooper.  I am 26 years old and just recently moved to Roanoke from down the road a little bit, Wytheville, VA.  I have been married for 4 wonderful years now and we are the proud parents of one beautiful but spoiled "dog-ter" (and yes that is spelled correctly) named Bailey.  I have my BS in Biology from Warner Southern College, a small school in Lake Wales, Florida.  After graduation I worked as an 8th grade Science teacher and learned quickly that was not for me.  For the last year I have worked as an Anesthesia Tech and have learned a lot.  I always wanted to work in healthcare just not sure where my niche was until now.   In my spare time, what little bit there is for now, I love to "craft", sew, scrapbook, punchneedle, etc.  I love "creating" so much that my craft room was one of the first unpacked in my new house.  I so look forward to meeting each of you in August.  Good luck to you as you prepare for this giant next step in life!

Neha Mody:  Hey guys!! Congratulations on your acceptance to the first Master’s class at JCHS!! I just graduated from University of Georgia in May 2008 with a degree in Psychology. I lived in Athens, GA, for past 4 years (am going to MISS it) and used to live Atlanta and India before then. I worked as a nursing assistant till school started and worked with Dance Marathon- Children’s Miracle Network.  I love to read, dance and travel and anything outdoors. I am blessed to have the best parents, and am going to miss them very much. I have an older brother who lives with his wife in NYC. I am excited about moving to Roanoke, Va., and look forward to spending the next crazy but exciting 2.5 years of our lives together.

My name is Robin Peacock.  I am 24 years old and currently living in my hometown of Goldsboro, NC. I graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a degree in Biology. I have always had a true passion for helping and caring for others. I am very family oriented and spend most of my time, when not at work, with my sister. I enjoy being with my friends, having fun, and going to the beach. I greatly look forward to the new challenges awaiting me at Jefferson College. Email address:  robinpcck@yahoo.com  or      rlpeacock8@mail.jchs.edu

Seth Barrett: Hi, everyone.  I bet you all are just as excited and nervous as I am to begin our education in the PA field.  I graduated from Radford University this past May with a degree in Exercise, Sport, and Health Education.  I graduated with a minor in Biology as well.  My original plans were to attend physical therapy school, but once I learned about the PA profession my sophomore year, I have been headed in this direction ever since.  Most of my experiences in the health care field have been in physical therapy clinics.  I have learned that one of the most rewarding things in life can be to help others.  I enjoy spending my free time being active, watching movies, traveling, learning about the past, and spending time with my family and loved ones.  I can’t wait to meet all of you.  Enjoy your summer!!

My name is Sarah Darbonne. I am 21 years old and just graduated from Sam Houston State University in Biology. I am originally from Ville Platte, LA, but have been in Houston over 10 years now. I have 2 older sisters and a huge Cajun extended family. I have never lived outside of Louisiana or Texas so Virginia will be a big change, but I’m excited! I really like going out, having fun, and meeting new people.

Hello! My name is Thu Le (you pronounce it like the number “2”) and I graduated from North Carolina State University with a B.S. in Microbiology.  I’ve lived in Raleigh, NC, for the last 15 years and so I’m ready to head off to explore new areas.  I have been working in an immunotoxicology lab for the last year and a half where I have helped conduct studies on various cancer and Alzheimer’s disease treatments.  I also volunteer at the Children’s Emergency Department in my spare time.  I’m absolutely thrilled to be entering the PA program at JCHS, and even more excited about getting to know everyone.  Here is my email address: thuanhle@gmail.com  feel free to drop me a line anytime.  I hope everyone enjoys the rest of the summer.

Hi everyone! My name is Ellen Schneider and I am from Lake Elmo, MN. I am 22 years old and excited to move to Roanoke! I graduated from the University of WI-River Falls with a bachelors in biology and chemistry. I currently work as a CNA at a nursing home in Stillwater and love every minute of it! I love to spend time outdoors doing anything I possibly can. I am addicted to swimming, and love to hang out with friends and family. I cannot wait to get started and meet everyone. Congrats!

Joseph Dakermandji: Hometown- Clifton Forge, Virginia I am 22 years old and currently reside in Roanoke, Virginia. I graduated from Roanoke College in 2007, and then attended the Jefferson College of Health Sciences to finish some prerequisites. My main hobbies outside of school include playing golf and soccer. email: jgdakermandji7@mail.jchs.edu

Hello hello hello! My name is Nikki Mallmann and I'm 23 years old. I am from Fredericksburg, VA. I earned my undergrad from Guilford College in Greensboro, NC, where I majored in sports medicine and health sciences. I graduated in 2007 and have since been working as an EMT in the ER at the hospital in my city and at an orthopedic clinic. In what little free time I'm used to having, I like to workout and do outdoorsy things. I'm very into water sports, wakeboarding, skiing, and swimming, which sadly I'll have to put on hold through PA school...unless anyone has a boat! hint hint. I'm very excited about this journey we have ahead of us and the opportunities it will bring. I wish you all the best of luck and can't wait to get to know each one of you!

Erin C. Jones: I’m a 22 year old female from Patrick County, Virginia.  I graduated from Patrick County High School in 2004 and graduated from James Madison University in December 2007.  I enjoy watching and playing sports, especially basketball.  I have worked as a CNA for the last two summers and have really enjoyed it.  Email: jonesec41@hotmail.com

Welcome to my fellow classmates.  My name is Debra Cobbeldick and becoming a PA is a mid-life career change for me, but the culmination of a long held dream.  At present I am a Medical Technologist working for Centra Health in Lynchburg, VA.  I spent many years caring for elderly parents and an aunt who have all passed away.  Now is my time to pursue another avenue of providing care for people.  I live with my husband of 22 years and our “furry” children—2 dogs and 2 cats.  My hobbies are pottery and painting.

Hi everyone, My name is Steve Andrews.  I am a 24 year old graduate of East Tennessee State University with a Bachelors degree in cardiopulmonary science.  I am currently working in the medical/surgical ICU at the Carilion Clinic as a Registered Respiratory Therapist.  I grew up in the small farm community of Waynesville, Ohio.  I am very close to my parents who live in Tennessee and my sister who lives in Richmond, Va.  I enjoy golfing, fishing, the outdoors, and spending time with my girlfriend, Lexi.  The PA profession has been an interest of mine for a long time and I am very excited to start this program, meet all of my classmates, and the next couple of years.

Hi, my name is Emily Hunt. I am originally from Georgia, grew up in Minnesota, went to college in Wisconsin, then back to Georgia for the last two years. I graduated in 2006 with a Bachelors in Biomedical Science from the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse.  I love to travel, see new things and meet new people.  In my free time I enjoy running, hiking, rollerblading, biking, walking my dogs, and cooking. I love being outside and hope to do some camping in the Blue Ridge area. One of the best experiences of my life was a 2 month backpacking trip I did in the Yukon with four other girls. I have taken and taught karate and kickboxing for 14 years.  My favorite city on earth so far is Paris, I would love to go to Greece and Thailand. For the last two years I have been working at an Allergy and Asthma clinic in Athens, GA. Go Dawgs!  I am an energetic and happy person, I love to laugh and watch comedy. I am look forward to our program starting and meeting everyone!

Hello everyone!  My name is Kateland Kelly and I am 21 years old.  For the past four years I have been living in Center Valley, Pennsylvania, completing my Bachelors of Science in Biology.  I also completed a Chemistry minor and concentrated in both Medical Studies and Creative Writing.  Despite living in Pennsylvania I am originally from a very, very small town on the Connecticut/New York State border called New Milford.  This past summer I’ve been lucky enough to work at Boerhinger-Ingleheim as an intern, working in their Business Intelligence Oncology department.  My passions in life include medicine, writing, skiing, and anything outdoors.  In my spare time I’m also a voracious reader, and will tend to devour books in a matter of hours if I really like them.

Sarah White: I was born and raised in Fauquier county Virginia, 1 1/2 hours south of DC. I have a brother Matt, 30, and a sister Becky, 25. I grew up playing sports and in high school I lettered in field hockey, volleyball, lacrosse and track. I graduated from UVa this past may with a degree in biology and a minor in Spanish. I love traveling, outdoor activities, sports and games. I cook to relax. The dog whisperer is my favorite TV show. I plan to settle in Virginia Beach after graduating but may move abroad to practice in impoverished areas after I have a few years of work under my belt. I LOVE latin dance, Indian and Asian food and modern art. What I'm most excited about for this program is to finally have a degree that will afford me a job!