Meet Julia - Pre-PA Coach

Hi everyone! I’m Julia, and I grew up in West Chester, Pennsylvania. I went to the University of Maryland, where I majored in neurobiology and physiology.

I decided to apply to PA school my senior year of college- talk about stress attempting to acquire all my patient hours in a matter of months!  

I attended Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia for PA school, and graduated in 2020!  Jefferson was my first interview and I was accepted the very next day!

I currently work as a hospitalist PA at Christiana Care in Newark, Delaware. In my free time, I love to snowboard, travel, bake, and cheer on the Philadelphia Eagles. 

My interview style is encouraging and honest.  I will give you positive feedback whilst providing you with specific examples on where and how you can improve your answers.  I’m optimistic, and I always have a smile on my face. I LOVE helping all my fellow pre-PA rockstars. It was only a few years ago that I was in your shoes and I cannot wait to share everything that I have learned along the way with you all!

Meet Allison - Pre-PA Coach

I am a Pediatric Physician Assistant in Massachusetts. I earned my bachelor's degree in Medical Biology/Pre-PA at the University of New England in Biddeford, ME.

I attended MCPHS Manchester's PA program graduating in 2019. I took an EMT course my senior year in high school and became an EMT at the age of 18. I volunteered as an EMT throughout my entire undergrad career doing night shifts on my university's first response service, volunteering on weekends and vacations on my hometown's 911 ambulance service and spending summers working as the sole EMT at a summer camp.

I also spent a year working as a Medical Assistant in a Dermatology office between graduating undergrad and starting PA school.

I love working with Pre-PA students across the country to help everyone feel less nervous and more confident going into their PA school interview! In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my friends, family and dogs, painting and volunteering at my local dog rescue on the weekends. A fun fact about me is that I have fostered over 30 dogs and puppies since 2018.

Allison’s Interview Style: I’ve been described as “very kind, but honest.” I understand how nervous you are. We will work together to help you feel and portray confidence while preparing personal, thoughtful, and concise answers to show your interviewer how great of an applicant you truly are. 

Meet Tim - Pre-PA Coach

Hey there! My name is Tim Loerke and I’ve been a physician assistant since 2011. I still remember what it was like to be a pre-PA, PA student, and my story continues as a certified physician assistant. I graduated from the University of North Texas Health Science Center PA program out in Fort Worth, TX. I now live in Kentucky where I work in post-acute behavioral health (basically, geriatric psychiatry). Over the past 10yrs, I have worked in emergency medicine, orthopedic surgery, occupational medicine, pain management, PA education, healthcare IT startup, and outpatient psychiatry. I have been involved with application reviews and the interview process for our local physician assistant program. Ever since I was a student, I have partnered with pre-PAs to help them achieve their dreams of becoming a PA. I am someone who looks beyond the ordinary in order to draw out your best self. Here are a few personal things about me: I love to fly fish, hike, bake, cook on the Green Egg, read, travel, needlepoint with my wife, and do Orangetheory Fitness. I look forward to working with you!

Tim’s Interview Style: I’m personable, honest, encouraging, creative, calm, and settling. My goal is for you to feel yourself so that I can see who you really are. Being successful in an interview involves calculated transparency and that’s what I hope to develop within you. I like to let you in on how the interviewer thinks so that you can create the best answers. Tim specializes in helping reapplicants, non-traditional students, and low GPAs.

Meet Kristie - Pre-PA Coach

I'm Kristie La Monica and am a board certified physician assistant working in Massachusetts. Currently, I am an interventional spine specialist, however I also have a background in women’s health. I earned my bachelor’s degree in elementary education, K-8 and sociology at Kean University in Union, New Jersey and worked as a 6th grade teacher and education director before receiving my masters in physician assistant studies at MCPHS in Manchester, New Hampshire. I have always had a love for teaching and mentoring, but now I am able to combine both of my passions to help pre-PA students achieve success. While the PA school interview process can seem quite overwhelming, I believe with the right skills and confidence, it can actually be enjoyable! 

Extra bit about me: I was born and raised in New Jersey but have lived in several other states including Ohio and Colorado before settling in Massachusetts. I have played soccer since I could walk and continue to play as an adult. When I'm not working you can find me coaching or playing soccer or watching my kids play soccer. There's a lot of soccer here! I also enjoy traveling with my husband, snuggling with my dogs, and spending any free moment with my newest addition, my 6 month old son.  

I am thrilled to be a part of the PA Platform team and am confident I can help you not only ace your interview but enjoy it as well! Please don't hesitate to reach out to me at kristie@thepaplatform.com.

Meet Kyra - Pre-PA Coach

My name is Kyra Panni. I recently graduated Nova Southeastern University-Jacksonville’s Physician Assistant Program and currently am working as a Fellow in Hospital Medicine with Johns Hopkins Medicine.

Before that, I attended University of Maryland and graduated with my Bachelor’s of Science in Physiology & Neurobiology. I didn’t know I wanted to become a PA until the end of my Junior Year and was inspired by my mom who was being treated for breast cancer at the time, as well as my dad who is a Physician. I worked as a scribe in the ER to get my clinical hours prior to attending PA school.
In my free time, I love being outside-whether I’m going for a run and having a relaxing day at the beach. I enjoy spending my time with my friends, family, and dog.
I am excited to be a PA coach for the PA Platform and l can’t wait to help you achieve your goals.

Meet Jill - Pre-PA Coach

I graduated from Butler University in 2018 with an undergraduate degree in Biology with minor in Chemistry and continued my education at Butler for my Masters of Physician Assistant Studies.

I graduated with my MPAS in May 2020 and began my first job as a hospitalist that fall. I work in a rural hospital in Indiana and provide coverage for both the Medical/Surgical Unit and ICU. I also work PRN in Occupational Health at the same hospital.

Outside of my healthcare life, I live with my husband, our goldendoodle Bailey, and our cat Birdie. I love traveling and hanging out with my big family.

I love being a PA, and I can't wait to help you rock your interview to become a PA yourself!

Meet Christa - Pre-PA Coach

Hi! My name is Christa. From an early age, I knew that I wanted to be in the medical field.

My journey included a wide range of experiences from becoming a CNA, EMT, and Paramedic. After taking the infamous gap year, I started PA school at Methodist university in 2013.

I’ve worked in both the urgent care and family medicine settings. I love the fast paced, unpredictable nature of urgent care as every day is different.

Since graduation, I obtained my certification in Lifestyle Medicine. This program provided strategies on being an advocate for health and wellness in the community as well as educating patients into healthier lifestyle choices. Education is my true passion. I utilize my social media and blog accounts to inform people on practical ways to improve their quality of life.

Check out my page on Instagram @healthyfitpa or my website christamartina.com.

In the past, I’ve worked with several Pre-PA students. From shadowing to reading personal statements, I love helping students achieve their goals. I have a knack for encouraging students and helping them recognize their potential. So, if you need a word of encouragement during your journey or a keen editing eye, be sure to reach out. I can’t wait to work with you!

Email: christa@thepaplatform.com

Meet Alec - Pre-PA Coach

Hi guys! My name is Alec and I am a board-certified PA working in cardiology.

Prior to PA school, I attended the University of New England on the coast of Maine for my bachelor's in Medical Biology. I spent a lot of my weekends at UNE working as an EMT to gain patient care experience.

After my bachelor's I had about 2 years off to really beef up my PA school application by also working as a dermatology technician and cardiovascular technician! I attended PA school at Marist College in New York and graduated in 2021.

I am really looking forward to helping you achieve your academic goals and will focus on looking at the big picture of making you a well-rounded applicant. I definitely understand how nerve-racking this process can be, but I will help you conquer those nerves and walk into your interview with confidence.

Meet Dbora - Pre-PA Coach

Hey, my name is Dbora! I've been a south Florida girl all my life and I enjoy traveling, gaining new experiences, and working out.

I graduated from Keiser University PA program in 2020 and have been working as an aesthetic dermatology PA for most of my career.

Prior to PA school, I attended Nova Southeastern University and received a degree in Biology with a minor in Exercise Science.

Throughout most of my time in college, I was a medical scribe in multiple emergency rooms and then became a medical assistant in dermatology during my 1 year gap between college and PA school. I worked hard to get those patient care hours and with the help of The PA Platform mock interviews (yes, I did it too), I was able to get into a program and live my dream of being a physician assistant!

I look forward to meeting you all and hearing about your stories to ultimately get you into the program of your dreams!

Meet Emma - Pre-PA Coach

Hey, I’m Emma! I received a Bachelor of Science Degree from West Chester University in 2015 and a Master’s Degree in Physician Assistant Studies from Hofstra University in 2018.

After PA school, I practiced Internal Medicine before transitioning to Gastroenterology where I currently practice.

I am so passionate about the PA profession and am excited to be able to provide guidance to aspiring Physician Assistants through The PA Platform.

Email: emma@thepaplatform.com

Meet Kathryn - Pre-PA Coach

Hi, I'm Kathryn! I graduated from Campbell University's PA Program in North Carolina in 2021.

After graduating, I relocated to north central Florida to start my PA career.

Before PA school, I received my undergrad degree from Elon University in biology. I have chronicled my journey throughout PA school on Instagram @pa_kathryn.

In my free time, I love all things Disney (one *huge* perk of moving to Florida), photography, and baking. As a previous 3-time applicant to PA school, I completely understand how stressful and overwhelming the entire process of applying to PA school can be.

I am so excited to join the team at The PA Platform and help you navigate this journey.

Meet Haley - Pre-PA Coach

Hey future PA! My name is Haley. I graduated from Barry University's PA Program in 2021.

I was a three-time applicant, so I am all too familiar with the application process. That's why I love helping pre-PA's get into PA school and avoid making the same mistakes that I made along the way! Feel free to check out my instagram page @thirdtimecharmer where I share tips and tricks to get into/ survive PA school and now post PA school life. I know the PA route is tough, so if you ever need a pep talk feel free to DM me, that's what I'm here for:)

Prior to PA school, I went to the University of Central Florida where I earned my Bachelor of Science. After I graduated, I worked in a cardiology office as a Medical Assistant for 3 years.

Outside of healthcare, I love spending time with my fiance Jordan and our cat daughter Jade. We are currently planning our wedding for 11/2022!

I'm so excited to join The PA Platform team and get you one step closer to that PA-C!

Meet Brittani - Pre-PA Coach

Howdy y’all!

I am a first generation college student and PA. I graduated from Texas A&M with a BS in health in 2017 and with an MS in biomedical science in 2018.

During my time at Texas A&M, I worked at the career center where I advised pre-med and pre-PA students on how to prepare their applications for professional school.

I left my job at the career center in 2019 to begin PA school at UT Health San Antonio after applying just one time! I graduated in Dec. 2021 and finally earned the PA-C title.

I now work as a women’s health PA in DFW. In addition to working as a PA, I knew I still wanted to help pre-PA students find their way into PA school so here I am! Going back to my roots!

Meet Alex - Pre-PA Coach

Hi everyone, I'm Alex! I recently graduated in 2021 from Pace University- Lenox Hill Hospital's PA Program in NYC and now work full time as a Dermatology PA here in New York. I love the diverse patient population I get to treat and help become confident in their skin.

I graduated from undergrad at Michigan State University in 2017 and ended up taking 2 gap years before I got into PA school at Pace. I know how tough it can be mentally while awaiting for an interview or acceptance letter, and am here to help you overcome the nerves that come with it.

I've worked several jobs, participated in research opportunities, and travelled doing volunteer work in order to get experience before school. I believe that having a well-rounded application and the confidence to show why you can be the best PA will get you a spot in school.

Outside of work I love to travel, take workout classes and cook new recipes! Looking forward to working with you!

Reach out with any questions. alexandra@thepaplatform.com

Meet Grace - Pre-PA Coach

Hi everyone, my name is Grace! I am a 2022 graduate of the George Washington University PA Program and now work full time as a dermatology PA in New York City. Prior to PA school, I earned my undergraduate degree in Anthropology & Human Biology from Emory University. As an undergrad student and during my gap year, I was fortunate enough to work in a variety of specialities including vascular surgery, emergency medicine, dermatology, and OBGYN. After working hard in the classroom, gaining some valuable clinical experience, and trusting the advice of my mentors, I was accepted to my first choice PA program and am now a PA-C!

As someone who utilized many of the PA Platform’s resources, I am so excited to be part of this team and to be helping pre-PA students across the country. I know first hand how overwhelming this application process can be but I’m here to support you from beginning to end. I am available for pre-PA coaching, essay reviews, and interview prep. I look forward to working with you and ultimately helping you achieve your goal of becoming an incredible PA!

Meet Meghan - Pre-PA Coach

Hi, I'm Meg!  I graduated from The George Washington University in Washington, DC in 2016 where I also played on their softball team and spent time interning in the Pentagon's health clinic.  I started PA school in 2020 at Bryant University in Rhode Island.  I am originally from Massachusetts, but I am currently working in Family Medicine in central Vermont.  I spent my gap years as a medical/surgical assistant in dermatology and primary care and also doing research in orthopedics in the Boston area.  In my free time I love to garden, hike with my two dogs Goose and Mav, cook up new recipes, read, paddle board, travel and enjoy sports!

I have spent time as a mentor to pre-PA students and on interview panels for my PA program. I am passionate about getting to know my future colleagues and helping with continuing education on the PA profession and application process!  I hope to provide honest, direct feedback during mock interviews, counseling and essay editing as well as make you feel like your most confident self while going through this process.  Please feel free to reach out to me for any advice or questions at all.  My email is meghan@thepaplatform.com

Meet Hattie - Pre-PA Coach

Hi guys! I’m Hattie, a board-certified physician assistant currently working as a hospital medicine fellow at the University of Colorado Hospital. I graduated from the University of Colorado CHA/PA program but originally grew up and went to undergrad in Minnesota. Outside of being a PA, I enjoy spending time with my husband and dog, as well as hiking and reading. I used the PA platform mock interview service when I was applying for interviews and truly believe it was one of the best things I could have done to hone my skills & increase my confidence prior to interviewing. I look forward to helping you feel the most prepared you can going into the application season or interviews. As a recent grad, the application process still feels fairly fresh in my mind so I understand how stressful this season can be. I hope to help you in whatever way I can to make your dreams of PA school a reality! 

Please feel free to reach out with any questions you may have: hattie@thepaplatform.com

Can’t wait to meet you!

Meet Abby - Pre-PA Coach

Hey everyone, my name is Abby! I’m a recent graduate of Touro College’s PA program in Bayshore, NY and am looking forward to starting my first job as a PA-C in general surgery! Before PA school, I received my bachelor's degree in Psychology from Arizona State University.

While an undergrad, I knew I wanted to be a PA but it took a village to help me navigate how to get there. It was thanks to the various PA students and PA-Cs that I met along that way that I knew which pre-requisites to take and was advised to work as a CNA to begin collecting patient care hours. 

The road to becoming a PA seems super overwhelming, and to be honest, even with hindsight it’s still intimidating. But having people who went through the process to help guide you a little bit can make the world of a difference. That’s why I decided to start getting involved with helping Pre-PAs get to where they want to be. So many people helped me and now I’m ready to help you! We both know that you are awesome for even getting up to the application process, time to let the interviewers in on it too!

Feel free to be in touch at abby@thepaplatform.com

Meet Katherine - Pre-PA Coach

Hi everyone! My name is Kat Daigle and I am a PA practicing emergency medicine in Milwaukee, WI. 

I completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Wisconsin- Madison with a B.S. in Biology and a minor in Global Health Studies. During my time in Madison, I gained patient care experience by working as a CNA in home health, assisted-living, memory care, and hospital settings. In January 2022, I graduated from Tufts PA/MPH dual-degree program in Boston, MA. 

When I was on my own pre-PA journey not too long ago, I personally used many of the resources available with The PA Platform, which is why I am so excited to join the team of amazing coaches to help equip future PAs with the skills and confidence they need for success! 

In my personal life, I love to travel, spend time outdoors, and try out local restaurants! 

I look forward to getting to know you and helping you on your pre-PA journey! 

Email: katherine@thepaplatform.com

Meet Riddhi - Pre-PA Coach

Hello everyone, my name is Riddhi Gandhi! I am a PA-C working at an urgent care clinic in Seattle, WA. My first job as a Physician Assistant was at Indiana University in their Emergency Department. 

I attended University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, majoring in Biology with Psychology minor. During my junior year of college, I learned about the Physician Assistant profession and knew this was the right fit for me after shadowing multiple PAs in variety of specialties. Upon graduation, I attended University of Kentucky’s Physician Assistant program and graduated summer of 2020, middle of the COVID pandemic!

During college, I had multiple jobs, but being a Certified Nursing Assistant is how I obtained my healthcare hours for PA school applications.  Also, I was able to teach English for 1.5 months in Japan during one summer of college, as well as participate in a medical mission trip to Cartagena, Colombia for one week. Both these experiences played a role during my personal PA school interview process.

The interview process can be intimidating, but I believe with some practice and giving yourself a good pep talk prior to the interviews always has served me well! I cannot wait to help so many of you get closer to your dreams of becoming Physician Assistants via The PA Platform services.

Meet Sarah - Pre-PA Coach

Hi everyone, I’m Sarah! I graduated in 2021 from Saint Louis University’s PA Program. I am looking forward to starting my first job in Cardiology and couldn’t be happier to have found such a rewarding profession that I love so much!

I went to Pepperdine University for undergrad and graduated with a degree in International Studies. I took a few gap years before deciding on PA school and obtained my clinical hours working as a scribe both at an ER and a vascular surgery practice.

I know how stressful and intimidating the interview process can be. I used the mock interview services myself when I went through the application cycle. It helped put me at ease and enabled me to go into my interviews feeling confident. I want to help you work on confidence, find ways to highlight your strengths, and make sure your interviewers get to see just how awesome you are!

When I’m not working, I love doing yoga, reading, being outdoors, and spending time with friends and family. I’m looking forward to working with you on your journey to becoming a PA and acing your interview!

Meet Brooke - Pre-PA Coach

Hi! I'm Brooke and I recently graduated from Eastern Virginia Medical School's PA program and will be working in the ED!

I received my Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience from Christopher Newport University. Throughout PA school I served as a peer tutor and as community service representative for my class!

I am excited to help you get into PA school by helping with interviews, personal statements, or general counseling! My goal is to help you best represent yourself for a successful application to PA school!

I love playing pickleball with my fiancé Hunter, playing viola and violin, and loving on my pup Leo!

Questions or want to chat? E-mail: brooke@thepaplatform.com

Meet Jenna - Pre-PA Coach

Hi, all! My name is Jenna Urso. I graduated from Chatham University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in the fall of 2021.

After graduation, I began working at a Family Medicine outpatient office in Michigan.

I am enjoying my time as a PA and look forward to helping pre-PAs, like yourselves, be better prepared for the application and interview process. I can't wait to work with you!

Meet Lea - Pre-PA Coach

Hi everyone! My name is Lea, and I am a dermatology PA working in Manhattan and New Jersey. I graduated from Pace University-Lenox Hill Hospital in downtown Manhattan and have been working in the city ever since.

I graduated from Villanova University with a major in cognitive and behavioral neuroscience and a minor in psychology. After graduating, I moved to Manhattan and started working as a medical assistant in a private dermatology practice. I took my first post-grad year to build my application and get as much experience as I could. I spent the next year applying to schools, preparing for interviews, and continuing to learn from the doctors and PAs I worked with about what it meant to be a great healthcare provider.

During my two gap years as a medical assistant, I fell in love with dermatology. I love the diversity of conditions that I see in one day and the hands-on experience I get with various procedures (both medical and cosmetic). Most of all, I love helping my patients feel confident in their own skin.

The PA application and interview process is overwhelming, but I’m so excited to be able to help our future PAs achieve their goals and feel confident throughout the process. Can’t wait to work together!

Meet Cameron - Pre-PA Coach

HOWDY! I am Cameron! I work in interventional radiology and my goal is to help guide the next generation of PAs into PA school!

Meet Monica - Pre-PA Coach

Welcome!

My name is Monica and I am excited to help you reach your goals. I understand just how stressful and confusing the pre-PA journey can be. I finished undergrad (Upstate NY) back in 2013 before I knew what the PA profession was. (Back then I thought the only career paths in healthcare were "Doctor" and "Nurse". Little did I know about the intricate world of healthcare and it's many specialized roles that contribute to the care of a patient.) I worked in Research Administration for a few years before I realized that a 9a-5p desk job was not for me.

A friend of a friend mentioned the PA profession and I was amazed by the fluid nature of PAs within the healthcare system. I left my office job and began gaining hands-on experience as a medical assistant on a med-surg floor. Over the next 2 years, I made up all the pre-med prerequisite courses required for PA school. I started PA school in 2018 at Tufts School of Medicine (Boston, MA) and now work as an inpatient neurosurgical PA.

Let's tackle the pre-PA journey together. Feel free to reach out - I want to hear your story and how I can best help you.

Email: monica@thepaplatform.com

Interests: I have experience working with applicants that are: first-generation college grads, first generation healthcare workers/ minimal exposure to healthcare field, career change