Meet some of the class of 2025! These students are a diverse, talented, and dedicated group of individuals with a variety of backgrounds, goals, and aspirations. Read their stories and advice for future PA students!
Name: Sofia Angulo
Where did you receive your Bachelor's degree?: The University of Central Florida in Orlando.
What was your Bachelor's degree major(s)?: Health Sciences, Pre-Clinical track.
How did you earn your direct patient care hours? I worked as a medical assistant in Pediatrics outpatient for two years.
Why did you choose PA? I want to be a Physician Assistant because of the flexibility and opportunity to change specialties throughout my career.
Name: Jared Bithell
Where did you receive your Bachelor's degree?: Doane University in Omaha Nebraska.
What was your Bachelor's degree major(s)?: Biology with a minor in Chemistry.
How did you earn your direct patient care hours? ? I worked as a Physical Therapy Technician for two years and a Pharmacy Technician for three years before deciding to apply for PA school.
Tell us something about yourself! While in college I was on the varsity football team and participated in research, which won me the Dr. David H. Smith Memorial Research Award.
Name: Katlin Brady
Where did you receive your Bachelor's degree? Michigan State University.
What was your Bachelor's degree major(s)? Animal Science
How did you earn your direct patient care hours? Medical assistant in internal medicine and family medicine offices.
Tell us something about yourself! A few hobbies I have are playing chess, tennis, and walking my dogs.
Name: Claire Brawley
Where did you receive your Bachelor's degree? The University of Toledo, Go rockets!
What was your Bachelor's degree major(s)? Exercise Science.
How did you earn your direct patient care hours? Phlebotomy technician.
Tell us something about yourself. During my free time I also love to read fantasy, mystery, and romance novels. Last year I read around 80 books!
Name: Madeline Clymire
Where did you receive your Bachelor's degree? Baldwin Wallace University
What was your Bachelor's degree major(s)? Biology.
How did you earn your direct patient care hours? Dietary Aide and STNA at nursing facilities.
Why did you choose PA? I want to be a PA because I love the autonomy of the profession and the patient focused care!
Name: John Cukaj
Where did you receive your Bachelor's degree? Kettering University in Flint, MI
What was your Bachelor's degree major(s)? Biochemistry.
How did you earn your direct patient care hours? EKG technician and Urgent Care medical assistant.
Why did you choose PA? I want to be able to expand access to care and utilize my ability to work with a team to provide high quality patient care.
Name: Megan Dahle
Where did you receive your Bachelor's degree? University of Wisconsin-Madison
What was your Bachelor's degree major(s)? Neurobiology.
How did you earn your direct patient care hours? I worked as a home health aid for a young boy with many disabilities. I worked as a CNA in an ICU. I also worked as a gastrointestinal technician in an endoscopy lab.
Tell us something about yourself! My favorite book is It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover.
Name: Donald Day III
Where did you receive your Bachelor's degree? Case Western Reserve University.
What was your Bachelor's degree major(s)? Biology with minors in chemistry and sports medicine.
How did you earn your direct patient care hours? EMT-basic.
Why did you choose PA? I want to be a PA because it is important to me to try and reach those that lack access or are underserved in healthcare and other aspects of everyday living.
Name: Alyssa Enghauser
Where did you receive your Bachelor's degree? University of Washington.
What was your Bachelor's degree major(s)? Biology (molecular, cell, & development)
How did you earn your direct patient care hours? CNA in a hospital, patient care tech in a cardiothoracic ICU, and CNA at a residential facility.
Tell us something about yourself! I love doing things outdoors, and when I am home (Washington state) I love to hike as much as I can.
Name: Kathleen Freeman
Where did you receive your Bachelor's degree? Boston College
What was your Bachelor's degree major(s)? Biology
How did you earn your direct patient care hours? Patient care technician in a cardiovascular ICU.
Why did you choose PA? I want to be a PA because I feel it is the best way to combine my interest in science and medicine with my hopes to make healthcare more accessible.
Name: Andrew Gmelich
Where did you receive your Bachelor's degree? The University of Missouri
What was your Bachelor's degree major(s)? Biology
How did you earn your direct patient care hours? I was a patient care tech in a hospital.
Why did you choose PA? I want to be able to assist people during really difficult times in their lives. I want to have the knowledge and skills that allow me to enable individuals to make good medical decisions, while feeling comfortable about their treatment and care. PAs are an essential part of the healthcare team and I want to help contribute towards growing the profession.
Name: Ashlee Goetsch
Where did you receive your Bachelor's degree? Ohio University
What was your Bachelor's degree major(s)? Nutrition/Pre-Medicine
How did you earn your direct patient care hours? EM/IM scribe, inpatient psychiatric technician, patient care nursing assistant (primarily epilepsy).
Why did you choose PA? To be a resource for my community and loved ones.
Name: Rachel Gordon
Where did you receive your Bachelor's degree? The Ohio State University
What was your Bachelor's degree major(s)? Biomedical Engineering
How did you earn your direct patient care hours? PCA at Nationwide Children’s hospital in Columbus, OH.
Tell us something about yourself! I enjoy cooking and hiking with my dogs.
Name: Natalie Heckman
Where did you receive your Bachelor's degree? The University of Virginia
What was your Bachelor's degree major(s)? Cognitive Science
How did you earn your direct patient care hours? As a clinical technician on a medical-surgical unit.
Tell us something about yourself! I enjoy hiking, reading, and trying out new restaurants.
Name: Amy Thompson
Where did you receive your Bachelor's degree? Western Michigan University
What was your Bachelor's degree major(s)? Interdisciplinary Health Services and Sciences
How did you earn your direct patient care hours? As an EMT and as an ER Technician in Michigan and Ohio.
Tell us something about yourself! I enjoy reading, crocheting, and playing board games.
Name: Maryam Honar
Where did you receive your Bachelor's degree? Shiraz Azad University
What was your Bachelor's degree major(s)? Agricultural engineering. I also have a master’s degree in business.
How did you earn your direct patient care hours? As a medical assistant.
Tell us something about yourself! I find great joy in connecting with people from diverse backgrounds and listening to their life stories.
Name: Sarah Joergensen
Where did you receive your Bachelor's degree? The University of Pennsylvania
What was your Bachelor's degree major(s)? Neuroscience
How did you earn your direct patient care hours? As an EMT and as a research coordinator in trauma and emergency medicine.
What are your hobbies? I enjoy rock climbing, embroidery, and cooking.
Name: Jenna Joseph
Where did you receive your Bachelor's degree? Clarion University
What was your Bachelor's degree major(s)? Biology
How did you earn your direct patient care hours? Pharmacy technician
Tell us something about yourself! In my free time, I enjoy writing poetry and just recently discovered rock-climbing as a new hobby to do with friends. I have participated in several sports over the years such as cross country, track, field hockey, wrestling, and even rugby!
Name: Gurveen Kaur
Where did you receive your Bachelor's degree? Kent State University
What was your Bachelor's degree major(s)? Biological Sciences
How did you earn your direct patient care hours? Patient care nursing assistant
What are your hobbies? In my free time, I love to read and go on hikes. I also like to rock climb at times even though I am not very good at it.
Name: Marissa Layman
Where did you receive your Bachelor's degree? University of Dayton
What was your Bachelor's degree major(s)? Biology
How did you earn your direct patient care hours? Home healthcare aide, pharmacy technician
What are your hobbies? I love to cook and read lots of books!
Name: Jason Lowe
Where did you receive your Bachelor's degree? UC Berkeley
What was your Bachelor's degree major(s)? Chemical biology. I also completed a master’s degree in medical physiology at Case.
How did you earn your direct patient care hours? I worked in the medical device industry.
Tell us something about yourself! A few of my favorite activities include swimming, biking, hiking and traveling.
Name: Michaela Lyons
Where did you receive your Bachelor's degree? The Ohio State University
What was your Bachelor's degree major(s)? Biology
How did you earn your direct patient care hours? I had several jobs where I gained direct patient care hours; I worked as a phlebotomist at the Wexner Medical Center, a medical assistant in a primary care setting, and a home healthcare aide for seniors and people with developmental disabilities.
Why did you choose PA? I want to be a PA to help others help themselves through their medical journeys by listening deeply and providing compassionate care.
Name: Celie Ma
Where did you receive your Bachelor's degree? The University of Virginia
What was your Bachelor's degree major(s)? Cognitive Science
How did you earn your direct patient care hours? As an ophthalmic technician
Tell us something about yourself! I enjoy cross-stitching in my free time and used to crochet and knit. I also like to cook, but I consider myself still at the amateur level.
Name: Sloane Marenas
Where did you receive your Bachelor's degree? Michigan State University
What was your Bachelor's degree major(s)? Human Biology
How did you earn your direct patient care hours? As a medical assistant
What is a fun fact about you? A fun fact about me is that I was a cheerleader in college. In my free time I enjoy gardening, cooking, baking, and rock climbing.
Name: Catriony McIntyre
Where did you receive your Bachelor's degree? Colby College
What was your Bachelor's degree major(s)? Biology
How did you earn your direct patient care hours? Medical assistant, EMT-B
What are some of your hobbies? Outside of school I love to do yoga, read, and bake yummy things whenever I have time to!
Name: Madelyn Merchant
Where did you receive your Bachelor's degree? Bowling Green State University
What was your Bachelor's degree major(s)? Applied Health Science
How did you earn your direct patient care hours? Elder assistant, home health aide, STNA
Tell us something about yourself! I played lacrosse for about 8 years and I love to bake cakes, cookies, cheesecakes, brownies and more!
Name: Sophia Monken
Where did you receive your Bachelor's degree? University of Dayton
What was your Bachelor's degree major(s)? Health Sciences with a concentration in Integrative Physiology
How did you earn your direct patient care hours? I worked as a Patient Care Technician at a rehabilitation hospital in St. Louis where I gained clinical experience and direct patient care hours. I worked with patients who had a variety of conditions, including spinal cord injuries, strokes, hip replacements, and traumatic brain injuries, among others.
Tell us something about yourself! I love being outdoors, working out, and spending time with family and friends!!
Name: Andrea Pearsall
Where did you receive your Bachelor's degree? University of Toledo
What was your Bachelor's degree major(s)? Biology
How did you earn your direct patient care hours? As a tissue recovery specialist.
What are some of your hobbies? When I'm not busy studying I enjoy running or going for hikes at the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. I also love singing for weddings, and "Can't Help Falling in Love" by Elvis is my most requested song.
Name: Annalise Presutti
Where did you receive your Bachelor's degree? Thomas Jefferson University
What was your Bachelor's degree major(s)? Biopsychology
How did you earn your direct patient care hours? As an STNA.
Tell us something about yourself! A fun fact about me is that I can speak 3 languages.
Name: Grace Reetz
Where did you receive your Bachelor's degree? Hope College
What was your Bachelor's degree major(s)? Biology
How did you earn your direct patient care hours? I worked in nursing homes and as an Emergency Dept. tech for two years before coming to Case.
Why did you choose PA? I decided to pursue PA school because I really enjoy the team atmosphere that healthcare provides, and the PA's I worked with were essential in creating that dynamic.
Name: Michaela Ricker
Where did you receive your Bachelor's degree? The University of Rochester
What was your Bachelor's degree major(s)? Brain and Cognitive Science
How did you earn your direct patient care hours? As a resident assistant, resident care assistant, and resident care aide at nursing homes
What are some of your hobbies? I played lacrosse in college and I also love to hike, read and travel.
Name: Grace Statdfield
Where did you receive your Bachelor's degree? Loyola University Chicago
What was your Bachelor's degree major(s)? Biology
How did you earn your direct patient care hours? As an EMT
What are your hobbies? Other than traveling I love spending time with my big family and working on our syrup farm.
Tell us about yourself! Hello! My name is Grace, I am a first year PA student. I grew up in Wisconsin and completed my undergrad biology degree at Loyola University Chicago. I spent the last year traveling all around the country working as a travel EMT and exploring new cities. Other than traveling I love spending time with my big family and working on our syrup farm.
Name: Nicole Steffes
Where did you receive your Bachelor's degree? University of Wisconsin-Madison
What was your Bachelor's degree major(s)? Biology
How did you earn your direct patient care hours? As a CNA at a hospital, at nursing homes, and in-home.
What are your hobbies? I like sports such as softball, volleyball, basketball, and dance. I also like reading and the outdoors such as fishing and hunting.
Name: Valerie Stewart
Where did you receive your Bachelor's degree? UCLA
What was your Bachelor's degree major(s)? Biology with a minor in Society and Genetics
How did you earn your direct patient care hours? I worked with the UCLA women's basketball team as a sports medicine intern.
What are your hobbies? In my free time, I love to explore Cleveland, organize events, and read fantasy fiction.
Name: Sophia Tang
Where did you receive your Bachelor's degree? University of California-Riverside
What was your Bachelor's degree major(s)? Biology
How did you earn your direct patient care hours? Medical assistant in dermatology and OB/GYN, vaccinator, ophthalmic medical assistant/technician
What are your hobbies? I like listening to music, going to museums, and writing in my free time. My guilty pleasure is watching cute animal videos online.
Name: Caroline Tran
Where did you receive your Bachelor's degree? The University of Cincinnati
What was your Bachelor's degree major(s)? Biology
How did you earn your direct patient care hours? Ophthalmic technician
Tell us something about yourself! Some of my hobbies include playing video games, drawing, cooking, building keyboards, bouldering, and hot yoga.
Name: Hansika Vamaraju
Where did you receive your Bachelor's degree? The Ohio State University
What was your Bachelor's degree major(s)? Psychology
How did you earn your direct patient care hours? I worked as an inpatient Mental Health Specialist at a pediatric behavioral health hospital.
What is your favorite hobby? Painting
Name: Travis Vere
Where did you receive your Bachelor's degree? University of Nevada-Las Vegas
What was your Bachelor's degree major(s)? Psychology
How did you earn your direct patient care hours? Prior to the PA program I worked as an EMT, peds heme-onc-BMT scribe, and assistant in internal medicine.
Why did you choose PA? I made a big switch from nuclear power technician to PA largely because I enjoy working with people more than machinery and chemicals.
Name: Perri von Seebach
Where did you receive your Bachelor's degree? University of Alabama-Birmingham
What was your Bachelor's degree major(s)? Biology
How did you earn your direct patient care hours? Medical assistant/scribe in urology
Tell us something about yourself! I enjoy reading, yoga, and attempting to learn crochet.
Name: Kelly Yi
Where did you receive your Bachelor's degree? Georgia Institute of Technology
What was your Bachelor's degree major(s)? Biology. I also have an M.S. Biology from Georga State University.
How did you earn your direct patient care hours? As a medical assistant, clinical research assistant, triage volunteer, and medical scribe.
Tell us something about yourself! I enjoy spending time outdoors, baking, arts & crafts, and spending time with friends and family.