Class Profiles
Allison Radziwill
Nickname: Al
Class organization: I'm on the House committee
Where you’re from: Salem, New Hampshire
Why you want to be a PA: I've always been interested in medicine, but have wanted a family life as well. PA offers me the best of both worlds. The profession offers endless opportunities and a rewarding career. I'm excited to apply what I've learned to help others and gain such valuable experience while still being able to raise a family.
What you did before PA school: Yes, I was an ELMPA. I graduated from Quinnipiac University with a degree in Health Science. I also gained healthcare experience working in a pharmacy, as an EMT, home-health aide, and volunteering in a local nursing home and emergency department.
Family/Sig. other: Just my father (Walter), mother (Debra) and older sister (Nicole).
Accomplishments: High school valedictorian, Quinnipiac Alumni Academic Achievement Award for Health Science, and now...being in PA school!
Favorite Class and why: Phys. Dx. Lab, because I enjoy working hands on and Prof. Barratt always makes class fun!
Quote: "Be who you are, and say how you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind."
Favorite way to relax after a week of exams: Do anything but study!! Lay down and watch TV, talk and hang out with friends, and go out.
Amanda Stone
I have volunteered with the KEEPS organization, Hamden Health Fair and participated in Primary Care Week, in which we helped to clean up a community park to make is safer for the children in the neighborhood. I am originally from Georgia, but I have lived in Connecticut for two years now.
I decided to become a PA because I wanted to have an active part in the healthcare of my community. PA was where I found the balance between career and family life. Before I came to PA school I worked as a medical assistant in a primary care office. I have been married for 3.5 years and my husband is in his third year of law school at Quinnipiac. My favorite class is physical diagnosis lab, because we actually get hands on learning, which makes it fun.
RELAX?!! Do we ever have time to relax before the next exam? When we do get the chance, I like to hang out with my husband or take my dog (an English springer spaniel) for a long walk and a swim in a nearby lake.
Brad Biskup
Class organization: Class president; Midnight run committee
Where you’re from: Orleans, Nebraska
Why you want to be a PA: It is the best profession in the world! You get the opportunity to help someone when they need it the most!
What you did before PA school: Worked as a research coordinator doing research for osteoporosis.
Family/Sig. Other: Wonderful wife - Joan.
Accomplishments: Getting into PA school!
Favorite Class: Either endocrinology or GU. It is amazing how all of the hormones and cells in the body work together (or not!).
Quote: You can only control what's ahead of you, so learn from your past but don't dwell on it.
Favorite way to relax after a week of exams? Sitting with my wife on our breezeway, a bottle of wine, and just talking.
Brenna Mikesell
Originally From: Maryland
Why PA: It’s a great field – get to practice medicine, a lot of responsibility, variety, good lifestyle
Before PA school: Graduated from college, worked in an emergency room
In Washington DC as a tech for two years
Favorite class: physiology and cardiology – great professors and I learned a lot
Favorite way to relax after a week of exams: go out with classmates, catch up on sleep
Favorite quotes: “People not to date”, “linguinal nerve”
Carolyn Harrington
Nickname: C-Dog
Hometown: Newington, CT
Age: 22
Organizations: Vice President of the PA student society
Head of cow chip bingo/road race committee
Yes, I am an ELMPA from QU. I live home with my mom, dad, 15 year old brother, 14 year old sister and have an older 24 year old sister. Can’t forget my dog Brandy and my cat Misty. I have been with my boyfriend Nuno or the Nunster as called by my friends for 6 years!! J I have worked as an EMT and as an ER tech at Hartford Hospital
I chose the PA profession because I have been interested in medicine for as long as I can remember and I love working with people and making a difference in their lives. Also, the pay is great and the life style is the best!
My funny medical quotes so far from PA school:
psoASS, ACetabulum, Pooh-poohed, unborn fart, I love how real lungs feel… almost like a pillow, the many “goodies” in Anatomy, go ahead Shawn, poke the Cecum, I may have to name my child Christa Galley Ramos…and many more not mentioned
Newest Hobbie: LAZY MAN PING!! (best game ever invented thanks to myself, Jessie, Courtney and Gina and our new club members Melissa F and Marcous)
My favorite way to relax is to go for a run or hike on a nice day or hang out with friends
The accomplishment I am most proud of is making it into this program and working towards my goal of being a PA
Chelsea Hill
Nickname: Don’t know that I have one appropriate to shareJ
Class organization: Part of the Cow Chip Bingo and 5K run committee, the PA program’s biggest fundraising event—as if getting good grades wasn’t pressure enough!
Hometown: Denver, CO
Why PA? I wanted to pursue the PA profession so I could be a part of the medical field without having to go through medical school and specialize in just one aspect of medicine. The versatility, combined with “medical school caliber education” that PA’s have is something that make us truly unique.
Before PA school worked at Children’s Hosp in Denver in Nutrition, and as an EMT in the ICU and Emergency Dept there as well.
Family—very large and far too complicated to get into, but very close with them all and I’m the oldest. Is Mike considered a significant other???
Other than getting into this program, my greatest accomplishment is running the Big Sur Marathon (one of the hardest in the country) last April and it won’t be the last.
Favorite Classes: Cardiology and Physiology are the best because we have the greatest teachers ever for those two classes!!!!!
Quote: “It’ll all be worth it in the end”
After Exams?: What else does one do after an absolutely helacious week of studying and exams—more studying in addition to incorporating vino and relaxing as much as possible with my new found friends
Anything else you’d like to tell us about your self? Don’t attempt to make a drive half-way across the country in 2 days with a boat load of crap, attempt to move into an unfinished apartment, go to your best-friends wedding in Texas, come back to a broken down car that won’t run, and try to be on time for your first day of PA school all in ONE WEEK!!! It simply doesn’t workJ
Courtney Hill
Class organization: Clothing Committee, Operation Christmas Child
Where you’re from – Milford, CT
What you did before PA school – Was part of the undergraduate entry-level Masters PA program at Quinnipiac.
David Allen
Nickname: Tiger
Hometown: Santa Barbara, Ca.
I want to be a PA because: It’s the easiest profession to spell.
Before PA school: I was an EMT in a Cardiac-based ICU unit for 2 years.
Family: All of my family lives on the West coast L
Favorite Class and why: Dissection LabàI love to explore!
Accomplishments: Climbing to the top of Sleeping Giant (WHEW!)
Favorite way to relax after a week of exams: Two words: Harley-Davidson
Anything else you’d like to tell us about yourself: Nope. That’s all I’ve got. (I’m pretty boring.)
Deirdre
Cannon
“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
Douglas Moore
My name is Douglas Moore and I’m from Seattle, WA. Previous to P.A. school I was a dialysis technician. I really enjoy sports and traveling.
Ellen Tomica
Nickname: E.
Class organization: Midnight Run
Where you’re from: Northville, Michigan
Why you want to be a PA. I decided to become a PA because, like everyone else in our class, I enjoy helping people learning about the human body and medicine is amazing.
What you did before PA school: Let’s see – Medical assistant for two years during college, pharmaceutical lab tech (really boring) after I graduated, and then Peace Corps volunteer in Malawi, Africa for two years teaching science –loved it!
Accomplishments: Climbing Mt. Malanji and surviving Nikka National park during the cold rainy season on foot.
Favorite Class and why: Anatomy, physiology and behavioral medicine
Quote: “Almost anything you do will seem insignificant, but it is very important that you do it.”
Mahatma Gandhi
Ellee Loffler
Ellee Loffler from Saranac Lake, NY originally but I’ve been living in Alfred, NY getting my Athletic Training degree. One of my proudest accomplishments was finally deciding to join the PA profession where you have ability to do any specialty in 27 months! My family and loved ones helped support my decision. Here at Quinnipiac I’ve been elected the Student Representative to the House of Delegates and joined the Equipment & Scrapbook Committees. So far, my favorite class is Radiology because of the fun stories behind the x-rays. The best way to relax is sleep and more sleep because we always need it.
Emilee Conley
Emilee Conley from Fennimore, Wisconsin. Nicknames: Emmee, Emi-lou. Co-Coordinator for the KEEPS program. I am working to become a Physician Assistant to help others, for job security, and work with others as a team.
Before I joined the PA school gang, I attended Saint Mary’s University to get a Biology Degree and also worked at Children’s Hospital as an EMT in the Emergency Department part-time. I also attended PA school at Augsburg College in 2003-2004 before getting engaged and moving to Connecticut.
I moved to Connecticut in order to follow my fiancé and support his new job with International Dairy Queen. His name is John Scheid and we are planning to get married on May 21, 2005. My family lives in Wisconsin where we plan to move after I finish school.
I am most proud of passing a scuba diving class and becoming certified only 4 months after I learned to swim (When I was 21 years old).
My favorite class is Physical Diagnosis because it allows us to be more interactive in class and have fun practicing with new diagnostic tools.
My biggest advice to new PA students is to find self-motivators and set priorities. It can be hard to study after long days in class, but one must realize that their hands will be in charge of someone’s health.
There is life outside of PA school, but one must be prepared to organize one’s time wisely and have flexible friends, significant others, and family.
Frank Christopher Michael Biello, Jr.
Nickname: “DANK”
Class Organization:
Hometown: Waterbury, CT
Why you want to be a PA: I have been interested in the PA profession since my sophomore year at Connecticut College. The PA profession allows for a fair amount of autonomy and flexibility in the clinical setting, and enables one to have a well balanced life style. I am looking forward to treating, educating and caring for those in need. I am grateful to have this opportunity, and I’m confident this journey will be rewarding.
What you did before PA school: I was an EMT in Boston, MA for two years.
Family/Sig. Other: I have three older sisters. One is also a PA, one is a teacher and the third is a doctor. I am fortunate to have my parents, family and girlfriend as great support systems.
Accomplishments: I am proud to be a member of the QU PA Class of 2006. This has to be my greatest accomplishment yet. One of my dreams has been fulfilled!
Favorite Class: Over the past few months, I think I have come to really appreciate and enjoy Surgery.
Quote: “Waiting for the time when I can finally say, ‘This has all been wonderful, but now I’m on my way.’” --PHISH
Favorite way to relax after a week of exams? Sleeping in ‘til whenever I want
Thought: Laughter is indispensable
Fred Staples
Nickname: Fred
Committees: Computer committee (very stressful)
Hometown: South Burlington, Vermont
Before PA School: Engineer, LNA
Family: Wife: Stephanie; Children: Daniel, Joseph
What you do to relax after exams: We aren’t allowed to relax (will relax after PA school)
Gina Corrado
My name is Gina Corrado or G, Bean, or Bag, if you’re really close to me. I’ll stop there. The nickname list could get out of control. I grew up in Natick, Massachusetts and worked in my family’s sandwich shop, forever. It was just time for something new. My mom is a nurse and she really made me love medicine. I worked in the chemistry lab at Lahey Clinic for a few years when I realized I needed more contact with actual patients rather than just their specimens. So here I am. Hummm….favorite accomplishment….. winning Nationals two years in a row with my figure skating team was pretty cool and is definitely up there on the list. I have an amazing boyfriend, two wonderful and hysterically funny older brothers, and four incredible parents. I don’t think I’ve taken my favorite class yet, ask me again after next semester. One of my favorite quotes to remind me that today is only today and tomorrow may change everything is, “I’m only this far and only tomorrow leads my way.” And finally, the Red Sox rock!
Heather Cronkhite
Class Organizations: Student Society Secretary, copy committee, KEEPS, midnight run, National Primary Care Week
Hometown: Maine
Why you want to be a PA: I want to provide great health care while still being able to take the time and talk with patients and their families.
Before PA School: Quinnipiac University Entry-Level Master PA Program
Family: My parents and younger brother back home in Maine
Accomplishments: Making it this far in life and school, and being proud of how I handled myself.
Favorite Class: Physical Diagnosis
Quote: “Shoot for the moon, even if you miss you’ll land among the stars”
Favorite Way to Relax: Anything that keeps my mind off studying!
Jackie Sanz
Class organization: co-chair keeps
Where you’re from: Bridgeport, CT
Why you want to be a PA: Passion for people!
What you did before PA school: Registered Dietitian at a dialysis unit
Family/Sig. Other: Significant other
Accomplishments: Making it thus far in the program…with high hopes of getting through it
Favorite Class: Endocrinology…just love the complexity and physiology
Quote: “There is no traffic jam on the extra mile”…annonymus
Favorite way to relax after a week of exams:Hmm…a few drinks, work out, clean...anything but studying
James Roy
Nickname:
Jim
Class org: House Committee
Hometown: Wolcott, CT
Before PA school: Paramedic for 12 years, Operations Supervisor for major commercial ambulance service in CT
Family: Married to Lisa for 9 years, and have 3 daughters; Bailey 7, Gabrielle 5, and Delaney 18 mos. Also have chocolate lab Riley
Accomplishments:What am I most proud of? Most proud of my girls, and the accomplishments I have made while being the best father I can.
Favorite classes: Cardiology/ Neurology/ Pediatrics- very interested in cardiology, unknown if I’m more interested in medicine or surgery.
Quote: No favorite quote, there are so many I like.
Favorite way to relax after exams: Ping pong.
I Love to spend free time with my girls, I like to run, watch or play baseball/ softball, and work on my house. Go Sox!!
Jef
Saunders
Nickname: My Name
Class Organization: AV Dude
Where you’re from: Laguna Hills, CA
Why you want to be a PA: To have the coolest job and make a decent living.
What you did before PA school: Respiratory Therapist, Certified Nurse Assistant, Physical Therapy Assistant, Lifegaurd, Flooring Installer
Family/Sig. other: Wife: Robyn Kids: Annie and Luke
Accomplishments: Served a 2-year mission for my church in India and Nepal.
Favorite Class: Embyology: it’s a miracle!
Quote: No thrills for the cautious
Favorite way to relax after a week of exams? Throw kids up in the air (and catch them).
Jennifer
Jacobs
Nickname: JJ
Class organization: Recycling, Breast cancer walk coordinator
Hometown: Plattsburgh, NY - but since I have lived the majority of my life in California, I consider myself to be a Californian.
Why do you want to become a PA? I have always enjoyed working with people and athletes. I was looking for a better balance in my life that athletic training couldn’t offer.
Before PA school: I received a B.S. in Exercise and Nutritional Sciences with an emphasis in athletic training from San Diego State University. I received a M.S in Kinesiology from California State University, Hayward. I worked as a certified Athletic Trainer in Division I athletics for 6 years and then at the high school level for 2 years.
Family: I live with my boyfriend, Daniel Judelson. My entire family is back in sunny, southern California.
Most memorable Accomplishments: Graduating with honors from San Diego State University.
Favorite Class: Anatomy Dissection Lab. It was a hand-on class. You were finally able to see/touch structures that you have only learned about in pictures. The best part was using the bone saw!
Quote: “We can do this!”
Favorite Way to Relax: Soccer, mountain biking, being outdoors, reading
Jennifer
McDonnell
Class organizations: Clothing committee
Originally from: The outstanding town of Naugatuck, Connecticut
What you did before PA school: Graduated in May as one of the survivors of the ELMPA program at Quinnipiac
Family/Sig. Other: Mommy – Gail, Daddy- Andrew and little brother Christopher aka “Spawn”
Favorite Class: Physical Diagnosis
Quote: "Im achin, Im shaking, Im breaking just like humans do"
Favorite way to relax after a week of exams: Ice cold beer and lots of it
Jennifer Patridge
“Jenn”
I’m a proud member of the House committee (no, we’re not maids), and I’m the QU ConnAPA representative. I was Born and raised in Burlington, CT, but I’m currently living in Hamden, CT. My desire is to be a PA so that I can help people and make some dough. Before PA school I graduated from Lewis S. Mills High School in 2000, attended Quinnipiac University and graduated from the ELMPA class of 2004. During my time as an undergrad, I worked as an EMT at Lake Compounce Theme Park, Pharmacy Technician at Brooks Pharmacy, and Medical Assistant at Med-help Medical Center. Mom and Dad still live in Burlington, CT. Mom is a teacher and Dad works in insurance. I was lucky growing up to be tortured by my two brothers, Ryan and Eric. Ryan graduated from Cornell University, and now lives in San Diego, CA working in computer engineering. Eric graduated from Skidmore College, and is currently finishing his Ph.D. at Penn State. I was a big fan of gross anatomy lab, but nothing could compare to the Peck and Pope show. After a week of exams, I am a big fan of sleeping…although that usually doesn’t last long.
It is great to be apart of the class of 2006!
“So many of our dreams first seem impossible, then they seem improbable, and then, when we summon the will, they become inevitable.” –Christopher Reeve
Jennifer Szynalski
Nickname: Jen
Class organization: I'm on the copy committee...
Where you’re from: North Haven, CT
Quote: Toss away stuff you don't need in the end, but keep what's important and know who's your friend- Phish
Jesse Howes
Nickname: “Dip it Low” (lol)
Class organization info: I am on the Road Race/Cowchip Fundraising Project
Where you’re from: Huntington, MA
Why you want to be a PA: Just because.
What you did before PA school: Went to college for Athletic Training.
Family/Sig.: Engaged May of ‘04
Accomplishments: Completing Boston Marathon in 3 hours. NCAA National qualifier and Conference Scholar Athlete in Undergrad.
Favorite Class: Anatomy, I loved my Cadaver.
Quote : “To give Anything less than your best, is to sacrifice The Gift” - Steve Prefontaine
Favorite way to relax after a week of exams? Running, Hanging out with friends.
Anything else you’d like to tell us about your self? Go SOX, I need to see a world series before I die!
Jessica Griffin
Nickname: “Jess”.
Hometown: Hingham, Massachusetts.
Quote: “Aim for success, not perfection. Never give up your right to be wrong, because then you will lose the ability to learn new things and move forward with your life.” Dr. David M. Burns
Before PA School: After graduating from Boston College, I worked for Becton Dickinson-Gentest for over a year as a Laboratory Technician. Our products were human B-lymphoblastoid cell lines, which were used by Pharmaceutical Companies to test how their drugs were metabolized by the human body. Working for Becton Dickinson, I was indirectly helping people live better lives. However, after working in the lab environment, I realized that I had a strong desire to work with patients directly on a one-to-one basis. I then began working as a Rehabilitation Nursing Tech at Braintree Rehabilitation Hospital for a year to gain some experience for PA school and here I am now at Quinnipiac University.
Favorite Class: My favorite classes have been Dermatology and Infectious Diseases (Microbiology). I think it may be due to studying Biology, for so many years. (Girls just get it together and I’ll try to help you through it.)
Committee: House Committee
Family: I grew up in Hingham, Massachusetts. Before moving down to Connecticut, I lived at home with my Mom, Dad and my brothers: Joe and John. Love and miss you guys!!
Accomplishments: Receiving a degree in Biology and playing a Division I sport at Boston College (GO EAGLES!!).
Being accepted into the Quinnipiac PA Program as a member of the class of 2006!!!
Joanne Nachtygal
Seymour, CT
QU class of ‘04
Quote: “I do the best imitation of myself”-Ben Folds Five
Karen Rosen
Class
organization: PA week, primary care week and scrapbook
Where you’re from: Ronkonkoma, NY
Why you want to be a PA: I want to help people, I love the medical profession and PA would give me opportunity to have a family and a career.
What you did before PA school: ELMPA at QU
Family/Sig. other: My whole family lives on Long Island. I have one brother who is 19 years old. I have been dating my boyfriend, Shawn, since January 25, 2002.
Accomplishments: Getting accepted into the ELMPA program and graduating with a Magna Cum Laude honor.
Favorite Class and why: Micro Lab because it's just fun.
Quote: Grant me the serenity to accept the things I can not change, the courage to change the things I can, but wisdom to know the difference
Favorite way to relax after a week of exams? TV, sleep, gym and SHOPPING!
Anything else you’d like to tell us about your self? CSI is my favorite TV show, when I actually have time to watch it. I am ADDICTED to shopping....does anybody know of a cure??
Kristin Marcous
I am from Vernon, Connecticut. I attended Quinnipiac for my undergrad degree as an ELMPA. I loved working as an EMT and volunteering at the children’s hospital. I now spend plenty of time studying, but I also find the time to play soccer and of course, go out on weekend nights!
Hi, I’m
Lavina Jacob.
I graduated in 2003 from the University of Connecticut with a BS
in Biological Sciences and started working as a Medical Assistant at
Mansfield Family Practice after realizing that I wanted to go a PA
school. I left behind my hometown of South Windsor, CT, two
wonderful parents and an older sister to move to Hamden. (A WHOLE hour
away!) Since starting school I’ve gotten a lot more stressed, but of
course I’m loving every minute of it!...Well almost every minute
of it. I was elected Diversity Representative AND I made this website!
Lori Lynn
Pazameta
Nickname “Honey” yes, they even call me this at work!
Class organization: Clothing, Scrapbook & Primary Care Week co coordinator
Hometown: Grahn, Kentucky
Why you want to be a PA: I wanted to be more involved with patient care. I like the variety of responsibilities that a career as a PA could offer. I really wanted a challenge, something where you had to think and make decisions. I didn’t feel challenged in my previous career and I wanted more autonomy.
What you did before PA school: I was a dental hygienist for 16 years. I also became a phlebotomist right before starting PA school, hoping I could gain some more patient care experience. I also worked as a research assistant as a part of my undergraduate independent study. I did research with the Prosthodontics department of the dental school at UCONN for 1 ½ years.
Family/Sig. Other:
Zoran, my husband and the “children” Slinky, Squeaky, Sassy, Satin, Shadow, Sable, Lilly, Winter, Sasha, Mephisto and Brandy. Yes, I have 10 cats and yes I am a sucker for homeless animals.
Accomplishments:
1) Getting accepted at QU
2) I am a really good friend. (yes, I have references!)
3) Besides all the homeless pets I have adopted, I also feed the strays in my neighborhood and I occasionally find them a new home or place them with a rescue agency here in CT. Last year I helped place a cat and her 4 kittens in a FIV+ shelter. They would have been destroyed at most local shelters. My husband and I paid their vet bills and now they all have a permanent home.
Favorite Class: Physiology. I felt like I really learned from Dr. Kaloustian some concepts that I had before but never quite understood as well until he taught them.
Quote: Cats are like potatoe chips, you can’t have just one!
Favorite way to relax after a week of exams?
Pedicure!! Also, add in Mango Daiquiri from Aunt Chilada’s and the Salsa!
Lyubov
(Luba) Lupyan-Teytelman
Originally From: Russia
Why PA: Fits my life style. I love life and medicine.
Before PA school: You name it, I did it.
Favorite class: I like everything, but especially surgery.
Favorite way to relax after a week of exams: Talk to my husband and sleep.
Favorite quotes: "You must do what you love."
Margaret Gladski
(Maggie)
Originally from: Chicopee, MA
Undergrad: Smith College
Before PA school: I worked as a counselor in an inpatient
psychiatric unit for 1 1/2 years and loved my job, but wanted to go back
to school to do medicine.
Class Organization: KEEPS -- I really enjoy being able to provide
some basic medical preventative care to people in our community who may
not have access readily available --that's what PA's are all about!
Favorite Classes: Dermatology, OB-GYN
Hobbies/Relaxation time: I love to bike, run, hike--anything to
be outdoors and get some exercise. I also love to travel and see new
places and people (not that there's much time for that anymore!)
Matt Fernandez
From CT originally
The PA profession offers incredible versatility
Before PA school I worked as a paramedic
A very supportive family and girlfriend
Accomplishments: Ask me in 2006
I don't really have a favorite class
As far as relaxing after exams, doing anything but study
My name is Matt Singleton. I’m a first year PA student here at Quinnipiac. Originally I’m from Western MA and I received my B.S. from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst in nutritional science. Prior to starting the program I was a critical care dietitian at Hartford Hospital where I worked for about three years. My interests include endocrinology, nephrology, and critical care.
Hi my name is Marissa Newton
I don’t really have a nickname per say but sometimes people just shorten my name to “Maris”
I was one of three people on the Medical Equipment Committee
I am from Easthampton, MA, but was living in Boston for the past 6 years
I wanted to become a PA because the career is so enticing and the rewards seem endless. I have always wanted to practice medicine and here was my chance to be able to practice in any field of medicine that I wanted to.
Before PA school, I graduated from Boston University and was an EMT in a company in Boston and also worked as a nursing technician on a cardio-thoracic floor at New England Medical Center.
My parents and my younger brother live in Easthampton and my older brother is in the airforce currently overseas but is based in South Dakota. My boyfriend is far away from me in Boston! (not too far though)
My favorite class so far has been anatomy because Wednesday’s at Yale were a blast with the cadavers and there was the best vendor food for lunch!
“Carpe Diem”
My favorite way to relax after a week of exams is to RUN to happy hour ANYWHERE, free food!
Melissa Froehle
Nickname
Mel, Full time fun time girl
Class organization: Clothing committee, Bike Crawl Against Cancer
Hometown: Derby, CT
I want to be a PA because we get to touch each other in fun places and it is no one minds
What you did before PA school: What didn't I do... Home health aide, worked at a camp as an EMT, Occupational Health (Medical Assistant), Emergency Room Technician
Favorite thing about PA school: What is not to like, the long hours, living at the Sherman Ave building, Trips to the Deli, Late nights studying, You definitely get More than enough bang for your buck, I love school and I could not imagine being anywhere else (ooh except a warm tropical place, or Europe, or Australia)
Quote “That is HOT!” “You can test your shy area when you get home.” “What is this.” “Just take a lick it and tell me what you think it is.” “But I want to touch the nubbin.”
Favorite way to relax after a week of exams? LAZY MAN PING ROCKS! Sleep!, Hikes, Runs, Bars, Friends, Game nights, Movie nights, fun fun fun
Melissa
Mieszczanski
Nickname: Lissa, Mel, Mel D, Annie
Class organization info: Recycling Committee, PA Week Committee
Where you’re from: Beacon Falls, CT
Why you want to be a PA: I absolutely love the medical field! It's exciting and I love to help others and put a smile on their face.
What you did before PA school: Attended QU as an undergrad in the Entry Level Masters Physician Assistant Program.
Family/Sig. other: Mother, Father, one Sister
Accomplishments:
Favorite Class: Microbiology....because I get to grow bacteria!
Quote: "You gotta live your life to the fullest, always have in mind that you're the coolest, don't let the others make you wanna quit." -Thanks H.T.
Favorite way to relax after a week of exams: Go out to dinner and hang out with my close friends.
Michaela
Montecalvo
Nickname: Kala or Mic ( from Matt Fernandez)
Class Organizations: Medical Equipment, midnight run, AOR Alternate and assisted in organizing the Breast Cancer Walk.
Hometown: Rhode Island “Little Rhody”
Why you want to be a PA: Because I had a wonderful role model “my mom” who taught me that helping others is the best gift that one could give. I knew that I wanted to be an integral member of a health care team that would enable me the opportunity to provide adequate health care services to those in need. The PA profession seemed to encompass all of that and much more. Hopefully, I will be as wonderful a PA as my mother was a nurse, with my own red stethoscope.
Before PA School: I received my B.A. and Master’s degree from the University of Connecticut in Storrs. My degree was in Communication Sciences with a specialty in childhood hearing impairments. After graduation, I completed a Clinical Fellowship Year in Audiology at University Otolaryngology and continued to work there after completion of my fellowship year. I was also a behavioral specialist for autistic children, a job that I hold very dear to my heart.
Family: Before moving to Hamden I lived at home with my dad “Joe” and my cat “Bob”. I am the only child but come from a huge Italian family, which means that I have a bunch of cousins, aunts and uncles, related and not related, if you are Italian you will know what that means. My nana is my pride and joy and I would truly be lost without her. I have a nine year old godson who keeps me motivated and lights up my life.
Accomplishments: Getting into PA school!!!!!!!!
Favorite Class: Anatomy Dissection Lab was one of my favorite classes so far because it was extremely hands on and taught you so much in so little time. You went in knowing nothing and came out a whole new person. Plus late night trips to the lab with JJ and JG was memorable…
Quote: There are no impossible dreams, just our limited perception of what
is impossible.
“Say hello to my little friend………..”
Favorite Way to Relax: To go out with some good friends.
Michelle Matura.
Born and raised in Connecticut (Naugatuck), I attended Eastern Connecticut State University for undergrad and got my degree in Biology. A great thing about the PA profession is that it allows you to explore many different fields without having to go back and do a residency for years and years, and of course probably one of the most common answers… it allows you to have a family and a career.
Before PA school here at Quinnipiac I worked as an office manager/ surgical assistant for a podiatrist, medical assistant for an internist, and volunteered many years at Southbury Training School ( an institute for mentally challenged adults).
I am the representative for ConnPAF (Connecticut Physician Assistant Foundation), and on house committee here at Sherman Ave. I am also very actively involved in the National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine.
As for my favorite class at Quinnipiac so far…who could choose just one… (anatomy lab was quite interesting, Dr. Kapadia’s antics, phys dx. Lab, interviewing, and Professor Lord’s exams) I wouldn’t know how to pick.
My favorite way to relax after a crazy week of exams… S-L-E-E-P!! you never realize how much something means to you until it is gone. Here is my quote…
“ A diamond is a rock that performed well under pressure”
Hopefully by the end of this adventure we will all turn out to be diamonds.
Michael Schweid
Nickname Mike or Schlau (not too many people know about that one)
Involvements: Helping to organize the cow chip bingo and 5K run.
Hometown: I’m from the best city within the continental U.S….San Diego, CA
Before PA School: I really enjoyed working as an athletic trainer in SD, but I was continually frustrated when I didn’t have answers to my athlete’s questions when it came to subjects outside of musculoskeletal. Becoming a physician assistant would allow me to increase my knowledge of human pathology while at the same time allow me to work in a great diversity of medical fields without have to spend the time in medical school.
I was the athletic trainer for men’s soccer and baseball at San Diego State University.
Family: I have a whole mess of family (uncles, aunts, cousins & grandmother) out here on the east coast, mostly in Boston. I have two sisters (both younger), the older of the two sisters lives in Benicia, CA and is currently the director of an adult care facility that cares for those stricken with Alzheimer’s disease. My other little sister is at Brown University in Rhode Island majoring in neuroscience!! My step mother is up in Toronto, Ontario Canada. My mother and her husband are living the life in Las Vegas, Nevada. Let’s not forget Ms. C. Hill.
Accomplishments: Getting into this school. If you knew my scholastic past you would know why! On a more fun level, my proudest accomplishment would be riding a 10 foot wave during a winter swell…and then actually going back out for more.
Favorite class: Anatomy, Cardiology & Microbiology
Quote: “Even the sun shines on a ugly dog’s butt every once in a while”
My favorite way to relax after a heavy week of exams is to start preping for the next set…while having a dog and a beer at the Red Sox game.
Monika Zelazny
Class organization: KEEPS committee.
I’m from Meriden, CT and I was an undergraduate in the ELMPA program at Quinnipiac University. I was also a part-time EMT, CNA, and pharmacy tech. My favorite class was physiology during the summer because it was a very informative and well organized class. My favorite way to relax after a week of exams is either watching a movie or taking a nap.
Quote: “In order to succeed you must fail, so that you know what not to do the next time.” (Anthony J. D'Angelo)
Nathan Gurtowsky
Nickname: Nate
Class organization info: I am the president of the Computer Committee (I think so).
Where you’re from: Bristol, CT
Why you want to be a PA: I like money, but I’m too lazy to be a REAL doctor. Just kidding. The flexibility a PA has to enter almost any specialty, rather than being tied down to only one after years of residency, was a big asset for me.
What you did before PA school: Regular school at QU.
Accomplishments: Getting into PA school.
Favorite Class and why: Physical Diagnosis, because this may help my grade.
Quote: “Remember that we will be the ones who mold the PA profession of tomorrow” –Bradley G. Biskup- motivational speaker
Favorite way to relax after a week of exams: Relax?
Anything else you’d like to tell us about your self: nope
Sarah Fountain
My name is Sarah Fountain and I am from Longmeadow, Mass. I am on the cow chip bingo committee with some of my best friends here at school. I decided to come to PA school after being a pediatric orthopedic nurse for 6 years. I worked with some really great PA's that encouraged me to further my education. I have a great boyfriend named Vinnie who has been really supportive for the last few months and is looking forward to 2 more years of it. I also have a brand new kitten named Jasmine that is going to keep me company while I study. I am really proud of the work I did as a nurse working with some great kids with all kinds of disabilities and congenital diseases. I am really enjoying medicine because most of it is familiar to me. When exams are over I love to catch up on sleep and relax with my friends.
Sarah Grose
HI, my name is Sarah Grose and I am from Maryland. I was turned on to the PA program while I was at the University of Connecticut working for a degree in athletic training. After I graduated from UConn, I worked as an athletic trainer for a high school here in Connecticut and followed around a couple orthopedic doctors before applying to PA school. Now that I am in school I try to make time for the things that I enjoy. I like to work out, which help me distress from the rigorous schedule and catch up with my friends that I have been ignoring. I also play on the PA students’ intramural soccer team, Thyroid Storm. My favorite thing about this program is that the teachers are amazing. They love to pass on their knowledge to us and go out of their way to help us. Having enthusiastic teachers allows up to enjoy and absorb the material they are passing along that much more.
Sarah
Olson
My name is Sarah Olson. A lot of my friends call me “little sarah” because the name is so common and I am short and small. I grew up in New Hartford, CT. I went to college in NY and then came back to CT to work in research for a few years before entering PA school. I have always known that I wanted to work in the medical field, and PA school seemed like the perfect fit for me! I would have to say that my favorite class so for has been Dermatology, just because I loved to look at all the graphic pictures. My favorite way to relax after a lot of exams is to go visit my friends in NYC to go shopping. Sounds dumb, but it is very therapeutic. I am a part of the Cowchip bingo/ philanthropic committee, which is just starting to plan the big event in April. We are all looking forward to having a lot of fun with that.
Sarah
Way, Treasurer
I am 24 years old from West Chester, OH (near Cincinnati). I graduated from the University of Toledo with a BS in Exercise Science. I am very involved in the program, especially with our annual Cow Chip Bingo fundraiser. My favorite way to relax is to go tanning/sit out in the sunshine and take a nap….ah, now I know I’m getting old! One of my favorite quotes: “Reach for the moon, even if you miss you’ll land among the stars.”
Sean Piechocki
Home: Rhode Island
Prior to PA school: Athletic Trainer at the U.S Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT.
Family: Wife: Janiece Piechocki
Shayla Tormey
Nickname: Shay
Class organization info: House committee
Where you’re from: Salem, New Hampshire
Why you want to be a PA: I like how the profession is a balance between patient interaction and medical providence.
What you did before PA school: I attended Quinnpiac University as an undergraduate
Family/Sig. other:My mother’s name is Sandy, my father’s name is John (Jack). I have two sisters, Tammie (33)
and Dollie (36) and a brother John David (J.D.) (42).
Accomplishments: Hmmm…..
Favorite Class: Physical Diagnostic Lab- It was hands on and the most analogous to what I will be doing in the future.
Quote: Yankees Suck (I don’t know if you can put that)
Favorite way to relax after a week of exams?: Hang out with friends
Suzan Sara Fenstermacher
Age 22
Nickname: Suz
Committees: I’m on the clothing committee
Hometown: I’m from right outside Syracuse, NY, and no matter how many years I have to stay in Connecticut, I will NEVER…EVER… become a UConn Huskie fan! Go CUSE’!!!!
Before school: Before starting the PA program, I was an ELMPA (entry-level master’s of physician assistant) in Quinnipiac’s undergraduate program. Some refer to us as the “little girls” of the program, which we really enjoy!
Family: My mother and father reside in Upstate for most of the year, and then spend the remaining months in Jacksonville Beach, Florida with my brother and grandmother. My mother is a retired elementary principal, my father owns a hardware and lumber business, and my brother is an electrical engineer. Their occupations were what really sparked my interest in the medical field…. Just kidding!
Accomplishments: My greatest accomplishment was being valedictorian of my high school class.
Favorite Class: My favorite class is Microbiology lab because I get to talk while I’m doing my work, also because Nate Gurtowsky is my partner!
Quote: “Happiness is a choice that requires effort at times.”
-Anonymous
Favorite way to relax after exams: After a long week of exams, there’s only one thing I enjoy doing… and that’s sleeping!!! Going shopping for a hot new pair of sweatpants is also pretty high up on the list.
Ying
Zheng
Hi, my name is Ying Zheng. I am from Jamaica, New York. Currently, I am on the recycling committee with three other girls. Yep, we're the "cans and bottles" ladies. This is PA school…classes, study, study, recycling, classes again, study some more….blah, blah, blah…Just kidding. It's really fun. So why do I want to be a PA? Well, for one it allows me to be a health care provider. Also, being a PA will give me the flexibility to change specialty if I wanted to. And, I won't be in school forever. Prior to PA school, I was in the undergraduate ELMPA program and have worked as an EMT.