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Meet Our Leadership Team

Our dedicated team of clinical and academic professionals is committed to supporting the NSBPA and its members.

Leadership Team

We are a group of Certified Physician Assistants/Associates (PAs) who recognize the lack of diversity in our field and the unique challenges many Black PA students and practicing PAs, face. We chose to address these concerns through the creation of a community of PAs, PA students, and pre-PAs, which encourages knowledge sharing, mentorship, and support. We believe an adequately diverse and humanity-driven field supports our mental health and wellbeing, as well as our patients. Please join us.

  • Kathryn Reed, MS, PA-C

    President

    Kathryn Reed is a certified physician assistant who received her B.S in Emergency Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh in 2014, graduating Cum Laude with a minor in chemistry. She then received her M.S. in Physician Assistant Studies at the University of Pittsburgh in 2016. Kathryn has practiced in family medicine, internal medicine, and emergency medicine. She now holds a faculty appointment in the University of Pittsburgh’s Department of Physician Assistant Studies Hybrid Program where she is an Assistant Professor and Vice Chair for Equity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement. Additionally, Kathryn is a member of the Pennsylvania Society of Physician Assistant's IDEA Committee and is a commissioner for the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Commission on Accreditation in Practice Transition Programs (COA – PTP).  Kathryn is also proud to have received the PAEA’s New Faculty Award for Professional Excellence in 2023. Outside of her professional roles, Kathryn enjoys spending time with her family and friends, going on walks with her husband, reading books from a variety of genres, organizing a messy cabinet or pantry, and exercising to support her mental health and overall wellness (yoga, weightlifting, HIIT training, hiking, etc.).

  • Mariah Jones, PA-C, AAHIVS

    Vice President

    Mariah Jones is a dedicated healthcare professional and leader, currently serving as the Vice President of the National Society of Black Physician Assistants (NSBPA) after serving as Secretary for several years. Mariah’s journey in healthcare began with a strong foundation in Kinesiology, earning her undergraduate degree from Michigan State University in 2015. She then pursued her passion further, completing her master’s in Physician Assistant Studies from the prestigious Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2017. With her expertise as a certified Physician Assistant, Mariah focuses her practice on primary care, specializing in HIV treatment at the renowned Mazzoni Center. Her commitment to excellence in healthcare is evident through her certification as an AAHIVS (American Academy of HIV Medicine Specialist). Beyond her professional endeavors, Mariah is deeply engaged in community service. She is an active member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated, where she contributes to meaningful initiatives and supports her community. In her leisure time, Mariah finds joy in intellectual pursuits and staying active. She’s an avid reader, relishing in the knowledge gained from a diverse range of literature. Completing puzzles serves as both a mental challenge and a form of relaxation for her. Additionally, Mariah finds solace and expression through dancing, embracing the rhythm and movement as a means of self-care. Through her multifaceted roles as a healthcare provider, community advocate, and individual driven by passion and curiosity, Mariah Jones embodies a spirit of compassion, excellence, and continuous growth.

  • Erica Williams, MS, PA-C

    Media Chair

    Erica is a certified physician assistant currently practicing in the Philadelphia area and the Media Chair for the NSBPA. She received her B.S in Emergency Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh in 2015, followed by her M.S in Physician Assistant Studies in 2016 at the University of Pittsburgh. As a certified physician assistant, she practices in urgent care medicine. She enjoys working with a diverse population of patients and mentoring pre-PA students through the NSBPA Mentorship program. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, baking, traveling and playing piano.

  • Vacant

    Secretary

Mentorship Committee

Our mentorship committee members support the organization by utilizing their clinical, academic, and mentorship expertise to facilitate the implementation and continual improvement of our annual NSBPA Mentorship Program.

  • Yousra Elsir, DMSc, PA-C

    Yousra Elsir is a certified physician assistant who received her B.A. in Human Biology, with a minor in Psychology, at the University of Michigan-Flint in 2019. She then received her M.S. in PA Studies at Stanford University in 2023, followed by a Doctor of Medical Science at Butler University. Yousra's research focus during PA school was minorities, mentorship, and the PA profession. Prior to PA school, she worked as a medical scribe in OB/Gyn. Yousra practices in Urology Oncology Surgery at Stanford Health Care. Yousra was born in Sudan and raised in Flint, Michigan. She enjoys traveling, spending time with friends and family, trying new food, and exercise.

  • Martina Fleming, PA-C

    Christa “Martina” Fleming graduated from Methodist University in Fayetteville, NC in 2015. Having an undergraduate background in emergency services, she enjoys working in an urgent / primary care hybrid clinic as each day is different. She obtained additional certification through the American College of Lifestyle Medicine in 2020. With this certification, she educates her patients on simple lifestyle choices that can improve their quality of life. Her true passion is education. This has been realized in her service as a pre-PA mentor through various platforms. She truly enjoys helping the next generation achieve their dreams. In her free time, you’ll find her boxing at the gym or hanging with her active golden retriever.

  • Jordan Hood, MS, PA-C

    Jordan Hood is a physician assistant at Oregon Health & Science University at Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, currently working in pediatric orthopedic surgery. She provides orthopedic care for fractures, musculoskeletal injuries, limb deformity/limb length discrepancy, gait abnormalities and scoliosis. Prior to her current position, she worked at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta in Atlanta, GA in pediatric orthopedics and at Grady Memorial Hospital (Emory School of Medicine) in orthopedic trauma. She is truly passionate about her field and committed to providing excellent care as well as advocating for and listening to her patients and their families. Jordan graduated from Xavier University (OH) with a B.S. in Athletic Training. She received a Master of Science and Physician Assistant degree from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2017. She is nationally certified by the NCCPA and serves as a PA ambassador. She assists with item writing and forms review for NCCPA.   In her free time, she enjoys being outdoors, running, hiking, and spending time with her son.

  • Fallon Lotson, DHSc, PA-C

    Fallon Lotson is a certified physician assistant who graduated from the University of Miami with a B.A. in psychology and minors in biology and chemistry in 2005, followed by a master’s degree in physician assistant studies from South University in 2013. In 2020, she earned a doctorate in health sciences with a concentration in education from A.T. Still University (ATSU). With a clinical background in psychiatry, pain medicine, and physical medicine and rehabilitation, Fallon now serves as an assistant professor in the Physician Assistant Studies program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). She has been a mentor in the National Society of Physician Assistants (NSBPAS) since its inception, demonstrating a deep commitment to education and advocating for greater diversity in the PA profession. Fallon remains passionate about shaping the future of the PA profession through mentorship and inclusive educational practices. She is married with two children and spends her time reading, catching up on much-needed sleep, and indulging in delicious meals.

Advisory Board

Our esteemed advisory board members support the organization by attending quarterly meetings with our leadership team to provide advice, expertise, and support.

  • Dr. Jacqueline Barnett, DHSc, MSHS, PA-C

    Dr. Jacqueline Barnett serves as Professor, Division Chief and Program Director of the Duke University School of Medicine, Physician Assistant Program. She gives honor to Joyce Nichols, the first woman PA (graduated from Duke in 1970) and the first Black woman in the PA profession. Dr. Barnett holds bachelors and master degrees from GWU, and a doctorate from A.T. Still University. She is a previous National Public Health Service Scholar and Commissioned Officer in the Public Health Service with clinical practice experiences in pediatrics, primary care, urgent care, infectious disease and forensic medicine. She has been a PA for 30 years and has served in numerous leadership roles. Dr. Barnett actively engages in scholarly activities and has publications, presentations, and/or funded grants related to implicit Bias, diversity and inclusion in health education programs, utilizing technologies and blended learning formats to enhance curricular delivery, and the integration of opioid education in health profession training. She has been honored with several prestigious awards including the George Washington University Endowed Bender Award of Teaching Excellence, the DC Academy of Physician Assistants Exemplary Service Award, the Inaugural Duke University Graduate and Professional Student Inclusivity Award, the Duke School of Medicine Michelle P Winn Inclusive Excellence Award, and the National Physician Assistant Education Association Leadership Development Award. Dr. Barnett has made it her life’s goal to engage in activities to improve equity and opportunities for underserved communities and underrepresented populations that have been historically excluded from economic and educational success.

  • Dr. Nicole Burwell, Ph.D., PA-C, DFAAPA

    Dr. Nicole Burwell currently serves as the Department Chair and founding Program Director of the North Carolina Agricultural and Technology State University (North Carolina A&T) PA Program housed in the Hairston College of Health and Human Sciences. Dr. Burwell completed her master’s degree at George Washington University PA Program and began her clinical career as a National Health Service Corp Scholar in 1998 in Bowling Green, Virginia. Since that time, she has been a clinically practicing PA in the Primary Care setting of private practice, federal government agencies, and employer-based clinics for corporate and technology companies. As a complement to her clinical practice, she also completed a Ph.D. in Nutritional Science from Howard University. Dr. Burwell has served as the President of the PAEA, Director at Large on the PAEA Board of Directors and Chair of the PA Education Association (PAEA) Doctoral Steering Committee. Her research interests include equity, diversity, inclusion, and workforce issues. Dr. Burwell was Co-Investigator on a research team that was awarded the prestigious 2019 PAEA Faculty-Generated Research Grant titled What’s Working: A National Assessment of Best Practices in Diversifying the Physician Assistant Workforce. The findings from this work have been highlighted in several journal articles, posters, and podium presentations at national and international conferences. Dr. Burwell also enjoys service and sisterhood through her sorority, Delta Sigma Theta, Inc.

  • Kara Caruthers, MSPAS, PA-C

    Kara Caruthers serves as Associate Program Director for the Meharry Medical College Department of Physician Assistant Sciences. Ms. Caruthers completed her master’s degree in PA Studies at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) in 2009, adding to her previously obtained master’s degree in physiology and certificate in anatomy. Ms. Caruthers had extensive teaching experience before becoming a PA and returned to her love of teaching as a PA educator in 2010 at UAB. Since that time, she has supported several programs as a faculty member and equity, diversity and inclusion champion. Clinically, Ms. Caruthers has worked in emergency medicine and primary care. She is passionate about investing in the next generation of PAs which is evidenced by her consistent involvement in Project Access and the NSBPA advisory board. She has also served on many committees within PAEA since 2013 and has held crucial roles in the organization such as President and Director at Large on the Board of Directors. Ms. Caruthers frequently presents at national, state, and local organizations and conferences on topics such as admissions and recruitment, diversity and inclusion, mentorship, leadership, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence. She also enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, and listening to live music.