COMMITTEE MEMBERS
The organization was founded by three Endocrine PAs in 1999. In 2000, ASEPA was awarded formal recognition as a specialty chapter of the AAPA and gained non-profit organization status.
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House of Delegates
The AAPA Delegate will chair the AAPA Delegation committee. They will act as the liaison between the AAPA and ASEPA. They will work in conjunction with the Board of Directors to ensure that ASEPA bylaws do not conflict with the AAPA's bylaws.
Stephen Willis, PA-C
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Stephen Willis PA-C, has worked at Rockwood Clinic Endocrinology and Advanced Diabetes Center in Spokane, WA since 2008. Stephen has worked with Dr. Carol Wysham since 2008 and together they have completed many clinical trials in diabetes and endocrine health. He is currently the department chair overseeing the Endocrine Providers (MD’s and APP’s) and diabetes educators at Rockwood Clinic.
Stephen is a University of Washington MEDEX graduate and remains active teaching endocrine /diabetes lectures. Stephen is involved in clinical leadership and population health. Stephen strives to have a clinical practice of wellness helping patients with endocrine health and advanced diabetes care. Stephen welcomes collaboration with PAs to help improve care and knowledge. Stephen is the House of Delegates representative for ASEPA to AAPA for 2020-2021.
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Membership Committee
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The Membership Committee shall encourage and promote the increase of ASEPA membership by coordinating the recruitment, retention and development of the organization's members. They are responsible for maintaining up to date membership records, which will be available to the membership at all times. The Secretary will chair this committee.
Justine Herndon, PA-C
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Justine Herndon, PA-C (she/her), is a board-certified Physician Assistant and Assistant Professor of Medicine and Medical Education at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. She obtained her MS in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Saint Francis – Fort Wayne in August of 2012 and started working at Mayo Clinic in the inpatient diabetes consulting team right after graduation. She joined the PGA (pituitary, gonadal, and adrenal) core group in 2014 and the TISCC (transgender and intersex specialty care clinic) in 2017. She started as part-time clinical faculty at the Mayo Clinic PA Program in 2022. Special interests include follow-up of pituitary tumors, adrenal incidentalomas, and gender-affirming hormone therapy. She enjoys precepting PA students, lecturing on various endocrinology topics both at the local and national level and research (with a handful of primary authorships). In her spare time, Justine enjoys traveling, hiking, training for triathlons, and spending time with her family. She is also pursuing her Ph.D. in Health Professions Education at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions.
Sarah Logan, MPAS, PA-C
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My name is Sarah Logan and I serve on the Membership Committee for ASEPA. I graduated from Arcadia University in 2002 with my Master’s Degree in Physician Assistant studies. From 2002 until 2014, I worked in private practice in general pediatrics in an outpatient setting. While I enjoyed working with children, it was time for a change. I always had an interest in endocrinology, and in 2014, I accepted a position at Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia, PA in the Endocrinology Department. Our main focus was Oncoendocrinology. We treated patients with various endocrine malignancies, with a special focus on thyroid cancer. We also treated patients who developed endocrine issues from their cancer treatments for non endocrine malignancies. This included osteoporosis and endocrinopathies from treatment with immunotherapies. I also served on the Immunotherapy work group to come up with institutional guidelines for managing immunotherapy related adverse events. We also focused on educating clinicians outside of the oncology realm about recognizing and managing these adverse events.
In July of 2019, I started a new position at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, FL. I am a part of the Head and Neck team in the Endocrine section, and I just accepted the position as APP Supervisor for the Head and neck Team. I am enjoying working at Moffitt, and I am excited about my new role. My family and I are also enjoying our new life in the Florida sunshine.
I am proud to be a part of the American Society of Endocrine Physician Assistants. This group has done amazing things to support endocrine Physician Assistants and establish a place for us in many other organizations.
Advocacy Committee
The Advocacy committee shall monitor current legislation and policies that influence ASEPA, and when necessary, coordinate the proactive lobbying for improved quality and standards for PA's practicing in endocrinology and endocrine patient care/access. They shall encourage the membership to take a role in the legislative process. They shall ensure that changes in ASEPA policy do not in any way interfere with or obstruct the laws or legislation of the federal government or AAPA.
Megan O'Neill, PA-C; Chair
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Megan O’Neill, Physician Assistant and CDE, currently works as a Scientific Affairs Manager with Abbott Diabetes Care. She has past industry experience as a Medical Science Liaison with Intarcia and AstraZeneca Cardiometabolics division and as a clinical specialist for Roche Diabetes Care. She completed her physician assistant training at the University of Iowa and practiced family/internal medicine in a variety of settings including community health clinic, private practices. She went on to specialize in endocrinology at the University of Kansas Medical Center, where she also served as a director of the diabetes center. While at University of Kansas Medical Center, her enjoyment of working in endocrinology and diabetes grew, particularly with interest in technology. After tiring of the Midwestern winters, she moved West to Monterey, CA and continued clinical endocrinology in private practice.
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Personal interests include travels, any outdoors adventure and exercise (especially long runs, cycling, swimming, yoga, hiking), wine, spending time with friends and trying anything new. Her 14.5 year old miniature dachshund Fiona keeps her company and still enjoys the beach!
Web/Social Media Committee
The Social Media committee is responsible for developing and maintaining the content of the webpage and social media platforms used by ASEPA. The webpage and social media platforms aim to engage members, increase networking opportunities, and disseminate educational material to the membership.
Karina Gonzalez, PA-C; Chair
Karina Gonzalez, PA-C is a Board Certified PA from Chicago, IL. She has a B.S in Kinesiology and Psychology from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a Masters in Medical Sciences from Midwestern University CCOM in Downers Grove, IL. She completed a residency at John H. Stroger Hospital of Cook County. She practiced in internal medicine in a community clinic for several years before specializing in adult endocrinology. She currently practices at Cook County Health where she practices both inpatient and outpatient endocrinology since 2018. In addition to patient care, she has been involved in diabetes clinical research for past years and has served as an Investigator in various diabetes clinical trials. She is currently the Chair for the Communications Committee for Illinois Academy of Physician Assistants (IAPA) and been an endocrine speaker at Illinois Academy of PAs annual conferences.
In addition to being an active member of ASEPA, Karina has memberships with the American Academy of Physicians Associates (AAPA) and the American Diabetes Association (ADA).
Boyd Hammond, PA-C
Boyd graduated from the University of Colorado’s PA program in 2018 and then joined the University as faculty in the division of endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism. He started his clinical practice on the inpatient glucose management team, consulting on patients with difficult to manage diabetes as well as those with hyperglycemic emergencies. He added outpatient practice with CU’s integrated transgender program, providing gender affirming hormone therapy and managing endocrinopathies in his patient panel. He recently transitioned to full time education and serves as core faculty with the University of Colorado PA program. He maintains clinical practice with the division of endocrinology in the integrated transgender program and serves as a preceptor with the student run free clinic for diabetes night. Boyd is passionate about care of marginalized and underserved populations, with a special interest in caring for undocumented/uninsured patients living with diabetes. He tries to spend all of his free time in the Colorado mountains hiking, backpacking, and skiing.
Michelle Lim, PA-C
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Michelle Lim has been a licensed PA-C since 1998 after graduating from Western University of Health Sciences. After practicing in Family Medicine, Orthopedic Surgery, Medical Weight Loss and Aesthetic Medicine, she parlayed her clinical experience into a career in industry. She worked in the osteoporosis and hypertension spaces with Merck and Novartis respectively before moving into a Clinical Liaison role with Kindred Hospitals (sub-acute and LTAC services). She landed her first Medical Science Liaison (MSL) role with AstraZeneca's diabetes division in 2014. As an MSL, she has supported therapies in immunology/respiratory (with AstraZeneca), critical care (with La Jolla), Eosinophilic Esophagitis, Chronic Idiopathic Constipation, Short Bowel Syndrome (with Takeda) and Alzheimer's Disease (with Genentech).In January 2023, she moved into the lipids space by becoming a Director, Scientific Engagement for Esperion Therapeutics covering the 11 western US states. She enjoys educating her fellow HCPs and loves to network with clinicians at the many conferences she attends. She joined the PA Studies Advisory Board for Chapman University's MMS PA Program in 2017 and is a member of AAPA, CAPA and APAC. No stranger to social media, she is excited to serve on the social media committee for ASEPA.In her spare time she tends to her edible garden where she proudly regrows a variety of vegetables from foodscraps. She is a homecomposter, tennis player and lives the foodie life on the Yelp Elite squad - Orange County. She and her PA-C husband have 2 daughters, 2 box turtles and 2 bunnies.
Alyssa Klopfer, PA-C
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Alyssa is a board-certified endocrinology physician assistant who specializes in diabetes management, with a particular passion for continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion technology. Now a resident of Northern Virginia, Alyssa originally resided in Western New York. After obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Biological Studies from the University of Pittsburgh, Alyssa graduated Summa Cumma Laude from D’Youville University’s Physician Assistant Program . She then went on to obtain a Doctor of Medical Science from Butler University in 2021 with future plans of working in medical research.
In addition to being an active member of ASEPA, Alyssa has had memberships with the American Academy of Physicians Associates (AAPA) and the Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (ADCES). She currently works outpatient for Capital Diabetes and Endocrine Associates.
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Selena Beal, PA-C
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Selena Beal, PA-C, is a board-certified Endocrinology Physician Assistant at Raleigh Endocrine Associates in Raleigh, North Carolina. She largely treats a patient population with diabetes, as well as thyroid, pituitary, and adrenal disorders. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Human Biology with a minor in Global Health from North Carolina State University. While attending NC State, Selena was a member of the Student Government and completed research on Parkinson's Disease and treatment modalities.
Selena also has memberships with the American Academy of Physicians Associates (AAPA) and the American Diabetes Association (ADA).
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Publication Committee
The Publication committee shall act as the intermediary between ASEPA and publication companies. The publication committee's responsibilities include petitioning a request for article submissions, communicating requests for submissions to the general membership or the Secretary/Membership Committee, and coordinating logistics between the author and publication companies.
Courtney Wilke, PA-C
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Courtney Bennett Wilke is a nationally certified and Florida licensed Physician Assistant. She attended Florida State University where she received her Bachelor’s degree in Biological Science Summa Cum Laude. Subsequently she attended the University of Florida where she received her Master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies in 2010. Since that time, she has worked in Cardiology and more recently in Endocrinology. Additionally, Ms. Bennett Wilke teaches as an Assistant Professor at Florida State University College of Medicine in the School of Physician Assistant Practice. She currently volunteers for ASEPA as part of the publication committee and is contributing to efforts to create a patient and provider education pamphlet for SGLT2 inhibitors.
Education Committee
The Education Committee shall coordinate planning of CME and non CME educational events for ASEPA. This committee shall coordinate the notification events to the membership and obtain CME accreditation (when applicable) from AAPA.
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Sydney Franco, MPAS, PA-C
Sydney Franco, MPAS, PA-C (she/her) currently practices inpatient and outpatient endocrinology at Montefiore Hospital in Bronx, New York. She is a graduate of Duquesne University’s PA Program where she received a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences with Summa Cum Laude and Honors College Distinctions and a Master of Physician Assistant Studies. While in school, Sydney served as the student representative for the American Society of Endocrine Physician Assistants (ASEPA) and Treasurer of Duquesne’s Physician Assistant Student Association. Sydney has had a lifelong passion for endocrinology and strives to help patients improve their quality of life and achieve their health-related goals. In her spare time, she enjoys running, reading, hiking, going to Broadway shows, and picnicking in Central Park.
Maria O'Connor, PA-C, RD, CDCES
Maria O’Connor PA-C, RD, CDCES is a certified Physician Assistant, Registered Dietitian, and Certified Diabetes Care Education Specialist. She was a Sr. Medical Science Liaison at AstraZeneca in their Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medical Affairs division since 2014. Her career has been based around metabolic health. Prior to her being an MSL, she worked as an endocrinology Physician Associate for many years at Rush University and Northshore in Chicago. Aside from her direct patient care role, she was involved in clinical research and was a preceptor at Rush University and Midwestern for medical and physician associate students. She graduated with her Physician Assistant Certification from Cook County Hospital in Chicago, IL, her Master of Science in Nutrition from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, IL, and her Bachelor of Science from Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN. Maria currently lives in Chicago, IL with her husband, son, and 2 daughters.
Katharine Patrick, PA-C
Katharine Patrick is a board-certified physician assistant who has been in clinical endocrine practice since 2019. She attended Furman University in Greenville, SC for her undergraduate degree in Health Sciences. She knew that she always wanted to go into the medical field and was deciding between different options such as doctor, PA, or registered dietician. It finally dawned on her that she wanted to be the one sitting one-on-one with patients and educating them on prevention and lifestyle changes, but also able to diagnose medical conditions and make medication changes. She finally determined that PA was the best route for her. She found a job as a Medical Assistant in a busy Atlanta endocrine practice, Atlanta Diabetes Associates, for a few years to gain clinical experience required for PA school. She then attended Mercer University in Atlanta, GA for MS in Physician Assistant Studies and graduated in 2018. After graduation, she and her husband moved to Denver, CO, pursuing their dreams of living in the mountains. Katharine got her first PA job in adult endocrinology and has remained in this specialty since. She currently works for UCHealth Endocrinology and now lives in Fort Collins, CO.
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Outside of work, Katharine likes to spend time with her family - husband, daughter, and 2 dogs - and friends. She loves being active outdoors with running and mountain biking in the warmer weather and skiing in the colder weather. Her indoor hobby is making espresso drinks with her home espresso maker.
Scholarship / Ways & Means Committee
The Scholarship / Ways & Means Committee is responsible for setting membership dues in conjunction with the Board of Directors' approval. They are responsible for developing and maintaining the group’s financial accounts and tax records. They will file the appropriate tax records with the IRS at the appropriate annual interval. ASEPA's fiscal status is available to any active member upon request. The committee is responsible for developing and maintaining a scholarship trust fund to be used to advance knowledge in physician associate and endocrine studies. The Treasurer will chair this committee.
Jesse Lyon, PA-C
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I have been a practicing PA since 2017 and began my career in endocrinology right after graduation and have never looked back. I am passionate about providing the best possible patient care and improving health outcomes both on an individual and institutional level. I would like to help build upon the foundation ASEPA has created and help make it an invaluable resource for practicing physician assistants in this fascinating field of medicine.
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Joy Dugan Moverley, MPH, DHSc, PA-C
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Current Position
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Touro University California, Vallejo CA
Education
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A.T. Still University / Arizona School of Health Sciences, Doctor of Health Sciences
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Touro University California, Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies and Master of Public Health
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University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Bachelor of Arts in Exercise Science with second degree in Psychology
Academic Appointments
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Associate Program Director/Associate Professor, Touro University California
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Diabetes Research, Education, and Management Team, Touro University California
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Peer reviewer for Diabetes Spectrum, Clinical Diabetes, and Journal of Osteopathic Medicine
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Primary Care Advisor Board Member/American Diabetes Association
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Active lecturer at state and national conferences for various medical topics
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Multiple publications on various endocrine topics
Professional Affiliations
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American Society of Endocrine PAs
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American Diabetes Association
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American Academy of PAs
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American Academy of PA Veteran Caucus
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California Academy of PAs
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Society of Army PAs
Ashley Williams, PA-C
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Ashley Williams PA-C, BCADM graduated from Clarkson University in 2015 with her master's in Physician Assistant Studies. She began working in Northern New York in a diabetes focused practice with a side of primary care and then transitioned full time to endocrinology. Ashley believes in patient centered care and educating patients to empower them to make the best decisions for their care. Ashley also believes strongly in giving back to the community. She enjoys leading her local fire department first response team and helps with her local "gleaning garden" which produces fresh produce for the local food shelves. In her spare time Ashley enjoys teaching, gardening and being active outside.
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