WHO WE ARE

​​​Sharon Pelekanos, President

Sharon Pelekanos, MHS, PA-C, is the Director of Advanced Practice Providers at USA Health System in Mobile, Alabama since June 2022. She previously worked as the Director of Didactic Education (2019-2022) and an Assistant Professor (2016-2022) in the Department of Physician Assistant Studies at the University of South Alabama. She has worked clinically as a PA in the Department of Neurosurgery with USA Health since her graduation from the USA PA Studies Program in 2007 (full time 2007-2016; part time 2016-present). She has presented at multiple local, state, and national conferences, including the Alabama Society of Physician Assistants (ASPA) Conference and the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) Conference. She previously served as a member on the Faculty Development Mission Advancement Council for the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA). She has also served as a Board Member at Large with ASPA previously and is excited to serve again.

 

Prior to her studies at USA, she earned Bachelor of Science degrees in Zoology and Secondary Education (with a major concentration in Biology) at Louisiana State University and previously taught high school biology. She enjoys spending time with her husband, two daughters, and two German Shepherds either outside in the garden, by the pool, or glamping.

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Lauren Worley, President Elect

Lauren Worley earned her Physician Assistant Studies Master of Health Science degree from the University of South Alabama. After graduation, she began her career in interventional radiology in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. She later moved to New York, where she continued practicing in interventional radiology and expanded her experience into telemedicine. After returning to Alabama, she served as an Assistant Professor in the Faulkner University PA Studies Program. Lauren has since returned to clinical practice and is currently caring for patients in interventional radiology in Montgomery, AL. Outside of work, Lauren enjoys playing tennis and spending time with her husband, Austin, and their two children.

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​Lora-Emily Banks, Vice President

Lora-Emily Banks serves as the Program Director for the Physician Assistant program at Faulkner University. She is a fellow member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA), and actively involved with the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA), serving on the Faculty Development Mission Advancement Commission (MAC). With a background in emergency medicine and academia, Lora-Emily is currently pursuing a Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) degree with a concentration in health professions education.

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In addition to her academic and clinical roles, she is deeply committed to service, balancing roles as an educator, provider, and board member at large with a passion for contributing to the success of students, colleagues, and the PA profession at large. She is married (Sy) with three children, Vivian(9), Henry (7), and Stella (2) and enjoys spending quality time with family.

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​Katie Morrison, Secretary​
With nearly seven years of experience as a PA in the orthopedic and emergency medicine settings, along with 20 years as an athletic trainer, Katie brings a wealth of knowledge and dedication to the board member at large role. Her involvement as a student delegate in the AAPA House of Delegates has equipped her with valuable insights, particularly during the historic votes on optimal team practice and the feasibility study for the PA name change. Katie is passionate about advancing the PA profession, ensuring the scope of practice aligns with national standards, and fostering growth in Alabama.
 

 

 

Molly Miller, Treasurer

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Selena Scoggins, Board Member at Large, Northern Region​​​

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Tamekia Hayes, Board Member at Large, West Central Region

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​Heather Hallman, Board Member at Large, East Central Region

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Erin Lunn, Board Member at Large, Southwestern Region

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Nichole Roberts, Board Member at Large, Southeastern Region

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Bonnie Minton, Immediate Past President

Bonnie, a 2007 graduate of the University of South Alabama PA Program, proudly serves as Director of Clinical Education at her alma mater. She also represents her colleagues as a Senator in the College of Allied Health and contributes to her community as a school board member. Deeply committed to PA advocacy and education, she is pursuing a PhD in Instructional Design & Development. In her free time, Bonnie enjoys singing on her church praise team and traveling with her husband, Mark, and their two children.