MAPA Regions

Hi Region 1 PAs,

I work at UP Health System Marquette and live in Marquette. My career has primarily been in trauma and acute care surgery, with 3 years of experience in GI. Currently, I serve as the Director of Trauma Services at our Level II Trauma center. I'm passionate about connecting with other PAs across the state and believe it's important for the voices of PAs in the Upper Peninsula to be heard, which is why I became a regional representative. I have 19-year-old triplets, and my husband and I also have a giant yellow lab named Fergus. We live in a rural area with a view of Lake Superior, and I enjoy hiking, swimming, and exploring remote waterfalls. 

- Jodi

Greetings Region 2 PAs,

I live in Cadillac and work at Baldwin Family Health Care as a family medicine practitioner with a passion for pediatrics. I have served as the Region 2 Representative since 2020. My involvement in MAPA stems from a desire to support other PAs in my region in any way I can. The greatest aspect of being a MAPA member is the sense of contributing to a cause greater than myself or any individual PA, along with the strong support shared among members.

I am married to my wife, Melanie, and we have two children, Elijah and Annabelle. Due to their condition, I have a keen interest in diagnosing and treating autism. Our family also includes a dog, Lucy. In my free time. I enjoy fishing, hunting, and playing competitive sports.

I hope to be able to support you in the capacity that you deserve. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any ideas or suggestions you might have.

- Jon 

Hello Region 3 PAs,

I live in Mount Pleasant and work at Central Michigan University as a lecturer and clinical coordinator. 

As a Region Rep, I have the opportunity to communicate and engage with PAs throughout Central Michigan. With over twenty years of experience living and working in rural communities, I have dedicated my professional life to improving rural health. Supporting others who share this commitment is my passion. The best thing about being a MAPA member is the people and our collective dedication to enhancing healthcare delivery for Michiganders.

I have two talented and brilliant teens, an amazing musician husband and multiple fur babies. I love sunshine and we love being outdoors together.

Finally. I’m a strong PA advocate, involved in state and national advocacy efforts for many years. Additionally, my first career path was music. I originally went to college to pursue a music degree and planned to become an opera singer! I think this was a better choice!!

Please let me know if you have any questions or ideas for region events. 

- Susanna

Hi Region 4 PAs, 

I work in Battle Creek at the VA on the inpatient mental health unit and live in the Kalamazoo area. After 17 years as a PA, I became the Region 4 Rep to give back to the community and advocate for the profession. The best part of being a MAPA member is meeting and building relationships with PAs from across the state.

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my husband, two stepkids, and our 7-year-old German Shepherd. We love hiking and spending time outdoors. I also enjoy baking and doing jigsaw puzzles.

Please let me know if you have any questions or ideas for region events.

- Janell

Hello Region 5 PAs, 

I live in Lansing and work at the University of Michigan Health-Sparrow. I volunteered to be MAPA's Region 5 Representative because of an experience in PA school that profoundly impacted me. Our program director showed a video of a Michigan PA who was jailed for removing a skin tag, accused of practicing medicine without a license. This was shocking to me, as the PAs I shadowed were actively involved in surgeries, patient rounds, and prescribing imaging. The thought of being jailed for such a minor procedure highlighted how fluid the practice environment can be at the state level. After gaining a few years of experience, I felt compelled to be proactive in advocacy to help ensure Michigan remains a PA-friendly state

The best thing about being a MAPA member is the people! As PAs, we share an innate curiosity, a love for medicine, and a dedication to helping others in their most vulnerable moments. Connecting with like-minded individuals across Michigan has been an incredibly rewarding experience.

Outside of work, I live in Lansing with my partner of 3.5 years, Katie, who is a physical therapist. We share our home with our friendly 7-year-old golden retriever, Napali, who charms everyone into giving her pets. Katie and I love multiday backcountry hiking in National Parks. Additionally, for the past four years, I have been an avid paramotor pilot, flying in the farm country just north of Lansing.

I always enjoy conversing! Please do not hesitate to say "Hi" whenever/wherever you see me! I am always open to connecting with PAs!

- Garrett

Greetings Region 6 PAs, 

I work in Pontiac as a hospital Physician Assistant and took on the role of Region 6 Rep to become more active in MAPA. The best part of being a MAPA member is collectively advocating for our profession with fellow colleagues and making connections beyond the workplace. 

When I'm not at work, you can find me at a barre or spin class, taking golf lessons, or spending time with family and friends. 

Please let me know if you have any questions or ideas for region events. 

- Cristina

Greetings Region 7 PAs, 

I work in Detroit at the University of Detroit Mercy as an Associate Professor. I became a Region Representative because I wanted to take an active role in advocating for the PA profession. Being a Region Representative allows me to represent the needs of PAs at a local level, in addition to advocating for an expanded scope of practice and advancing our ability to effectively serve patients. The best part of being involved in MAPA is collaborating with dedicated PAs who are passionate about advancing the PA profession. MAPA's advocacy efforts, whether it's pushing legislative and healthcare policy discussions or providing resources to PAs — has had a great impact on PA practice. 

I come from a close-knit family, and we enjoy spending time together. I have a bichon-poodle mix named Penny, who brings a lot of joy into my life. In my free time, I enjoy reading, watching documentaries, and spending time with my daughter. 

I'd like my region to know that I am available to discuss concerns, ideas, or questions. I welcome any feedback that can help drive our profession forward.  

- Yolonda