Board of Directors 2024

Specialty: Family Medicine, Education

I am a new faculty member at the UAMS PA Program where I educate as an assistant professor. I have four years of experience in family medicine and continue working PRN at ARcare, a community health center. I graduated from the UAMS PA Program in 2020 and have been active with ARAPA’s legislative committee since being a student. I have previously served on the Board of Directors as the Vice President and Legislative Committee Chair and have really enjoyed playing a role in the advancement of the PA profession in Arkansas. I am very excited to continue to grow in this role and be able to advocate for an underrepresented profession in our state, and ultimately allow PAs to better serve our patients. I participate in the legislative, CME, and outreach committees. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my boyfriend and our friends and family. You can always find me at a concert, theater event, or at the movies.

Specialty: Academia

I graduated from the Harding University PA Program in 2018 and worked in family medicine for two years before transitioning to full-time academia. I currently serve as Director of Didactic Education for the UAMS PA Program and am an assistant professor. Additionally, I am the Assistant Medical Director for the 12th Street Health and Wellness Center, a student-run free clinic serving Little Rock’s uninsured patient population. As HOD representative for Arkansas, I attend the annual AAPA conference and vote on policies and legislation that affect PAs across the country. I also serve on the ARAPA CME Committee. In my free time, I love to travel, read, and spend time with my husband, Jacob, and our little dog, Monty.

Specialty: Infectious Diseases and Hospital Administration

I have been a practicing Physician Assistant in Infectious Diseases since 2018. Being new to the profession and entering into a specialty that faced responding to a global pandemic allowed me to exponentially grow in leadership and the understanding of healthcare inequities in Arkansas. I took on the role of President of ARAPA in 2022 when I understood the possibility of growth that PAs have in the state of Arkansas and the opportunities ahead. During my free time, I love to explore the natural state by spending as much time as possible in the state parks or by volunteering at a free clinic in Pulaski County. I am also part of the CME, Legislative and Communications & Outreach Committee with ARAPA.

Specialty: Medical and Biochemical Genetics.   

I received a BA degree in French from Northern Michigan University and BS degrees in Chemistry and Biology from the University of Arkansas at Monticello where I also studied Spanish and Education.  I received a master’s degree from Harding University in Physician Assistant Studies and currently work at UAMS in Medical and Biochemical Genetics.  I am currently serving as Vice President and Legislative Committee Co-Chair, and have previously served as ARAPA Central Region Director-at-Large. I am currently a Naturalist-in-Training (a NiT!) with the Central Arkansas Master Naturalists, hoping eventually to become a Certified Master Naturalist. 

Specialty: Dermatology

I have been a practicing Physician Assistant at Advanced Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center in Northwest Arkansas since January 2014.  My primary focus is in medical and surgical dermatology, however, I have an interest in laser skin rejuvenation.  In 2015, I completed the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistant Diplomate Fellowship Program.  I am currently a preceptor for Harding University, UAMS, and Simmons University.  I also lead the training program of new advanced practice providers for his dermatology clinic.

I have been the ARAPA treasurer since 2015 and joined the board of directors to help promote and advance the PA profession in the state of Arkansas.  I enjoy travel, outdoor activities and spending time with my wife, Cynthia, and nine month old son, Bowen.

Abby received her undergraduate degrees in Biology and Psychology from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX. Before pursuing a career as a PA, Abby worked at Marcus Autism Center in Atlanta in the field of applied behavior analysis therapy, primarily working with children with autism. Following graduation from the UAMS PA program in 2018, Abby joined OrthoArkansas as a neurosurgery PA with roles in the clinic, hospital, and OR. Abby enjoys first assisting in surgery and helping patients navigate their postoperative experience. Abby is currently at home with her two daughters and serves as secretary of ARAPA as well as co-chair of ARAPA Communications and Outreach Committee.

communications@arkansaspa.org

Specialty: Dermatology 

I have been a Physician Assistant and have worked in Dermatology since 2018. I am newly elected to the board of directors for ARAPA. As a native of Arkansas, I look forward to helping our profession grow, and making Arkansas more aware of PAs. I currently reside in Batesville with my husband and our 4 girls. We have a farm and have cattle, horses, sheep, and chickens. In my spare time, I enjoy attending all of the activities our kids our involved in. 

Specialty: Internal Medicine 

I earned my Master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in 2017 and my Doctorate in Healthcare Leadership and Administration from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions in 2021. I have practiced in Orthopedic Trauma Surgery, Internal Medicine, and Emergency Medicine specialties. I have been an active member of ARAPA and currently serve as the Vice President and Communications & Outreach Co-Chair. In my free time, I enjoy traveling and spending time with family.

Specialty: Urology

I graduated from UAMS and entered the Physician Assistant profession in 2017. Immediately after graduation, I began my career in Urology and continue to practice in this specialty today. I started practicing in Little Rock but made my way to south Arkansas where I currently see over 6000 patients a year in El Dorado, Monticello, and White Hall. I am amazed at the growth of the Physician Assistant profession in the state of Arkansas in the 5 short years I have practiced. This is what led me to run for ARAPA Southwest Director so that I could help support and facilitate the continued growth of the Physician Assistant profession in this great state. Since joining ARAPA BOD, I have also joined the CME committee. In my “spare time”, I enjoy reading, spending time with my family, hunting/fishing, and cheering on the Arkansas Razorbacks. 

Specialty: Interventional Radiology

I graduated from UAMS with my BS in Diagnostic Medical Sonography in 2013 and then my Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies in 2019. I have worked in Interventional Radiology following graduation and could not love it more. I am extremely passionate about investing in both the current PA profession and helping train the upcoming PA’s by precepting students and being a part of the UAMS PA Program Advisory Committee to assist in admissions. I look forward to helping our profession continue to grow as I serve on the board of directors for ARAPA.

Specialty: Family Medicine

I have been employed by River Valley Primary Care Services, a federally qualified health center, for the past four years. I have worked at RVPCS locations in Ratcliff, Fort Smith, and Waldron. After completing my undergraduate education at Arkansas Tech, I obtained her Master of Science degree in Physician Assistant Studies from Harding University in 2018.

Specialty: Academia

As Chair and Program Director of the Physician Assistant Studies program at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, I bring to the board over 20 years of diverse clinical experience, enriched by my background in family practice and military service. My commitment lies in enhancing healthcare education through innovation and leadership, aiming to advance medical practices and foster collaboration. My journey from military service to shaping future healthcare professionals embodies my passion for medical advancement and community engagement. I am dedicated to driving the PA profession forward in Arkansas, leveraging my expertise to contribute to our collective success.

My name is Delaney and I am currently in the didactic phase at the Harding University PA Program! I graduated with my B.S. in Biology, B.A. in Psychology, and minor in Medical Humanities from the University of Arkansas in 2021. Woo pig! Before PA school, I worked as a Patient Care Tech at Mercy Hospital in Rogers, AR, as well as a Medical Assistant at Healthcare Express Urgent Care and Chief Medical Scribe at Christus St. Michael Emergency Department in Texarkana, TX. I’m passionate about the PA profession and look forward to representing my cohort while serving on the ARAPA board this year!

My name is Samantha Stephens, and I serve as the ARAPA representative for the University of
Arkansas for Medical Sciences Physician Assistant class of 2025. I am currently in the didactic
phase as a first year PA student. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor
in sociology from the University of Arkansas in 2021. Prior to attending UAMS and throughout
college, I worked at a dermatology clinic in Fayetteville Arkansas as both a lab and medical
assistant. It’s still early for me to know which specialty I may choose to practice; however I am
very eager for the quickly approaching clinicals to get a glimpse into what my future may look
like. In the meantime, I am passionate about becoming a PA, and strive to aid in advocating for the profession through my position within ARAPA.

My name is Grace Ann Dickey and I am a first-year Physician Assistant student at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences class of 2026. I graduated from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville with a Bachelors of Arts in Biology with a minor in Medical Humanities in 2022 (woo pig!). My background consists of working as a Medical Assistant at Texas Joint Institute in Dallas, TX that specializes in joint replacement, trauma, and oncology from 2022-2024. Prior to that, I volunteered at Baptist Hospital in Little Rock at the Emergency Department and on the Orthopedic floor from 2015-2018. I am very excited to serve as the ARAPA student representative for my class and serve on the ARAPA Legislative Committee. I value the importance of advocating for the PA profession, as the profession is ever evolving. I look forward to getting a glimpse into the role of ARAPA in the state of Arkansas and how the organization works to mold the future of PAs in the state.

I am currently a first year student at Harding University. I am originally from Scottsburg, Indiana, and I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology from Indiana University in 2023. Before PA school, I worked as a medical assistant in an endocrinology clinic in Seymour, Indiana. I am passionate about the PA profession and am excited to represent my cohort while serving on the ARAPA Communications and Outreach Committee. 

Duties of President

The President, subject to the control of the Board of Directors, shall oversee the affairs of the organization and activities of the Board of Directors. He or she shall perform all duties incident to the office and such other duties as may be required by law, the articles of incorporation, these bylaws, or that may be prescribed by the Board of Directors. The President shall preside at all general membership and Board of Directors meetings. If an extenuating circumstance shall arise, the President will appoint a member of the Board of Directors to preside over the meeting. The President shall make a full report of the year’s activities at the annual membership meeting of the organization. He or she shall coordinate agendas for future meetings, preside at meetings, and facilitate discussion. Except as otherwise expressly provided by law, by the articles of incorporation, or by these bylaws, the President shall, in the name of the organization, execute contracts and other instruments of business that may from time to time be authorized by the board of directors. Additional duties of the President will include:

• Mentor the President Elect.
• Write a “President’s Message” to define goals and objectives of ARAPA for their presidency term.
• Maintain regular contact with AAPA
• Appoint all standing committees and designate their chairs, in consultation with the Board of Directors.
• Serve in an advisory capacity to the Board of Directors’ committees.
• Work with the Treasurer to plan and maintain the annual budget.
• Represent ARAPA with outside organizations and the media.

Duties of Vice-President In the absence of the president, or in the event of his or her inability or refusal to act, the vice president shall perform all the duties of the president and, when so acting, shall have all the powers of, and be subject to, all the restrictions on the president. The vice president may have other powers and perform such other duties as may be prescribed by law, the articles of incorporation, these bylaws, or the Board of Directors. 6 Additional duties of the Vice-President will include:

• Serve as chair for at least one special committee within ARAPA
• Together with the president, represent ARAPA with outside organizations and the media.

Duties of President-Elect In the absence of the President and Vice-President, or in the event of their inability or refusal to act, the President-elect shall perform all the duties of the president and, when so acting, shall have all the powers of, and be subject to, all the restrictions on the President. In addition, the president-elect may have other powers and perform such other duties as may be prescribed by law, the articles of incorporation, these bylaws, or the Board of Directors.

Additional duties of the President-Elect may include:

• Organize and conduct, with the assistance of the secretary and directors-at-large, all annual elections. He/she shall recruit and vet potential board of director positions for the ballot by November 1st.
• He/she will be responsible for overseeing and executing the voting process
• Succeed to the office of President at the expiration of the President’s term, or earlier if the office becomes vacant for any reason. Section 6. Immediate Past President Perform such duties as may be delegated by the president and the Board of Directors
• Identify, recruit, and cultivate new leadership.
• Mentor the president and president elect.
• Represent ARAPA with outside organizations and the media Section

Duties of Secretary The Secretary shall:

• Retain at the principal office of the organization or at such other place as the Board of Directors may determine:
  • A record of these bylaws as amended or otherwise altered to date.
  • An archival history containing the minutes of all meetings of the Board of Directors and, if applicable, meetings of committees and of membership, recording therein the time and place of the meeting, whether it was a regular or special meeting, how it was called, how notice thereof was given, the names of those present or represented at the meeting, and the proceedings thereof.
  • Membership records containing the name and address of each member, and, in the case where any membership has been terminated, record such fact, along with the date on which such membership ceased.
• Ensure that all notices are duly given in accordance with the provisions of these bylaws or as required by law.
• Exhibit at any reasonable time to any director of the organization, or to his or her agent or attorney, the bylaws, membership records, and minutes of the 7 proceedings of the directors of the organization.

In addition, the Secretary may have other powers and perform such other duties as may be prescribed by law, the articles of incorporation, these bylaws, or the Board of Directors. Additional duties of the Secretary may include:

• Be responsible for all ARAPA communications.
• Notify all ARAPA members of meetings.
• Assist the Vice President and Directors-at-Large with elections.
• Coordinate with the President board meeting agenda and distribute 1 week prior to the meeting.
• Make available to board members a copy of the minutes from each previous meeting within one month of the Board of Directors meeting.

Duties of Treasurer The Treasurer shall:

• Have charge and custody of, and be responsible for, all funds, e-commerce transactions and securities of the organization, and deposit all such funds in the name of the organization in such banks, trust companies, or other depositories as shall be selected by the Board of Directors.
• Except as otherwise expressly provided by law, by the articles of incorporation, or by these bylaws, the Treasurer shall, in the name of the organization, with countersignature of the President as outlined in policy, execute contracts, checks, and other instruments of business that may from time to time be authorized by the Board of Directors.
• Receive, and give receipt for, monies due and payable to the organization from any source whatsoever.
• Disburse, or cause to be disbursed, the funds of the organization as may be directed by the Board of Directors, taking proper vouchers for such disbursements.
• Keep and maintain adequate and correct accounts of the organization’s properties and business transactions, including accounts of its assets, liabilities, receipts, disbursements, gains, and losses.
• Exhibit at any reasonable time the accounting and financial records to any director of the organization, or to his or her agent or attorney.
• Render to the president and directors, whenever requested, an account of any or all transactions as treasurer, and information about the financial position of the organization.
• Prepare (or cause to be prepared) and certify (or cause to be certified) and submit the financial statements, tax records and state filings as approved by the Board of Directors to the appropriate entities.
• Review the financial status of the previous years, before assisting in the drafting of the annual budget.
• Have financial records available for audit at the request of the Board of Directors.
• Provide a detailed report of fiscal accounts and contacts to be forwarded to the next treasurer.
• Submit a written financial report at each Board of Directors meeting and each general membership meeting.
• In addition, the Treasurer may have other powers and perform such other duties as may be prescribed by law, the articles of incorporation, these bylaws, or the Board of Directors.

Director-at-large will be elected from each of the 5 geographic regions (northeast, southeast, central, southwest and northwest). Qualifications: Each Director-at-Large shall be an AAPA fellow member in good standing of AAPA for the duration of his or her term of office.

• Duties of the Directors-at-Large may include:
  • Represent assigned constituency
  • Assist Vice President and Secretary with elections
  • Serve as liaison between the Board of Directors and the constituency.
  • Serve on ad hoc committees, as assigned. ○ Chair committees, as assigned.
  • Miss no more than one Board of Directors meeting annually.
  • Maintain an active role in ARAPA.

Student Representatives: Student members at each Arkansas PA program shall elect a Student Representative for their program during the start of their didactic year. The Student Representative will serve throughout their time as a student until they graduate. Therefore, each program will have a total of two Student Representatives (one junior, one senior) each year. Student members may not miss more than one Board of Directors meeting annually. In addition to duties as a BOD member, the Student Representative shall act as a liaison between the Board of Directors and student members of the organization. He or she shall encourage student participation and involvement on the organization’s committees and projects. Student Representatives do not have Board of Director voting privileges but retain voting privileges of constituent membership