Facebook Twitter Instagram
CONTACT

OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Heather Gates, PA-C

President

Tiffani Botts Massey, PA-C

President Elect
CME Co-Chair

Megan Thomas, PA-C

Immediate Past President Membership Committee Chair

Aaron Sookhoo, PA-C

Treasurer

Jessica Hage, PA-C

Secretary
Community Outreach Co-Chair

Scott Freeman, PA-C

Vice President
CME Co-Chair

Elizabeth Anderson, PA-C

Director at Large

Jennifer Crews, PA-C

Director at Large
Community Outreach Co-Chair

Demi Soulet, PA-C

Director at Large
Social Media Committee Chair

Theresa Helsel, PA-C

Director at Large

Brian Klein, PA-C

Director at Large

Aaron Kent, PA-C

Director at Large

Kate McDougall

Executive Director

Brian Klein, PA-C

Director at Large

Aaron Kent, PA-C

Director at Large

Would you like to Volunteer?

Contact Us

Are you looking to sponsor an upcoming journal club?
Contact us for more information

Contact Us

Heather Gates, PA-C

President

Heather Gates PA-C practices at The Dermatology Institute & Skin Cancer Center in The Villages, FL. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Health Sciences from Bradley University in Peoria, IL. She then completed her Masters in Physician Assistant Studies at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Carbondale, IL in 2011. Heather has been practicing as a dermatology PA since graduation. She previously practiced in Illinois and Iowa before moving to Florida in 2016. Although she is from Illinois, Florida has truly become her home.

Heather has volunteered with FSDPA since 2018. She originally served as the FSDPA Liaison to the Florida Academy of Physician Assistants. She then became Director at Large, where she launched the FSDPA Social Media Platforms to bring additional accessible education and updates to our members. In 2020 Heather took on the role of Vice President and New Wave CME Chair. In this role Heather planned lecture topics and speakers, coordinated logistics and communications for the conference, launched our first ever conference app in 2021, and planned all social events including our 2021 Mad Hatter’s Masquerade and our 2022 Friday Night Fever Reception.

Heather is a Diplomate Fellow of the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants (SDPA).Heather is also a member of the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA), the Florida Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants (FSDPA), the Florida Academy of Physician Assistants (FAPA), and the International Dermoscopy Society (IDS). Heather also served on the AAPA House of Delegates for 2022 representing the PAs in the State of Florida. She is a strong advocate for the progression of the PA Profession!

In her spare time Heather enjoys spending quality time with her family- her husband, Drew, their two beautiful daughters, and three adorable dogs. She is also a Pop Warner Cheer Coach for her daughters’ competitive cheer teams!

Tiffani Botts, PA-C

Vice President
CME Co-Chair

Tiffani Botts PA-C is a Physician Assistant who has spent her entire professional career practicing in dermatology and/or aesthetics. Tiffani currently practices medical and surgical dermatology at a very busy dermatology practice in Dunedin. Tiffani also is an owner and lead injector for her medspa Boostology where she practices aesthetics. Tiffani speaks at conferences about dermatology, and enjoys talking with new PAs as well as students because she loves to
teach. Tiffani and her husband have two beautiful girls and a handsome chocolate lab at home that they adore. 

Tiffani is a member of the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants, as well as a member of the Florida Academy of Physician Assistants. Tiffani began volunteering with the FSDPA in 2020. Currently, Tiffani is an FDSPA Vice President, she also serves as the CME Committee Co-Chair and the Website Committee Chair. Tiffani loves being a part of the FSDPA conferences and wants to continue to help them grow and expand.

Megan Thomas, PA-C

Immediate Past President Membership Committee Chair
After completing her bachelor’s degree at the University of Florida, Megan attended the physician assistant program at Nova Southeastern University and graduated with honors in 2011. After one year of practicing in the primary care setting, Megan trained in dermatology and has been practicing in the field ever since. She is passionate about both medical and cosmetic dermatology with a special focus on laser and light based procedures. Megan currently lives in Tampa with her family and practices at South Tampa Dermatology. Megan has been an active member and volunteer for the FSDPA since 2012 and joined the board of directors in 2016. She is proud to have created and chaired the Community Outreach Scholarship program and has enjoyed her role in leading the 2019 and 2020 conference programs. Megan looks forward to increasing member involvement in educational, philanthropic, and community events.

Aaron Sookhoo, PA-C

Treasurer
Aaron Alexander Sookhoo, PA-C a Tampa Bay native, is a board-certified Physician Assistant. Aaron received his Bachelor of Science Degree with a focus on Biomedical Sciences and a minor in Public Health from the University of South Florida in May 2012. Aaron then attended Wake Forest University School of Medicine’s Physician Assistant Program and graduated with a Masters of Medical Science degree in May 2015. After graduating from Wake Forest University, Aaron obtained extensive clinical and surgical experience in general orthopedic surgery and orthopedic spine surgery in the Tampa area. Aaron has completed a Dermatological and Cosmetic Surgery externship with a Mohs Surgeon and Dermatopathologist in Winston-Salem, NC. He is Board Certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). He is a member of the Florida Academy of Physician Assistants (FAPA), the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA), and the Florida Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants (FSDPA). While at Wake Forest University, Aaron was a member of the Katherine Anderson Society of the Student Academy of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (SAAAPA). In his spare time, Aaron enjoys spending time with his family and traveling. He has a twin brother who is also in the medical field. He has an older sister who works as a real estate advisor/consultant. Aaron and his brother grew up playing competitive soccer both domestically and internationally. Aaron enjoys lecturing and his involvement with several major physician assistant universities/programs. He is also a mentor for the Leroy Selmon Learning USF Student-Athlete Mentorship Program.

Jessica Hage, PA-C

Secretary
Community Outreach Co-Chair
Jessica M. Hage graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor’s degree in Pre-Clinical Allied Health and a minor in Health Services Administration. Jessica then went on to earn her Masters of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Nova Southeastern University, graduating with honors. She began her career as a PA in primary care, however found that her true passion is the field of dermatology. Jessica practices medical and cosmetic dermatology at South Tampa Dermatology, and lives in Tampa with her husband and two young children. She remains active in the South Tampa community and enjoys spending time with family, shopping, and reading a good book whenever she has time. Jessica has been a FSDPA board member since 2016, starting out as a Director at Large and is now currently serving as secretary and Community Outreach chair.

SCOTT FREEMAN, PA-C

President-Elect
CME Co-Chair
Mr. Freeman completed his education and has been fully credentialed since 1999. He began his career as a Physician Assistant (PA) in Emergency Medicine and transitioned to the specialty of Dermatology in 2007 due in part from his interest in visual pathology and surgical procedure. Mr. Freeman enjoys treating psoriasis, acne, skin cancers and other complex skin disease. Although he has had experience with laser and cosmetic dermatology, it is the medical and surgical aspects of the profession that interest him most. Professionally, Mr. Freeman holds “Diplomate” status with the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants. This identifies those Physician Assistants who have obtained advanced specialty education within the field of Dermatology. He also continues to affiliate with other state and national professional groups as well as educate his peers at both the local and national levels. Mr. Freeman is a native Floridian who was born and raised in the St. Petersburg area. He understands the active Florida lifestyle that we all enjoy here, so instead of asking patients to avoid the sun, he promotes safe sun exposure practices. He currently resides in Pinellas County with his wonderful wife, Jennifer, and their two children.

Elizabeth Anderson, PA-C

Director at Large
Elizabeth is a native Floridian from Jacksonville. She knew from age 17 that Dermatology was her calling and she began her pursuit. She attained her Bachelor’s in Science in Biology from the University of North Florida. Here she was PreMed president and Program Assistant, and enjoyed increasing awareness of the PA profession to the PreMed student body. She then went on to become part of the inaugural class of NOVA Jacksonville, graduating in 2011 with Masters of Medical Science. Elizabeth has practiced Dermatology for over a decade. She lives in Jacksonville and has enjoyed the last 8 years of her career with the US NAVY, taking care of our Active Duty service members, their families and retirees. Elizabeth began volunteering with the FSDPA in 2020 and is proud to have assisted on the Social Media committee for the past two conferences. She truly enjoys connecting with other PAs and increasing respect and esteem for this wonderful profession by providing the highest level of education and patient care. Elizabeth enjoys spending her time traveling the world with her supportive husband and 9 year old son.

Jennifer Crews, PA-C

Director at Large
Community Outreach
Co-Chair

Jennifer is honored to serve as Director at Large on the Florida Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants team. She is a nationally certified Dermatology Physician Assistant, with a lifelong passion for medical, cosmetic, and surgical dermatology. She specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of skin, hair, and nail disorders, and loves to work as a team with her patients to achieve all of their medical and cosmetic needs.  
Jennifer graduated with her Master of Medical Science degree as a Physician Assistant with honors at Nova Southeastern University in 2011. She completed her Diplomate Fellowship through the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants, and her internships in Plastic Surgery with the University of South Florida team at Tampa General Hospital. In addition to her experience in dermatology, she also has extensive experience working as an Emergency Physician Assistant at Bayfront Health St. Petersburg in the Trauma and Emergency Department, and served as the Lead Advanced Practitioner. Furthermore, Jennifer is passionate about education and provides continuing medical education lectures for Medical and Cosmetic Dermatology at the state conferences. Jennifer has devoted her career to serving her patients and truly values the importance of giving back to her community. She has completed countless medical mission trips locally and internationally throughout Ghana, West Africa, Guatemala, the Appalachian Mountains, and other rural communities in the United States. In her spare time, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her family and friends, outdoor adventures, painting, yoga, and playing music. 

Demi Soulet, PA-C

Director at Large
Social Media Committee Chair
Demi graduated magna cum laude from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science in exercise science after completing an accelerated STEM program via University of Central Florida’s College of Biomedical Sciences. From there, she went on to Florida International University where she earned her Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies and graduated in the top 10% of her class. Demi began her professional career in dermatology as a medical assistant for Dermatology Associates of Tallahassee. Prior to joining Florida Skin Center, she worked as a physician assistant at a medical practice in Orlando and Daytona Beach. Demi sees patients in Fort Myers where she practices medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology. She is skillfully trained in cosmetic dermatology with a talent and techniques for creating natural-looking enhancements. Demi also holds diplomate status with the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants. Passionate about continued medical education, Demi has attended every FSDPA conference since she began her career as a PA in 2018 and is excited to give back to an organization that has helped develop her into the dermatology provider she is today.

Theresa Helsel, PA-C

Director at Large

Theresa earned her Bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sport Science from Brigham Young University, her Master’s degree in Exercise and Sport Science from the University of Florida, and her MPAS from Nova Southeastern University in 2013. Theresa started her PA career in Dermatology and loves the variety found within in our specialty. She works at The Dermatology Group in Mount Dora, Florida. Theresa is trained in medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology and has a particular interest in treating geriatric and surgical patients. She is also an SDPA Diplomate Fellow and has served on the Medical Staff at Camp Discovery, a summer camp for youth with skin disorders. Theresa is native Floridian and an avid endurance athlete having completed three full Ironman triathlons and nine Boston Marathons. For this reason, she is particularly interested in educating outdoor enthusiasts regarding sun protection and also helping dermatology providers who may unknowingly be “skin shaming” patients due to their lifestyle choices. Theresa is excited to be serving on the FSDPA board!

Brian Klein, PA-C

Director at Large
Brian Klein, PA has an extensive medical background which began initially while in High School as a Medic for the United States Army. He spent time active-duty Army as a Dental/Oral surgery technician and subsequently deployed to Iraq as a Medic. While deployed in Iraq, he finished his Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Management. After his deployment, he continued as a medical assistant in Dermatology at the University of Washington for 5 years before entering the Physician Assistant program at the University of Washington. He graduated in 2012 and has continued to practice in multiple dermatology offices in Texas, Washington and now Florida. Brian also advanced his education and skills in Dermatology by completing the SDPA Diplomat program. He prefers a conservative approach to dermatology and many patients have stated that having a visit with him is often like seeing a family member. Brian enjoys time with his wife and kids. He likes staying active in order to live a healthy lifestyle and enjoy life.

Aaron Kent, PA-C

Director at Large
Aaron Kent, PA-C is a native Floridian and has been practicing dermatology since 2022. After completing his bachelor’s degree at Florida Atlantic University, Aaron attended the physician assistant program at Nova Southeastern University where he completed two rotations in dermatology before graduating in 2022. Following graduation Aaron began at Advanced Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery in Port St. Lucie, FL where he currently practices.
 
Aaron enjoys treating hair loss, acne, psoriasis, skin cancers, and other skin conditions that require the management of biologics and other complex treatment regimens. He is also trained in the use of laser and light-based procedures to improve the health and appearance of skin.
 
Aaron has been involved with the Florida Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants (FSDPA) as a student volunteer since he was a physician assistant student and is excited to bring the perspective of a new graduate to the Board of Directors. He is currently enrolled in the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistant (SDPA) Diplomate Fellowship program to further advance his education by receiving advanced specialty training in dermatology. Aaron is also a member of the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) and the Florida Academy of Physician Assistants (FAPA).

Having grown up in Florida, Aaron lives an active life surfing, lobster diving, paddle boarding, boating, and exploring state parks while trying to remember to apply sunscreen regularly.
Facebook Twitter Instagram

Check back soon!

Fill the form to Download

RIPTIDE 2023 PROSPECTUS

Fill the form to Download

NEW WAVE 2023 PROSPECTUS