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Leadership

leadership group 1

Theresa Helsel, PA-C

President

Theresa Helsel, PA-C

President
Theresa earned her Bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sport Science from Brigham Young University,
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Aaron Sookhoo, PA-C

President-Elect

Aaron Sookhoo, PA-C

President-Elect
Aaron Alexander Sookhoo, PA-C a Tampa Bay native, is a board-certified Physician Assistant.
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SCOTT FREEMAN, PA-C

Immediate Past President

SCOTT FREEMAN, PA-C

Immediate Past President
Mr. Freeman completed his education and has been fully credentialed since 1999.
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Aaron Kent, PA-C

Vice President

Aaron Kent, PA-C

Vice President
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,
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Aditi Mas, PA-C

Treasurer

Aditi Mas, PA-C

Treasurer
Aditi Mas, PA-C graduated from the University of South Florida with a Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology in 2017.
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Kristine Hertzog, PA-C

Secretary

Kristine Hertzog

Secretary
Born in Oviedo, Kristine Hertzog is a Florida Native. After graduating University of Florida...
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Demi Soulet, PA-C

Director at Large

Demi Soulet, PA-C

Director at Large
Demi graduated magna cum laude from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science in exercise science after completing an accelerated STEM program ..
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Shamita Patel, PA-C

Director at Large

Shamita Patel, PA-C

Director at Large
Shamita Patel is a certified Physician Assistant who has specialized in dermatology for almost a decade.
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Courtney O'Loughlin,
PA-C

Director at Large

Courtney O'Loughlin

Director at Large
Courtney O'Loughlin is a board-certified Physician Assistant practicing medical...
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Mackenzie Olson, PA-C

Director at Large

Mackenzie Olson, PA-C

Director at Large
Mackenzie Olson, PA-C graduated summa cum laude with her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Florida...
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Nikki Conrad PA-C

Director at Large

Nikki Conrad PA-C

Director at Large
Nikki Conrad PA-C is a board-certified physician assistant specializing in medical, cosmetic, and surgical dermatology...
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Kelley McIlvaine, PA

Director at Large

Kelley McIlvaine PA

Director at Large
Kelley McIlvaine has served as a Dermatology PA for the past 10 years, eight of which were in her home state of Florida....
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Megan Thomas, PA-C

Director of Operations

Megan Thomas, PA-C

Director of Operations
After completing her bachelor’s degree at the University of Florida, Megan attended the PA program at Nova Southeastern University
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Francine Phillips, PA-C

Director at Large

Francine Phillips, PA-C

Director at Large
Francine Phillips is a native Floridian and graduated from A.T. Still University with her Masters in Physician Assistant studies..
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Amy Bayon, PA-C

Director at Large

Amy Bayon, PA-C

Director at Large
Amy Bayon, MPAS, PA-C graduated from the University of South Florida with honors and received her Bachelor’s in Health Sciences with concentrations in biological and social-behavioral sciences.
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Tiffani Botts Massey, PA-C

President

Theresa Helsel, PA-C

President-Elect

Aaron Sookhoo, PA-C

Vice President

Aaron Kent, PA-C

Secretary

Aditi Mas, PA-C

Treasurer

Scott Freeman, PA-C

Director at Large

Demi Soulet, PA-C

Director at Large

Amy Bayon, PA-C

Director at Large

Shamita Patel, PA-C

Director at Large

Francine Phillips, PA-C

Director at Large

Megan Thomas, PA-C

Director of Operations

Brian Klein, PA-C

Director at Large

Jessica Hage, PA-C

Secretary
Community Outreach Co-Chair

Elizabeth Anderson, PA-C

Director at Large

Jennifer Crews, PA-C

Director at Large
Community Outreach Co-Chair

Heather Gates, PA-C

President

Kate McDougall

Executive Director

Brian Klein, PA-C

Director at Large

Aaron Kent, PA-C

Director at Large

Tiffani Botts Massey, PA-C

President

Tiffani Botts Massey, PA-C

President
Tiffani Botts Massey, PA-C, is a Physician Associate who has spent her entire professional career practicing in dermatology and aesthetics.
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Theresa Helsel, PA-C

President-Elect

Theresa Helsel, PA-C

President-Elect
Theresa earned her Bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sport Science from Brigham Young University,
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Aaron Sookhoo, PA-C

Vice President

Aaron Sookhoo, PA-C

Vice President
Aaron Alexander Sookhoo, PA-C a Tampa Bay native, is a board-certified Physician Assistant.
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Aaron Kent, PA-C

Secretary

Aaron Kent, PA-C

Secretary
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,
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Aditi Mas, PA-C

Treasurer

Aditi Mas, PA-C

Treasurer
Aditi Mas, PA-C graduated from the University of South Florida with a Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology in 2017.
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SCOTT FREEMAN, PA-C

Director at Large

SCOTT FREEMAN, PA-C

Director at Large
Mr. Freeman completed his education and has been fully credentialed since 1999.
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Demi Soulet, PA-C

Director at Large

Demi Soulet, PA-C

Director at Large
Demi graduated magna cum laude from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science in exercise science after completing an accelerated STEM program ..
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Shamita Patel, PA-C

Director at Large

Shamita Patel, PA-C

Director at Large
Shamita Patel is a certified Physician Assistant who has specialized in dermatology for almost a decade.
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Francine Phillips, PA-C

Director at Large

Francine Phillips, PA-C

Director at Large
Francine Phillips is a native Floridian and graduated from A.T. Still University with her Masters in Physician Assistant studies..
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Megan Thomas, PA-C

Director of Operations

Megan Thomas, PA-C

Director of Operations
After completing her bachelor’s degree at the University of Florida, Megan attended the PA program at Nova Southeastern University
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Amy Bayon, PA-C

Director at Large

Amy Bayon, PA-C

Director at Large
Amy Bayon, MPAS, PA-C graduated from the University of South Florida with honors and received her Bachelor’s in Health Sciences with concentrations in biological and social-behavioral sciences.
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Staff and Affiliates

Megan Thomas, PA-C

Executive Director

Megan Thomas, PA-C

Executive Director
After completing her bachelor’s degree at the University of Florida, Megan attended the PA program at Nova Southeastern University
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Heather Gates

Congress Director/Director of Industry Relations

Jake Jalbert

Social Media Manager

Ben Sosna

Administrative Assistant

Maria Cabasos

APRN Liaison

Tiffany Trent

APRN Liaison

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Theresa Helsel, PA-C

President

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!

Aaron Sookhoo, PA-C

President-Elect
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.

SCOTT FREEMAN, PA-C

Immediate Past President
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.

Aaron Kent, PA-C

Vice President
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.

Aditi Mas, PA-C

Treasurer

Aditi Mas, PA-C graduated from the University of South Florida with a Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology in 2017. She then graduated with her Master’s in Physician Assistant Medicine in 2020 from the University of Lynchburg. 

She started off her career as a PA in cosmetic medicine and transitioned into Dermatology. She loves helping make a difference in the quality of life of her acne, eczema, and psoriasis patients. Her primary focus is medical and cosmetic dermatology. 

Aditi has been attending conferences since she became a PA and is very excited to take on this role as treasurer. She loves all things Harry Potter and enjoys traveling and reading in her free time. 

Kristine Hertzog, PA-C

Secretary

Born in Oviedo, Kristine Hertzog is a Florida Native. After graduating University of Florida with a BS in Psychology, she was fortunate enough to be recommended to a position as a Medical Assistant at Dermatology Associates in Gainesville, thus beginning a passion for skin that has spanned over 20 years. Returning to University of Florida to obtain her MS in PA studies, she graduated in 2008 and accepted a position with a (then) small, new practice in Tampa called Suncoast Skin Solutions, where she learned medical, cosmetic, and surgical dermatology. Additionally, she was able to precept PA students from UF for the next six years.

Marrying in 2012, Kristine and her husband, Justin, pursued his career and moved to Brevard County in 2014, where she joined an office called Brevard Skin and Cancer Center. She continued to practice dermatology there for 7 years, during which time she started the NP/PA Dermatology Club in Brevard County. Then in 2022, she took a leap and joined a pharmaceutical company as a clinical liaison for Bristol Myers Squibb. This new career allowed her to connect with many NPs and PAs across Florida.

Returning to her first love, dermatology clinic, Kristine is currently working as a Physician Associate with Brevard Medical Dermatology. She lives in Viera, FL with her husband, their two boys and their mini Labradoodle. She enjoys running, reading and cooking. Kristine has continued her interest in elevating her profession. She currently serves on the Board for Sunrise NPPA Derm and is excited for her new role as Director at Large for the Florida Society of Dermatology PAs.

Demi Soulet, PA-C

Director at Large

Demi Soulet, PA-C is a Board-Certified Physician Assistant practicing general, surgical and cosmetic dermatology in the Orlando area. Demi holds Diplomate-Fellow status with the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants (SDPA), one of the highest awards for a Physician Assistant in the medical dermatology field.

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 became a Master in Physician Assistant Studies and graduated in the top 10% of her class. Demi began her professional career in dermatology as a medical assistant, and has worked as a PA in Southwest Florida and Daytona Beach.

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 continue to give back to an organization that has helped develop her into the dermatology provider she is today.

Shamita Patel, PA-C

Director at Large

Shamita Patel is a certified Physician Assistant who has specialized in dermatology for almost a decade. A Florida native, Shamita graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences.

Thereafter, she received her Physician Assistant training and a Master of Clinical Medical Science from Barry University in Miami Shores, Florida, and completed dermatology externships in Washington, D.C., and Miami Beach, Florida.

Shamita joined the FSDPA directors with interests in CME and strengthening our dermatology PA community. She has a passion for education, social support, and cultivating our FSDPA community. She strives to educate her patients and provide individualized care. Shamita is also an active member of the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants.

She attends local and national meetings to stay current in her field. Her interests include general, surgical, pediatric, and cosmetic dermatology. With a special focus on aesthetics, she has participated in several private trainings at a national and international level.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and exploring different cuisines.

Courtney O'Loughlin, PA-C

Director at Large

Courtney O’Loughlin is a board-certified Physician Assistant practicing medical and surgical dermatology in the Orlando area. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Central Florida and her Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Nova Southeastern University.

Courtney is a Diplomate-Fellow of the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants (SDPA) and an active member of both the Florida Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants (FSDPA) and the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA).

She is passionate about skin cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment. Known for her compassionate, evidence-based approach, Courtney values building long-term relationships with her patients and delivering high-quality, personalized care.

Outside of her clinical and professional commitments, Courtney enjoys spending time with her husband, Chase, and their German Shepherd mix, Griffin. She loves staying active, reading, traveling, and spending time on the water with friends and family.

Mackenzie Olson, PA-C

Director at Large

Mackenzie Olson, PA-C graduated summa cum laude with her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Florida. After obtaining her undergraduate degree, she gained clinical experience working as a medical assistant in dermatology, which sparked her passion for the field. She attended the University of South Florida’s Physician Assistant program and graduated in 2023. Upon graduation, she was inducted into the Pi Alpha Honors Society and began working as a Dermatology PA.

Mackenzie recently returned to Gainesville, FL to work in the Department of Dermatology at her alma mater, the University of Florida. She is currently enrolled in the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants (SDPA) Diplomat Fellowship Program to further advance her knowledge and practice. She has been attending the Riptide and New Wave conferences since graduating from PA school, and is very excited to join the FSDPA Board of Directors.

Nikki Conrad PA-C

Director at Large

Nikki Conrad PA-C is a board-certified physician assistant specializing in medical, cosmetic, and surgical dermatology with experience caring for patients in Central Florida since 2016. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Clinical Health Sciences from the University of Central Florida and her Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies from Stony Brook University in New York. She currently practices at the Art of Dermatology in Winter Park, Florida, where she focuses on evidence-based, comprehensive dermatologic care, including inflammatory skin diseases, skin cancer management, and cosmetic injectables. As a Miami, Florida native, she is especially passionate about sun safety education and early skin cancer detection using dermoscopy. Nikki is deeply committed to continuing education, professional growth, and collaboration through active involvement in both state and national dermatology organizations.

Kelley McIlvaine PA

Director at Large

Kelley McIlvaine has served as a Dermatology PA for the past 10 years, eight of which were in her home state of Florida. She grew up in Tampa and then attended the University of Virginia. After graduation she worked for several nonprofits including Teach For America, Akilah Institute for Women in Rwanda, and the Akola Project in Uganda. Following those experiences she was awarded a Dean’s Scholarship to attend the University of Texas Southwestern, where she graduated with a Masters in Physician Assistant Studies with highest honors. She is currently a member of the Junior League of Tampa, serves on the Alumni Board of the Academy of the Holy Names, is a Girlscout troop leader, and is a member of the UVA Jefferson Scholars Committee. When she’s not practicing dermatology, Kelley enjoys spending time with her husband Andy, three kids, and her Goldendoodle Henry. She also enjoys running half marathons, pilates, mahjong, reading a good book, traveling and is yoga instructor certified.

Megan Thomas, PA-C

Executive Director

After completing her bachelor’s degree at the University of Florida, Megan attended the PA 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. Megan currently lives in Tampa with her family and practices at South Tampa Dermatology. 

Megan has been involved with the FSDPA since 2012 and served on the board of directors from 2016 to 2024. She is proud to have created and chaired the Community Outreach Scholarship program and served as President from 2020-2022. Megan looks forward to her new role as Executive Director and continuing to support the FSDPA.

Amy Bayon, PA-C

Director at Large

Amy Bayon, MPAS, PA-C graduated from the University of South Florida with honors and received her Bachelor’s in Health Sciences with concentrations in biological and social-behavioral sciences. She then earned her Master’s in Physician Associate Medicine at Keiser University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Amy specializes in medical, surgical and aesthetic dermatology. Amy has a particular interest in the treatment of acne, psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, as well as cosmetic treatments such as neurotoxin and dermal fillers. She is passionate about helping her patients feel comfortable and confident in their skin. Passionate about PA education, Amy precepts for a local PA program, is part of the steering committee for PA/NP Emerge, and a fellow member of the SDPA. Amy has been active with the FSDPA ever since the beginning of her career in dermatology, attending all conference meetings and volunteering with the board prior to taking an official leadership role. 

TIFFANI BOTTS MASSEY, PA-C

President

Tiffani Botts Massey PA-C is a Physician Associate who has spent her entire professional career practicing in dermatology and aesthetics. Tiffani currently practices in St. Petersburg, FL at Boostology which she founded in 2019. Tiffani loves to speak at conferences, take students, and enjoys talking with new providers because she loves teaching and education. She is a firm believer that you should never stop learning. Tiffani and her husband have two beautiful girls and a handsome chocolate lab at home that they adore.

Demi Soulet, PA-C

Director at Large
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.

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.

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.

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. 

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!

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