Faculty and Staff

Pangela H. Dawson, Ph.D., PA-C

Founding Associate Dean, Department Chair, Program Director

Pangela H. Dawson, PhD, PA-C, is a distinguished academic leader, clinician, and educator with a proven record of strategic innovation and institutional advancement in health professions education. She currently serves as Associate Dean, Department Chair, and Founding Program Director for the Physician Assistant Program at Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia. In this capacity, Dr. Dawson has been instrumental in shaping the School’s academic portfolio, fostering interprofessional collaboration, and advancing initiatives that promote equity, excellence, and community engagement in healthcare education.

Dr. Dawson earned both her Ph.D. in Education Policy Studies and Evaluation and Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Kentucky. Her expertise spans higher education leadership, program development, accreditation, and organizational transformation. She has successfully launched and led multiple graduate programs, including new Physician Assistant and Master of Biomedical Sciences programs, demonstrating a sustained capacity to design, implement, and scale academic programs that align with institutional mission and workforce needs.

An accomplished scholar and administrator, Dr. Dawson has secured multiple Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) grants to enhance primary care training and expand access to underserved communities. Her research and national presentations address critical issues such as diversity and inclusion in healthcare, domestic violence advocacy, and innovation in clinical education.

Recognized for her collaborative leadership style and strategic vision, Dr. Dawson is deeply committed to advancing academic excellence, cultivating faculty and student success, and fostering institutional cultures of accountability, innovation, and belonging. She continues to shape the future of health professions education through her service, mentorship, and dedication to transforming academic environments to meet the evolving needs of society.

As a practicing physician assistant, Dr. Dawson specialized in orthopedic pediatrics and chronic pain management and rehabilitation. Her current research interests include identifying early indicators for student success and enhancing cultural proficiencies in medical education. 

 

Donny Ard, Ph.D., MHA, PA-C

Associate Professor, Associate Program Director, Director of Program Innovation and Design 

Dr. Donny Ard joined Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) in May of 2020 as the Associate and Academic Director for the Physician Assistant Program in the Department of Family Medicine.  He received is Ph.D. in Public Health with a concentration on Community Health Education and Promotion from Walden University.  His dissertation focused on the understanding impact a family of history of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus had on positive behavior changes in the African American community.  His academic training also includes a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Oakwood University (College), and master’s in health administration from University of Phoenix, and a Bachelor of Science in Physician Assistant studies from Touro College in Bay Shore, NY.

After graduating from PA School, Dr. Ard always knew he would give back to the profession by lending his time in educating others who were in PA school.  Dr. Ard began as a guest lecturer and adjunct faculty with Anne Arundel Community College/University of Maryland Collaborative PA Program.  With a desire to do more and have a larger impact on the student’s educational experience, he became a Senior Lecturer for the school in 2017 and served as a council member on the Diversity and Inclusion Committee.  Shortly after Dr. Ard took a leadership role with Howard University during the rebuilding phase of their PA Program.   

Dr. Ard has been a practicing Physician Assistant for 16 years.  All of his years of practice have been in General Surgery and several Surgical Subspecialties such as Vascular, Thoracic, and Gynecological Surgery.  Dr. Ard’s current research interest is in community health promotion along with diversity and inclusion within the medical profession. 

Ebony Blackmon, DMS, MSPAS, PA-C

Assistant Professor, Academic Director 

Dr. Ebony Blackmon has been practicing as an Emergency Room PA for over 11 years. She has been a PA educator since 2019. She specializes in teaching clinical skills and point-of-care ultrasound. She earned her Doctor of Medical Science with a specialty in Medical Education in 2024. She was promoted to Academic Director of the PA program in 2024.

Stephanie Banks, MPH

Instructor, Director of Community Engagement

Stephanie Y. Banks is a Public Health Educator with over 20 years of diverse combined experience in medical education, curriculum development, program management and development, community health outreach, and higher education administration. She joined the Morehouse School of Medicine’s Department of Physician Assistant Studies (MSM PA Studies) in June 2019, serving as Principal Faculty and Director of Community Engagement. During her time in the MSM PA Program, Stephanie created the Medicine and Society I, II, & III course series and implemented the Community-Oriented Primary Care model as the core framework for the curriculum. One of her major accomplishments so far is her collaboration with Advil, Agency Partners, and BLKHLTH on a formal proposal to incorporate elements of The Advil Pain Equity Course into the Medicine & Society curriculum of MSM’s PA Program. In her role overseeing community engagement initiatives, Stephanie cultivates partnerships that support students’ service-learning goals, address community needs, and advance the mission of Morehouse School of Medicine: “Leading the creation and advancement of health equity to achieve health justice.” Her efforts have led to the development of “PAs in the Park,” an annual community outreach event designed to inspire health and wellness in local communities. Stephanie also serves the MSM PA Studies Department as a Learning Community Mentor, coordinating learning community activities, chairing the PA Student Progress and Promotions Committee (PA SAPP), and participating in several departmental and institutional committees. Additionally, she teaches in MSM’s Community Health and Preventive Medicine Department, where she expands her instructional role as a Faculty Mentor in the MD 1 Community Health Course and contributes as a Curriculum Committee Member. Stephanie is passionate about PA and medical education and is proud to contribute to the growth and development of the Department of Physician Assistant Studies at Morehouse School of Medicine.

Allison Ermol, DHPE, MMS, PA-C

Director of Curriculum Innovation and Evaluation

Principal Faculty, Assistant Professor

Allison Ermol, PA-C joined Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) in May of 2022 as the Director of Curriculum Innovation and Evaluation for the Physician Assistant Program.  Her academic training includes a Bachelor of Science from Penn State University and a Master's in Medical Science from Arcadia University.  Allison has been a board certified physician assistant since 2006 and has practiced in a wide range of clinical settings including prison health, family practice, emergency medicine, college health, surgery, and gynecology.

Professor Ermol entered physician assistant education full time in 2018, working with the Arcadia University Physician Assistant program. She has held roles with Arcadia University as Academic Coordinator, Director of Assessment and Remediation, and Director of Clinical Education.  Prior to entering academia, she precepted many physician assistant and nurse practitioner students as well as taught undergraduate pre-med students.  Currently, Professor Ermol is pursuing a Doctorate of Health Professions Education and has research and educational interests in clinical learning experiences as well as diversity, equity and inclusion within health care professions.

Carletta S. Demps, MD, PA

Principal Faculty, Assistant Professor

Dr. Carletta Demps joined Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) in June 2022 as Principal Faculty, Assistant Professor Department of Physician Assistant Studies. She received her Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Florida, Gainesville Florida. Dr. Demps completed her internship in Internal Medicine and her residency in Emergency Medicine at UF Health Jacksonville. She is Board Certified in Emergency Medicine.

Her academic training also includes a Bachelor’s in Health Science - Physician Assistant from the University of Florida. She practiced as a certified Physician Assistant for several years before returning to the University of Florida to attend medical school. Dr. Demps has worked in many specialties and medical services including emergency medicine, trauma, urgent care, and primary care. She has volunteered helping the systemically disenfranchised population throughout her medical career. After practicing medicine for over 30 years, she has committed to helping create health equity and justice by educating students at Morehouse School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program with the goal to increase diversity in the health care workforce. Dr. Demps states she is most excited to teach in the profession where she began her medical career and where she believes she could have an immediate impact on positive health care outcomes through helping develop culturally competent providers.

Mieshia Baker Dunn, MBA

Adminstrative Assistant Director

Mieshia Baker Dunn joined Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) in December 2017 as the program manager for the Office of Physician Assistant Studies. She received her bachelor of art degree from Clark Atlanta University and her master of business administration from Keller Graduate school.

Ms. Baker Dunn’s passion for education and helping others began in the role of academic advisement and quickly developed into other areas, including admissions advisor, assistant director of admissions and adjunct faculty. Ms. Baker Dunn is an advocate of education and understands the importance of providing a diverse and enriched learning environment for the 21^st century learner of today.

Ms. Baker Dunn is a community advocate and supports MSM's vision of improving health and well-being in surrounding communities. She has developed and supported several community health projects, which include screening for high blood pressure, diabetes prevention, and HIV testing. She currently serves on the Board of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc.-Mecca Chapter, which allows her an opportunity to focus on initiatives in the areas of health and education.

Lynwood McAllister, PhD, MPA, MA

Admission Director

Dr. McAllister has more than 25 years of experience across public health, academic medicine, consulting, and policy. Dr. McAllister has dedicated his career to expanding access to clinical training and strengthening partnerships that broaden the reach and impact of medical education and training.

 

Sharon Rachel, MA, MPH

Principal Faculty, Instructor

Professor Sharon Rachel has over two decades of experience in public health, specializing in curriculum development, health education, research, and training. As a Faculty Instructor of Physician Assistant Studies at Morehouse School of Medicine, she teaches Introduction to Evidence-Based Medicine, directs the PA student capstone research program, mentors the Honor/Women’s Health learning community, and supports federally-funded primary care training enhancement initiatives. Professor Rachel holds graduate degrees in Women’s Studies, Public Health, and History and Sociology of Technology and Science. Currently pursuing her Ph.D., her doctoral research examines intersectional social and health inequities related to climate change and has been presented to international audiences. She has authored research articles and book chapters on diverse public health topics, including global health inequities, HIV/AIDS, sexual health, African American women’s mental health, anti-racist allyship, gender-based violence, organizational readiness, and integrated behavioral health and primary care.

 

Tiesha Burns, BA

Admissions Coordinator

Tiesha Burns, a native of Daphne, Alabama joined Morehouse School of Medicine in February 2023. She serves as the Admission Coordinator for the Physician Assistant program. With a passion for healthcare and administration, Tiesha attended the University of South Alabama where she attained her B.S. in Healthcare Administration. While attending the University of South Alabama, Burns was inducted into the Abeneefoo Kuo Honor Society, an African American Honor Society that consists of students who have shown outstanding abilities in academics, leadership, and service.

Professionally, Tiesha has worked in healthcare systems for top health care organizations, and she currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia. She enjoys traveling and spending time with her family. Tiesha lives her life according to the words of Nelson Mandela, “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." -Nelson Mandela 

 

Christopher Ervin, MD

Adjunct Faculty, Instructor

Dr. Christopher Ervin is active in community-driven work and an advocate for health, wellness, and social justice. He earned his medical degree from Duke University School of Medicine. He completed an Emergency Medicine residency at Cook County Hospital. He presently is an Assistant Professor at Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) in the Department of Family Medicine and the Department of Physician Assistant Studies. He also serves as the Director of Community-based Initiatives with the primary role as the Director of Operations for Morehouse School of Medicine Student-led Free Clinic, the MSM H.E.A.L Clinic (Health Equity for All Lives) and oversight of Morehouse School of Medicine mobile health activities. Dr. Ervin has been a member of Georgia Department of Public Health Community Health Worker Advisory Board and the Georgia HIV Prevention and Care Council, serving as chair from 2016 - 2018. He has served as a consultant for local nonprofits and as an advisor to the Black Women’s Health Imperative. In 2019, Dr. Ervin was honored by the state of Georgia with a Proclamation for his commitment to community service, selected by Georgia House District 58 Representative, Rep. Park Cannon. Currently, Dr. Ervin serves as Board Member-at-Large for the Society for Student Run Free Clinics Faculty Association, the Mobile Healthcare Association, and Ubuntu Community Catalyst, Inc. He also serves on the Advisory Boards of the Dekalb CURDSE (Center for Urban Research, Development, Sustainability, and Evaluation) Community Action Board and Housing Plus, Inc.

Diane Griggs, NP-C

Clinical Director, Principal Faculty, Instructor

Diane Dennis-Griggs serves as the Clinical Director for the Physician Assistant (PA) Program, bringing over 23 years of experience as a Nurse Practitioner. In this role, she oversees all aspects of clinical and hands-on education for PA students. Her responsibilities include recruiting and managing preceptors, coordinating student training, supervising clinical faculty, arranging housing for students, and building partnerships with healthcare systems to enhance the clinical training experience. Diane is currently pursuing her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree, with her research focusing on the impact of food insecurity on chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity.

Hannah May, MSPAS, PA-C

Principal Faculty, Instructor

Hannah May joined Morehouse School of Medicine in August of 2021 as an instructional faculty member of the Physician Assistant Program.

She earned a Bachelor of Arts from Vanderbilt University in 2014 with a double major in Child Development and Medicine, Health, and Society. She furthered her education with a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Kentucky in 2018.

She currently practices as a physician assistant (PA) in pediatric medicine. She is licensed by the Georgia Medical Board and board certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. She has a special interest in international medicine and has received training in Honduras, Kenya, Mexico, and Swaziland. Her experience is in primary care pediatrics and pediatric cardiology.

Her academic career started in 2015 while teaching at El Camino Academy in Bogotá, Colombia. There she instructed in high school biology, chemistry, physical science, and algebra. This experience, combined with her work in clinical practice, shaped her desire to educate PA students. She is passionate about encouraging and equipping both her students and her patients with the resources to lead healthy lives.

Folashade Omole, M.D., FAAFP

Professor, Medical Director

Dr. Omole is a professor and the Sarah and William Hambrecht Chair of the Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) department of Family Medicine. She received her degree in physics from the University of Lagos, and her medical degree from Obafemi Awolowo University, lle-lfe, Nigeria. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) and a licensed medical acupuncturist. Dr. Omole is an educator to the core, she served as the clerkship director, as well as the residency program director, and was instrumental in expanding the class size from 5-5-5 to 6-6-6-6. She has been a PI and Co-PI on several projects and grants, and has authored and co-authored several manuscripts, with her recent collaboration resulting in the American Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery Clinical Practice Guidelines for Allergic Rhinitis, as well as for Tinnitus. She is the faculty advisor and medical director of the MSM Health Equity for All Lives (HEAL) student-run free clinic, and also serves as the director of Integrative Medicine.

Dr. Omole is an active Georgia Academy of Family Physicians (GAFP) member and served as the treasurer and Chair of Finance. She is a recipient of several awards, including being an inductee into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, GAFP Educator of the Year, Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine recipient, GAFP Physician of the Year, and recently, the MSM President and Dean's Service award.

Dr. Omole’s research interests are chronic disease management (diabetes), data-driven patient health outcomes, acupuncture, and aging, especially sex in the elderly.

Meghan Viveiros, PA-C

Principal Faculty, Assistant Professor

Professor Viveiros is an alumna of Quinnipiac University.  She brings with her fourteen years of experience in emergency medicine and most recently family medicine. Her teaching experience includes thirteen years as a clinical preceptor and six years of academic teaching experience.  She has an advanced certification in stress management and resilience from the Benson Henry Institute of Mind Body Medicine at Mass General Hospital. Her area of scholarly and service interests is mindfulness.  She has a passion for helping students create and sustain wellness habits using a lighthearted and evidence-based approach.  Outside of the classroom she enjoys being in nature. 

Gabrielle Leverette

Clinical Curriculum Manager

Gabrielle Leverette serves as the Clinical Curriculum Manager for the Physician Assistant Studies Program at Morehouse School of Medicine. In this role, she oversees clinical schedules, manages relationships with community affiliates, and supports the coordination of clinical education. With a strong background in program management, research, data analysis, and community engagement, Gabrielle ensures that students receive a high-quality and well-rounded clinical experience. In addition to her work in medical education, Gabrielle is a trained Full-Spectrum Doula and founder of Doula Divine by Gabrielle, where she provides birth, postpartum, grief/loss, abortion, adoption, and fertility support nationwide. She is also an advocate for improving Black maternal health outcomes, bringing her passion for equity and holistic care into both her professional and community work.

Tyra Willingham, MPH

Program Manager

Tyra has over 10 years of experience working in education, with a strong passion for supporting others through both healthcare and academic settings. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration from Texas Southern University and a Master of Public Health from Lamar University.

 

Belinda Richardson, BSBA

Program Coordinator

Belinda Richardson joined Morehouse School of Medicine’s Department of Physician Assistant Studies on April 5, 2021, in the role of Administrative Assistant III. She has more than 20 years of experience in the administrative field working within institutions of higher learning. Ms. Richardson is currently working as the Program Coordinator for PA Admissions. In the role of Program Coordinator, she is a key member of the PA Program team and works closely with the Program Manager and assigned faculty. Her scope of duties includes assisting in the preparation of the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) Accreditation application, providing oversight of operations and services provided by staff, and assisting leadership with strategic planning. She is also responsible for planning, organizing, and managing daily operations; program policy and procedure design and implementation; and associated business functions. Ms. Richardson markets the program and explains program goals and objectives before a governing body. She upholds the highest standards of professional ethics consistent with the MSM Mission.

Ms. Richardson obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from Frostburg State University located in Western Maryland and actively continues to expand her base of knowledge through professional development opportunities. Although she’s a long way from her original home in Upper Marlboro, MD, she has lived and worked in the state of Georgia for many years and considers this home. Belinda gained knowledge of the PA profession by working with an area PA Program before joining Morehouse School of Medicine and has become an essential team member within the Department of Physician Assistant Studies.