Our Team
Next Step PA is led by a driven and experienced group of pre-PA graduates and students who understand what it takes to navigate the road to PA school. Each director brings a unique focus, from organizing hands-on events to building partnerships and curating resources especially designed for our members.
Get to know the board members who guide and support NSPA's mission.
Jasmine Ortiz
Founder & Executive Director
Founder and Executive Director of Next Step PA, Jasmine is a passionate advocate for pre-PA mentorship and community-driven success. While navigating her own pre-PA journey, she recognized the need for better guidance and support for aspiring PAs and became deeply committed to helping others feel supported, informed, and empowered.
Jasmine is completing her Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Pre-Physician Assistant Studies from Texas State University. She has led the Texas State Pre-Physician Associate Society for over three years, including two terms as President, expanding programming and creating lasting opportunities for students. She currently works as a Patient Care Technician in a high-acuity emergency department and has additional training in psychiatric and pharmacological settings. Her leadership and diverse healthcare experience shapes her vision for building inclusive, accessible pathways to PA school.
Board of Directors
Hannah Sullivan
Director of Outreach
Hannah is a Biology major at Texas State University with minors in Psychology and Pre-Physician Assistant Studies. She works as an Emergency Department Technician and volunteers with organizations through San Marcos and Baylor Scott & White. At Texas State, she served in the Pre-Physician Associate Society for three terms–two as Volunteer Coordinator and one as Secretary–and contributed to research in reproductive biology. Hannah is passionate about patient care, community service, and supporting other students pursuing the physician associate path.
Madison Moffitt
Director of Member Relations
Madison in on track to graduate from Texas State University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and minors in Psychology and Pre-Physician Assistant Studies. She currently works part time as a Physical Therapy Technician at a clinic and volunteers at the front desk for a local hospital. Throughout her time at Texas State, Madison has been actively involved in the Pre-Physician Associate Society, both as a member and officer, to help build a community of students who have the same passion for healthcare.
Emma Sullivan
Director of Finance
Emma is a Biology major at Texas State University with a minor in Pre-PA Studies. She has worked as both a caregiver and medical receptionist, which helped her discover her passion for patient care and being a part of a healthcare team. Emma volunteers with Heart to Heart Hospice and SOAR therapeutic horseback riding, where she supports individuals with disabilities and those receiving hospice care through meaningful, hands on work. She currently serves as Treasurer for the Pre-Physician Assistant Society and enjoys helping students feel supported and connected as they navigate the pre-PA journey. Emma is dedicated and passionate about the PA path and is excited to help fellow members stay organized, supported and on track.
Now Hiring!
Director of Events
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Miriam Hayden
Director of Communications
Miriam will graduate from Texas State University in December 2025, with a Bachelor of Science in Health Science and a minor in Pre-Physician Assistant Studies. She has experience working as a medical assistant in both allergy and dermatology clinics, which has strengthened her clinical skills and shown her how much she enjoys working with patients. Miriam is passionate about the PA profession and is excited to continue learning while supporting other pre-PA members.
Coordinators
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Resource Coordinator
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Fundraising Coordinator
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Denia Abiles
Workshop Coordinator
Denia is a biology major at Texas State University and is incredibly passionate about becoming a physician associate. She has spent the past five years working as a pharmacy technician, an experience that has given her a lot of valuable insight into patient care. She's involved in Texas State's Pre-Physician Associate Society and is excited to be a part of Next Step PA, where she can learn from others, share experiences, and lead workshops to help other pre-PA members grow.
Now Hiring!
Volunteer Coordinator
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Volunteer Coordinator
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Event Coordinator
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