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 leader 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 became deeply committed to helping others feel supported, informed, and empowered.
Jasmine holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Pre-Physician Assistant Studies from Texas State University, where she led the Pre-PA Society for over three years, including two years as President, expanding programming and creating lasting opportunities for students. Her clinical background spans emergency, psychiatric, and trauma/orthopedic care, and she now works as a Home Health Coordinator in workers' compensation. She is pursuing a Doctorate in Healthcare Administration to better understand the barriers patients and providers face and how to overcome them. Her leadership and breadth of experience shape her vision for inclusive, accessible pathways to PA school.
Board of Directors
Siya Shukla
Director of Outreach
Siya studies Public Health at The University of Texas at Austin. She’s involved in the Pre-PA Society at UT, active with her research, and has experience working as a clinical medical assistant. She’s excited to grow in her own PA journey, as well as serve and connect with members as NSPA’s Director of Outreach!
Madison Moffitt
Director of Member Relations
Madison graduated from Texas State University in May 2026 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 was 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 has served 1.5 years as an officer for the Pre-Physician Associate 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.
Lucy Weiss
Director of Events
Lucy Weiss is a current student at Texas State University from Houston, TX. She is a Health Science major with a Pre-PA minor and plans to work in the dermatology field. She is in the Pre-PA Society at TXST and is excited to continue to connect, learn, and grow with you through NSPA as the Director of Events!
Miriam Hayden
Director of Communications
Miriam graduated 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
Ilhan Hussein
Volunteer Coordinator
Ilhan is a pre-Physician Assistant student pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences at Texas State University. She is passionate about healthcare, serving her community, and connecting with others who share her goal of becoming a Physician Assistant. As an aspiring PA, Ilhan is focused on gaining meaningful experiences, growing as a leader, and becoming more involved in the PA community. She is excited to serve as a Volunteer Coordinator with Next Step PA and looks forward to creating meaningful opportunities for connection, service, and growth.
Abigail Savage
Volunteer Coordinator
Abigail is a Biology major at Texas State University with minors in Psychology and Pre-Physician Assistant Studies. Having previously been involved with the Pre-Medical/Pre-Dental Society and the Pre-Physician Associate Society at TXST, she is passionate about creating an inclusive, supportive environment where every volunteer feels welcomed, valued, and ready to make a meaningful impact.
Marylane Castro
Event Coordinator
Marylane is an Anthropology major at Texas State University with minors in Forensic Psychology and Pre-Physician Assistant Studies. She volunteers regularly with the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), first aid events, and has participated in medical mission work in Panama. Her background in anthropology led to a passion for healthcare that values each person's unique experiences and perspectives. Marylane is excited to help build a welcoming community for those on their journey to becoming a physician assistant, no matter what that path may look like.
Position Available
Workshop Coordinator
This role is currently open. Please see below to learn how to join our leadership team.
Position Available
Fundraising Coordinator
This role is currently open. Please see below to learn how to join our leadership team.
Position Available
Resource Coordinator
This role is currently open. Please see below to learn how to join our leadership team.
Interested in Becoming a Leader?
We're currently growing our leadership team and would love to have you join us! If you're passionate about supporting future PA students and want to help shape Next Step PA, we'd love to hear from you.
Please email the Executive Director at nspa.executivedirector@gmail.com expressing your interest in becoming a leader. We'll schedule a brief interview to learn more about your interests, strengths, and goals so we can find the leadership role that's the best fit for you.
No formal application is required at this time; we're excited to welcome motivated individuals who want to help us build something meaningful together. As our organization continues to grow, leadership positions will transition to a formal application process.