Heather Wilga is originally from Bay City, MI. She began her medical career as a CNA after training at the Academy of Allied Health Careers in 1995. She attended North Western College where she obtained a diploma in Practical Nursing in 2000. She then completed her Associates Degree in Nursing at Northeast Alabama Community College in 2017.

Mrs. Wilga has been employed as a nurse at Erlanger Medical Center since 1996 working in general surgery, trauma, pediatrics, neonatal ICU, pulmonology, and surgical intensive care. She has also worked as a home health nurse.

In 2007, Mrs. Wilga purchased the Academy of Allied Health Careers and obtained 100% membership in 2009. Her nursing career and experience teaching at the Academy has given her the knowledge needed to design and implement the current curriculum for AAHC courses. Heather’s mission and goal for the Academy is to make sure that anyone who wishes to achieve a higher level of education has the opportunity to do so.

Mrs. Wilga can be reached at [email protected] or (423) 499-4999.

Mr. Wilga has an extensive background in financial management. Prior to assuming his role at the Academy, he was employed for fourteen years by Ameriprise Financial. For his last six years at Ameriprise Financial he served as Field Vice-President and Managing Principle of compliance. His extensive experience in the financial industry has proven to be very helpful and one of the reasons the Academy  has been able to maintain a financially strong business model, while keeping the costs to our students considerably lower than other schools throughout the country. Mr. Wilga serves as the Chief Operating Officer (COO), as well as manages the Financial and Business operations at the Academy of Allied Health Careers.

Mr. Wilga can be reached at [email protected] or (423) 499-4999.

Dr. Pam Holder teaches in the Clinical Medical Assistant program and currently serves as Director of Accreditation and Compliance. She has over 40 years of experience in nursing education and administration. Dr. Holder completed her Bachelors, Masters and Doctorate degrees at The University of Alabama in Birmingham. Her experience includes faculty and administrative positions at Calhoun Community College, Rainsville State Community College, The University of Alabama Capstone College of Nursing, The University of Alabama in Huntsville, The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC), and Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU). While at MTSU, she served in a dual-services contract with the Tennessee Board of Regents. She has also held clinical staff positions in cardiovascular and oncology nursing.

Dr. Holder is a member of a variety of professional organizations and has over 20 professional publications to her credit. Her work has been funded by a variety of federal, state and private organizations and she has served as project director of grants from the Department of Health and Human Services, U.S. Public Health Service, totaling over $2,000,000. Dr. Holder frequently serves as consultant to various educational programs in the areas of program development and evaluation, test item writing and analysis, and online teaching and learning.

Dr. Holder can be reached at [email protected] or (423) 499-4999.

I am the wife of a fireman and mother to two grown sons. I am active in my church as a Sunday School teacher and I love to sing in the choir. I love the community in which I live and have a passion to serve them. I have lived in SE Tennessee my whole life.  I think we live in one of the most beautiful places on earth. I worked full time as a patient care tech along with raising 2 small children, while completing my associate degree in nursing to become a registered nurse. I began by taking classes, one at a time, until I entered the nursing program. It took me 11 years to complete my Associate’s degree in nursing. I believe in lifelong learning, so I continued my education to better take care of the patients I served.  

In 2016, I earned my BSN in nursing and eventually in 2020 my Master’s in Nursing Education. I have worked in various specialties of nursing within the hospital and clinic setting- ICU, Labor and Delivery, Public Health, and Stepdown units. I also was a travel nurse during COVID and worked in Wisconsin and Georgia, both in critical care.  I have taught many new nurses throughout my years, in both the formal educational setting and in the hospital. I love nursing and I believe it is the best profession there is! It has provided me more opportunities than I could have ever imagined. It is a physically and mentally hard job, but the reward of knowing I am impacting the lives of those I serve in a positive way encourages me daily. I realize that I am only one person, but as an educator, I can impact so many more lives with each student I encounter and serve.  I want to leave a legacy of caring and compassion for all those I meet.

Ms. McRoberts can be reached at [email protected] or (423) 499-4999. 

Sam Phillips, MBA, BSN-RN, PMP.    Sam brings a wealth of experience across multiple areas of healthcare, including nursing, informatics, clinic management, physician recruitment, consulting, hospital administration, and specialty clinic operations. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, an MBA in Healthcare Administration, and is a certified Project Management Professional.

With a strong commitment to service and excellence, Sam is dedicated to supporting patients, students, and colleagues through leadership, compassion, and professionalism. He strives to model the values of respect, integrity, and teamwork that form the foundation of the Academy of Allied Health Careers.

Outside of work, Sam enjoys traveling, trout fishing, and playing racquetball.

Sam can be reached at [email protected] or (423) 499-4999.

Alan has a B.S. in Business Administration, from Murray State University, 1993. He has more than 25 years of experience as a Business Owner/Manager. Alan has also served as a Business Development Specialist, Business Consultant and Management Consultant for several companies. Most recently, serving as Industrial Customer Specialist for the 3M Company in Atlanta, GA. Alan’s focus is to help grow The Academy so that, in the future, more students can have the opportunity to pursue their dream of a career in the medical field.

Alan can be reached at [email protected] or (423) 499-4999.

Brandy Livingston, MBA and B.S. in Healthcare Administration and Health Management, Bethel University.  Brandy has been in the medical field for 20 years and has been an integral part of leading healthcare as a Practice Administrator. She has in-depth knowledge of Practice Management including Revenue Cycle Management, Billing Guidelines, Human Resources, Practice Administration, Policies and Procedures, Compliance, Marketing, Contract Negotiations, and a multitude of business aspects. Originally from Panama City Beach, Florida, Brandy and her family moved to Chattanooga, TN in 2005. Outside of the office, Brandy is on the field and sidelines coaching cheer and softball developing leaders on and off the field. Brandy also enjoys crafting and spends countless hours creating unique creations.

Brandy can be reached at [email protected] or (423) 499-4999.

Allie Perez holds a Bachelor of Social Work degree from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and a Master of Social Work degree from Southern Adventist University. Since earning her M.S.W. in 2018, she has been dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families in the Chattanooga community through her work as a Child Therapist and Crisis Intervention Specialist.  Allie and her husband reside in Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia with their son who was born on 2023.  Allie joined the Academy of Allied Health Career's team to continue making a positive impact in people's lives and is passionate about empowering students to reach their full potential. 

Allie can be reached at [email protected] or (423) 499-4999.

Sherrie H. Coombs grew up in the North Georgia area and began her medical career in 1986 at Hutcheson Medical Center, working in the main laboratory and emergency room for thirteen years. After working as surgical nurse for Dr. Allen Lewis for six years, she worked in higher education at MillerMotte Technical College for the next fifteen years in Academics and Admissions. The last eight years, Sherrie spent working in home health at BrightStar Care of Chattanooga. Sherrie, her husband Jim, and their granddaughter Kynnedi live in Ringgold, Georgia and have two dogs, Jezebel and Molly. Her spare time is spent traveling to volleyball games with Kynnedi who plays for the Girls Preparatory High School and the Scenic City Volleyball Club. An avid UT Vols fan, Sherrie can be found at her laptop most evenings writing and publishing women’s fiction novels.

 Sherrie can be reached at [email protected] or (423) 499-4999.

Peyton served the community as a Sheriff's Deputy for 7 years before joining The Academy family. While with the Sheriff's Office, Peyton completed copious amounts of specialized training. He has been rewarded and recognized for his actions performed while on duty numerous times. Peyton is passionate about helping others and believes the past 7 years has lined up perfectly with his passion. Peyton saw and helped people in their most vulnerable times and was able to help them with whatever situation they were facing in that moment. Recently, Peyton felt God's calling for him to shift to playing a more involved role in changing peoples' lives for the better, which led him here to The Academy. As a Deputy, Peyton saw how many lives could be changed if they only had someone to guide them down the right path, Peyton decided he wanted to be that person. He is excited to have the opportunity to help people take their first step toward success! Peyton's goal is to have a positive impact on as many peoples' lives as he possibly can.

Peyton can be reached at [email protected] or (423) 499-4999.

Melinda Ford, RN, BSN, CLNC is a dedicated nursing professional and instructor with over 25 years of experience across a wide range of healthcare settings, including hospital care, hospice, home health, public health, and school nursing. Her diverse clinical background allows her to bring real-world insight and practical knowledge into the classroom.

At the Academy of Allied Health Careers, Melinda is passionate about preparing future nurses for success by combining strong clinical foundations with hands-on learning and compassionate care principles. She is committed to supporting students as they build confidence, develop critical thinking skills, and transition into the healthcare workforce.

In addition to her teaching role, Melinda is a Certified Legal Nurse Consultant and the owner of a medical/legal consulting firm, where she collaborates with attorneys on case reviews and medical record analysis. Her leadership experience and dedication to excellence make her a valuable mentor to aspiring healthcare professionals.

When at home, Melinda loves spending time with her family, baking, and traveling. She has four childen and five granddaughters. She has been married to her high school sweetheart for 37 years. They have traveled to many places including the Caribbean Islands, Canada, Mexico, and many US states including Hawaii. 

Melinda is proud to contribute to the Academy’s mission of providing high-quality education and empowering students to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Melinda can be reached at [email protected] or (423) 499-4999.

Perry has a broad and accomplished nursing career spanning infectious disease, wound care, home health, hospice care, behavioral health, and nursing education.

Known by many of his students as “Mr. Perry,” he began his healthcare career as a Certified Nursing Assistant before becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse and later a Registered Nurse. He continued advancing his education by earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a focus in Nursing Education.

Perry has experience teaching and providing leadership in both Practical Nursing and Associate Degree Nursing programs. His diverse clinical background, experience in nursing education, and commitment to leadership make him a valuable member of The Academy’s team.

Tiffaney is honored to serve as a Practical Nursing instructor for the Academy of Allied Health Careers, bringing both academic preparation and diverse clinical experience to the classroom. She earned her Master of Education degree from Lincoln Memorial University and her Registered Nursing degree from Chattanooga State Community College.

Tiffaney’s professional nursing background spans Medical-Surgical, Pediatrics, Gynecology, Behavioral Health, and clinic leadership as a Nurse Manager. These experiences have provided her with a well-rounded perspective that she strives to share with her students, preparing them for the many paths nursing can offer.

Beyond her professional life, Tiffaney’s faith and family are at the heart of everything she does. She is the proud mother of identical twin daughters, Katie and Trinity, who inspire her daily. Tiffaney is passionate about guiding the next generation of nurses, not only in developing their clinical skills, but also in cultivating compassion, integrity, and excellence in patient care.

Tiffaney can be reached at [email protected] or (423) 499-4999.

Mary McGuire-Guffey, B.S. in Biological Sciences, Lee University; 1998. Mrs. Mary came to the Academy in July of 2011, where she is the Clinical Medical Assisting Instructor. Her extensive teaching experience ranges from the Middle and High School sector, but most of her involvement has been in Career Colleges. She brings an array of knowledge to her field including emphasis on Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, Pathology and the Health Sciences. She serves her church community as a Youth Pastor, drummer on the praise team and has coached basketball for several years. Mrs. Mary has a heart for Medical Missions and has worked with "at risk" students in the public school system.  Mrs. Mary and her husband, Phillip, reside in Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia.  They have 3 children and 2 grandchildren.  

Mary can be reached at [email protected] or (423) 499-4999.

Robin Simmons is a native of North Alabama and has gained an extensive background in the medical billing and coding field over the past 13 years. She is a Certified Professional Coder and Certified Professional Coder Instructor for the Academy of Allied Health Careers. She has a strong desire to impact and inspire the lives of young men and women in our community. Robin believes that one of the best decisions she could have ever made was to become a Certified Professional Coder because it has allowed her opportunities to have a "productive career" with numerous advantages, resulting in great success.  She is committed to helping her students pursue their dream of a career in the medical field.

Robin can be reached at [email protected] or (423) 499-4999.

Tiffany is a healthcare professional who serves as a Medical Administrative Assistant and Electronic Health Records Specialist instructor, with expertise in medical assisting, surgical technology, and healthcare education. She currently teaches at the Academy of Allied Health Careers, where she prepares students for certification and successful careers in the medical field. 

Tiffany holds an Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology and is certified as a Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA), Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA), and Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS), along with Basic Life Support certification. With hands-on experience in clinical procedures, patient care, and surgical support, she is passionate about delivering high-quality care and mentoring the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Tiffany can be reached at [email protected] or (423) 499-4999.

Dana has been working as a Licensed Practical Nurse since 1996. Native to Tennessee, she has lived in Washington, California, and Texas.  She moved back to the area to be close to her grandchildren, and now resides on her hobby farm in Chickamauga, GA. She has experience in a wide variety of healthcare settings including Hospice Care, OB/GYN, Urgent Care, Occupational Health, as well as Clinical Medical Assisting Instructor.  She is a nature-lover, star-gazer, crystal collector/rockhound, and waterfall chaser (yes, she likes the rivers and lakes too). She loves to travel and visit new places. 

Dana can be reached at [email protected] or (423) 499-4999.

With over 18 years of experience in facilities management, Crystal brings a strong background in maintaining efficient, safe, and maintaining efficient, safe, and cost-effective environments across a variety of workspaces to the Academy of Allied Health Careers. She spent 11 years at Goodwill, where her responsibilities included ensuring compliance with safety and accessibility standards. Following that, she spent 7 years to CBS, where she further honed her skills in project management, vendor relations, cleanliness, organization and workplace optimization in a fast-paced, dynamic setting.    Whether addressing day-to-day facility needs or leading long-term improvement projects, Crystal approaches every challenge with a solutions-oriented mindset and a dedication to keeping our facility and operations running smoothly.

Crystal can be reached at [email protected] or (423) 499-4999.

Kelsie has lived in the North Georgia area most of her life. In 2019 she graduated with her certificate in Early Childhood Education but felt like she wanted to be in the medical field more. This led to her spending the next two and half years in different ICUs as a PCT in the Chattanooga area. In 2022, she went back to teaching.  Now she is very excited to be joining the Academy.   Kelsie spends most of her days with her two dogs Ralphie and Rocket. She is very active in her Bible study group and church. She enjoys reading and journaling in a new coffee shop any chance she gets. 

Kelsie can be reached at [email protected] or (423) 499-4999.

Cole Wilga serves as the Front Desk Receptionist at the Academy of Allied Health Careers and is often the first person you meet at our school! He supports the Academy’s daily operations by coordinating appointments, maintaining accurate records, organizing notes/documents/files, and manages the intake process for appointments.

Cole takes pride in creating an organized and welcoming front-office experience. He enjoys being part of a team dedicated to helping students take meaningful steps toward better opportunities and successful careers.

Outside of work, Cole enjoys spending time with his son, friends, and family.

Connie Sumrall is a registered nurse with more than 50 years of nursing experience who serves as a Lab Instructor for the Academy of Allied Health Careers. She brings extensive clinical and educational expertise spanning acute care, medical-surgical nursing, pediatrics, intensive care, and nursing education.

In the skills lab, Connie focuses on teaching and reinforcing essential nursing skills, including vital signs, medication administration, wound care, sterile technique, catheterization, and patient safety practices. She is committed to providing real-time coaching, remediation, and feedback to help students build confidence and competence before entering the clinical setting.

Connie holds a Tennessee multistate RN license and has a long history of supporting nursing education through staff development, orientation, and competency-based training. Known for her calm, supportive teaching style and servant-leader approach, she plays an important role in preparing practical nursing students for safe, effective patient care.

Ms. Sumrall can be reached at [email protected] or (423) 499-4999.

Born and raised in Maniche, a farming community in southern Haiti, Pierre Charly Point Du Jour is the eighth of nine children. He later attended Southern Adventist University, where he met his wife, Dymetrice, a Chattanooga native. They have been married for 13 years and have two children.

Pierre currently serves as a Care Coordinator with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Connected Care, supporting the Remote Patient Monitoring–Home Telehealth (RPM-HT) Program. His healthcare experience spans management, bedside nursing, care coordination, and nursing education. He has served as an instructor at Strayer University, Sigma College, Unitek College, and currently at The Academy of Allied Health Careers.

Pierre holds a bachelor's degree in Biology, a bachelor's degree in Nursing, and a Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Management. He also holds certifications in Case Management, Adult Nursing Education, and Care Coordination and Integrated Case Management. He is currently pursuing an additional master's degree in Nursing Education as well as a doctoral degree.

Kaci was born and raised in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and from an early age knew she wanted to pursue a career in the medical field. After moving to Athens, Tennessee, in 2006, she began her healthcare career as a Certified Nursing Assistant while attending Practical Nursing school. She graduated as an LPN in 2008 and later moved to Cleveland, Tennessee, where she met her husband, Chris. Together, they have one son, Mason.

In 2019, Kaci graduated from Chattanooga State Community College with an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing and began her career as a Registered Nurse in the hospital setting. She currently works at Bradley Medical Center as a Medical-Surgical nurse.

Throughout her nursing career, Kaci has gained experience in nearly every area of patient care, including home health, nursing homes, skilled rehabilitation, physician offices, bedside nursing, and travel nursing during the COVID-19 pandemic. She is passionate about helping others and believes strongly in being an advocate for her patients.

Outside of nursing, Kaci and her husband are very involved in their church and enjoy focusing on health and wellness, including spending their mornings together at the gym. She loves traveling, visiting family whenever she can, making sourdough bread, and spending quiet time reading in her rocking chair while enjoying the mountain views from the porch of their dream home.

Kaci is especially thankful for the opportunity to work with new and aspiring nurses. She enjoys precepting students, sharing her experience, and providing the guidance, encouragement, and constructive feedback that can help future nurses grow in both confidence and skill.

Ashley earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2013 and spent 13 years working in medical-surgical nursing before transitioning into nursing education in May 2026. She is currently pursuing her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

Outside of nursing, Ashley is also a tattoo apprentice and enjoys mountain biking in her free time. She has been married for two years and enjoys spending time with her two dogs, Clark and Basil.

Brittany was born and raised in Southwest Florida and moved to Chattanooga in 2021. Since beginning her healthcare career in 2009, she has gained experience across several areas, including dental care, home health, mental health, clinical research, and acute care nursing.

She earned her Associate of Science in Nursing and became a Registered Nurse in 2021, followed by her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2025. She is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration as a Family Nurse Practitioner.

Brittany is passionate about education and enjoys helping students build confidence, develop their skills, and grow in their healthcare careers. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, boating, Jeep adventures, baking sourdough, and spending time with family, friends, and her pets.

David Moynan grew up in Metairie, Louisiana, and earned a Bachelor of Arts in English after studying at the College of Santa Fe and Loyola University New Orleans. At age 35, he began a new career path in healthcare, completing his nursing education at Delgado Community College and LSU Medical Center and earning his Associate Degree in Nursing in 1995.

David began his nursing career in adult oncology at Touro Infirmary in New Orleans. He later moved to Nashville, Tennessee, where he continued working in oncology in a variety of roles, including Transplant Nurse, Charge Nurse, Oncology Research Nurse, and Nurse Manager at Centennial Medical Center. While working full time, David continued advancing his education, earning his Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2011 and Master of Science in Nursing in 2013 through Western Governors University.

In 2015, David moved to Chattanooga, where he served as a Nurse Manager at Erlanger Hospital, overseeing the Oncology Unit, multiple outpatient infusion centers, the Dialysis Center, and the Renal Unit. David continued expanding his healthcare experience as a Practice Manager with Urology Associates at CHI Memorial and as a bedside nurse at Siskin Hospital for Physical Rehabilitation, working with patients recovering from strokes and head injuries.

David now brings his extensive clinical, leadership, and oncology experience to The Academy of Allied Health Careers as a Clinical Instructor in the Practical Nursing program. Having entered nursing later in life himself, he frequently reminds aspiring nurses that it is never too late to begin a career in healthcare.

Nancy has been a resident of Chattanooga for most of her life.  She brings a vast array of experience in many fields, including caregiving and hospice care, to the Academy. Since earning her certifications from the Academy, Nancy's desire was to return to help many other hopefuls begin their own journey to a bright future in the medical field.  

Nancy's passion is helping others and making a difference in their lives.   Her faith in God, along with her persistence and drive, gives her the desire to show others that all things are possible with hard work and determination.   

Nancy can be reached at [email protected] or (423) 499-4999.

Jackie is a 2012 graduate of the Academy of Allied Health Careers in Medical Billing and Coding and Certified Medical Assistant with further studies from Kennesaw State University in Human Resources as well as Medical Office Management.  After two years working as a receptionist, referral coordinator and a medical assistant in primary care, she found herself working in a cardiologist office, specifically electrophysiology. She was the lead medical assistant and worked her way to office supervisor.  She is excited to have the opportunity to lead, guide and educate others to have a promising career as a medical assistant.

She is happily married with four children and nine grandchildren.  She is passionate about her Savior and her family.  She enjoys rides with her husband in their red convertible mustang, floating in the pool, doing word searches and reading a good mystery.

Jackie can be reached at [email protected] or (423) 499-4999.