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.

Dr. Sallie Hoffer is the Director of the Practical Nursing Program at the Academy of Allied Health Careers.. In her professional life, Dr, Hoffer has served as a Labor and Delivery Nurse, Nurse Manager of Labor and Delivery, Director of Women’s Services, Nurse Practitioner in a Family Practice and then continued her clinical profession as a Vice-President of Nursing.  Nursing Education has always been a passion, assisting others to reach their dream of starting a career in nursing.   Dr, Hoffer has taught at the associate, baccalaureate and master’s Levels, has also developed an RN to BSN Program, and has held a leadership position as Chair of a Nursing Department in Texas.

Dr. Hoffer became an LPN in 1983 and continued her education at Miami-Dade Community College where she received an associate degree in nursing.  To further opportunities within nursing, Dr. Hoffer competed her BSN and an MSN as a Nurse Practitioner in Adult Health at Florida International University.  As leadership became her primary focus in her career, Dr. Hoffer also competed a doctoral degree in Leadership at Andrews University.

Dr. Hoffer looks forward to working with the outstanding team of educators having a mission to empower students at the Academy of Allied Health Careers to deliver exceptional compassionate care to the community, making this organization the school of choice in the Greater Chattanooga area.

Dr. Hoffer 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.

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.

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.

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.

Roxie has over 16 years of medical experience.

She attended Jeremiah’s Hope Academy to earn her Phlebotomy Certification. She chose phlebotomy because she had health issues that made her a “hard stick” and she wanted to discover why it was so hard to draw blood from her. She met a phlebotomist who understood her and encouraged her to pursue this career. She also wanted to make her patients’ experience when getting blood drawn from a technician with the best “draw” and to be treated with respect and humor.

Roxie is happily married to Mike Smith for four years. They have five adult children between the two of them: Gatlin, Jake, Dalton, Shelby and Abby. They also have a new daughter-in-law, Kasie.

In their spare time, Roxie and Mike love to travel. They visit Venice, Italy when time allows. Otherwise, they take weekend trips to waterfalls, and movie locations (especially Smoky and the Bandit). She loves to find points of interest off the main path.

Roxie 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.