Program Faculty and Staff
Meet our faculty and staff of the Physician Assistant program in Goodyear, AZ.
Faculty
Program Director
stewartclarks@franklinpierce.edu
(512) 885-5408
Hi, I'm Dr. Skylar Stewart-Clark, Program Director for the Physician Assistant program in Goodyear, AZ. I earned my Doctor of Philosophy in biomedical engineering and my Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies, which helped prepare me for both clinical practice and teaching. Before working in higher education, I practiced in areas such as urology and oncology and gained experience caring for patients in hospital settings. I am passionate about teaching future physician assistants and helping them grow into skilled and caring healthcare providers. I am especially interested in improving patient care and supporting students as they prepare for their careers in healthcare.
Associate Program Director
shamblenc@franklinpierce.edu
(623) 250-0104
Hi, I'm Dr. Carla Shamblen, Associate Program Director for the Physician Assistant program at the Goodyear, AZ campus. I earned my Doctor of Medical Science from the University of Lynchburg, my Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from A.T. Still University, and my Bachelor of Science in Human Biology from Grand Canyon University. I teach many clinical courses, including surgery, women’s health, pediatrics, family medicine, internal medicine, emergency medicine, and behavioral health. My research interests include family medicine, procedural skills training, and helping students learn from challenges.
Annette Altamirano-Lusko
Medical Director
AltamiranoLuskA@franklinpierce.edu
(480) 390-1085
Hi, I’m Annette Lusko, a board-certified physician in Family Medicine and Addiction Medicine with a broad and impactful career in clinical care, leadership, and medical education. I currently serve as Chief Medical Officer for Arizona’s largest integrated behavioral health agency Community Bridges Inc, a role I have held for over five years, leading system-wide clinical strategy and care innovation. I co-founded Arizona’s first Addiction Medicine Fellowship in partnership with HonorHealth, helping to build a stronger physician workforce to address the growing need for evidence-based addiction treatment.
My background spans primary care, addiction medicine, hospice, and several years in medical education. In addition to my leadership roles, I serve on the Arizona State University Medical Advisory Board and contribute my expertise to multiple state advisory committees focused on healthcare policy, addiction, and behavioral health. I am the recent Past President of Arizona ASAM Chapter and continue to work with ASAM as the Chair of the Advocacy Committee. My work reflects a deep commitment to integrated care, clinical excellence, and advancing public health initiatives across Arizona.
Dr. Shuo "Anny" Li, PA-C, DMSc
Hi, I'm Dr. Shuo Li, the Director of Clinical Education and an Associate Professor in the Physician Assistant Program at Franklin Pierce University. I earned my Doctor of Medical Science from the University of Lynchburg and my Master of Physician Assistant Studies from Chatham University. My areas of expertise include physician assistant education, student development, orthopedics, and neurosurgery. In my role as Director of Clinical Education, I work to create meaningful clinical experiences, support student growth, and help prepare future physician assistants for successful careers. I also continue to practice clinically in neurosurgery, which allows me to stay connected to patient care and bring current medical knowledge and real-world experience into my teaching. I am especially interested in clinical reasoning, professional development, and helping students connect what they learn in the classroom to patient-centered care. I am also a member of the American Academy of Physician Associates.
Annjanette “AJ” Sommers, PA-C, MS
Principal Faculty and Director of Assessment
(623) 518-2386 x139
Annjanette "AJ" Sommers serves as Principal Faculty and Director of Assessment at Franklin Pierce University, where she combines a long career as a Physician Associate with a passion for academic assessment and innovation. She currently resides in Oregon but as an Idaho native she is an authority on the perfect mashed potato. AJ holds a BS from Brigham Young University and an MS in PA Studies from Pacific University. Her background spans extensive work in pediatrics, primary care, and gastroenterology.
As Director of Assessment, AJ utilizes educational technology and AI tools to continuously enhance the student learning experience and streamline self-assessment. In the classroom, she guides students through laboratory medicine, diagnostic methods, clinical reasoning, and more. Students in Professor Sommers’s courses can count on an engaging environment that pairs rigorous clinical standards and innovative learning strategies with approachable humor.
Prof Dorothy Allen, PA-C
Principal Faculty
Hi, I am Dorothy Allen, MPAS, PA-C, Principal Faculty MPAS-AZ. I joined the faculty at Franklin Pierce University in June 2026. Iearned an AS from Walters State Community College, a BS from the University of Tennessee and MPAS from Eastern Virginia Medical School. Previously, I served as Vice President of the Tennessee Academy of PAs, Chair of both the Florida Legislation Affairs and TN Government Action Committees, as well as the TN PA state representative at the AAPA Legislative Advocacy Summit in 2018 and 2019. I have didactic and clinical PA education experience, and clinically over 18 years of combined experience within orthopedic surgery, ambulatory, and urgent care.
Angela Kenney PA-C
Assistant Professor
kenneya@franklinpierce.edu
(623) 925-4907
Hi, I'm Angela Kenney, an Assistant Professor in the Physician Assistant program at Franklin Pierce University. After starting my career in emergency medicine, I found my passion in dermatology, where I've been practicing for over 20 years. I spent nearly a decade at the Mayo Clinic in Arizona, serving as an Instructor in Dermatology and founding the Mayo Clinic PA Dermatology Internship. My research focuses on dermatology and teledermatology, and I've published original research and participated in clinical trials involving medical devices and medications. In addition to teaching in the Arizona MPAS Hybrid Program, I continue to practice medical and surgical dermatology.
Krysten Carlson, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C
Director of Didactic Education
carlsonk@franklinpierce.edu
(814) 312-6560
Hi, I'm Dr. Krysten Carlson, an Assistant Professor. My research focuses on hospital medicine, and I'm a proud member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants. I believe that learning flourishes in an inclusive environment where every student feels valued, respected and empowered. I design learning experiences that promote dialogue, critical thinking, and real-world problem-solving—tools essential for clinical practice. My goal is to guide students to become collaborative, culturally competent, and reflective healthcare professionals who are equipped to lead and advocate within an evolving healthcare system.
Brad Turney, PA-C
Assistant Professor
turneyb@franklinpierce.edu
(623) 518-2386
Hi, I'm Brad Turney, an Assistant Professor of Physician Assistant Studies. I teach courses like Basic Sciences and Diagnostic Methods. My research interests include pulmonology, orthopedics, and urology. I'm a member of several professional organizations, including the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA), the Arizona State Association of Physician Assistants (ASAPA), and the American Urological Association (AUA). I enjoy helping students learn and grow into skilled healthcare providers.
SHANE APPERELEY, DMS, PGCERT., MPLC, PA-R
Associate Professor
apperleys@franklinpierce.edu
(423) 438-5352
Hi, I'm Dr. Shane Apperley, an Associate Professor of the Physician Assistant Program in Goodyear, AZ. My research interests include expanding the PA profession internationally, medical education, student support, medical law, and orthopedics. I enjoy helping students grow into skilled and compassionate healthcare providers.
Staff
Admissions Coordinator
Hi, I'm Pamela O'Brien, the Admissions Coordinator. I work with both the Hybrid and New Hampshire PA programs, helping students through the admissions process and supporting them as they begin their journey to become physician assistants. I enjoy being part of a team that guides future healthcare professionals toward achieving their goals.
Clinical Placement Coordinator
gomezs@franklinpierce.edu
(623) 518-2386
Hi, I'm Sarah Gomez, Clinical Placement Coordinator. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Social Science with a focus on Secondary Education and my Master of Arts as a Reading Specialist, and I am also a National Board Certified Teacher in Adolescent & Young Adult Social Science. My interests include secondary education, social sciences, bilingual education, and helping educators in International Baccalaureate programs. I enjoy working with students and helping them succeed as they prepare for their future careers in health and education.
Program Coordinator
clergeaue@franklinpierce.edu
(623) 518-2386
Hi, I'm Emmanuella Clergeau, Program Coordinator.
Administrative Assistant
Hi, I'm Marielle Tassinari, the Administrative Assistant at the Goodyear Academic Center. I support the center's daily operations and assist students, faculty, staff, and visitors with a variety of administrative needs. I enjoy supporting our students as they work toward becoming future healthcare professionals and achieving their academic and career goals.
