Faculty and Staff

Pangela H. Dawson, Ph.D., PA-C

Founding Associate Dean, Department Chair, Program Director

Pangela H. Dawson, PhD, PA-C, is a distinguished academic leader, clinician, and educator with a proven record of strategic innovation and institutional advancement in health professions education. She currently serves as Associate Dean, Department Chair, and Founding Program Director for the Physician Assistant Program at Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia. In this capacity, Dr. Dawson has been instrumental in shaping the School’s academic portfolio, fostering interprofessional collaboration, and advancing initiatives that promote equity, excellence, and community engagement in healthcare education.

Dr. Dawson earned both her Ph.D. in Education Policy Studies and Evaluation and Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Kentucky. Her expertise spans higher education leadership, program development, accreditation, and organizational transformation. She has successfully launched and led multiple graduate programs, including new Physician Assistant and Master of Biomedical Sciences programs, demonstrating a sustained capacity to design, implement, and scale academic programs that align with institutional mission and workforce needs.

An accomplished scholar and administrator, Dr. Dawson has secured multiple Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) grants to enhance primary care training and expand access to underserved communities. Her research and national presentations address critical issues such as diversity and inclusion in healthcare, domestic violence advocacy, and innovation in clinical education.

Recognized for her collaborative leadership style and strategic vision, Dr. Dawson is deeply committed to advancing academic excellence, cultivating faculty and student success, and fostering institutional cultures of accountability, innovation, and belonging. She continues to shape the future of health professions education through her service, mentorship, and dedication to transforming academic environments to meet the evolving needs of society.

As a practicing physician assistant, Dr. Dawson specialized in orthopedic pediatrics and chronic pain management and rehabilitation. Her current research interests include identifying early indicators for student success and enhancing cultural proficiencies in medical education. 

Donny Ard, Ph.D., MHA, PA-C

Associate Professor, Associate Program Director, Director of Program Innovation and Design 

Dr. Donny Ard joined Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) in May of 2020 as the Associate and Academic Director for the Physician Assistant Program in the Department of Family Medicine.  He received is Ph.D. in Public Health with a concentration on Community Health Education and Promotion from Walden University.  His dissertation focused on the understanding impact a family of history of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus had on positive behavior changes in the African American community.  His academic training also includes a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Oakwood University (College), and master’s in health administration from University of Phoenix, and a Bachelor of Science in Physician Assistant studies from Touro College in Bay Shore, NY.

After graduating from PA School, Dr. Ard always knew he would give back to the profession by lending his time in educating others who were in PA school.  Dr. Ard began as a guest lecturer and adjunct faculty with Anne Arundel Community College/University of Maryland Collaborative PA Program.  With a desire to do more and have a larger impact on the student’s educational experience, he became a Senior Lecturer for the school in 2017 and served as a council member on the Diversity and Inclusion Committee.  Shortly after Dr. Ard took a leadership role with Howard University during the rebuilding phase of their PA Program.   

Dr. Ard has been a practicing Physician Assistant for 16 years.  All of his years of practice have been in General Surgery and several Surgical Subspecialties such as Vascular, Thoracic, and Gynecological Surgery.  Dr. Ard’s current research interest is in community health promotion along with diversity and inclusion within the medical profession. 

Ebony Blackmon, DMS, MSPAS, PA-C

Assistant Professor, Academic Director 

Dr. Ebony Blackmon has been practicing as an Emergency Room PA for over 11 years. She has been a PA educator since 2019. She specializes in teaching clinical skills and point-of-care ultrasound. She earned her Doctor of Medical Science with a specialty in Medical Education in 2024. She was promoted to Academic Director of the PA program in 2024.

Stephanie Banks, MPH

Instructor, Director of Community Engagement

Stephanie Y. Banks is a Public Health Educator with over 20 years of diverse combined experience in medical education, curriculum development, program management and development, community health outreach, and higher education administration. She joined the Morehouse School of Medicine’s Department of Physician Assistant Studies (MSM PA Studies) in June 2019, serving as Principal Faculty and Director of Community Engagement. During her time in the MSM PA Program, Stephanie created the Medicine and Society I, II, & III course series and implemented the Community-Oriented Primary Care model as the core framework for the curriculum. One of her major accomplishments so far is her collaboration with Advil, Agency Partners, and BLKHLTH on a formal proposal to incorporate elements of The Advil Pain Equity Course into the Medicine & Society curriculum of MSM’s PA Program. In her role overseeing community engagement initiatives, Stephanie cultivates partnerships that support students’ service-learning goals, address community needs, and advance the mission of Morehouse School of Medicine: “Leading the creation and advancement of health equity to achieve health justice.” Her efforts have led to the development of “PAs in the Park,” an annual community outreach event designed to inspire health and wellness in local communities. Stephanie also serves the MSM PA Studies Department as a Learning Community Mentor, coordinating learning community activities, chairing the PA Student Progress and Promotions Committee (PA SAPP), and participating in several departmental and institutional committees. Additionally, she teaches in MSM’s Community Health and Preventive Medicine Department, where she expands her instructional role as a Faculty Mentor in the MD 1 Community Health Course and contributes as a Curriculum Committee Member. Stephanie is passionate about PA and medical education and is proud to contribute to the growth and development of the Department of Physician Assistant Studies at Morehouse School of Medicine.

Danielle Bell, DMSc, PA-C

Principal Faculty, Assistant Professor

Dr. Danielle Bell has been a PA since 2018 and has a passion for student-led learning. She received her Doctor of Medical Sciences from the University of Lynchburg with a concentration in administrative medicine. Her academic training also includes a Masters of Curriculum from the University of South Florida and Master of Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Charleston. She currently teaches medical interviewing, physical diagnosis 1, physical diagnosis 2, and the behavioral health clerkship. Her current research interests are women’s health, wilderness/military medicine, and environmental factors affecting patient health.

Carletta S. Demps, MD, PA

Principal Faculty, Assistant Professor

Dr. Carletta Demps joined Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) in June 2022 as Principal Faculty, Assistant Professor Department of Physician Assistant Studies. She received her Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Florida, Gainesville Florida. Dr. Demps completed her internship in Internal Medicine and her residency in Emergency Medicine at UF Health Jacksonville. She is Board Certified in Emergency Medicine.

Her academic training also includes a Bachelor’s in Health Science - Physician Assistant from the University of Florida. She practiced as a certified Physician Assistant for several years before returning to the University of Florida to attend medical school. Dr. Demps has worked in many specialties and medical services including emergency medicine, trauma, urgent care, and primary care. She has volunteered helping the systemically disenfranchised population throughout her medical career. After practicing medicine for over 30 years, she has committed to helping create health equity and justice by educating students at Morehouse School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program with the goal to increase diversity in the health care workforce. Dr. Demps states she is most excited to teach in the profession where she began her medical career and where she believes she could have an immediate impact on positive health care outcomes through helping develop culturally competent providers.

Mieshia Baker Dunn, MBA

Adminstrative Assistant Director

Mieshia Baker Dunn joined Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) in December 2017 as the program manager for the Office of Physician Assistant Studies. She received her bachelor of art degree from Clark Atlanta University and her master of business administration from Keller Graduate school.

Ms. Baker Dunn’s passion for education and helping others began in the role of academic advisement and quickly developed into other areas, including admissions advisor, assistant director of admissions and adjunct faculty. Ms. Baker Dunn is an advocate of education and understands the importance of providing a diverse and enriched learning environment for the 21^st century learner of today.

Ms. Baker Dunn is a community advocate and supports MSM's vision of improving health and well-being in surrounding communities. She has developed and supported several community health projects, which include screening for high blood pressure, diabetes prevention, and HIV testing. She currently serves on the Board of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc.-Mecca Chapter, which allows her an opportunity to focus on initiatives in the areas of health and education.

Somilez Francis, MS, BS

Grants Program Manager

Somilez Francis is the Grants Program Manager in the Office of Physician Assistant Studies at Morehouse School of Medicine, where she leads federally funded initiatives to expand education, training, and workforce development for future healthcare providers. She brings over eight years of experience across academia, government, and nonprofit sectors, with expertise in grants administration, public health research, and program management. Ms. Francis began her career as a Microbiologist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and conducted research at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center before transitioning into health technology and program management. At Morehouse School of Medicine, she ensures regulatory compliance, fiscal accountability, and measurable outcomes across educational and workforce programs, with a strong commitment to advancing equity in healthcare education. She holds a B.S. in Molecular and Microbiology from the University of Central Florida, an M.S. in Biology from the University of Nebraska at Kearney, and an M.S. in Biotechnology from Morehouse School of Medicine. Her contributions have been recognized with the Georgia Clinical & Translational Science Alliance Staff Excellence in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award (2025), and she is an active member of the American Public Health Association.

Sabrina Jackson-Botts, DMin, PA-C

Principal Faculty, Director Student Success (Didactic)

"Dr. Sabrina J. Botts is a certified Physician Assistant with more than 25 years of experience in clinical practice and academic leadership. She earned her Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Emory University in 1997, followed by a Master’s in Biblical Counseling in 2019 and a Doctorate in Ministry in 2023 from Luther Rice College and Seminary.
Her clinical background spans multiple areas of medicine, with a strong passion and expertise in Family Medicine, Behavioral Health, and Women’s Health. She began her tenure at Morehouse School of Medicine in 2009, serving in both clinical and research roles within the Department of Family Medicine and the National Center for Primary Care.
In 2018, Dr. Botts joined the inaugural team tasked with planning and launching the Physician Assistant Program at Morehouse School of Medicine, where she served as principal faculty and Director of Admissions.
In 2019, she stepped away to pursue advanced theological studies and to engage in faith-based community health and health promotion through a partnership with a local community organization. She returned to clinical practice in Family Medicine in 2022 and rejoined Morehouse School of Medicine in 2025 as Principal Faculty in the Department of Physician Assistant Studies.
Teaching Roles
• Co-Course Director, Clinical Medicine II
• Co-Course Director, Diagnostic Methods
• Course Director, Behavioral Medicine
• Didactic Student Success Coach
• Capstone Faculty Mentor, Pediatric/Adolescent Health Learning Community
• Faculty Advisor, PA Class of 2027
Honors & Recognition
• Selected as one of four participants in the Teaching Academy for the 2025–2026 academic year."

Lynwood McAllister, PhD, MPA, MA

Admission Director

Dr. McAllister has more than 25 years of experience across public health, academic medicine, consulting, and policy. Dr. McAllister has dedicated his career to expanding access to clinical training and strengthening partnerships that broaden the reach and impact of medical education and training.

Sheila Young-Mercado, MD

Principal Faculty, Director Student Success (Clinical)

Sheila Young-Mercado, MD is a healthcare visionary and leader committed to advancing health equity for under-resourced communities. She serves as Assistant Professor, Director of Student Success, and Principal Faculty for the Physician Assistant Program at Morehouse School of Medicine, and is President & CEO of the Association of Black Women Physicians. A certified consultant for the Opioid Response Network and graduate of the California Health Care Foundation Leadership Program, she has led major initiatives from directing the CDU/MLK COVID-19 Testing Site—providing over 74,000 tests and mobilizing 35,000+ student volunteer hours—to advancing cervical cancer screening and disaster relief in Haiti. Dr. Young-Mercado has received numerous awards for her service and research, and in 2025 she completed the Morehouse School of Medicine Digital Health Educator Initiative Advanced Course (January), presented at the Healthcare Ethics Consortium (March), and earned an Executive Coaching Foundations Certificate (September) through Emory University’s Goizueta Business School.

Crystal Moon, DMSc, PA-C

Principal Faculty, Instructor

Dr. Crystal Moon brings an extensive experience in primary care and orthopedic medicine to her role as Assistant Clinical Director at the Morehouse School of Medicine PA Program. A 2014 graduate of the LMU-DCOM PA program, she transitioned to full-time academia in 2023 to pursue her passion for medical education. Dr. Moon's primary focus is the clinical year of training, with responsibilities encompassing clinical site visits, preceptor recruitment, and lecturing during students' campus return sessions. She is also actively involved in the didactic training of PA students, serving as co-course director for Physical Diagnosis, developing and delivering lectures in Clinical Medicine, and ensuring student competency through clinical skills assessments. She further solidified her commitment to academic excellence by recently earning her Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) degree from Southern Illinois University. Dr. Moon is dedicated to the advancement of the PA profession and finds great fulfillment in shaping future PAs.

Sharon Rachel, MA, MPH

Principal Faculty, Instructor

Professor Sharon Rachel has over two decades of experience in public health, specializing in curriculum development, health education, research, and training. As a Faculty Instructor of Physician Assistant Studies at Morehouse School of Medicine, she teaches Introduction to Evidence-Based Medicine, directs the PA student capstone research program, mentors the Honor/Women’s Health learning community, and supports federally-funded primary care training enhancement initiatives. Professor Rachel holds graduate degrees in Women’s Studies, Public Health, and History and Sociology of Technology and Science. Currently pursuing her Ph.D., her doctoral research examines intersectional social and health inequities related to climate change and has been presented to international audiences. She has authored research articles and book chapters on diverse public health topics, including global health inequities, HIV/AIDS, sexual health, African American women’s mental health, anti-racist allyship, gender-based violence, organizational readiness, and integrated behavioral health and primary care.

Christopher Ervin, MD

Adjunct Faculty, Instructor

Dr. Christopher Ervin is active in community-driven work and an advocate for health, wellness, and social justice. He earned his medical degree from Duke University School of Medicine. He completed an Emergency Medicine residency at Cook County Hospital. He presently is an Assistant Professor at Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) in the Department of Family Medicine and the Department of Physician Assistant Studies. He also serves as the Director of Community-based Initiatives with the primary role as the Director of Operations for Morehouse School of Medicine Student-led Free Clinic, the MSM H.E.A.L Clinic (Health Equity for All Lives) and oversight of Morehouse School of Medicine mobile health activities. Dr. Ervin has been a member of Georgia Department of Public Health Community Health Worker Advisory Board and the Georgia HIV Prevention and Care Council, serving as chair from 2016 - 2018. He has served as a consultant for local nonprofits and as an advisor to the Black Women’s Health Imperative. In 2019, Dr. Ervin was honored by the state of Georgia with a Proclamation for his commitment to community service, selected by Georgia House District 58 Representative, Rep. Park Cannon. Currently, Dr. Ervin serves as Board Member-at-Large for the Society for Student Run Free Clinics Faculty Association, the Mobile Healthcare Association, and Ubuntu Community Catalyst, Inc. He also serves on the Advisory Boards of the Dekalb CURDSE (Center for Urban Research, Development, Sustainability, and Evaluation) Community Action Board and Housing Plus, Inc.

Diane Griggs, NP-C

Clinical Director, Principal Faculty, Instructor

Diane Dennis-Griggs serves as the Clinical Director for the Physician Assistant (PA) Program, bringing over 23 years of experience as a Nurse Practitioner. In this role, she oversees all aspects of clinical and hands-on education for PA students. Her responsibilities include recruiting and managing preceptors, coordinating student training, supervising clinical faculty, arranging housing for students, and building partnerships with healthcare systems to enhance the clinical training experience. Diane is currently pursuing her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree, with her research focusing on the impact of food insecurity on chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity.

Hannah May, MSPAS, PA-C

Principal Faculty, Instructor

Hannah May joined Morehouse School of Medicine in August of 2021 as an instructional faculty member of the Physician Assistant Program.

She earned a Bachelor of Arts from Vanderbilt University in 2014 with a double major in Child Development and Medicine, Health, and Society. She furthered her education with a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Kentucky in 2018.

She currently practices as a physician assistant (PA) in pediatric medicine. She is licensed by the Georgia Medical Board and board certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. She has a special interest in international medicine and has received training in Honduras, Kenya, Mexico, and Swaziland. Her experience is in primary care pediatrics and pediatric cardiology.

Her academic career started in 2015 while teaching at El Camino Academy in Bogotá, Colombia. There she instructed in high school biology, chemistry, physical science, and algebra. This experience, combined with her work in clinical practice, shaped her desire to educate PA students. She is passionate about encouraging and equipping both her students and her patients with the resources to lead healthy lives.

Folashade Omole, M.D., FAAFP

Professor, Medical Director

Dr. Omole is a professor and the Sarah and William Hambrecht Chair of the Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) department of Family Medicine. She received her degree in physics from the University of Lagos, and her medical degree from Obafemi Awolowo University, lle-lfe, Nigeria. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) and a licensed medical acupuncturist. Dr. Omole is an educator to the core, she served as the clerkship director, as well as the residency program director, and was instrumental in expanding the class size from 5-5-5 to 6-6-6-6. She has been a PI and Co-PI on several projects and grants, and has authored and co-authored several manuscripts, with her recent collaboration resulting in the American Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery Clinical Practice Guidelines for Allergic Rhinitis, as well as for Tinnitus. She is the faculty advisor and medical director of the MSM Health Equity for All Lives (HEAL) student-run free clinic, and also serves as the director of Integrative Medicine.

Dr. Omole is an active Georgia Academy of Family Physicians (GAFP) member and served as the treasurer and Chair of Finance. She is a recipient of several awards, including being an inductee into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, GAFP Educator of the Year, Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine recipient, GAFP Physician of the Year, and recently, the MSM President and Dean's Service award.

Dr. Omole’s research interests are chronic disease management (diabetes), data-driven patient health outcomes, acupuncture, and aging, especially sex in the elderly.

Gabrielle Leverette

Clinical Curriculum Manager

Gabrielle Leverette serves as the Clinical Curriculum Manager for the Physician Assistant Studies Program at Morehouse School of Medicine. In this role, she oversees clinical schedules, manages relationships with community affiliates, and supports the coordination of clinical education. With a strong background in program management, research, data analysis, and community engagement, Gabrielle ensures that students receive a high-quality and well-rounded clinical experience. In addition to her work in medical education, Gabrielle is a trained Full-Spectrum Doula and founder of Doula Divine by Gabrielle, where she provides birth, postpartum, grief/loss, abortion, adoption, and fertility support nationwide. She is also an advocate for improving Black maternal health outcomes, bringing her passion for equity and holistic care into both her professional and community work.

Tyra Willingham, MPH

Program Manager

Tyra has over 10 years of experience working in education, with a strong passion for supporting others through both healthcare and academic settings. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration from Texas Southern University and a Master of Public Health from Lamar University.