Staff and Faculty

The field of simulation is constantly evolving. A broad base formed by our interdisciplinary team brings together insights in clinical care, education methodologies, simulation technologies, and patient communication strategies, to keep pace with and create a launchpad for better outcomes through simulation. Our ultimate goal is increased patient safety and expert patient care.

An Interdisciplinary Team in Action

Melissa Fischer, MD MEd
Executive Director, iCELS
Assistant Vice Provost for Interprofessional and Instructional Innovation
Melissa.Fischer@umassmed.edu

Kathleen Altomare
Staff Accountant
Kathleen.Altomare@umassmed.edu

Tom Bohigian
Simulation Technician
Thomas.Bohigian1@umassmed.edu

Peterson Jeudy
Education Program Specialist
Peterson.Jeudy@umassmed.edu

Matthew Kersey
IT MedXR Intern
Matthew.Kersey@umassmed.edu

Bridget Latour
Education Program Specialist
Bridget.Latour@umassmed.edu

Cesar Merida
Simulation Technician
Cesar.Merida@umassmed.edu

Elizabeth Nadeau
Administrative Coordinator II
Elizabeth.Nadeau1@umassmed.edu

Melissa Puliafico
Director, Educational Affairs
Melissa.Puliafico@umassmed.edu

Sylvia Stanhope
Administrative Manager
Sylvia.Stanhope@umassmed.edu

Isaac Torres Gutierrez
Simulation Technician II
Isaac.TorresGutierrez@umassmed.edu 

Kendra Vandervalk
Education Program Specialist II
Kendra.Vandervalk@umassmed.edu

Jorge Yarzebski, BA, CHSE, NRP, FP-C
Simulation Educator, Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator
Jorge.Yarzebskijr@umassmed.edu

Jacob Ward
Senior Project Manager
Jacob.Ward2@umassmed.edu

Anne Weaver, RN, MS, CHSE
Simulation Educator, Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator
Anne.Weaver@umassmed.edu

Partners

Laura Cardin
Training Coordinator, Surgical Skills
Laura.Cardin@umassmed.edu

Mary Zanetti, EdD
Senior Director, Institutional Research, Evaluation & Assessment
Mary.Zanetti@umassmed.edu

Center for Academic Achievement (CAA): Clinical Students

Tracy Kedian, MD
Director, Center for Academic Achievement
Assistant Dean, Academic Achievement
Tracy.Kedian@umassmed.edu

Nneka Onwubueke, MD
Clinical Mentor, Center for Academic Achievement
Nneka.Onwubueke@umassmemorial.org

Deanna Richmond, MD
Clinical Mentor, Center for Academic Achievement
Deanna.Richmond@umassmemorial.org

Lisa Shay
Project Coordinator
Lisa.Shay@umassmed.edu

Visit the CAA Website