Program Directors and Program Chairs

Our faculty members do more than teach their specialties, they work in their specialties. We select instructors whose day-to-day duties ensure they are knowledgeable and up-to-date on the most current theories, practices and technologies of their field – and who also possess a gift to teach that information to students. Click on your campus location to learn more about our Program Directors.

Don Jones, President and CEO

Don Jones is a proven leader with a happy outlook on business and life who consistently raises the bar for ATA, the faculty, staff and students, all while wearing his signature smile. Since taking the reins in 2006, Jones has led ATA into new territory by updating their identity, expanding the college campus and adding new programs, accreditations and financial aid, not to mention nearly doubling the student body in his first year. Quality medical education, retention, career services and compliance are at the top of his priority list.

Professional Experience and Certification:

  • BS in Industrial Technology, Western Kentucky University
  • 20+ years of experience in manufacturing management with Fortune 500 companies

Sam Yeboah MSN RN, MA FNP-BC

Program Director for Nursing

MSN RN FNP-BC, Chamberlain University

Professional Certification:

  • American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP)
  • 13 years of Nursing experience

Sarah Norris

Program Director for Dental Assisting

Bachelor of Science, Organizational Leadership & Learning, University of Louisville

Dental Assisting Diploma, ATA College

Professional Certification:

  • CDA, EDDA, Dental Radiography, OSHA, BLS Experience
  • 12 years of Dental Assisting Experience

Ronnie Turnmire, BBA (HCM), CPC

Program Director for Medical Coding and Medical Administrative Assistant

Masters of Science, Educational and Instructional Technology, National University

Bachelor’s Degree, Business Administration with Specialization in Healthcare Management, Minor in Human Resources- Florida Institute of Technology

Professional Certifications:

  • AAPC (American Association of Professional Coders)
  • CPC (Certified Professional Coder)
  • ICD 10 Proficient/ Certified
  • 15 years of Medical Coding/ Billing Experience

Stephanie Thiel RT (R) ARRT

Program Director for Limited Medical Radiography with Medical Assisting

Associates Degree in Applied Sciences/ Certified Radiologic Technologist, Jefferson Community College

Professional Certifications:

  • Kentucky State Certified and ARRT Certified
  • 15 years of experience as an RT(R)
  • KY Radiography General Operators License

Traci Buford, CMA (AAMA), LMR

Program Director for Medical Assisting

Associates Degree, Jefferson Community College

Professional Certifications:

  • AAMA American Association of Medical Assistants Certified Medical Assistant
  • CNA Certified Nursing Aide
  • BLS CPR Certification
  • BLS CPR Instructor Certification
  • 21 Years of experience as a Medical Assistant

Ellie Mikel

Program Director for Distance Learning

Bachelors of Science in Biology from Western Kentucky University

11 years of teaching experience

For Consumer Information: Disclosures

Our faculty members do more than teach their specialties, they work in their specialties. We select instructors whose day-to-day duties ensure they are knowledgeable and up-to-date on the most current theories, practices, and technologies of their field – and who also possess a gift to teach that information to students.

Don Jones, President and CEO

Don Jones is a proven leader with a happy outlook on business and life who consistently raises the bar for ATA Career Education, the faculty, staff and students, all while wearing his signature smile. Since taking the reins in 2010, Jones has led ATA Career Education into new territory by updating their identity and adding new programs. Quality medical education, retention, career services and compliance are at the top of his priority list.

Professional Certifications

  • BS in Industrial Technology, Western Kentucky University
  • 20+ years of experience in manufacturing management with Fortune 500 companies

Debe L Oxley, RN, MSN

Nursing Program Director

Professional Certifications

  • Bachelors of Science, Nursing major from Millersville University
  • Masters of Science, Nursing Education from Walden University
  • Over 20 years of Healthcare and academia experience
  • Instructed over 5,000 students in LPN, ASN, BSN and MSN program

Lori Scribner, CDA

Program Director for Dental Assisting

Professional Certifications:

  • Master of Arts Career and Technical Education (M.Ed.) – University of South Florida
  • Bachelor of Applied Science Health Service Administration (B.A.S.) – St Petersburg College
  • Associates in Science Dental Assisting (A.S.) – Manor Jr. College
  • Certified Dental Assistant
  • Advisor National Technical Honor Society
  • Program Specialist Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools

Christine Wyman HSAA, BXMO, CCMA

Program Director for Medical Assisting & Limited Radiography with Medical Assisting

Professional Certifications:

  • Associates of Health Sciences – Ultimate Medical Academy
  • Licensed X-Ray Machine Operator
  • Certified Clinical Medical Assistant
  • Clinical Coordinator
  • Advisory board member for the National Technical Honor Society
  • 17 plus years of experience in health care

For Consumer Information: Disclosures

‘Our faculty members do more than teach their specialties, they work in their specialties. We select instructors whose day-to-day duties ensure they are knowledgeable and up-to-date on the most current theories, practices and technologies of their field – and who also possess a gift to teach that information to students.

Don Jones, President and CEO

Don Jones is a proven leader with a happy outlook on business and life who consistently raises the bar for ATA, the faculty, staff and students, all while wearing his signature smile. Since taking the reins in 2006, Jones has led ATA into new territory by updating their identity, expanding the college campus and adding new programs, accreditations and financial aid, not to mention nearly doubling the student body in his first year. Quality medical education, retention, career services and compliance are at the top of his priority list.

Professional Experience and Certification:

  • BS in Industrial Technology, Western Kentucky University
  • 20+ years of experience in manufacturing management with Fortune 500 companies

Jody Shively, MSN, RN, CNL 

Program Director for Nursing

Master of Nursing, Clinical Nurse Leader, Bachelor of Nursing – Xavier University

Registered Nurse – Deaconess School of Nursing

Professional Certification:

  • RN Ohio 
  • RN Kentucky
  • Certification in Clinical Nurse Leader
  • 35 years of experience in the field of Nursing

Tanya Roberts MHA, BA

Program Director for Medical Assisting

Master’s Degree in Healthcare Administration/ Leadership – Capella University

Bachelor’s Degree in Arts and Sciences – Mount Saint Joseph University

18 years of Directing and Teaching

Dr. Yiwen Stratton, MS, Ph.D., MBA

Program Director for General Education

Bachelor of Science – Taipei Medical University

Masters of Science – Ohio State University

Doctor of Philosophy – Ohio State University

Postdoctoral Training – Yale University

Master of Business Administration – University of Cincinnati

Professional Certifications:

  • Member of American Association for the Advancement of Science
  • 30 years of scientific research experience
  • 18 years of teaching experience
  • 10 years as the Scientific Research Consultant for the University of Cincinnati

For Consumer Information: Disclosures

Our faculty members do more than teach their specialties, they work in their specialties. We select instructors whose day-to-day duties ensure they are knowledgeable and up-to-date on the most current theories, practices and technologies of their field – and who also possess a gift to teach that information to students.

Don Jones, President and CEO

Don Jones is a proven leader with a happy outlook on business and life who consistently raises the bar for ATA, the faculty, staff and students, all while wearing his signature smile. Since taking the reins in 2006, Jones has led ATA into new territory by updating their identity, expanding the college campus and adding new programs, accreditations and financial aid, not to mention nearly doubling the student body in his first year. Quality medical education, retention, career services and compliance are at the top of his priority list.

Professional Experience and Certification:

  • BS in Industrial Technology, Western Kentucky University
  • 20+ years of experience in manufacturing management with Fortune 500 companies

Gay Pearce, BS, RN

Program Director for Nursing

Bachelor of Science, Excelsior College

Professional Certification:

  • Registered Nurse
  • 34 years’ experience as a nurse

Judith Le Blanc, MHA, RT (R), RDMS

Program Director for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS)

Masters of Healthcare Administration – Oklahoma State University

Bachelors of Science/ Sonography – University of Arkansas – Ft. Smith

Associates of Science/ Radiography – Tulsa Community College

Professional Certifications:

  • American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT)
  • American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) (Ab) (OB)
  • 14 years of experience in the Medical Field and Education

Anna Lewis

Program Director for Education

Masters in Human Relations – University of Oklahoma

Bachelor of Science in Family Study – Southern Nazarene University

Professional Certifications:

  • American Association of Medical Personnel (RMA)
  • American Medical Technologist (RMA)
  • 30 years of experience in the Medical Field and Education

For Consumer Information: Disclosures

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