Faculty and Staff – Orlando PA

DMSc, PA-C, Program Director 

Dr. J. Robert “Robbie” Gerke serves as the Program Director and an Associate Professor for the South College PA Program in Orlando, FL. He holds a Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) degree, along with certificates in Executive Leadership and Health Administration and Management from the University of Lynchburg. A graduate with honors from the University of Florida in Health Education and Behavior, Dr. Gerke completed his PA training at Nova Southeastern University in 2010, where he was inducted into the Pi Alpha National Honor Society, followed by the Alpha Eta National Honor Society in 2020.

Dr. Gerke brings over 20 years of leadership and management experience spanning the retail, technology, healthcare, and education sectors. Since entering healthcare in 2010, he transitioned to academic medicine in 2015, where he has focused on program leadership, faculty development, and student success. His cross-industry experience informs his innovative approach to PA education, integrating strategic planning and team building to advance educational outcomes and enhance the academic experience within the South College PA Program.

Dr. Gerke contributes nationally to PA education as a member of the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) Exam Development Board, where he focuses on Family Medicine and Internal Medicine exams. Previously, he served as Southeast Regional Director for the Association of Physician Assistants in Cardiology (APAC) and as Co-Representative for the Florida Academy of Physician Assistants (FAPA). His dedication to advancing medical education and patient care is reflected in his past committee work with both the American Heart Association and PAEA.

MHP, PA-C, Director of Didactic Education

Tom Williams joined the South College Orlando PA program as Director of Didactic Education in October 2024. He brings over three decades of experience in PA education and clinical practice. He has held multiple leadership roles, including Program Director and Academic Director at Northeastern University in Boston and South University in Tampa. His clinical background spans primary, urgent, and acute care in hospital, long-term care, and home settings.  Tom was a member of the Board of Physician Assistants in Massachusetts and in the past was the owner of a successful staffing corporation of medical personnel in the Commonwealth.  His commitment to advancing PA education is evident through his contributions to interdisciplinary training, continuous education, and numerous presentations and workshops.

MMSc, PA-C, Director of Clinical Education

Chelsea J. Liles began her journey with the South College Orlando PA program as principal faculty in April 2024 and was appointed Director of Clinical Education in October 2024. She brings a wealth of experience from her work as an Orthopedic Trauma Physician Assistant in a high-volume tertiary care center, where she assisted in complex acute fracture cases, general orthopedics, and orthopedic oncology surgeries. In addition to her surgical first assist role, Chelsea has provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient post-operative care and managed clinic operations for both operative and non-operative cases. Her commitment to education is evident in her involvement with orthopedic resident curriculum, medical student rotations, and her role as a guest educator in a local PA program. She also has experience in emergency medicine and has worked in urgent care.

DHSc, M.Ed, MPAS, PA-C, Principal Faculty

Dr. Lorilee Butler is an Associate Professor and Principal Faculty member with South College Orlando’s PA program, bringing over 30 years of experience in healthcare, education, and military service. Dr. Butler holds a Doctor of Health Science in Higher Education and Leadership in PA Education, complemented by a Master of Education. Her career includes 16 years at Nova Southeastern University, where she served as Program Director and Associate Professor, fostering academic excellence and advancing PA education. A retired Major in the United States Air Force, Dr. Butler combines clinical expertise with a commitment to shaping future medical professionals. Her dedication to elevating patient care standards and integrating leadership with educational innovation continues to impact the healthcare community.

MD, Medical Director 

Dr. Brian Bozza serves as the Medical Director for the South College Orlando PA Program, where he brings over 25 years of experience in family medicine, medical education, and wellness. Dr. Bozza earned his Doctorate of Medicine from Wright State University in Dayton, OH and completed his Family Medicine residency at Fairview Hospital in Cleveland, OH. His career spans a range of impactful roles, including previous appointments as Medical Director for the Florida Gulf Coast University PA Program, Medical Director of Student Health Services at an on-campus clinic, and medical leadership positions in wellness clinics such as Nuviva Medical Weight Loss Clinic and T/ClinicsUSA in Naples, FL.

In addition to overseeing his own practice, North Naples Family Care, since 2000, Dr. Bozza has earned a reputation for delivering compassionate, personalized primary care and is a valued medical consultant. An active preceptor, he mentors family medicine residents, medical students, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners, fostering the growth of future healthcare providers.

Dr. Bozza’s commitment to community health extends beyond his practice, with active involvement in professional organizations such as the American Academy of Family Physicians. He is dedicated to advancing medical education and promoting health and wellness in his community, ensuring that the next generation of healthcare professionals is equipped to provide exceptional care.

BS, MBA, Director of Operations

Cami Czohara brings extensive higher education managerial experience and genuine enthusiasm to her role as Director of Operations for the South College Orlando Physician Assistant program. Demonstrating a long career in both Admissions and Financial Aid with a variety of colleges and universities, she is accustomed to complex operations and remains focused on the student experience. Ms. Czohara prioritizes the success of PA students and faculty by ensuring the smooth execution of program logistics and resources and is continuously striving to fine tune processes.

MEd, Admissions and Clinical Administrator

Ashley Marotto joins the PA Program at South College Orlando as both the admissions administrator and clinical administrator. Ashley has worked in education her entire career. She started as a preschool teacher and was then an administrator at a private preschool before working within the Early Intervention program in Illinois. Ashley enjoys working with prospective students who wish to further their education throughout the admissions process as well as supporting students throughout their clinicals. Ashley enjoys being organized and is highly experienced with technology.

MMS, PA-C, Principal Faculty

Allistair Smith, MS, PA-C, is a certified Physician Assistant with extensive experience in emergency and acute care medicine. He earned his Master of Science in Medical Studies from St. Francis University and has trained across diverse specialties, including emergency medicine, trauma, internal medicine, and family medicine.

Mr. Smith currently practices as a Physician Assistant in the Emergency Department at Heart of Florida Regional Medical Center and previously completed an emergency medicine residency at Oak Hill Hospital. He is also an experienced registered nurse and certified instructor in BLS, ACLS, and PALS.

With a strong foundation in high-acuity patient care and a passion for clinical education, Allistair brings valuable frontline expertise to his role as faculty at South College Orlando.

MMS, MPH, PA-C

With over 15 years of experience in primary care, Rebecca Mangali has cultivated a diverse clinical background spanning emergency medicine, hospital medicine, urgent care, and physical medicine and rehabilitation. A dedicated and passionate PA, Rebecca has consistently demonstrated a commitment to patient-centered care and advancing the profession.

Beyond clinical practice Rebecca has played an active leadership role within the Florida Academy of Physician Assistants and currently serves as its president. Through this role, she has been a staunch advocate for PA practice, policy development, and professional growth. Additionally, as a long-time clinical preceptor, Rebecca has mentored and educated future PAs, emphasizing the importance of clinical excellence, advocacy, and leadership.

At South College, Rebecca Mangali is eager to contribute to a dynamic learning environment while continuing to champion the growth and recognition of the PA profession. With a steadfast belief in education, advocacy, and mentorship, she remains committed to shaping the future of healthcare by fostering the next generation of highly skilled and compassionate Physician Assistants.

MS, MMS, PA-C

Matthew Robinson is an Assistant Professor in the School of Physician Assistant Studies at South College’s Orlando campus. He holds a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Florida, as well as both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Exercise Physiology from East Carolina University. Clinically, he brings nearly a decade of experience in orthopedic surgery, including specialized training through a fellowship in pediatric orthopedics. His practice has focused on hand and upper extremity conditions, spine care, and joint replacement. Prior to joining South College, Matthew taught for five years at the University of Central Florida, where he worked with undergraduate students pursuing careers in health care. He is passionate about building confident, compassionate providers and is committed to blending clinical excellence with mentorship and empathy. 

MPAS, PA-C, Principal Faculty

Matti Hudak is a certified Physician Assistant with a strong background in urgent care and medical education. She earned her Bachelor of Science in applied physiology and kinesiology from the University of Florida and went on to complete her master’s in physician assistant studies at the University of South Florida.

Since entering clinical practice, Ms. Hudak has spent the last three years providing high-quality, compassionate care in urgent care settings, where she has developed a reputation for her clinical acumen, patient-centered approach, and ability to thrive in fast-paced environments. In addition to her clinical work, Ms. Hudak is passionate about advancing the next generation of healthcare professionals. Her introduction to PA education began at Nova Southeastern University as an adjunct professor, where she shared her practical experience and dedication to patient care with aspiring PAs.

Ms. Hudak is committed to lifelong learning and continues to engage in professional development to stay at the forefront of medical practice. She is thrilled to be a part of South College and continue her career as an assistant professor.

MSPAS, PA-C, Principal Faculty

Michelle Atwell, MS, PA-C, is a certified Physician Assistant with a background in cardiology, healthcare communication, and community service. An Orlando native, she earned dual undergraduate degrees from the University of Central Florida and her Master of Physician Assistant Studies from Nova Southeastern University Orlando.

Ms. Atwell has practiced in both inpatient and outpatient cardiology, with experience in heart failure care and collaboration with a heart transplant team. She also trains medical residents in compassionate communication through The Orsini Way and has volunteered extensively at Shepherd’s Hope, serving uninsured patients.

As Principal Faculty at South College Orlando, Ms. Atwell brings her clinical expertise, passion for communication, and dedication to mentorship into the classroom. Outside of work, she enjoys home remodeling with her husband and sons and supporting the Lake Mary High School Marching Rams.

MBA, Operations Coordinator

Akira Ceville brings extensive administrative and healthcare operations experience to her role as PA Operations Coordinator for the South College Orlando PA program. With a background in healthcare administration and executive support, she has coordinated complex clinical processes, supported multidisciplinary teams, and ensured compliance with regulatory standards. Ms. Ceville’s early career included training and development in the hospitality industry, where she designed and delivered professional training programs to enhance team performance and streamline operations. Her passion for healthcare administration and training has shaped her career path, enabling her to combine organizational excellence with a people-centered approach. In her current role, she is dedicated to supporting faculty, staff, and students by ensuring the effective coordination of program operations and resources.

DSc, PA-C, DipACLM, Principal Faculty

Dr. Russell Smith has a diverse and nontraditional background in healthcare and education. In addition to his academic role, he owns and operates a virtual lifestyle medicine clinic, where he cares for patients outside of his teaching responsibilities. He also serves with the Florida 6 Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT) as part of the National Disaster Medical System under the U.S. Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response.

Dr. Smith’s career in medicine began as a nursing assistant and progressed to paramedic practice, where he worked for over 20 years, many of them within a large urban 911 system. During the latter part of his paramedic career, he also served as a tactical medic with a SWAT team. Like many adult learners, he pursued his education while balancing work and life responsibilities—earning his bachelor’s degree through night school, retiring from full-time paramedic work to complete his Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies, and later obtaining a Doctorate of Science.

Since graduating, Dr. Smith has practiced in a variety of clinical settings, including a Level IV neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), correctional medicine, and a federally qualified health center. These experiences shaped his belief that the most powerful medicine we have is how we live our lives and what we eat. This philosophy led him to become board-certified in lifestyle medicine, and he is currently pursuing certification in culinary medicine. He understands firsthand the challenges of balancing work, school, and personal life, and is committed to supporting students as they work toward their goals and success.

MMS, PA-C, Principal Faculty

Heidi Lamoreaux, MMS, PA-C, serves as Principal Faculty in the Physician Assistant Program at South University, Orlando. She earned her Master of Medical Science degree with high honors from Nova Southeastern University in Orlando in 2017 and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Utah.

She brings clinical experience in emergency medicine, urgent care, primary care, and obesity management to her teaching. She is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) and the Florida Academy of Physician Assistants (FAPA). Her professional philosophy emphasizes empathy, compassionate care, and the use of evidence-based practices. She values the role of human experience in medicine and integrates real-world clinical perspectives into the classroom to foster meaningful learning, clinical confidence, and patient-centered care.

Outside of her academic role, she enjoys travel, cooking, and escape rooms and values time with her family. She also serves as a caregiver for her husband, an experience that further informs her compassionate, patient-centered approach to healthcare education and mentorship.

MA, MMS, ATC, LAT, PA-C, Principal Faculty

Scott Wheeler is a licensed Athletic Trainer and Physician Assistant with more than 20 years of experience as an ATC and 15 years as a PA. His diverse clinical background includes Orthopedics, Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Neurosurgery, and, most recently, Pain Management. Throughout his career, he has developed a reputation for adaptability, collaborative care, and a strong commitment to patient well‑being.

Scott began his academic journey at the University of Kansas, where he graduated in 1993 with a pre‑physical therapy emphasis. After redirecting his career path, he completed additional training in athletic training at KU and then went on to earn his Master’s degree in Athletic Training at the University of Central Florida. As a graduate assistant athletic trainer at UCF, he worked primarily with the men’s soccer program and additionally supported the softball and baseball teams.

He accepted a full‑time position with Cirque du Soleil’s La Nouba at Walt Disney World, while he completed his master’s degree while providing high‑performance athlete care in a unique and demanding environment. He later joined the international touring show Dralion, gaining global experience before eventually pursuing his long-held goal of becoming a Physician Assistant through Nova Southeastern University.

Outside of clinical practice, Scott’s career includes notable performance and entertainment roles. He has appeared as the Fire Character in Dralion during a special techno show in Mexico City and currently serves as a referee on NWA POWERRR, airing Tuesday nights on the Roku Sports channel.

Scott is married to Jennifer, who works in the pharmaceutical industry and is also a PA with extensive Emergency Medicine and Plastic Surgery experience. They have two sons: Fynn, age 10, an energetic baseball catcher, and Landon, age 18, a student at UCF involved in performing arts and a member of the a cappella group Gemini Boulevard.

Graduate Admissions Officer

Rachel Gilbert is the Graduate Admissions Officer for the South College Orlando Physician Assistant Program. She holds a Master’s in Business Administration and brings in a background in Admissions and Financial Aid. She is also actively involved in Central Florida’s music community. Her experience allows her to build meaningful relationships while ensuring students feel welcome, informed, and supported as they work toward their academic and professional goals.