Asheville Physician Assistant Program
Faculty & Staff
Cathy Bickerton, MS, PA-C
Program Director
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Cathy Bickerton, MS, PA-C earned the Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Science from Alderson-Broaddus University in 1986 and the Master of Science degree in Professional Leadership from Carlow University in 2000. She has been involved in physician assistant education as full-time faculty since December 1996.
Ms. Bickerton joined the South College Physician Assistant Program as a Founding Faculty member on September 1, 2020. Mrs. Bickerton’s duties include development and oversight of the program.
Ms. Bickerton is a NC state licensed, NCCPA nationally certified physician assistant with an extensive clinical background of 35 years of experience in internal medicine, emergency medicine and psychiatry. In her spare time, Mrs. Bickerton spends her time as a goat farmer. She has a small herd of dairy goats on her farm in east TN. With her wife’s help, she makes cheese, ice cream, assorted dairy products and soap.
Karla Robinson, MD, FAAFP
Medical Director
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Karla L. Robinson, MD, FAAFP is a licensed, board-certified family physician with over 15 years of experience. Now serving South College as the Medical Director for the School of Physician Assistant Studies-Asheville, Dr. Robinson loves educating students. She can be found buzzing around campus teaching the Medical Wellness and Clinical Laboratory Medicine courses, advising students, and serving on various executive committees.
Prior to joining South College, Dr. Robinson has served in healthcare through varied clinical, administrative, and educational roles. A native of Chicago, Illinois, Dr. Robinson completed her undergraduate studies at Xavier University of Louisiana. She went on to earn her medical degree from Rush Medical College and completed her residency training at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois.
When she is not on campus, Dr. Robinson indulges in other activities that bring her joy. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, serving the community, and rooting for Chicago sports teams.
Timothy Calcagni, MS, PA-C
Principal Faculty
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Timothy Calcagni, MS, PA-C earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Rhode Island in Kingston, RI and earned his Master of Science Degree in Physician Assistant Studies from Northeastern University in Boston, MA. As an NCCPA certified Physician Assistant, he has worked in Emergency Medicine, Urgent Care, and Family Medicine settings. In addition to his clinical training, Mr. Calcagni earned an ESME certificate in Medical Education from the Association for Medical Education in Europe.
Mr. Calcagni has experience precepting and mentoring Physician Assistant learners and has particular interest in the clinical application of physiologic and pathophysiologic concepts. He is also a contributor for McGraw Hill PA Exam Prep™. He joined South College in April of 2021.
In his free time, he enjoys mountain biking and trail running through the Blue Ridge Mountains, cooking, and hiking with his wife and their dog, Juna.
Lindsay Lyon, MPA, PA-C
Principal Faculty
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Lindsay Lyon, MPA, PA-C earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Russell Sage College in interdisciplinary studies and exercise science. She received her Masters of Physician Assistant degree from Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk, VA in 2010. Upon graduation, she was inducted into the Pi Alpha National Honor Society for Physician Assistants.
Upon graduation from PA school, Ms. Lyon relocated to Asheville, North Carolina and joined the local orthopedic trauma team. She spent the first 9.5 years of her professional career in this specialty. Ms. Lyon also has experience in urgent care and telemedicine. She spent much of her time as a practicing PA devoted to precepting and mentoring PA students. Ms. Lyon transitioned to PA education in late 2019. She joined the South College Asheville PA Program in May of 2021.
Ms. Lyon has contributed to presentations at the PAEA conference and the International Association of Medical Science Educators (IAMSE). She is a contributing author to the newly published textbook, Clinical Medicine for Physician Assistants. She is also a contributor for McGraw Hill PA Exam Prep™.
In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two children. She enjoys coaching, playing softball, pickleball, hiking and camping.
Meredith Lytle
Admissions Coordinator
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Meredith Lytle graduated from UNC Charlotte with a double major in Psychology and Criminal Justice. She has a background in real estate but recently transitioned to higher education.
Mrs. Lytle joined South College in November 2020 after relocating to the Asheville area. Her duties include helping students navigate the application process from first contact to acceptance.
Mrs. Lytle loves talking to students about the program and believes the personal touch of an Admissions Coordinator is just one of the many things that sets South College apart. During her free time, she loves to travel, hike, or head to the lake.