Faculty & Staff
Cathy Bickerton, MS, PA-C
Program Director
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 didactic curriculum.
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.
Tim Calcagni, MSPAS, PA-C
Principal Faculty
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, and he continues to practice Emergency Medicine in Western North Carolina.
Mr. Calcagni has prior experience precepting and mentoring Physician Assistant learners and has particular interest in developing critical thinking skills in clinical decision making. Tim provides instruction in the Health Assessment and Physical Examination, Clinical Assessment and Management, and Summative Evaluation courses across the didactic curriculum.
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.
Kelly Joy, MS, MSPAS, PA-C
Kelly Joy, MS, MSPAS, PA-C earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Murray State University in 1998, a Master of Science from North Dakota State University in 2001, and a Master of Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Kentucky in 2009.
Ms. Joy is a nationally certified physician assistant with clinical experience in orthopedics, OB/GYN, and surgical subspecialties including GYN/ONC, URO/GYN, and breast cancer surgery. She has experience precepting and mentoring PA students in the clinical setting and has been a full-time didactic faculty member for over 4 years. Ms. Joy joined the South College Physician Assistant Program in November of 2021, and her duties include the development and oversight of the clinical curriculum.
Prior to becoming a PA, Ms. Joy was a research scientist working on various projects in traumatic spinal cord and brain injury, Alzheimer’s disease, electron microscopy, population genetics, and conservation biology.
Ms. Joy loves spending time with her family, being outdoors, biking, hiking, and swimming.
Lindsay Lyon, MPA, PA-C
Principal Faculty
Lindsay Lyon, MPA, PA-C completed her physician assistant education at Eastern Virginia Medical School and graduated with a Master of Physician Assistant degree in 2010. She was honored with an induction into the Pi Alpha National Honor Society for physician assistants upon graduation.
After graduation, Ms. Lyon moved to Asheville, NC and practiced in orthopedic trauma for 9.5 years. She then pursued her love of teaching by transitioning to a full-time career in PA education in 2020. Lindsay is excited to continue to positively impact the lives of future PAs through hands on and classroom instruction.
When not at work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two children. She also enjoys coaching and playing softball, pickleball, hiking and camping.
Meredith Lytle
Admissions Coordinator
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.
Karla Robinson, MD, FAAFP
Medical Director
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.