Leadership
David Bolt
Chief Executive Officer
About David Bolt
David Bolt has served as CEO at the Kentucky Primary Care Association (KPCA) since 2019 and as Chief Operating Officer (COO) from 2013-2019. His background includes 50 years of healthcare leadership experience with Federally Qualified Health Clinic (FQHC), Rural Health Clinic (RHC), clinic operations, recruitment, pharmacy, oral health, school health, EMS, and community development/organization.
Prior to joining KPCA, David was Director of Network Management for a national managed care organization, adding to his involvement and knowledge in managed care, which began in 1976. Previously, he served as the COO of a large FQHC system for 10 years adding 4 new sites, pharmacy, dental services, integrated BH, and primary care and managed the adoption of the first integrated EMR in a KY FQHC. He was a CEO at a new start FQ and spent 19 years running inpatient and outpatient services at a rural regional hospital. There he set up the first telehealth health program in the Commonwealth, was the AHEC Director and developed several professional education programs in concert with the University of Kentucky and Morehead State University.
David has published and co-authored articles on rural health care issues and has held Voluntary Faculty appointments in the Colleges of Medicine, Health Services and Public Health at the University of Kentucky for over 30 years. David holds bachelor and master’s degrees from Morehead State University and served as an elected Mayor and City Commissioner for Lakeview Heights, KY for over 30 years.
Fun fact: David’s dog Finn, a full-blooded Maltese born in South Korea, is bilingual. Finn was a gift from David’s niece and nephew who were deployed in South Korea. He only knew commands in Korean when he arrived in Kentucky. David learned some commands in Korean and taught Finn commands in English. He (is Finn a boy or girl) now responds to commands in both languages.
Molly Nicol Lewis
Chief Operating Officer
About Molly Nicol Lewis
Molly Lewis, JD is the Chief Operating Officer for the Kentucky Primary Care Association, Inc. which is a membership organization dedicated to promoting access to comprehensive, community-oriented primary health care services for the underserved across Kentucky. Molly plans develops, organizes, evaluates and promotes daily Independent Practice Association (IPA) and Association operations and activities at the direction of the Chief Executive Officer.
Molly previously has held multiple roles at the Commonwealth of Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, including Deputy General Counsel, Executive Director of the Office of Health Policy, and Deputy Inspector General. The Office of Inspector General is the regulatory and licensing agency for all health care, daycare and long-term care facilities and child adoption/child-placing agencies in the commonwealth. She practiced healthcare law as an Associate Attorney for McBrayer McGinnis Leslie & Kirkland, PLLC for eight years in Lexington, KY.
Molly received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology-Child Studies from Vanderbilt University (magna cum laude) and her Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Kentucky College of Law. Molly lives in Lexington with her husband Rob and two young boys.
Chuck Morgan, CPA
Chief Financial Office
In Memoriam
About Chuck Morgan
Chuck Morgan has served as CFO at the Kentucky Primary Care Association (KPCA) since 2019. Chuck has over 20 years’ experience in healthcare finance working for both for-profit and non-profit hospitals and physician practices.
Prior to joining KPCA, Chuck spent 11 years as the CFO of White House Clinics, a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) serving Jackson, Madison, Estill, Rockcastle, and Garrard counties. It is during his tenure at White House that he came to fully embrace the mission of the member FQHC’s and RHC’s in improving the lives of Kentuckians. Chuck is committed to helping member organizations develop efficient and effective finance departments that support expansion of the clinical and outreach services available to the patients they serve.
Chuck is a proud alumnus of Berea College from which he holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He has been a licensed Certified Public Accountant since 2001.
Fun fact: None. Chuck is an accountant
Rachael FitzGerald, MHA
Chief Development Officer
About Rachael FitzGerald
Rachael FitzGerald has served as Chief Development Officer at the Kentucky Primary Care Association since 2019 and before that as Director for Federal Programs and Member Services from (2014-2019). Rachael works to assist members who seek to develop new services and contracts that help them integrate and grow the services offered to their communities. As such, Rachael oversees the progress of outside subcontracts with clinic members and works with staff on the integration of behavioral health, dental, navigators and federal programs into member clinic operations. Prior to re-joining KPCA in 2014, Rachael held positions at Danville Center for Rural Health and the Ephraim McDowell Foundation, Danville. This was preceded by serving as COO at the Bluegrass Farmworker Health Center (now Bluegrass Community Health Center, Lexington), Richmond/Lexington.
Rachael was the first fulltime staff hired by Joe Smith to the Association, upon finishing her master’s in health administration at the University of Kentucky, which confirmed her belief that all health starts and finishes with having a primary care provider!
Rachael is a graduate of Dublin University, Trinity College where she graduated with a degree in Single Honors History. Rachael lives in Danville with her three children and does a lot of part time land management!
Joe Acosta
Chief Technology Officer
About Joe Acosta
Joe Acosta is the Chief Technology Officer at the Kentucky Primary Care Association. Joe has over 20 years of experience in IT, with the majority of it in the health care sector.
Acosta has supported the safety net in California and now Kentucky since 2003. Joe has worked in several FQHC agencies as a Health IT lead and as a COO.
He worked for the Community Clinic Association of Los Angeles County as the Director of Health IT, where he led many Federally funded projects on behalf of the membership. Joe also has experience working for managed care organization, working for L.A. Care Health Plan as a part of their Health IT and Quality division.
Joe is dedicated to supporting the health and welfare of his community by improving access to technology enhanced quality care for all.
Fun fact: Joe was born and raised in Los Angeles and is a lifelong Dodgers fan. Because of COVID-19, this year was the first time in more than 30 years that he was not able to attend a Dodgers game.
John Inman
Chief Policy and External Affairs Officer
About John Inman
John Inman is the Chief Policy Officer. As Chief Policy officer, John applies his firsthand knowledge of the legislative and regulatory process to advocate for the health centers, clinics, and their patients with members of Congress, the Kentucky Legislature, and Kentucky Executive Branch Agencies. John also provides analysis of statutes, regulations, executive orders, and other government policies as to their effect on membership of KPCA.
He has worked in the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services as both Deputy Inspector General and Chief of Staff at the Department for Medicaid Services. As Deputy Inspector General he oversaw licensing and inspection of nursing and health care facilities, the KASPER program, child-care facility licensing and inspection, and Medicaid fraud investigations. During his time with Medicaid, John was responsible for Program Integrity, Provider Enrollment, and Pharmacy. John was also responsible for legislation and regulatory programs for both agencies. Before working in healthcare, John was a detective with the Kenton County Police Department in Northern Kentucky and specialized in Crimes Against Children and White-Collar crime cases.
John is a graduate of Eastern Kentucky University and received his Juris Doctorate and Master of Accountancy from Northern Kentucky University. He is a member of the Kentucky Bar Association and Association of Certified Fraud Examiners. He is a native of Campbellsville, and currently resides in Georgetown, KY with his son, Colton.
Marilyn Connors, D.O., M.S.
Chief Medical Officer
About Marilyn Connors
Dr. Marilyn Connors is the Director of Clinical Integration. She is a Board-Certified physician in the field of Family Medicine. Dr. Connors will help KPCA member clinics advance the health and well-being of Kentuckians through clinical integration of primary care, behavioral health, dental and vision care, comprehensive disease management (e.g. diabetes, substance use disorders, hypertension, HIV testing, etc.), and preventive services. Marilyn has 28 years of clinical practice experience in New Jersey, California, Virginia, South Carolina, upstate New York, West Virginia and Kentucky.
Dr. Connors has held several administrative roles during her medical career. She was Medical Director at Big Sandy maximum security prison in Inez, Kentucky, Medical Director of a rural clinic and Director of Performance Improvement at Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown, New York. She opened a solo practice in Virginia, was Assistant Program Director for the Family Practice residency program in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and was a Primary Care physician in the Ambulatory Care department at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Huntington, West Virginia.
Fun fact: Marilyn and her husband have rescued and adopted several Great Pyrenees dogs, a Newfoundland, several mixed breed dogs and kittens/cats, plus two horses. They have a long-haired Chihuahua named Baci (Italian for Kisses) who believes he is a Great Dane and insists that all the toys, treats and attention belong solely to him.
Clinical and Practice Enhancement
Mary Barron, RN
Clinical Services Director
About Mary Barron
Mary Barron is the Director of Clinical Services. Mary’s healthcare career focus has been in public health and primary care, having previously worked at University of Kentucky Healthcare in various roles.
Mary has had the opportunity to lead in healthcare in the areas of primary care practice-based research network development and coordination, community engagement practice quality improvement programs, patient-centered practice transformation, and care management/transitional program development.
Mary has a dual nursing degree from Georgetown College and the University of Kentucky in Bachelor’s Nursing and Bachelor’s in Science. She has previously held a clinical research coordination certification and currently has certification in care coordination and transition management. She lives in Midway with her husband and has two sons, Duncan and Harrison.
FUN FACT: Mary’s favorite past times are painting, hosting gatherings, and enjoying their goldendoodles, Flynn and Molly Brown.
Ellen Lacey
Practice Enhancement Assistant
About Ellen Lacey
Ellen Lacey is a Practice Enhancement Assistant on the Clinical Services Team. Ellen has more than 20 years experience in healthcare and related research. She started her career in bench research mapping human genes at City University of New York. Ellen has conducted research at Yale University’s Health, Emotion and Behavior Laboratory, the Veterans Health Administration, and with the University of Kentucky at The Center for Drug and Alcohol Research and Gill Heart Institute. She provided direct patient care in the Emergency Department at the University of Kentucky.
Ellen is a former foster parent and volunteer with Arbor Youth Services MASH Shelter in Lexington, KY. She currently volunteers with Surgery on Sunday and Lexington Mutual Aid. Ellen is a staff member on the Clinical Expertise Council for Emergency Services at University of Kentucky Albert B. Chandler Hospital, formerly on the Stoke Committee.
Ellen completed a Bachelor of Arts degree from Barnard College, Columbia University. She is currently working toward a Master of Public Health at the University of Kentucky.
Ellen is a Kentucky transplant originally from New York City, she arrived by way of New Haven, CT. Ellen has lived in two European countries and four states since leaving home for college. Ellen lives with her family in Lexington, KY.
Fun fact: Ellen’s secret talent is throwing surprise parties. Each one of her children, close friends, and family members has had at least one surprise party planned by Ellen.
Shantoria Gonya
Practice Enhancement Assistant
About Shantoria Gonya
Shantoria Gonya is a Practice Enhancement Assistant with Kentucky Primary Care Association (KPCA). She works primarily with KPCA members in the Louisville Area. Shantoria came to KPCA from the Medicaid Managed Care world after serving 5 years working with the Foster Care and Homeless populations. During this time she gained experience in case management, health assessments, social determinants of health, behavioral health, project coordination and implementation, budget management, community networking, care coordination, outreach, and health education.
Shantoria holds a Master of Science degree in Human Services from Capella University with a specialization in Leadership and Organizational Management. She also has a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Environmental Sciences from the University of Alabama. Shantoria has 2 certifications as a Human Services – Board Certified Practitioner and Certified Community Health Worker.
Shantoria currently resides in Louisville, KY. She is a married mother of 4 (2boys, 2 girls). Her hobbies revolve around her kids and she strives to be an advocate for the communities and populations she serves.
Fun Fact – Shantoria loves to cook for her family and friends. Anyone who steps foot in her home will not be leaving with an empty stomach.
Julie Parent
Practice Enhancement Assistant
About Julie Parent
Julie Parent is a Practice Enhancement Assistant with the Clinical Services team at the Kentucky Primary Care Association (KPCA). Julie works primarily in the southeastern area of Kentucky, where she guides practices towards achieving targeted goals that include improved patient care, quality, utilization, and efficiency.
Prior to joining KPCA, Julie served as a Director for the Lake Cumberland Wound Care Center in Somerset KY. Her focus was on daily practice management and operations in an outpatient setting. She has also worked for Kentucky’s Cabinet for Health and Family Services as a Manager for the Garrett Lee Smith grant, which focused on suicide prevention in youth ages 10-24.
Julie’s career builds off of her undergraduate degree in General Science from Eastern Kentucky University, a Masters of Health Administration from Strayer University, and a Masters of Health Informatics from Northern Kentucky University. She currently resides in Pulaski County.
Fun Fact: Julie was born in Montreal Canada and can speak fluent French, despite living in Southeastern Kentucky for 24 years.
Jeff Vella
Clinical Services Program Coordinator
About Jeff
Jeff Vella is a Clinical Services Program Coordinator with the Clinical Services team at the Kentucky Primary Care Association (KPCA). Jeff supports the team with project management, operations, and logistical support. His passion is in both strategy and process improvement initiatives.
Prior to joining the KPCA, Jeff served as a Health Systems Manager with the American Cancer Society. His focus was on prevention of cancers through project management and education with community health centers. He also completed an administrative residency and served as an Oncology Practice Manager with Baptist Health.
Jeff has a bachelor’s degree in Communications and a Masters of Health Administration from the University of Kentucky. He currently resides in Fayette County with his wife, two young daughters and goldendoodle.
Fun Fact: Jeff had the opportunity to try out the daVinci surgical robot while completing his administrate residency (of course not on an actual human). In his free time Jeff enjoys spending time with his family and exploring Kentucky.
Deb Maltby, MPS
Quality Improvement Program Lead
About Deb Maltby
Deb Maltby is the Practice Transformation Lead for KPCA. She has worked in population health program development and implementation for nearly 20 years. Her career spans projects with CMS statewide improvement initiatives, academic research, program management and practice transformation consulting for a national payer. She has contributed to successful practice transformation initiatives with primary care practices ranging from single provider to FQHC’s and large ACO’ while working for Salud Family Health Centers, HealthTeamWorks, Centura Health, the University of Chicago and United Health. Deb graduated with a B.A. from the University of Northern Iowa and a M. A. from Cornell University.
Deb is a recent transplant to Kentucky from Colorado. She enjoys hiking, skiing and yoga and she is never happier than when she is visiting a new place for the first time. She is owned by a finicky cat and two very spoiled rescue dogs.
Michelle Stepp
Clinical Education Quality Coding and Billing
About Michelle Stepp
Michelle Stepp joined Kentucky Primary Care Association (KPCA) in January 2020. She is the Clinical Educator for Quality Coding and Billing. During her 20+ year career in healthcare, she has gained quite a bit of knowledge from working in Long Term Facilities, Medical Centers, Outpatient Services and Managed Care Organizations.
She received a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Administration from Ohio University and a Master’s Degree in Strategic Leadership from Mountain State University. She is a certified coder and acquired her certification through the American Academy of Professional Coders in 2005.
Michelle resides in Boyd County with her husband, Jasper, and their fur baby Chance.
Michelle enjoys visiting and hiking state resort parks throughout Kentucky.
Member Services
Drilon Gojani
Director of Member Services
About Drilon Gojani
Drilon Gojani is the Director of Member Services at the Kentucky Primary Care Association. Drilon has more than 7 years of association management experience and membership development.
Drilon was with the KPCA from 2015-2017 and then returned in 2019 to lead the KPCA member services department.
Drilon also serves as a member on the Membership Committee for the National Association of Community Health Centers where he advocates for Health Center members in Kentucky.
Drilon is a graduate of University of Kentucky, enjoys watching the wildcats and is a proud supporter of the Tottenham Hotspur Football Club. Drilon is fluent in Albanian and English and enjoys spending time with his wife and kids.
Fun fact: Drilon is planning a two week Trans-Siberian railway trip with his friends. A trip that will take him over 9,000 kilometers through two continents and seven time zones.
Ashley Stanley
Learning Coordinator
About Ashley Stanley
Ashley Stanley is the Learning Coordinator at the Kentucky Primary Care Association (KPCA). She has been with KPCA since July 2019. As Learning Coordinator, Ashley leads our membership development initiatives through hosting and planning creative training events and educational opportunities. Ashley is excited to grow the KPCA’s educational program to meet the needs of all members. She says the ability to effectively organize and manage multiple training initiatives simultaneously is incredibly rewarding.
Ashley attended Kentucky State University and graduated with a degree in Education. She resides in Frankfort with her husband, 4 children and 2 goldendoodles.
Fun Fact: Ashley is a passionate interior designer and she’s turned her hobby into part of a side business. She and her husband flip homes on the side!
Independent Practice Association (IPA)
Noel A. Harilson, MS, CRHCP
Director, IPA Services
About Noel A. Harilson
Noel Harilson, MS, CRHCP is the Director of IPA Services. He has eight years’ experience working for the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, including time with Community Based Services, the Department for Medicaid Services, and Disability Determination Services. Noel previously worked for eight years with Managed Care Organizations in Kentucky. His areas of focus included dealing with claims, provider network management, and contracting both Medicaid and Commercial lines of business.
Noel has served as a board member for the Kentucky Rural Health Association (KRHA) as well as serving as the KRHA President from November 17-18’. He also served on the board of the Kidney Health Alliance of Kentucky. Since 2016, he helped represent the KRHA at the National Rural Health Association’s Rural Health Policy Institute in Washington, D.C. In addition, he is a Fellow with the Kentucky Population Health Leadership Institute.
Noel received his master’s degree in Health Promotion from University of Kentucky in 2006. He resides with his wife and three children in Jessamine Co.
Fun fact - Noel has been to all 120 counties in the Commonwealth!
Edward Connors
Member/Clinic Relations Manager
About Edward Connors
Edward Connors CRHCP, Member/Clinic Relations Manager, has been part of the Kentucky Primary Care Association team since 2015. With over 20 years of healthcare experience Ed is relentlessly helpful in supporting clinics in the development and operations of primary care services.
Ed is the member’s advocate and offers technical assistance support for value-based incentive programs, claims issues, quality improvement and credentialing. Utilizing the depth and experience of the entire KPCA team Ed is committed to holding the Managed Care Organizations accountable and assuring the member/clinic’s voice is heard at the state level.
Rural Greenup County KY is where Ed calls home with his lovely wife Marilyn, 1 horse, 6 cats and 8 dogs.
Fun Fact: Ed has been playing, recording and performing music on a variety of instruments in multiple genres since 1980.
Dana Wilson
Member/Clinic Relations Manager
About Dana Wilson
Dana Wilson is the Kentucky Primary Care Association’s Member/Clinic Relations Manager for Western Kentucky. She has over twenty years’ experience in non-profit management. Dana previously worked for Audubon Area Community Care Clinic in Owensboro as the Clinic Program Director. She had the opportunity to assist in establishing the Federally Qualified Health Center serving northwestern Kentucky.
Dana received her Bachelors’ Degree in Business Management and Marketing from McNeese State University in Louisiana. She currently resides in Evansville Indiana but is originally from Southwest Louisiana and has three children and two awesome granddaughters.
Fun Fact: Dana has never been afraid of snakes and since she grew 6 and ½ inches between the 5th and 6th grades, she thought maybe she should join the circus!
Zach Sturgill
Member/Clinic Relations Manager
About Zach Sturgill
Zach is a Member and Clinic Relations Manager, Community Advocate and Leader, specialized in all facets of Insurance, and Community Engagement. Zach has over 6 years of experience with Insurance and Community Outreach & Engagement. He also has more than 3 years of experience working in a Federal Qualified Health Center (FQHC). Zach is a licensed Health insurance agent. Zach has a passion for serving his community's and helping those in need. Zach’s education background is in Medical Information Technology, such as Medical Coding, Medical transcription, & Medical Office Management etc.
Fun fact: Zach won the state championship in STLP in grade school for building a robot using water hydraulics.
Stephanie Hall
IPA Enrollment Specialist
About Stephanie
Stephanie Hall is an IPA Enrollment Specialist here at KPCA. Stephanie comes from Precision Healthcare Delivery where she managed operations, the Medicaid partner portal, and sending weekly notification rosters to MCO’s. Stephanie has done a variety of different things in the healthcare industry from credentialing new providers and facilities to billing for independent groups. Stephanie prides herself on maintaining great relationships with both MCO’s and TAX Id’s, as she has worked directly with them for about 3 years.
Stephanie lives in southern Indiana and is expecting her first child in December. Stephanie also has two dogs, both who are named after Star Wars characters.
Jasun Odum
IPA Enrollment Specialist
About Jasun
Jasun brings over 20 years of experience working in the Medical and Behavioral Health field. Prior to joining KPCA, Jasun served as an Activity Therapist, Medical Records and Utilization Review Manager, ROI Specialist, as the SME/Trainer and Liaison for Provider Enrollment and Roster Management. While serving in Provider Enrollment, Jasun focused on maintaining all updates, demographic changes and new enrollments for all delegated providers linked to KPCA.
Jasun resides in Brandenburg Ky, with his lovely wife Shannon, who works in the Medical Research Facility at University of Louisville, and daughters Taylor and Miley.
Fun Fact: Jasun has played Semi-Pro Football for the KY Pythons, has played drums for over 20 years, and has a passion for art, previously working as a Painting Instructor and Tattoo artist
Advocacy and Community Development
Teresa Cooper, RN, CPC
Director of Government Affairs
About Teresa Cooper
Teresa Cooper, RN, CPC is the Director of Regulatory Affairs. She has 17 years of experience working with the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, including time with the Office of the Inspector General as a Nurse Consultant/Inspector for long-term care facilities and as a Nurse Consultant with the Department of Medicaid Services specializing in Rural Health Clinic and Federally Qualified Health Center policy. Teresa has extensive expertise dealing with Kentucky Revised Statutes and Kentucky Administrative Regulations as related to Medicaid. Having previously worked as a nurse at the University of Kentucky and in long-term care facilities, Teresa has an in-depth knowledge of the needs of patients and the needs of the facilities that serve them. As Director of Regulatory Affairs, Teresa applies this knowledge of clinical needs along with Medicaid regulations and procedures to pursue fulfillment of the clinics and health centers that she represents.
Teresa is also a member of the American Academy of Professional Coders. This knowledge of how clinics and health centers bill and how the billings progress through MCOs to and through Medicaid is essential to her role at KPCA.
Teresa has been a registered nurse since graduating from the University of Kentucky in 1997. She is a native of Georgetown and currently resides with her three children in Anderson county.
Fun fact: In high school, Teresa was an exchange student to Japan. She is an expert in Traditional Japanese Dance and Tea Ceremony, something her 105 year old host grandmother was determined that she would learn.
Doug Hogan
Director of Marketing and Community Engagement
About Doug Hogan
Doug Hogan is the Director of Marketing and Community Engagement. Doug has eight years of healthcare communications/marketing experience, having previously worked at the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky and the Cabinet for Health and Family Services.
Additionally, Doug has more than five years’ experience in Kentucky state government including service as Communications Director in the Governor’s Office, the Senate President’s Office, and lead communications and legislative affairs positions at the Transportation and Public Protection cabinets. Doug’s career in television news spanned 18 years. He worked as a reporter, anchor, producer, executive producer, and news director at TV stations in Kentucky, Alabama, and Ohio.
Doug has served on the board at United Way of Kentucky and on policy committees with the Kentucky Nonprofit Network, and Kentucky Chamber of Commerce. His Bachelor’s degree is in Broadcast News & Public Affairs from Western Kentucky University. He and his wife Lana live in Frankfort. They have two children, Lauren and Jacob.
Fun Fact: Doug accompanied former Governor Ernie Fletcher to a live taping of the “NBC Tonight Show” to present Jay Leno with a Louisville Slugger baseball bat, during an on-set interview, after Leno made disparaging remarks about Kentucky on the show a few days earlier.
Carol Adkins
Coordinator of Community Development and Outreach
About Carol Adkins
Carol Adkins, MA_ED, has served as Community Engagement and Outreach Coordinator at KPCA since 2019. Her outreach background includes three years as an application assister for a Kentucky Federally Qualified Health Clinic (FQHC), where she covered three counties as a certified enrollment specialist and community health worker with AHC and active healthcare advocate. She previously participated in three open enrollment “spike periods” as a CMS trainer, supervisor and CSR, and a licensed agent in 16 states.
Prior to her insurance experience, Carol was a certified teacher in Kentucky and worked within school systems for 10 years. As a Varsity and Jr. Varsity Academic Team Coach, Carol was presented the Certificate of Excellence by the Laurel County Board of Education in recognition of the school’s first undefeated academic team season. She was also a middle school counselor and child and adolescent therapist before transitioning to healthcare.
Carol received her master’s degree in education from Eastern Kentucky University in 2005 with Rank 1 endorsement in School Counseling with LPCA licensure. Her Bachelor’s degree is in English, also from EKU. Carol served as president of EKU’s Sigma Tau Delta English Honor Society; and secretary for Sue Bennett College Sigma Nu branch of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.
A native of Kentucky, Carol resides with her husband and daughter in Jackson County.
Fun fact: Carol is a modern-day Ellie Mae! She and her family have 3 dogs, a cat, 2 birds and 10 fish. She would love to expand to larger, outside animals, but knows when the weather turns cold, she would be tempted to let them sleep in her basement, so she has restricted her clan to a more domesticated crew. That said, if it were possible to have happy, healthy dolphins in a swimming pool, she would be one to attempt it! 😊
Grants and Special Projects
Jill Martin
Director of Behavioral Health
About Jill Martin
Jill Martin, M.Ed., LPCC-S is the Director of Behavioral Health. She has 10 years’ experience working for Community Mental Health Centers and other non-profits, including the Kentucky River Children’s Advocacy Center as a Child and Family Trauma Specialist, and the Fletcher Group as a Behavioral Health Consultant. Jill has worked as the Director of the Kentucky River Rape Crisis Center and Kentucky River Regional Director of Mountain Comprehensive Care Center. Her areas of focus included mental health counseling, training, integrated care, strategic planning, and program development.
Jill has helped Primary Care clinics develop programs, protocols, and trainings for trauma informed care, play therapy, recovery-oriented systems of care, crisis response, children’s services, medication for Opioid Use Disorder, team resiliency, and self-care. She has also helped clinics develop workflows and offered technical assistance for integrated and co-located care models.
Jill received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Eastern Kentucky University 2009 and master’s degree in Counseling from Lindsey Wilson College in 2012. She resides with her fiancé Joe in Perry Co.
Fun fact – Jill and Joe are expecting her first baby in January 2021!
Ashley Gibson
Workforce Program Manager
About Ashley Gibson
Ashley Gibson, MA, is the Workforce Program Manager. Her five years of healthcare experience includes grant management, clinical research, workforce development, and cancer prevention activities.
Ashley currently serves as President of the Kentucky Rural Health Association (NOV 19-20’) and has been a board member since 2017. Since 2018, she has helped represent the KRHA at the National Rural Health Association’s Rural Health Policy Institute in Washington, D.C., where she meets with legislators to advocate for rural health needs.
Ashley earned a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science in 2014 and a master’s degree in Wellness Promotion in 2015, both from Morehead State University. She resides with her husband in Rowan Co.
Fun fact – Ashley has a 130lb dog, Augustus, who is certified through Love on a Leash as a pet therapy dog, pending observation hours. Once completed, Ashley and Augustus plan to volunteer at nursing homes and healthcare facilities throughout the state.
Daria Nicole (Nikki) Stone, DMD
Dental Director
Paula Straub, RPH
Pharmacy Director
Administration
Christa Fleming
Office and Human Resources Manager
About Christa Fleming
Christa Fleming is the Office and Human Resources Manager. She has been with KPCA since December of 2018. Christa says her job is immensely rewarding because she is passionate about supporting the organization’s most important asset—its people.
Christa previously worked at the Kentucky Department of Insurance (DOI) for five years. After serving on the original start up team for the Medicaid Prompt Payment Compliance Branch at DOI she gained knowledge and a passion for working with the Providers and Medicaid Managed Care Organizations (MCO’s). After leaving DOI Christa oversaw the office functions at a clinic as the Office Coordinator and Credentialing Assistant. She has managed office functions for several clinic locations across Kentucky. She assisted the Director of Credentialing and Contracts with establishing insurance contracts for commercial insurance and Medicaid programs on a nationwide basis.
Christa resides in Frankfort with her three children.
Lindsay Ronca
Administrative Assistant
About Lindsey Ronca
Lindsey Ronca is the Administrative Assistant at Kentucky Primary Care Association. She has been with KPCA since September 2020 and resides in Frankfort with her husband, and two children. Lindsey brings over 10 years of administrative experience to the table. She has extensive experience with all administrative tasks; some of her duties include responding and networking with members, ensuring employee satisfaction, as well as communicating with upper management about departmental needs. Lindsey has a passion for helping others and says that the most rewarding part of her job is the joy that comes with knowing her efforts positively impacts the team and keeps things running smoothly.
Amy Mefford
Finance Assistant
About Amy Mefford
Amy Mefford is our Membership Assistant. Prior to joining our team Amy spent 11 years with the Education and Workforce Development, Office for the Blind. Amy’s time served at the Office for the Blind was near and dear to her heart because her mother had been visually impaired and disabled. Amy continued her career with the Commonwealth from 2017 to 2020 as a Fiscal Officer, monitoring federal grants, accounts payable and analyzing budgets.,
Amy is passionate about serving the community and the Commonwealth. Amy enjoys planning events and is looking forward to new opportunities as a Membership Assistant. She resides in Frankfort with her husband, 2 sons, and her 2 dogs.
Fun Fact: Amy was once in a Dairy Queen commercial.