In exciting team news at Northwest AHEC, we warmly welcome Jasmine Mickens as our new Program Assistant. A big congratulations to Amanda Pearson on her well-deserved promotion to Program Coordinator. And a heartfelt farewell and best wishes to Karen Fritz, who recently retired after an incredible 46 years with us.

Jasmine Mickens, our new Program Assistant, officially joined our team at the end of June. Holding a Bachelor of Science in Journalism & Mass Communication (Cum Laude), Jasmine brings a wealth of expertise to Northwest AHEC. Previously serving as the Team Lead of Ambulatory Access at the Ambulatory Access Center, Jasmine is known for her team-oriented approach and exceptional technical skills, which she has utilized in training and mentoring her colleagues. Prior to this role, she excelled as a Senior Patient Service Coordinator at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist. We are thrilled to have Jasmine on board and look forward to her contributions to our team.

Amanda Pearson joined the Northwest AHEC team as a Program Assistant in the Spring of 2019. This year in April, Amanda's dedication and hard work led to her promotion as a Continuing Medical Education Coordinator following Karen's retirement. Amanda graduated with a bachelor’s degree in health promotion and a minor in nutrition and foods from Appalachian State University. She worked at the Appalachian District Health Department as a Program Assistant for the Innovative Approaches Initiative before becoming the Breast Cancer Program Coordinator at Mission Hospital in Asheville, NC.  Amanda completed her graduate certificate in public health nutrition practice in May 2024 and will complete her master’s degree in public health nutrition at Appalachian State University in May 2025. Amanda is looking forward to the new connections she will build with activity directors and faculty as they work together to create CME opportunities that are both fun and educational!

Karen Fritz recently bid farewell after an extraordinary 46-year journey. In May, our team gathered to celebrate Karen's remarkable career and to express our deepest gratitude for her dedication and unwavering commitment to excellence. As we reminisced about the countless lives she impacted and the countless initiatives she spearheaded, it became clear that Karen's legacy will endure long after her departure. Her passion and her unparalleled work ethic have left an indelible mark on our organization. We are immensely grateful for her leadership, mentorship, resourcefulness, and friendship, and we will miss her presence and infectious laughter in the office. Karen, your contributions will always be cherished, and we wish you nothing but the best in your retirement and all your future endeavors.