Cayla Daniele, MHS, PA-C
President
Cayla Daniele has been dedicated to Obstetrics and Gynecology since graduating from Quinnipiac University in 2016. During her undergraduate years at Framingham State University, she co-founded and led Aspiring Health Professionals, fostering her interest in the PA profession. She also served as president of Alpha Lambda Delta, the freshman honor society, and earned several leadership awards, including the Emerging Leaders Award and Peer Mentor of the Year Award. She received the Dr. Joseph Previte Pre-Professional Medical Award upon graduation for her commitment to the biology department and her healthcare career aspirations.
Cayla had an exceptional experience at Quinnipiac University’s PA program, serving as class secretary and engaging deeply in her medical studies. She volunteered extensively and participated in the University of Connecticut’s Urban Service Track, focusing on underserved populations. Cayla received the 2016 Quinnipiac University Physician Assistant Professional Excellence Award for her dedication. Since graduating, she has held multiple roles on the board of the Connecticut Academy of PAs, including Director at Large, Secretary, Communications Committee Chair, Financial & Audit Committee Chair, Treasurer, and President-Elect, enriching her professional life through local involvement.
Cayla is dedicated to women’s health, providing comprehensive care in outpatient settings and assisting in surgeries such as Cesarean sections and robotic hysterectomies. She also worked per diem in an Emergency Department and as a COVID-19 vaccinator during the pandemic. Despite her professional commitments, she finds peace with her family in Trumbull, where she lives with her husband Nick, children Tia and Leao, and their goldendoodle, Charlie. Cayla enjoys reading, outdoor activities, and traveling. She aims to promote wellness and healing and looks forward to the advancement of the PA profession.
Sheyla Marranca, MSPAS, PA-C
President-Elect
Sheyla Marranca, born in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, moved to Connecticut at the age of five. She pursued a major in biology at Quinnipiac University and completed her Masters in Physician Assistant Studies at King’s College. In 2007, Sheyla began her career with the Hospitalist Service at Yale New Haven Hospital (YNHH), where she has played a pivotal role in ensuring comprehensive patient care. Since 2015, she has coordinated the Hospitalist Service teaching conferences and joined the procedure team in 2016, performing various medical procedures. She also holds an administrative position as the clinical MD/APP partner for a medical floor and was promoted to Senior Physician Assistant, Level II in 2018.
Sheyla’s exceptional performance earned her the Special Achievement Award for Employee Excellence in 2016. Recently, she transitioned to a dual role, continuing her work on the Hospitalist Service while joining the Care Signature team, which develops best practice pathways for clinical conditions. Her contributions have been published in JAMA and JAAPA. Personally, Sheyla enjoys a close-knit family life in Connecticut, values her Puerto Rican heritage, and cherishes time spent with her grandfather, who will celebrate his 98th birthday this summer. Married to Joe, with whom she has two children, Isabel and Eli, Sheyla’s hobbies include cooking, baking, arts and crafts, and volunteering.
Alexis Cardinali, MPAS, PA-C
Secretary
Alexis was born in New Haven, CT and grew up in Hamden, CT. She attended high school at Sacred Heart Academy (SHA) in Hamden, CT where she had a deep interest in the sciences and decided to pursue a career in medicine. After graduating from Sacred Heart Academy, she attended the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA where she majored in Cellular and Molecular Biology. During her time at Holy Cross, Alexis completed internships in Orthopedics and General Surgery. She worked as a medical scribe for Scribe America, a clinical technician at Yale New Haven Hospital St Raphael’s Campus on a medical surgery floor and as a medical assistant at PACT Surgical Specialists while completing her undergraduate education in anticipation of applying to PA school in her home state of CT.
Following her undergraduate education, she attended Sacred Heart University’s PA Program and graduated in December 2020. During her time at SHU, she co-authored a master’s capstone project titled, “Efficacy of TENS for Postoperative Pain, Pulmonary Function & Opioid Consumption Following Cardiothoracic Procedures: A Systematic Review and Meta Analysis.” She graduated with honors, was inducted into the Pi Alpha Honor Society and was awarded the Outstanding Master’s Thesis Award upon.
Following graduation, she became involved with ConnAPA through the Education & Conference Planning Committee. She currently practices emergency medicine at St. Mary’s Hospital in Waterbury. She formerly practiced family medicine in Larchmont, NY prior to her relocation to Fairfield, CT. In her free time, Alexis enjoys staying active with F45 classes, training for her first marathon, and spending time with her family and labradoodle, Chloe.
Nicholas Patino, MPAS, PA-C
Treasurer
Originally from Long Island, New York, Nick attended Sacred Heart University for an undergraduate degree in psychology with minors in biology and theater arts. Prior to PA school he worked as a mental health worker at St. Vincent’s Medical Center, Medical Assistant and even worked in student life for Sacred Heart University. He was fortunate enough to be able to return to Sacred Heart University for PA school where he served as president of his class and also worked closely with ConnAPA. Nicholas graduated in December 2020 and currently works as a Hospitalist PA with Yale New Haven Hospital where he is a member of the procedure team. For ConnAPA, he is currently the chair of the Student Engagement Committee and chair of the Communications and Outreach committee. Outside of medicine, he enjoys running, swimming and theater arts.
Sarah Adams, MHS, PA-C
Immediate Past President
Directors At Large
Candice Calhoun, MHS, PA-C
Membership Committee,
Conference & Education Committee
Chapter Representative, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion
Candice Calhoun is originally from Northeast Ohio. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts. After two years as a research technician at Massachusetts General Hospital, she went on to receive her Master of Health Science degree from the Physician Assistant Program at Duke University School of Medicine in Durham, North Carolina. She is currently enrolled in the Doctorate of Medical Sciences program at the University of Lynchburg based out of Virginia.
Candice works at Danbury Hospital emergency department as a senior physician assistant. She is a member of the LGBT Physician Assistant Caucus, Gay & Lesbian Medical Association, and the American Academy of Physician Assistants.
Shilpa Mistry, PA-C
Chair, Membership Committee
Co-Chair Conference and Education Committee
Shilpa Mistry MHS, PA-C is a 1st generation South Asian (Indian) American who grew up in Glastonbury, CT. With her CT roots she stayed local graduating from UConn with undergraduate degrees in Physiology/ Neurobiology and Allied Health – Cytotechnology. She became a Physician Assistant in 2005 after graduating from Quinnipiac University’s PA program. She has been working in Hospital Medicine since 2006, starting at Hartford Hospital, and currently at Yale New Haven Hospital where she currently practices as a Senior Physician Assistant. At Yale she has been deeply involved in variety of hospital wide committees including the Medical Staff Engagement Committee, and APP Recognition Committee, both of which helped to elevate APPs within the hospital system and recognize them for their accomplishments both within and outside of the hospital system. As a PA she enjoys mentoring newer APPs to Hospital Medicine as well as precepting for the Quinnipiac ELMPA program,Yale ICLE, and Yale PA Program. She has been an active member of ConnAPA since PA School and during the past few years participated in the Membership Committee and this year involved in the Charter Oak Conference. Outside of PA Practice she enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading and being outdoors -hiking, kayaking, and biking. She also is the Co-Captain of Team Surge Cyclers with Sheyla Marranca PA-C, representing the Yale New Haven Hospitalist Service and fundraises to ride in the annual Closer To Free Ride for Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale with donations going to ongoing cancer research and care at Yale New Haven Hospital.
Courtney Murray, MPAS, PA-C
Chair, Communications and Outreach Committee
Conference & Education Committee
Constitution & Bylaws Committee
Golf Committee
Courtney Murray was born and raised in Milford, CT. Chasing the warmer weather, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of South Carolina before returning to her home state of CT and volunteering as an EMT in anticipation for PA school. She earned a Master in Physician Assistant Studies from Sacred Heart University where she served as Class Secretary and helped develop the Class Treasury. She graduated with honors and was inducted into the Pi Alpha Honor Society upon graduation. Courtney has been practicing with the Hospitalist Service at Yale New Haven Health since April 2021 and is in the process of joining the Hospital Procedure Team. She first became a member of ConnAPA during PA school, joined the Board of Directors as a Director at Large in 2022, and has been involved in multiple committees including Conference Planning and Education; Audit and Financial Review; Communications and Outreach; and Constitution, Bylaws, & Policy. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, exploring local wineries & breweries, and traveling anywhere that she can find palm trees and a good book.
Mike Russo, PA-C
Membership Committee
Legislative Committee
Mike graduated from Springfield College in 2007 with Master’s Degree in Physician Assistant Studies. He began his career working in Trauma Surgery at Hartford Hospital. Mike is currently the Director of Surgical Advanced Practice at Hartford, a role he has held since December of 2021. In addition to Trauma surgery, Mike has also spent time practicing in Interventional Radiology. Mike’s current professional interests are centered around clinical data analytics and reporting. Outside of work, Mike volunteers at Mount Southington as a Ski Patroller and enjoys golfing in the warm weather.
Tricia Marriott, PA-C, MPAS, MJ Health Law, CHC, DFAAPA
Tricia is a 1986 graduate of the Yale PA program with 32 years of clinical experience in Emergency Medicine & Orthopaedics. Tricia also served as AAPA Senior Director of Reimbursement Advocacy and Professional Practice, and in hospital administrative roles in the Trinity Health System. Tricia is a highly regarded national industry resource, speaker, and consultant on a broad spectrum of PA (and APRN) subject areas including scope of practice, utilization strategy and care models, billing and reimbursement, and compliance and regulatory issues. A former ConnAPA President and Legislative Chair, Tricia is currently the Program Director and Associate Professor at the University of Saint Joseph PA Studies Program in West Hartford and clinical practicing at the Ortho Perioperative Medicine Clinic at Saint Francis Hospital.
Victoria Ho, PA-C
Victoria (She/Her) is a graduate from Sacred Heart University (SHU) in December of 2021 and is currently working as a pediatric PA at Pediatrics Associates of CT in Waterbury with a background in urgent care and acute care medicine. Ho was named 2021-2022 American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) PA Student of the Year and recipient of the LBGT PA Caucus Student Leader Fellowship for 2020-2021. She is the president-elect for the LBGT PA Caucus and is former past chair of the AAPA Constituent Relations Work Group for 2022-2023. She has actively been involved with the Connecticut Academy of Physician Associates since she was a student in 2019 and has attended the Leadership and Advocacy Summit on behalf of CT as a student. Ho is currently an adjunct instructor back at her alma mater SHU, and guest lecturer for Mercy University PA program. She is currently a co-clinical preceptor for University of Bridgeport PA Students. During her free time, Ho enjoys spending time with family and friends, while being outdoors and cooking/baking.
Ana Eliza Souza Cunha, PA-C
Ana Eliza (she/her/hers) was born in São Paulo, Brazil, and raised in Maine. She graduated as salutatorian from the University of Maine with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, focusing on pre-medical studies. During her undergraduate years, she actively volunteered with philanthropic organizations such as Operation H.E.A.R.T.S. and Medical Outreach Maine, where she developed a strong passion for expanding medical care through educational initiatives.
Continuing her education in Connecticut, Ana Eliza earned her Master of Medical Science degree from Yale School of Medicine’s Physician Associate Program. While at Yale, she volunteered at the student-run HAVEN clinic and the Neighborhood Health Project, providing care and screenings for underserved populations. Her commitment to expanding medical access led her to various advocacy roles, including serving as the Student Academy Representative of Yale’s J. Cole Society and a two-term AAPA Student House Delegate, where she worked on policy development to enhance patient care and inclusivity within the PA profession.
Ana Eliza’s dedication to grassroots advocacy and student engagement in the PA profession has been recognized through awards such as Yale Leadership’s Award and Connecticut’s PA Student of the Year Award. Clinically, she is currently participating in the Advanced Practice Provider Fellowship Program at Schweiger Dermatology Group, focusing on equitable care in medical dermatology. Outside of her professional endeavors, Ana Eliza enjoys exploring local coffee spots, hiking, weightlifting, traveling, and reading.
Dennis Brown, DrPH, MPH, PA-C, DFAAPA
Dennis is a 1990 graduate of the Hahnemann (Drexel) University Physician Assistant Program. He further earned his MPH from Southern Connecticut State University in 2013, and his Doctorate of Public Health with an emphasis on Epidemiology from Capella University. Since graduation form PA school his clinical work has been in Navy medicine, emergency medicine, urgent care, and primary care. In addition to his clinical duties, he has held administrative roles as a Director for Clinical Services, EMS Coordinator, Emergency Preparedness Coordinator and Medical Director. Since 2012 he has been full time in PA education as an Associate Clinical Professor, Coordinator for simulation, interprofessional education, and outcomes, Director of Didactic Education, Program Director, Department Chair, and most recently Director of Outcomes and Assessment.
In addition to his PA work, Dennis has been involved in local public health activities, volunteering as a member of the board of directors for a local health district. In his spare time, he enjoys traveling, spending time with his daughters, model ship building, woodworking and DIY projects.
Executive Staff
Kirsten Longley
Executive Director
Kirsten Longley has been employed by S&S Management Services since 2005, serving in several capacities for many clients. Her skills have included administrative duties to planning and execution of major conferences, meetings, social events and activities. She has worked specifically with the Connecticut Academy of PAs since 2007, and was named the Assistant Executive Director in 2016 in acknowledgement of the vital role she has played within the organization.
Born and raised in the northern Hartford area, she graduated from Northwest Catholic High School in West Hartford, CT. Upon graduation, Kirsten settled into a career in meeting and event planning starting at a major retail conglomerate. She then transitioned to a small New England boarding school, working in Alumni Relations and Development.
Kirsten has been recognized by the ConnAPA Board of Directors in 2015 and 2021, receiving the Service Award for her dedication and service to the organization and PA Profession.
In her spare time, Kirsten enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking, entertaining, staying active and diving into anything that challenges her.