Nebraska PA Spotlight

Ashley Beckman, PA-C

“ Ashley has cared for my two sons with a combined total of four different fractures. She has been helpful in scheduling us to be seen and made the initial contact easy. During the exams and visits, Ashley takes the time to explain what has happened, show us the x-rays, and answer any questions. She explains things in a professional yet easy to understand way for both the parents and the children. Ashley asks if there are any questions and always makes sure we understand what has happened and what our next steps will be. She has followed up to check in to see if everyone is doing ok and reminds us to contact them if we need anything. Ashley’s overall demeanor during our visits to MD West One are positive, full of smiles, and sets all of us at ease that we are receiving the best care that is out there. We are grateful for Ashley!”

Ashley Wallen, PA-C

“She is the best medical care provider I’ve had since I was 5 years old. I went without a medical care provider for many years, and am so happy to have found her, especially as I am getting older. She is very astute, compassionate, and responsive with her patients. She sincerely cares about her job, her patients, and is always striving to do her best. I can’t ask for anything more from my medical care provider. I have even referred others to her because of my confidence in her.”

Abi Reding, PA-S

“Abi is in her first year of PA school at UNMC. As the first year of PA school comes with many challenges, the 2024 cohort was surprised during orientation week to see one of their classmates was having a baby! When Abi introduced herself on the first day, she said “Hi my name is Abi, and I am having a baby! But it is not my baby.” We soon learned that Abi was serving as a surrogate for her best friend. A truly selfless act that not a lot of us can even wrap our head around.”

AAPA Preceptor of the Year Award

AAPA Preceptor of the Year Award, presented in partnership with PAEA, honors a preceptor who demonstrates exemplary service in the clinical education of PA students as a mentor, role model, and instructor; and furthers the image of PAs by exemplifying the PA profession’s philosophy of providing accessible, quality healthcare.

Kelly works in Psychiatry at Nebraska Medicine in Omaha. She is a 2018 graduate from UNMC.

Nebraska PA student Representatives

The AAPA Assembly of Representatives (AOR) is comprised of Student Academy Representatives (SARs) from each recognized PA program’s Student Society.

“It was an inspiring opportunity to personally and professionally grow as individual PAs and advance the PA profession as a whole, while celebrating how far we have come. Through the connections and experiences made at conference, my passion for my profession has only grown and I am inspired to challenge myself further to live the mission of #PAsGoBeyond”  – Anna Stuchlik, Union College AOR Representative

Brett Schmitz, PA-C

Brett has practiced in McCook for most, if not all, his career. He has also been a pioneer for the profession as entrepreneur with the urgent care he owns and manages.
“Brett deserves to be recognized for his efforts to promote the PA profession and push on through adversity to use his skills as a PA to care for patients in rural community where we desperately need provider retention and recruitment.”

David Powell, PA-C

NAPA could like to congratulate David Powell on his retirement. Dave graduated from the Union College PA Program and became involved with NAPA as a student attending the Leadership Conference in Washington DC. Dave practiced as a PA working Urology in Hastings, and family practice in Holdrege and McCook, NE. Dave served on the NAPA board as a Board of Director and as Treasurer for 8 years. He has given his time on the investment committee for over 15 years. NAPA would like to thank Dave for his commitment to NAPA, time and leadership. We hope you enjoy retirement!

Bethany Berg, PA-C

University Health Center, UNL

“Bethany always made sure I felt comfortable as a trans patient and made sure I felt confident that my health needs were getting met.”

Bethany has been at the University Health Center since 2016. She was quick to embrace the diversity of the students and ensure they are getting the care they deserve. In 2021 she was recognized by the UNL LGBTQA Resource Center as an LGBTQA Advocate because of her various on-campus initiatives involving the LGBTQA community.

Recently Bethany saw the need to become a better provider and advocate for survivors of sexual assault. She is currently becoming a SANE-trained provider so she can offer the appropriate support for the survivors, not just physically but emotionally.

Mia Hyde, MPAS, PA-C

UNMC PA Program, Kearney campus
Associate Program Director & Director of Clinical Education

Mia leads a collaborative Clinical Education Team that identifies individual student interests, clinical rotation goals, and career aspirations. This is done through an initial presentation to students regarding rotation opportunities, followed by individual meetings which seek to identify students’ interest in rotation specialties and settings, identify locations with a support system for the student

Additionally, Mia is on the NAPA Board; current Member at Large, previous Past President