Our Team
Our Vice President
Marjorie Lee White, MD, MPPM, MA
Vice President, Clinical Simulation
Dr. White is a Professor of Pediatrics, Emergency Medicine and Medical Education in the Heersink Schools of Medicine and School of Health Professions at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. From 2008-2014 she was the Co-Medical Director of the Pediatric Simulation Center at Children’s of Alabama. She served as Director of the Office of Interprofessional Simulation for Innovative Clinical Practice within the Center for Interprofessional Education and Simulation from 2014-2022. She has been Vice President for Clinical Simulation, UAB Medicine and Assistant Dean for Clinical Simulation, UAB School of Medicine since 2014.
Our Administrative Team
Monica Henderson, M.S.
Administrative Director
Monica relocated to Birmingham from California in 2013 and thus began the start of her career at UAB under the guidance of Dr. Kirklin in his research registry in the Department of Surgery. She transferred to the Department of Pathology in 2017, building on her experience in administrative areas, such as strategic planning, leadership, organizational development, program and data management, HR and finance. She is a product of UAB’s School of Health Professions’ undergraduate and graduate programs, Healthcare Management and Healthcare Informatics, and a practitioner of Lean Six Sigma. A true Blazer fan through and through, she is excited to further complement the Clinical Simulation group in team development.
Jobin Abraham, M.S.
Program Director I
Jobin holds a Master of Science degree in Molecular Biology & Genetics and a Bachelor of Engineering in Biotechnology. He joined the UAB Clinical Simulation team in 2021 as a Clinical Simulation Specialist for the Mobile Simulation Program, contributing from its inception with extensive operations experience. In 2024, he transitioned to the Program Director I position, where he aims to leverage his diverse skill set to advance UAB Clinical Simulation’s goals and the Mobile Simulation Program’s objectives.
Monica Dent, B.S.
Program Director I
Monica has a Bachelor’s in Business Management from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She joined the UAB team in 2011 and has never left! Over the course of her career she has worked in development of operational processes/systems and enhancing client services. Her experience in sales, customer service, and strategic management gives her valuable tools to offer admin support for our team.
Kelly Markham, B.S.
Program Manager I
Kelly began her career at UAB in 2006 and transferred to Clinical Simulation in 2014. Kelly brings a wealth of administrative experience to the team and serves a critical support function. Her role includes scheduling for the director and the team, event management and financial administration. Kelly holds a Bachelor of Science from The Culverhouse College of Business from the University of Alabama.
Frank Ruggiero, B.S., TMP
Communications Specialist
Frank joined UAB Clinical Simulation in August 2023, bringing more than two decades of media experience to his role as communications specialist. He’s worked in such sectors as news media, public relations, tourism and higher education. He graduated from Appalachian State University in 2003 with a B.S. in communication with a concentration in journalism and a minor in anthropology. In 2020, he received the professional designation of Travel Marketing Professional from the Southeast Tourism Society. With a foundation in journalism, he’s eager to put Clin SIim’s story to work in meaningful and dynamic ways.
Jordan Whaley, B.S.
Program Manager I
Jordan holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. With expertise in patient care and vast knowledge of medical equipment. Jordan provides technical and operational support with a focus on procedural simulation.
Our Educators
April Belle, DNP, RN, CCNS
Director of In Situ Simulation
April graduated from The University of Alabama Capstone College of Nursing in 2004. April also holds a Master’s in Nursing, a Teaching Certificate in Nursing, and completed the Doctor of Nursing Practice program in 2019 at UAB. She has extensive experience in critical care & cardiac intensive care, and is a member of UAB’s Medical Emergency Team (MET). Her team delivers in situ, systems and space simulations. April loves sharing the power of simulation, her team is also bringing sim to rural Alabama with the Mobile Simulation Lab.
Lisa Bergman, MSN, RN, CEN, CHSE
Director of Procedural Simulation
Starting out as an LPN in the US Army, Lisa has extensive clinical experience in nursing and nursing education. Lisa is a fervent student & committed to learning all she can about simulation. She completed her BSN/MSN from the University of Alabama in 2012, as well as a array of simulation delivery courses from a variety of prestigious institutions. She is now working to complete a PhD in Health Education/Health Promotion. Lisa leads the dedicated and creative team that builds innovative solutions to deliver high-quality procedural simulations.
Andrea Hammett, MSN, RN, NPD-BC
Simulation Coordinator, Senior
Andrea earned her BSN from the UAB School of Nursing, began working as an RN in the UAB MICU in 2004, and completed her MSN in 2011. She has many years of experience in simulation within the Veteran’s Administration system and at Middlesex Hospital in Connecticut. In 2021, she was hired by the UAB School of Medicine’s Department of Anesthesia to support anesthesia simulation.
Bonny Joly, MSN, RN
Simulation Coordinator, Senior
Bonny completed her MSN in 2016 and holds a certification as a Community Resiliency Model (CRM) Teacher. Her clinical background is primarily in critical care, but she has specific interests and experience in cardiopulmonary. Bonny began her career at UAB in 2012, and most recently served as an educator in the Medical ICU. In 2021, we were fortunate to have Bonny bring her skills to Clinical Simulation. Bonny is focused on developing and implementing screen-based simulations.
Andres Viles, MSN, RN, CNS, CHSE
Director of Immersive Simulation
Andres has wide-ranging experience in both nursing and healthcare simulation. He has completed Masters of Science in Nursing program at UAB and has extensive simulation training that includes: the Harvard Institute for Medical Simulation Basic/Advanced Instructor Courses, the Johns Hopkins Rapid Cycle Deliberate Practice Course, and the UAB Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Quality and Safety. As the leader of a team that delivers immersive simulation he emanates passion and shares his vast knowledge with his staff and learners alike.
Mercedees Willis, MSN, CRNP, AGACNP-BC
Mobile Simulation Coordinator
Mercedees holds Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy from UAB, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Stillman College. In 2018, she completed her Master of Science in Nursing at UAB and is certified as an Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. She has extensive experience in critical and emergency care. Her role will focus on rural healthcare and the development and implementation of the mobile simulation program.
Markie Clement, M.Ed.
Training Coordinator
Markie began her career as a high school English teacher and later adopted the role of secondary instructional coach. She received her M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from Faulkner University. Markie’s time in the classroom gave her the opportunity to research and implement best instructional practices, as well as mentor and collaborate with other educators. In 2023, she made the transition from secondary educator to training coordinator on the Clinical Simulation team. Markie utilizes her experience in curriculum design and instructional leadership to serve as an educational resource.
Ca’Nesia Jackson, M.S.
Training Coordinator
Ca’Nesia has a background in behavioral health social work, non-profit operations and process development, allowing her to effectively support individuals, organizations and communities in achieving their goals and fostering positive change. She holds a Bachelor of Social Work from Talladega College and a Master of Social Work from the University of Alabama. In 2022, Ca’Nesia joined UAB Clinical Simulation as a Clinical Simulation Equipment Tech and in 2024 transitioned to a Training Coordinator for the Clinical Simulation Procedural Team. She is eager to utilize her diverse skill set, innovation and creativity to deliver impactful training and contribute to long-lasting processes for UAB Clinical Simulation.
Jessica Jackson, M.A.T.
Training Coordinator
Jessica earned a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Master of Art in Teaching in Education from Howard University. She has an extensive background in teaching foundational skills and improving instructional strategies for a diverse set of learners. Jessica joined UAB Clinical Simulation as training coordinator in 2024. She is excited to be a part of the team and will use research-based strategies to support, uplift and connect with the UAB community.
Alexis Lang, B.S.
Training Coordinator
Alexis earned a bachelor degree in early childhood education and elementary education from UAB. She has worked as a lab facilitator at McWane Science Center, where she enjoyed guiding students through scientific learning experiences. Her background in education also includes working as a teacher in Auburn City Schools. In her most recent role as a training specialist at Alabama Public Television, she had the pleasure of designing and facilitating training sessions for teachers. She is looking forward to continuing to share her love for both learning and supporting learners in her role as a training coordinator for UAB Clinical Simulation.
Our Operations Team
Ben Whitaker, M.A.
Manager – Clinical Simulation Operations
Ben earned his B.S. in Health Promotion and M.A. in Human Services from Liberty University. He oversees the daily operations in the simulation lab. He provides trainings, inventory oversight, project management, and advanced troubleshooting support for capital equipment, medical devices, and AV. He lives in Pinson, AL with his wife and two boys.
Aja Burgin, B.S.
Clinical Simulation Specialist
Aja received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Paine College (Augusta, GA) in 2014. She has experience in sterile processing and behavior health. Aja provides technical and logistic support for the simulation experiences.
Carlyssa Boyd, B.S.
Clinical Simulation Equipment Technician
Carlyssa is a native to the greater Birmingham area and a 2015 Biology graduate of Miles College in Fairfield, AL. She joined UAB Medicine in 2015 with Temp Services and then joined the department of Women & Infant Services as a Patient Care Technician in 2016. After four years of patient care, she transferred to the Molecular and Cellular Division of Pathology, working as a Researcher I/Lab Coordinator. Carlyssa brings her previous experience to the Clinical Simulation operations team.
Phillip Davison, B.S.
Clinical Simulation Specialist
Phillip Davison holds a degree in General Studies from Grand Canyon University and has dedicated more than two decades to UAB Hospital. With 21 years of service, Phillip has worked in various roles, including Unit Secretary, Patient Care Technician, Respiratory Sterile/Equipment Technician and currently as a Clinical Simulation Specialist. His commitment to excellence was recognized in 2007 when he received an Excellence Award of Service from the Liver Transplant Department.
Ivan McWilliams
Clinical Simulation Assistant
Ivan McWilliams holds an Associate Degree in Telecommunications from Hinds Community College in Utica, Mississippi. He has experience working at UAB Hospital in the Heart/Monitor Telemetry Department, where he played a crucial role in patient monitoring. Outside of work, Ivan is passionate about outdoor activities, sports and clinical simulation, dedicating his time to exploring these interests and enhancing his skills in health-care simulation practices.
Robert Smith
Clinical Simulation Equipment Technician
Robert holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in biology from Fisk University. He has over 10 years of experience in basic science research in cellular and molecular biology. He took an interest in clinical medicine during his time in south Florida working at the University of Miami’s school of medicine and the Center for Haitian Studies community health clinic as a patient care coordinator. Robert brings his previous clinical and work experience to UAB and the Clinical Simulation team.
Our Interns
Mark Angus, B.S.
MSHA Intern
Mark holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with an emphasis in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from Brigham Young University-Idaho. He is currently a student in the Master of Science in Health Administration residential program at UAB. He has worked as the administrative intern at Mizell Memorial Hospital, a workforce intern at the UAB Department of Otolaryngology, a human resources intern for Navvis Healthcare and a patient care coordinator at MadisonHealth. Passionate about health care operations, quality and safety, Mark assists the Clinical Simulation team with various administrative projects, including process improvement opportunities.
Stephen Binu
Intern
Stephen Binu is a student at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, double-majoring in neuroscience and psychology with a minor in chemistry. In 2024, he joined UAB Clinical Simulation and actively contributes as a student worker, demonstrating his passion for health care and aiding in simulations.
Amber Rogers
Intern
Amber Rogers is a student at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She is majoring in biomedical sciences with a minor in chemistry on the pre-medical track. In 2023, she joined UAB Clinical Simulation as a student intern who helps aid simulations and keeps the simulation area tidy.
Taigan White
Intern
Taigan White is a student at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, majoring in biomedical sciences with double minors in chemistry and psychology. In 2023, she joined UAB Clinical Simulation and actively contributes as a student worker, demonstrating her passion for health care and hands-on experience.
Are you interested in an undergraduate or graduate internship in simulation? Find out more here!