{"id":2189,"date":"2017-12-22T18:06:45","date_gmt":"2017-12-22T18:06:45","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.augsburg.edu\/pa\/?page_id=2189"},"modified":"2026-03-18T15:17:00","modified_gmt":"2026-03-18T15:17:00","slug":"staff","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.augsburg.edu\/pa\/staff\/","title":{"rendered":"PA Faculty and Staff"},"content":{"rendered":"

PA Faculty<\/h2>\n

\"DanielleDanielle Skoglund<\/a>, PA-C (Program Director)<\/h3>\n

Danielle received her undergraduate degree from South Dakota State University in Brookings, SD in 2007 and her Masters in Physician Assistant Studies in 2009 from Des Moines University. Danielle has a long history of practicing in urology, currently with HealthPartners.<\/p>\n

Danielle has always had a desire to be part of a PA program and prior to starting as clinical coordinator, and then program director, she was adjunct faculty for the program teaching in urology.<\/p>\n

In her free time, she loves spending time outside golfing and traveling with her husband and 2 young children.<\/p>\n

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Vanessa Bester<\/a>, EdD, PA-C (Founding Director, School of Health)<\/h3>\n

\"Photo<\/h3>\n

Dr. Vanessa Bester is the Director of the School of Health at Augsburg University, overseeing the PA, Nursing, Doctor of Clinical Psychology, and Social Work programs. In addition to her administrative role, Dr. Bester serves as faculty for both the Master of Science in PA Studies (MSPAS) and Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) programs, helping shape the next generation of healthcare leaders.<\/p>\n

A former National Health Service Corps Scholar, Dr. Bester has practiced in diverse healthcare settings including community health, HIV primary care, pulmonary and critical care, cardiology, and military medicine as a civilian overseas. She currently provides care in St. Paul and Minneapolis neighborhoods through the Augsburg Health Commons.<\/p>\n

Dr. Bester’s journey in PA education began in 2003 as a preceptor and PA student coordinator with the Graduate Medical Education Office at Shands Jacksonville-University of Florida. In 2012, she transitioned to full-time academia as a founding faculty member at the University of Washington MEDEX-NW Tacoma Site, eventually becoming their site director. In 2017, she joined Augsburg University as an Associate Director with a charge to align the PA program with the values and mission of the University and the needs of its students and surrounding communities. She became PA Program Director in 2021 and is the first tenured PA faculty at Augsburg University, a distinction earned by few PAs in academia.<\/p>\n

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Michelle Chestovich, MD (Medical Director)\"Headshot<\/h3>\n

Michelle Chestovich studied biology at Saint Mary’s College and received her Medical Degree from the University of Minnesota. She completed her Family Medicine Residency at United Hospital in Saint Paul, MN. She enjoyed practicing full spectrum family medicine and recently became a certified life coach to help support fellow healthcare professionals.<\/p>\n

Her commitment to education, advocacy and wellness for healthcare professionals pairs well with her preventive care philosophy. She is thrilled to be part of the Augsburg team.<\/p>\n

Outside of work Michelle enjoys time with her family. She has 4 children and is often seen cheering them on from the sidelines!\u00a0 She loves to travel, read, spend time outdoors, and this past year she has enjoyed several triathlons.<\/p>\n

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Mike Butler, PA-C (Clinical PA Faculty)\"headshot<\/h3>\n

Mike earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration from Plymouth State University in New Hampshire in 2006 then pursued a career in public service working in both Fire and EMS. In 2017 he earned an MPAS from the University of North Dakota beginning a career in Family Medicine in the Twin Cities.<\/p>\n

His commitment to preventative care and wellness across the lifespan called him to Family Medicine where he found his passion for teaching while precepting students in the clinical setting.<\/p>\n

Outside of work Mike enjoys being active in nature with his three children including yearly trips to the BWCA, exploring MN state parks and downhill skiing.<\/p>\n

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\"headshotMarah Czaja, PA-C (PA Faculty)<\/h3>\n

Marah is a family medicine trained Physician Assistant with an interest in addiction medicine. She earned her bachelor degree in Biology and Spanish from Berea College in Kentucky in 2012 and her Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree from Elon University in North Carolina in 2016. Marah has over 8 years of experience working in community health centers and safety net hospitals with a focus on primary care and addiction medicine.<\/p>\n

Marah is committed to provide high-quality, trauma informed, patient centered care. She believes that patients are the experts of their body and mind, and her role is to provide therapeutic education, knowledge, and options for healthcare. She is very excited to be a part of the Augsburg team and help train future leaders in healthcare.<\/p>\n

In her free time, Marah enjoys spending time with her dog, cats, and chickens, hiking and exploring new state and national parks, kayaking, spending time with family and chosen family, and reading a good book!<\/p>\n

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\"headshotRachel Elbing, MPH, PA-C (PA Faculty)<\/h3>\n

Rachel attended the University of Wisconsin – Madison for both her undergraduate degree and her Physician Assistant Degree. She then went on to complete the University of Iowa Emergency Medicine Physician Assistant Residency Program in Iowa City.<\/p>\n

Rachel has been in the Twin Cities area since 2013 where she continued her work as an emergency medicine PA at multiple ERs across the Twin Cities and was a part of an amazing interdisciplinary Palliative Care team in St. Paul.<\/p>\n

Rachel has over 10 years of experience with Emergency Medicine and Palliative Care, but she is particularly interested in global health and how socioeconomic, political, and cultural factors can play a role in both individuals and communities’ health. She is thrilled to be a part of the PA program at Augsburg!<\/p>\n

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\"\"Ryane Lester<\/a>, PA-C (PA Faculty)<\/h3>\n

Ryane received her undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin, Madison and her Masters in Physician Assistant Studies in 2010 from Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI.<\/p>\n

For the past 7 years she has been working clinically in Orthopedics. Ryane spent her early years in clinical practice in the emergency department in Illinois, Wisconsin and Minnesota.<\/p>\n

In her free time, she loves spending time with her husband, two young children and their dog, making everyday memories.<\/p>\n

\"HeadshotKelsey Reif, PA-C (PA Faculty)<\/h3>\n

Kelsey Reif is originally from Minnesota. She attended Xavier University in Cincinnati, OH and received her undergraduate degree in biology and chemistry. She then attended Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI, and graduated in 2016 with a master\u2019s degree in Physician Assistant Studies. Kelsey returned home to MN to practice.<\/p>\n

Kelsey started working in September 2016 as a surgical PA with HealthPartners, focusing on general and colorectal surgery. Throughout her clinical career, she advanced to become the Lead APC in the department. She helped improve workflows within the APC team, creating lasting improvements with residents\/students, as well as in other areas of the hospital.<\/p>\n

Kelsey has been a full-time faculty member at Augsburg\u2019s Physician Assistant Program since July 2024. She is currently enrolled in the Augsburg Doctor of Medical Science Program and continues to work as a surgical PA clinically one day a week.<\/p>\n

In her free time, Kelsey enjoys spending time with her husband and their two children. She also enjoys being active, spending time outdoors, traveling, cooking, experiencing new restaurants, and attending live music events.<\/p>\n

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\"headshotMary Ruggeri, MEd, MMSc, PA-C (PA Faculty)<\/h3>\n

Mary graduated with a Master of Medical Science from the Yale School of Medicine PA Online Program. She began practicing clinically as a PA in outpatient psychiatry and then transitioned to a role in dermatology and aesthetic medicine.<\/p>\n

Prior to becoming a PA, Mary earned her undergraduate degree from Loyola University of Chicago, participated in a two-year service program, teaching in an under-resourced school in Austin, TX, and earned a Master of Education degree from the University of Notre Dame.<\/p>\n

As a former teacher, Mary\u2019s interest in learning environments and student wellness has inspired her involvement in several related research initiatives. She has experience in PA education as an Assistant Professor Adjunct and Clinical Coordinator with the Yale School of Medicine PA Online Program. Mary has served on the Physician Assistant Education Association\u2019s (PAEA) Future Educator Development Steering Committee and PAEA Board of Directors. Mary is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Health Sciences.<\/p>\n

Mary enjoys spending time with her family, recreating favorite recipes from Austin restaurants, searching for vintage treasures at estate sales and antique shops, and spending time at the lake.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Diana Soran, DMSc, PA-C (Founding DMSc Program Director)<\/h3>\n

\"Diana<\/h3>\n
\n

Diana Soran, DMSc, PA-C, serves as the Doctor of Medical Science Program Director. She completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Pennsylvania, master’s degree at Emory University, and doctoral degree at the University of Lynchburg. Her doctoral work focused on integrating trauma-informed care into clinical medicine. Dr. Soran continues to apply her expertise to create environments for students, colleagues, and patients that promote well-being, growth, and empowerment.<\/p>\n

Dr. Soran has practiced as a Physician Assistant since 2014. She began her clinical career in gastroenterology, where she practiced in both inpatient and outpatient settings. She transitioned to primary care in the university health setting, addressing the unique health needs of students and staff.<\/p>\n

In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Soran loves to teach. She enjoys precepting students, lecturing at conferences, and facilitating staff development workshops.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

Our Adjunct Faculty<\/h2>\n

\"HeadshotMiranda LaCroix, PA-C (Adjunct Instructor)<\/h3>\n

Miranda completed her undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and her Masters in Physician Assistant Studies from Augsburg University in 2021.<\/p>\n

Since graduation, she has been working on increasing her knowledge base as a Hospital Medicine Advanced Practice Clinician Fellow at Regions Hospital in St. Paul. An advocate of continuing education, Miranda is excited to learn and grow along with the students at Augsburg.<\/p>\n

Originally from Wisconsin, Miranda enjoys spending her free time rooting for the Brewers, Bucks, Badgers, and Packers. She’s also an avid animal lover and has two cats.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"ClintonClinton Billhorn, PA-C (Adjunct Instructor)<\/h3>\n

Clinton graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2015 with a B.S. in Biochemistry with a minor in Neuroscience. He took a year off before starting PA school to work full-time as a certified nursing assistant in his hometown of Prairie du Sac, WI. He then returned and started the Augsburg PA program in May of 2016, graduating in November of 2018. He has worked in an urgent care setting previously and most recently work as a hospital medicine PA. Clinton is joining the program as an adjunct<\/span> to help with the Point-of-Care ultrasound program in which he is certified through the Society of Hospital Medicine.<\/p>\n

Clinton’s passion outside of medicine includes traveling, gardening, and his animals. He is also a Certified Running Coach through the UESCA and volunteers with an organization called Mile in My Shoes. Additionally, he is an active board member for the Minnesota Academy of PAs.<\/p>\n<\/div>
\n

<\/p>\n

\"teganTegan Presley, PA-C (Adjunct Instructor)<\/h3>\n

Tegan received her Bachelor of Science in chemistry and biology from Hamline University in 2008, and her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Augsburg College in 2014. She has spent most of her PA career in community health centers and has recently expanded her role to include Associate Medical Director of a local Federally Qualified Health Center.<\/p>\n

Her specific area of interest is serving persons with substance use disorders- combining a passion for primary care and serving the community to achieve health. Additionally, she enjoys serving generations of families in both chronic disease management and preventive care. Her commitment to ongoing education grew while precepting students in the clinical setting. She is now privileged to continue educating future providers with Augsburg Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program.<\/p>\n

Outside her professional goals, Tegan fancies herself an aspiring athlete participating in multiple sprint triathlons and running races. She balances physical activity with attempts at baking including the elusive sourdough. Helping her enjoy all the baked goods are her supportive husband and two young children. She is an active volunteer with programs for youth seeking future careers in medicine. When able, she enjoys cheering for Minnesota sports teams especially the Aurora FC.<\/p>\n

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\n<\/div><\/div><\/p>\n

\n

PA Professional Staff<\/h2>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"SherrieSherrie Luetgers (Program Manager)<\/h3>\n

Sherrie is a graduate of Augsburg College with a Bachelors degree in Music Education. She has 18 years of experience in healthcare working as a HUC, EKG tech, and Emergency Room Tech most recently in the Emergency Department at Hennepin County Medical Center.<\/p>\n

Sherrie spends most of her free time reading and painting.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"ErikaErika Skogen (Lead Clinical Rotation Coordinator)<\/h3>\n

Erika completed her Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Elementary Education with a Math Endorsement from the College of Saint Benedict in December of 2016. Upon\u00a0graduation, she began\u00a0teaching middle school math for over three years before briefly stepping away from education.<\/p>\n

After a year of working as a Project Coordinator, Erika is excited to put her\u00a0passion for\u00a0education back to use by\u00a0assisting\u00a0in creating the best\u00a0learning opportunities for the Physician Assistant Program at Augsburg.<\/p>\n

In her spare time, she enjoys listening to music, running, and playing various sports with her friends and family.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"headshotAdriana Hidalgo (Clinical Rotation Coordinator)<\/h3>\n

Adriana joined the Augsburg PA staff in April 2023 after previously working for The Marsh, a Center for Balance and Fitness as a scheduler and assistant Spa manager. Prior to her wellness experience, she also worked as an underwriter for Allstate.<\/p>\n

In her free time, she enjoys biking, cooking, gardening, photography, attending live music events,\u00a0and spending as much time as she can in the Boundary Waters hiking and camping.<\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

\"mollieMollie Lohmann (Administrative Assistant)<\/h3>\n

Mollie graduated from Augsburg University in 2023 with a Bachelor of Arts in English and History and minor in Medieval Studies. After working for Augsburg’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion program, as a student worker, they have stayed with Augsburg after graduation and moved across the street to the PA Program as a full time assistant.<\/p>\n

In their free time time, she enjoys reading, crocheting, writing and painting and can be found listening to musical numbers.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"KatieKatie Olsen (Administrative Assistant)<\/h3>\n

Katie completed their Bachelor’s of Science (BS) in Technical Communications with a minor in Performing Arts at Iowa State University. After graduation, they pursued work with MLT Group, a local web development company.<\/p>\n

After five years with web marketing, they are looking forward to branching out and using their skills to support higher education and volunteer outreach within the PA program at Augsburg University.<\/p>\n

In their spare time, they enjoy reading, sewing, playing video games, and hanging out in nature.<\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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