Dorothy Caputo, MA, BSN, RN - President

Ms. Caputo is the former Director of Continuing and Outreach Education at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey where she was a Clinical Assistant Professor at the School of Health Related Professions. In this role, she was responsible for Continuing Nursing Education, interim CME Director and Project Director for a national multi-site research study – TRIAD (Translating Research Into Action for Diabetes). Her former clinical credentials include CDE and APRN, BC-ADM. Dorothy has been involved in continuing education for over 30 years and was a Senior Consultant for ANCC Credentialing Knowledge Center. Dorothy has been working with AKH since 2010 in various positions before becoming President in 2025.

Deborah C. Clark, PhD - Vice President

As vice president, Deborah leads the educational oversight of the grant and outcomes processes; professional development support for joint providers and partners; and continuing medical education programming. She has 30 years of experience in adult education, curriculum design and development, medical content authoring, and educational outcomes measurement. She previously received the Outstanding Teacher Award and the Award for Innovative Excellence in Teaching, Learning, and Technology at Middle Tennessee State University while serving as an Assistant/Associate Professor in the Biology Department.

ADVISORY BOARD

Francis J. Caputo, MD, FACS – Vascular Surgeon, Program Director, Professor – Cleveland Clinic

Dr. Caputo received his medical degree from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in 2010. He completed his Vascular Surgery Fellowship and Administrative Fellowship at Barnes- Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. Presently, he serves as Professor at Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Staff at the Department of Vascular Surgery at The Cleveland Clinic Foundation as well as the Program Director, Vascular Surgery Residency and Fellowship Program and the Co-Director of the Cleveland Clinic Vascular and Cardiac Center. Dr. Caputo has authored more than 30 articles and several textbook chapters, lectured nationally and internationally (including being the keynote speaker), and has an extensive list of poster presentations, inclusive of oral plenary sessions.

Jessica Lee Lin - Physician Associate

Jessica graduated from the Keck School of Medicine of USC Physician Assistant Program and has maintained a clinical practice as a physician associate in cardiology for over 10 years. After starting out in a private practice, Jessica joined the advanced heart failure team at the University of California, San Diego in 2015. She has enjoyed working in both the inpatient and outpatient settings caring for patients with advanced heart failure, left ventricular assist devices, and heart transplants.

Bernadette Makar, MSN, APRN-BC, NP-C – Nurse Practitioner Supervisor

Ms. Makar is a nurse practitioner at Saint Peter’s University Hospital where she manages a team of nurse practitioners who work with the emergency room physicians to admit acute care patients. In addition, she manages and supervises a 12 patient observation unit. She currently holds the position of a Clinical Adjunct Professor for Rutgers University where she monitors and evaluates preceptors along with their students in various semesters of the Adult Nurse Practitioner program. Bernadette has been involved in continuing nursing education for 8 years as a Lead Nurse Planner, Nurse Planner, Reviewer and Pilot Tester. 

Dorothy Duffy, RPh – Pharmacist

Dorothy earned her Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from St. John’s University, College of Pharmacy and Allied Health, in 1993. She brings over 30 years of experience in independent retail pharmacy and has been a valued member of the Colonial Pharmacy team since 1996.

Dorothy plays a vital role in patient care and pharmacy operations. She currently serves as the Medication Therapy Management (MTM) Coordinator, Vaccine Supervisor, and Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Coordinator, and also oversees all Long Term Care at Home patients. In each of these roles, she’s dedicated to ensuring safe, effective, and personalized care for every patient.

Dorothy Caputo, MA, BSN, RN – Nurse

Ms. Caputo is the former Director of Continuing and Outreach Education at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey where she was a Clinical Assistant Professor at the School of Health Related Professions. In this role, she was responsible for Continuing Nursing Education, interim CME Director and Project Director for a national multi-site research study – TRIAD (Translating Research Into Action for Diabetes). Her former clinical credentials include CDE and APRN, BC-ADM. Dorothy has been involved in continuing education for over 30 years and was a Senior Consultant for ANCC Credentialing Knowledge Center. Dorothy has been working with AKH since 2010 in various positions before becoming President in 2025.

Broc Pollinger, MSW, LSW, OSW-C – Social Worker

Mr. Pollinger is a healthcare executive, licensed social worker, and educator with over a decade of experience leading patient-centered programs in oncology, mental health, and care management. As Manager of Patient Support Services at St. Luke’s University Health Network, he directs a wide-ranging portfolio including Oncology Social Work, Financial Advocacy, Screening and Prevention, and Healing Arts. His leadership has driven the development of transformative initiatives such as the Center for Hope and Healing, the Mastectomy Bra Boutique, and community-based cancer screening events.

Broc holds a Master of Social Work from Temple University and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from DeSales University. He also serves as an adjunct professor at the University of Kentucky, where he mentors future social workers in clinical practice and healthcare systems. A graduate of the from Association of Cancer Executives (ACE) Fellowship Program, Broc brings strategic insight and executive-level training to his work, with a focus on innovation, equity, and measurable outcomes. He also consults for Advancing Knowledge in Healthcare Inc., reviewing continuing education content for social work professionals.

His research contributions include published work in Gynecologic Oncology and Pharmacy Times, with a strong emphasis on distress screening, women's health, and financial advocacy—exploring how economic barriers impact cancer care and survivorship. Broc is certified in Oncology Social Work and Financial Advocacy, and actively contributes to professional committees such as the Cancer Survivorship Committee. With a passion for holistic care, education, and health equity, Broc continues to shape the future of patient support services through evidence-based leadership and a deep commitment to the communities he serves.

Jennifer Kasey - Psychologist

Dr. Kasey is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with a doctorate in Clinical and School Psychology from James Madison University. She also has a Masters in Community Counseling from a CACREP accredited Counseling Psychology program at James
Madison University and an undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia. Dr. Kasey has over 15 years of experience working with people from diverse backgrounds, including Women, Military Service members, Veterans, Talented and Gifted Teens, College students, Athletes, and Leaders. Dr. Kasey has also completed specialized training in PTSD, Anxiety, Yoga, and Couples therapy. She is also licensed in TN, VA, and credentialed to provide teletherapy through the APA PsyPact in thirty-nine states.
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Dr. Kasey is also the proud Founder and Owner of Redirection Counseling Services, LLC which is a woman-led, telehealth practice that offers individual and couples therapy, career-related coaching and consultation for leaders and professionals, and presentations and workshops on issues related to mental health, self-care, and work/life balance. Redirection Counseling helps individuals navigate and thrive during uncertain times by using a strengths-based, evidence-based, collaborative, and affirming approach.

Dr. Kasey is also passionate about education and has served with Acquiring Knowledge in Healthcare (AKH) as a content reviewer and faculty contributor since April 2024.

Yadira Wood, MPT, BS - Athletic Trainer

Yadira Wood is a licensed physical therapist and educator with a strong foundation in both clinical care and academic instruction. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training and a Master in Physical Therapy, bringing diverse experience across orthopedic, pediatric, acute care, rehabilitation settings, as well as in education. 

Yadira’s career began in hands-on patient care, where she developed a deep passion for functional recovery and long-term wellness. She began her work in the outpatient orthopedic and sports medicine setting, allowing her to work with various groups of athletes. She transitioned from orthopedics to acute care, rehabilitation, and pediatrics, where she gained experience with a variety of orthopedic and neurological conditions. Her work with a wide range of populations—from pediatrics to aging adults—shaped her approach to rehabilitation, emphasizing not just recovery, but improved quality of life via functional lifelong gains. 

In recent years, Yadira transitioned into education, where she teaches Biology, Spanish, and Anatomy and Physiology at the secondary level. She has also led student enrichment programs such as HOSA–Health Occupation Students of America, encouraging the next generation to explore careers in healthcare.

Whether in the classroom or through continuing education content, Yadira remains committed to evidence-based practice, emerging research, and promoting overall health and wellness.

Alicia Turner – Patient

Ms. Turner is the Director of Project Management Delivery at Syneos Health. She represents the patient target audience of many of our interprofessional activities providing insight into the patient perspective within the healthcare system.

Mia Makar - Nursing Student

Mia Makar is a first year nursing student at Seton Hall University. Ms. Makar has special interests in pediatric nursing and NICU nursing.