Meet The Team

Catherine A. Cazorla

Catherine is a partner with AMAS and  has full oversight of the company’s operations including resource planning, financial management, client relations, human resources, marketing and business development. She provides leadership for the clinical and operations teams, and works closely with the Management Team to ensure operational effectiveness. As a Board member, she focuses on business development and growth.

Catherine joined AMAS in 2004, after a distinguished career in the US Air Force and over 20 years of advancing management and leadership positions in Health Services Management and Military Training. In her last assignment, she served as the Division Chief for Physician Incentives and Medical Readiness in the Surgeon General’s Directorate at HQ Air Reserve Personnel Center, managing over $32M in annual operating revenue and developing recruiting and retention incentives for critical skill medical specialties for the Air Force Reserve. In addition to completing several levels of military leadership training, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with honors from Regis University.

Since joining AMAS, Catherine has led the company to rapid, sustained growth by focusing on organizational design and skillfully negotiating long-term business relationships with Fortune 500 company leadership. In 2009, she led negotiations to acquire the former AMAS group and created a successful post-acquisition team.

W. Keith Martin, MD, MPH

Since 1991, Dr. Martin’s practice has focused on civilian FAA Aeromedical certification. As a founding partner of AMAS, he has consulted and represented thousands of commercial and private pilots in maintaining and obtaining FAA medical certification. In his role as Chairman, Dr. Martin leads the Board of Directors in driving the long-range vision of our company. As Chief Business Development Officer, he focuses on developing new business and strategic partnerships.

A graduate of the University of Richmond and Medical College of Virginia School of Medicine, he is board certified in Aerospace Medicine and holds a Master’s Degree in Public Health from the University of California at Berkeley. Prior to joining AMAS, he served 10 years in the US Army as a flight surgeon, retiring from the Colorado Army National Guard in 2000. He has extensive experience in rotary wing aircraft, accident investigation, hypobaric medicine and military medical certification. Additionally he has served on several national task forces and consulting bodies regarding DOT drug and alcohol testing in airline pilots

Quay C. Snyder, MD, MSPH

A founding partner of AMAS, Dr. Snyder is well known and respected throughout the aviation and Aeromedical community. He is the current Aeromedical Advisor to the Air Line Pilot’s Association, International and has been working as a strong advocate for civilian pilots and controllers since leaving the active military in 1994.

A Distinguished Graduate of the United States Air Force Academy and Duke University School of Medicine, he is board certified in Aerospace Medicine, Family Practice, Occupational Medicine as well as Addiction Medicine. Dr. Snyder received his Master’s of Science in Public Health from the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. Prior to joining AMAS, he served 25 years in the US Air Force, Air National Guard and USAF Reserve as a flight surgeon and soaring instructor pilot, retiring in 2002.

Additionally, Dr. Snyder is a rated commercial pilot, aircraft owner, FAA certified flight instructor since 1975 and Designated Pilot Examiner. He has over 2800 flying hours in 48 types of aircraft and has been a Master CFI since 2003.

Caitlin Bruton

Caitlin joined AMAS as an Office Manager and is now the Director of Operations. She previously volunteered with AMAS in its early days as a Virtual Flight Surgeon and worked as a team member. In her current role, she focuses on accounting support, administrative work, website maintenance, and HIMS seminar support. Caitlin brings several years of accounting and administrative experience to the group. She earned a Bachelor’s degree with a concentration in business administration courses.

Wendy Clauson, RN, CCM Copy

Wendy is the Director of Case Management Services and a Certified Case Manager, holding degrees from Allen Memorial Hospital School of Nursing and the University of Northern Iowa. She has been an RN for twenty six years with ten of those years spent in the hospital setting primarily on the cardiac step-down unit. She also has experience in Managed Care and the insurance industry with her most recent position being with Active Health Management, a subsidiary company of Aetna. Her roles there included Supervisor of Case Management and Utilization Management. In her current role, Wendy supervises our case managers, managing clinical case management, customer service and FAA liaison team duties. As a member of the Management Team, she focuses on improving clinical and administrative operations, with an ultimate goal of customer excellence.

W. Keith Martin, MD, MPH

Since 1991, Dr. Martin’s practice has focused on civilian FAA Aeromedical certification. As a founding partner of AMAS, he has consulted and represented thousands of commercial and private pilots in maintaining and obtaining FAA medical certification. In his role as Chairman, Dr. Martin leads the Board of Directors in driving the long-range vision of our company. As Chief Business Development Officer, he focuses on developing new business and strategic partnerships.

A graduate of the University of Richmond and Medical College of Virginia School of Medicine, he is board certified in Aerospace Medicine and holds a Master’s Degree in Public Health from the University of California at Berkeley. Prior to joining AMAS, he served 10 years in the US Army as a flight surgeon, retiring from the Colorado Army National Guard in 2000. He has extensive experience in rotary wing aircraft, accident investigation, hypobaric medicine and military medical certification. Additionally he has served on several national task forces and consulting bodies regarding DOT drug and alcohol testing in airline pilots

Phillip E. Parker, MD, MPH

Dr. Parker serves as our Director of Clinical Services, overseeing our team of physicians. As a member of the Management Team, he focuses on improving clinical and administrative operations, with an ultimate goal of customer excellence. He is a graduate of Baylor University and the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB). He is board certified in both Aerospace and Occupational Medicine receiving his Master’s of Public Health degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, Texas. Dr. Parker served on Active Duty for 12 years in the US Air Force, the Colorado Air National Guard, and the Air Force Reserves as a flight surgeon before retiring in 2011. He is a private pilot and before joining AMAS, was a FAA certified Aviation Medical Examiner for 11 years.

Phillip E. Parker, MD, MPH

Dr. Parker serves as our Director of Clinical Services, overseeing our team of physicians. As a member of the Management Team, he is focused on enhancing both clinical and administrative operations, with the ultimate goal of delivering customer excellence. He is a graduate of Baylor University and the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB). He is board certified in both Aerospace and Occupational Medicine receiving his Master’s of Public Health degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, Texas. Dr. Parker served on Active Duty for 12 years in the US Air Force, the Colorado Air National Guard, and the Air Force Reserves as a flight surgeon before retiring in 2011. He is a private pilot and before joining AMAS, was a FAA certified Aviation Medical Examiner for 11 years.

Michael T. Acromite, MD, MSPH

Charles D. Clinton, MD, MPH

Mark R. Coakwell, MD, MPH

Dr. Coakwell is an AMAS staff physician that has 30 years of experience as a U.S. Air Force flight surgeon and is a member of the AMAS clinical staff. He is board certified in both Aerospace Medicine (since 2002) and Occupational Medicine (since 2003), and holds a Master of Public Health degree (2000).  He has extensive experience in the development and application of aeromedical policy, medical standards, and aviation safety programs at the local, major command, Air Force, and DoD levels, as well as in many deployed locations and settings.  Dr. Coakwell is a private pilot, and has previous experience as an FAA Aviation Medical Examiner.

Daniel A. Danczyk, MD, MPH

Dr. Danczyk is a staff physician at AMAS. He is board certified in Psychiatry and Aerospace Medicine. A graduate of the United States Military Academy and Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Dr. Danczyk received his Master of Public Health from the University of Minnesota.

Prior to going into medicine, he served six years on active duty in the US Army. His medical career has spanned multiple private and governmental organizations, as well as breadth and depth of specialty care. Dr. Danczyk was a staff psychiatrist at the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Medical Center. His psychiatry work at Mayo Clinic included general outpatient adult, inpatient, consult-liaison, and the emergency room. As a HIMS AME and HIMS psychiatrist, his aeromedical work included complex and specialized medical and psychiatric fitness for duty exams for civilian and military pilots, other aircrew, and air traffic controllers. His occupational work also included evaluating physicians, nurses, and other healthcare employees. Dr. Danczyk’s career then took him back to civil service, where he eventually became the FAA’s third Chief Psychiatrist and first manager of their Aviation Psychiatry Branch, where he helped advance medical certification policy for airmen and controllers with psychiatric and substance use conditions.

Additionally, Dr. Danczyk has been an invited interviewer and evaluator for NASA’s Astronaut Candidate Selection. After medical school, he rejoined the military, now serving in the Minnesota Air National Guard and is currently a medical group commander and rated senior flight surgeon with over 200 flying hours. Dr. Danczyk is also an instrument-rated private pilot with over 500 flying hours in various aircraft and is currently working on his commercial certificate.

David W. Gibson, MD, MPH

Dr. Gibson brings over 24 years of experience as a U.S. Naval Flight Surgeon, including 20 years in Aerospace Medicine. He is a graduate of the University of Miami and the University of Miami School of Medicine and is board certified in Aerospace Medicine with a Masters of Public Health degree earned at the Johns Hopkins University School of Hygiene and Public Health in Baltimore, Maryland. During his 26 years on active duty in the US Navy, he served as the Senior Medical Officer aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65), among many other assignments, and accumulated over 900 flight hours in twenty-two different Navy, Marine, Army, Air Force, and Coast Guard aircraft.

Peter Kovats, MD, MPH

Dr. Kovats brings 28 years of experience in the U.S. Air Force, serving initially as a Family Practitioner and spending the last 22 years in Aerospace Medicine. His roles included squadron flight surgeon, Chief of Aerospace Medicine, squadron commander, and multiple deployments to CENTCOM, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Born and raised in Northeast Ohio, he is a graduate of Kent State University and Northeast Ohio Medical University (formerly Northeast Ohio Universities College of Medicine) in 1991.

Dr. Kovats completed a Family Practice residency at Akron General Hospital and subsequently joined the USAF in 1994, worked as a family practice doc for six years and went on to become a flight surgeon for the 81st Fighter Squadron in Spangdahlem, Germany supporting multiple deployment and humanitarian relief operations. Dr. Kovats completed a residency in Aerospace Medicine (RAM) and Occupational Medicine in 2006 and has had numerous command and senior physician assignments in U.S. Special Operations, AF Materiel Command and U.S. Air Forces in Europe. He has had numerous joint assignments, culminating at the Naval Aviation Medicine Institute at NAS Pensacola, Florida, working closely with thousands of Navy and Marine Corps aviators as well as a broad multi-disciplinary medical staff that included Neurology, ENT, Psychiatry, Neuropsychiatry and Internal Medicine. Dr. Kovats has accrued over 800 rated flying hours in numerous airframes from all services, in peacetime and combat and has spent over 20 years of his career advocating for pilots and aviation safety.

W. Keith Martin, MD, MPH

Since 1991, Dr. Martin’s practice has focused on civilian FAA Aeromedical certification. As a founding partner of AMAS, he has consulted and represented thousands of commercial and private pilots in maintaining and obtaining FAA medical certification. In his role as Chairman, Dr. Martin leads the Board of Directors in driving the long-range vision of our company. As Chief Business Development Officer, he focuses on developing new business and strategic partnerships.

A graduate of the University of Richmond and Medical College of Virginia School of Medicine, he is board certified in Aerospace Medicine and holds a Master’s Degree in Public Health from the University of California at Berkeley. Prior to joining AMAS, he served 10 years in the US Army as a flight surgeon, retiring from the Colorado Army National Guard in 2000. He has extensive experience in rotary wing aircraft, accident investigation, hypobaric medicine and military medical certification. Additionally he has served on several national task forces and consulting bodies regarding DOT drug and alcohol testing in airline pilots.

Kurt D. McCartney, MD, MPH

Dr. McCartney brings over 21 years of experience as a U.S. Air Force flight surgeon. He is a graduate of the University of Virginia and the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS) medical school. He is board certified in Aerospace Medicine with a Master’s of Public Health degree earned at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, Texas. His fields of expertise are medical standards, Aeromedical policy, and human factors.

Thomas Kevin Nelson, DO, MPH, RPh

Dr. Nelson is a staff IMS physician at AMAS. He is board-certified in Occupational/Environmental Medicine and Addiction Medicine, with extensive training and experience in primary care and pediatrics as both a physician and clinical pharmacist. He has served as an FAA Senior AME/IMS (HIMS-related) and Medical Review Officer, with expertise in fitness for duty, drug safety and toxicology, public health, epidemiology, and OSHA medical surveillance.

He is a graduate of Auburn University Harrison College of Pharmacy and Kansas City University of Medicine, and received a Master in Public Health from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), specializing in epidemiology. He has previously taught clinical pharmacy to medical residents and PharmD residents and has conducted independent research in clinical pharmacology of aminoglycosides in neonates, and in environmental epidemiology of congenital heart defects in infants in Texas.

Jon M. Riccitello, MD, MPH

Dr. Riccitello is a graduate of the University of Colorado and the McGill Faculty of Medicine. He is board certified in both Aerospace and Internal Medicine, completing his residency program at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas. Dr. Riccitello also received his Master’s of Public Health degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch. Prior to his career in medicine, Dr. Riccitello served in the U.S. Navy as an officer onboard an Ohio class nuclear powered ballistic missile submarine. Dr. Riccitello is a licensed private pilot.

Kathleen M. Samsey, MD, MPH

Dr. Samsey is a graduate of Marquette University (BS in Biomedical Engineering) and the Emory University School of Medicine (MD), and she is board certified in Aerospace Medicine, Emergency Medicine, and Emergency Medical Services (EMS).  Dr. Samsey’s military service in included overseeing emergency response systems for deployed units, developing advanced protocols for casualty evacuation, and medical advising and consultation to non-medical leaders under extreme conditions.  She accumulated nearly 100 combat flight hours while serving as a theater aviation brigade flight surgeon, and as a division surgeon she helped enhance combat casualty care and interoperability of Joint and Coalition Medical forces.  Across her long career at multiple echelons, Dr. Samsey effectively optimized medical readiness in aviators and warfighters, while limiting individual and operational risk. 

Quay C. Snyder, MD, MSPH

A founding partner of AMAS, Dr. Snyder is well known and respected throughout the aviation and Aeromedical community. He is the current Aeromedical Advisor to the Air Line Pilot’s Association, International and has been working as a strong advocate for civilian pilots and controllers since leaving the active military in 1994.

A Distinguished Graduate of the United States Air Force Academy and Duke University School of Medicine, he is board certified in Aerospace Medicine, Family Practice, Occupational Medicine as well as Addiction Medicine. Dr. Snyder received his Master’s of Science in Public Health from the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. Prior to joining AMAS, he served 25 years in the US Air Force, Air National Guard and USAF Reserve as a flight surgeon and soaring instructor pilot, retiring in 2002.

Additionally, Dr. Snyder is a rated commercial pilot, aircraft owner, FAA certified flight instructor since 1975 and Designated Pilot Examiner. He has over 2800 flying hours in 48 types of aircraft and has been a Master CFI since 2003.

Charles S. Tedder, MD, MPH, CPE

Dr. Tedder brings 30 years of experience as a U.S. Air Force flight surgeon, including 18 years as an Aerospace Medicine specialist. He is a graduate of the University of Kansas and the Uniformed Services University School of Medicine. He is board certified in Aerospace Medicine and Occupational Medicine with a Masters of Public Health degree earned at the University of Texas. During his 30 years on active duty in the U.S. Air Force, he served as a squadron level Flight Surgeon, Chief of Aerospace Medicine, squadron and group commander, and as the Command Surgeon for Third Air Force in Europe and for Air Force Central Command. He has accumulated more than 1200 flight hours in numerous Air Force, Army and Navy aircraft.

Wendy Clauson, RN, CCM

Wendy’s current role is the Director of Case Management Services. She graduated from Allen Memorial Hospital School of Nursing and University of Northern Iowa and is a Certified Case Manager. She has been an RN for 31 years with 10 of those years spent in the hospital setting primarily on the cardiac step-down unit. She also has experience in Managed Care and the insurance industry with her most recent position being with Active Health Management, a subsidiary company of Aetna. Her roles there included Supervisor of Case Management and Utilization Management. In her current role, Wendy provides case management services, supervises our case managers and provides oversight for all clinical case management. As a member of the Management Team, she focuses on improving clinical and administrative operations, with an ultimate goal of customer excellence.

Kacey Chadwell, RN, BSN, CCM

Kacey is a Nurse Case Manager at AMAS. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Galen College of Nursing in Louisville, KY. She has been a nurse for over 25 years in various clinical settings. Kacey worked several years as a Unit Manager and as an MDS Coordinator completing nursing assessments for Medicare/Medicaid. Before AMAS, she spent 8 years in the managed care and insurance industry doing Utilization Review and as an Appeals/Quality Improvement Organization Nurse Liaison. In her current role, Kacey provides case management services, working one-on-one with our clients and assisting our physician staff with medical documentation review and case preparation.

Renee Christophersen, RN, BSN, CCM

Renee is a Nurse Case Manager with AMAS. She graduated from Michigan State University with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. After graduating from MSU, she served as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Airforce working as an RN. She has been a nurse for 32 years in various clinic settings with the last 12 years as a field case manager focusing on workman’s compensation and auto case management. In her case management role with AMAS, Renee works with our clients and physician staff to assure appropriate medical documentation, records review and case preparation.

Mindy Gauntt, RN, BSN, CCM

Mindy is a Nurse Case Manager with AMAS. She has been a nurse for over 11 years with various roles in the hospital as well as in a managed care setting. She worked for Cigna Healthcare Insurance providing Chronic Case Management support, Oncology Case Management Services, and Utilization Management. Her most recent role was as a Travel RN Case Manager where she assisted in discharge planning as well as utilization review in various acute care hospitals.

Amanda Goodwin-Watson, RN, CCM

Amanda is a Nurse Case Manager with AMAS. Amanda is a graduate of Galen College of Nursing. She has over 20 years of Nursing experience in various clinical settings. She most recently worked as a Front End Review/Continued Stay Review Nurse in Utilization Management and as a Quality Improvement Organization Liaison. In her current role Amanda provides Case Management Services to our clients and assists our Physician’s with medical documentation review and case preparation.

Carrie Hughes, RN

Carrie is a Nurse Case Manager with AMAS. She is a graduate of Chattanooga State School of Nursing in Chattanooga, TN and has been a nurse for over 13 years. Carrie has specialized in both inpatient and outpatient psychiatric behavioral health settings. Most recently, Carrie provided nurse case management services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities as lead nurse for more than 8 years. In her current role, Carrie provides case management services, working one-on-one with our clients and assisting our physician staff with medical documentation review and case preparation.

Nicolle Lowe, RN, BSN

Nicolle Lowe is and IMS Case Manager with AMAS. She has been a RN for over 10 years specializing in Behavioral Health and substance abuse. Nicolle’s background consist of inpatient psychiatric setting, managing Quality Assurance, directing Risk Management and as a Compliance Officer. In her current role, Nicolle provides case management services for the IMS division, working one-on-one with our clients and assisting our IMS physicians with case preparation.

Haley Newton RN, BSN

Haley is a Nurse Case Manager with AMAS. She has a background in the United States Air Force as a flight medic, as well as working with pilots closely at Hickam Joint base pilot clinic to keep them airborne. Additionally, she has been an RN for 7 years specializing in Trauma and critical care. In her current role, Haley provides case management services, assists IMS physicians in case preparation, and works one-on-one with various clients.

Kim Small, RN, BSN, ACM

Kim is an IMS Nurse Case Manager with AMAS. Kim is a graduate of Medical University of South Carolina. She has over 40 years of Nursing experience in various clinical settings.

Her most recent role as a RN clinical auditor for a commercial insurer.

In her current role Kim provides Case Management Services to our clients and assists our Physician’s with medical documentation review and case preparation.

Laura Runnels, RN

Laura is an IMS Nurse Case Manager with AMAS. She is a graduate of the University of Arkansas and brings 14 years of nursing experience across a variety of clinical settings. Most recently, she conducted assessments for individuals with intellectual disabilities and chronic debilitating conditions to determine their eligibility for long-term care services.

Kevin West, RN, OCN

Kevin is a graduate of Health Career Institute of West Palm Beach and Brevard State College of Melbourne, Florida and is an Oncology Certified Registered Nurse. He worked as a paramedic in a busy 911 EMS system before becoming an ER nurse. From there, Kevin landed in oncology assisting patients through their journey from cancer diagnosis and education to treatment and survivorship, assisting in patient navigation through a complex and challenging system. Kevin is a strong patient advocate and also has personal experience with the FAA as a Certificated Private Pilot.

Kelly Worley, RN, MSN, CCM

Kelly received her nursing degree from Indiana University, Kokomo, IN, and holds a master’s degree in nursing administration from Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN. She brings with her 27+ years of nursing experience. Kelly’s background includes cardiac/critical care, medical surgical, rehabilitation, outpatient surgery, leadership, and case management. Kelly has worked in different clinical settings, assisting patients with adapting and enhancing their health and life journey as well as decreasing hospital readmissions. During her most recent job, she focused on quality, compliance, and medication knowledge and adherence.

Lyndal Bernhardi

Lyndal is a Customer Service Representative at AMAS, bringing 20 years of experience in customer service, management, retail, education, and office administration. In her role, she assists new and existing clients, processes incoming client records in the management system, and serves as a liaison with the FAA on behalf of clients.

Dirk Shinn

Dirk is a Customer Service Representative, bringing over 15 years of experience in financial and medical customer service, and supports both new and existing clients in his role.

Jenni Sinkiewicz

Jenni is a Customer Service Representative at AMAS, bringing over 25 years of experience in the insurance industry and medical records. In her role, she supports new and existing clients, processes incoming client records in the management system, and serves as a liaison with the FAA on behalf of clients.

Caitlin Bruton

Caitlin joined AMAS as an Office Manager and is now the Director of Operations. She previously volunteered with AMAS in its early days as a Virtual Flight Surgeon and worked as a team member. In her current role, she focuses on accounting support, administrative work, website maintenance, and HIMS seminar support. Caitlin brings several years of accounting and administrative experience to the group. She earned a Bachelor’s degree with a concentration in business administration courses.

Jen Machmer

Jen is an Account Manager at AMAS, bringing 30 years of customer service experience across multiple industries and holding a Master’s degree from Ohio State University. In her role, she manages new accounts, invoicing, and account renewals.

Sujatha Seetharaman

Sujatha is a Full Stack .NET Developer at AMAS, a seasoned professional who earned her Bachelor of Information Technology from Anna University. Sujatha has a passion for crafting efficient and scalable software solutions. She has honed her skills in designing, implementing, and maintaining applications using the .NET framework. Her expertise lies in creating back-end systems, integrating databases, and optimizing performance for seamless user experience. In her current role she utilizes her skillset to ensure AMAS can continue to provide exceptional aeromedical expertise to aviation professionals and enthusiasts worldwide.

Anna Siriano

Anna is the Information Technology Manager at AMAS, having previously served as a database and technology contractor. In her current role she advises, manages, maintains, and enhances technology systems, applications, and databases to ensure AMAS can continue to provide exceptional aeromedical expertise to aviation professional and enthusiasts worldwide. Anna’s passion for technology began during her undergraduate studies at The Ohio State University where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in 2012. With a background in communications, she is particularly interested in translating business needs into well-designed, user-friendly solutions and trainings.

Marisa Zarlengo

Marisa is the Office Manager at AMAS, bringing over 20 years of experience in the medical and customer service industries while continuing her graduate education. In her role, she supports the business team with data security and HIPAA compliance, office management, website maintenance, and provides administrative and planning support for the Human Intervention and Motivation Study (HIMS) Working Group, a FAA Grant–sponsored program.