College of Health and Human Sciences Alumni Advisory Council
Anne Clough ‘06, '12
SPEECH-LANG°µºÚ±¬ÁÏGE PATHOLOGY & AUDIOLOGY
As an Akron native, Anne Clough, MA CCC/SLP, graduated from the University of Akron with a bachelor’s degree in biology in 2006 and a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology in 2012. Anne is currently working at Edwin Shaw Rehabilitation Hospital providing assessment and intervention for individuals with neurological and developmental disorders, brain injury/trauma and head/neck cancers...Continue reading
Josh Koy, '09
EXERCISE & NUTRITION SCIENCE
Originally from Stark county, Josh graduated from Canal Fulton Northwest high school in 2004. He then became a Zip, and while earning a B.S. in Exercise Science (pre-physical therapy), was employed at the rec center and was a founding member of the Akron Blades club table tennis team. After graduating in 2009, Josh went on to earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)... Continue reading
Tom Lehman, '09
NURSING
Tom was born and raised in Akron, Ohio. A 2009 graduate of the Accelerated Nursing program at the University of Akron (BSN-RN), he also earned a BA in Communication with minors in History and Spanish in 1994 from Villanova University and a diploma of Spanish as a foreign language from the Department of Education and Sciences of Spain in 1995 (a DELE Superior level)... Continue reading
Tom was a medical/surgical and hematology/oncology nurse at Akron General from 2010 – 2014 before becoming a Nursing Informatics Specialist from 2014-2018 at Akron General. In 2018, he landed the same position at Cleveland Clinic, where he works today. Working as a Spanish translator and nurse for surgical mission trips to Chile and Peru, Tom has taken a total of 11 trips between 2010-2019. He currently resides in Akron with his wife, Carrie, and his son, Robinson (age 11).
Madison Murphy, '22
ALLIED HEALTH
In 2022, Madison graduated from the University of Akron with a BS in Allied Healthcare Administration and obtained a Certified Professional Coding certification. She gained diverse experience in healthcare management, focusing on quality and compliance... Continue reading
Madison worked for a plasma enterprise, as a Quality Manager, traveling to different states to improve analyze quality systems and ensure compliance. She also played an integral role in establishing the quality, compliance, and accreditation sectors for a new behavioral health organization. Additionally, she managed operations in a pediatric dentistry office, turning it profitable while overseeing various specialties. Madison is currently expanding her education by pursuing a Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) from the University of Phoenix and recently accepted a position with University Hospitals over the stem cell lab in quality / compliance.
Michael Porpora, '90, '00
DISASTER SCIENCE & EMERGENCY SERVICES
In 1990, Michael graduated from the University of Akron with an AAS in Fire Protection Technology. In 2000, Michael graduated once again from the University of Akron with BS in Emergency Management. Michael worked as a Safety Consultant while attending night classes to complete the AAS in Fire Protection. This degree provided him an opportunity to begin work at ALLTEL (Now Windstream) where he started as an EH&S Manager.... Continue reading
Ameritech (Now AT&T) recruited Michael to come work for them. One of the caveats to being hired was an agreement that Michael needed to get a 4-year safety related degree. This was at the same time the University of Akron was launching their Emergency Management Program. Michael got enrolled and was in the first graduating class in December of 2020. Michael has been involved in EH&S and Disaster Recovery work for 37 years. He is an industry leader in disaster recovery work as well as various EH&S subjects like fall protection and ladder safety.
Michael is also an experienced soccer referee, having refereed in various professional leagues, NCAA, high school and youth leagues. He was inducted into the Ohio Scholastic Coaches Hall of Fame in 2015 and inducted into the Ohio High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2023.
Michael currently resides in Wadsworth with his wife Lori. They have three adult children Olivia, Owen and Morgan.
Morgan Schumacher, '11
COUNSELING
Morgan Schumacher is a 2008 undergraduate from Bowling Green State University. She earned her master’s degree in 2011 from The University of Akron where she completed the dual accredited Marriage & Family Therapy and Community Counseling program. She worked as a Professional Counselor before returning to The University of Akron to continue her education and earn a Professional School Counselors licensure...Continue readingMorgan has served clients, students, families, and her community for over a decade, working as a Professional Counselor, School Counselor, and an Administrator at Akron College & Career Academies. She recently made the move back to her hometown to raise her boys close to family.
Donna Skoda
PUBLIC HEALTH
Donna Skoda, MS, RD, L.D., has been the Health Commissioner for the Summit County Public Health (SCPH) department since July 1, 2015. She is a registered, licensed dietitian with a Master’s degree in Public Health and Nutrition from Case Western Reserve University. She has worked in community based public health programs for over 30 years in both Summit and Cuyahoga counties...Continue readingAs a Registered Dietitian, she has worked in the areas of nutrition and wellness, focusing on the development and funding of community-based programming. Her current responsibilities include the overall management and strategic planning for the health district including the COVID-19 pandemic response efforts. Ms. Skoda is also very involved in the community by serving on multiple committees and Boards throughout Summit County. Ms. Skoda lives in West Akron with her husband and her beloved dogs. Ms. Skoda is a champion for the public’s health in Summit County.
Aimee Wade, '05
SOCIAL WORK & FAMILY SCIENCES
Aimee Wade is the Executive Director for the County of Summit Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services (ADM) Board. Aimee has been with the ADM Board for over 13 years, having served in various roles before her appointment as Executive Director in 2021. Aimee was an Associate Lecturer for the University of Akron School of Social Work and worked for the Summit County Domestic Relations and Summit County Juvenile Courts prior to her time at the ADM Board...Continue readingShe has also held other non-profit and governmental social service and criminal justice positions across Ohio over the past 25 years.
Aimee attended The Ohio State University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and Criminology. She also attended the University of Akron, earning a Master of Social Work degree. Aimee is a Licensed Independent Social Worker with Supervisory Designation, and an International and Ohio Certified Prevention Consultant. Aimee also completed Harvard Business School’s Strategy for Healthcare Delivery Program. Aimee is a native of Northeast Ohio. She and her husband share two adult daughters and one granddaughter.
Charles Whyde, '09
NURSING
Charles’ career commenced within the esteemed ranks of the United States Army, where he dedicatedly served as a Medic (Medical Specialist) in active service from 2000 to 2004. His unwavering commitment to healthcare led him to pursue a Nursing degree at the University of Akron, culminating in a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in 2009...Continue readingWith a versatile background ranging from Med/Surg to Emergency Department nursing, Charles has navigated various roles, showcasing his adaptability and expertise. His leadership acumen, initially honed in the military, transitioned seamlessly into the nursing domain. He embarked on his nursing leadership journey as an Assistant Manager of the Emergency Department, subsequently advancing to the role of Nurse Manager on an Inpatient Post-Surgical unit.
In his current role as the Nursing Director in Med/Surg at Cleveland Clinic Akron General, Charles continues his growth in leadership. He holds a Master’s Degree in Nursing Leadership from Liberty University and is nearing a commendable retirement from the Ohio Army National Guard, having achieved the rank of Major after 24 years of service. Charles’ career is a testament to dedicated service, leadership, and the pursuit of excellence in the field of nursing. His journey reflects a profound commitment to improving patient care and fostering a culture of continuous learning and development within the healthcare community.