Member Spotlights
One of the key reasons CAPA has grown and thrived over the past 50 years is our members. This page is dedicated to CAPA members, past and present, who have contributed to the evolution of CAPA and helped bring so many successes to fruition.
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CAPA Leader Spotlight: Marissa Stone
In Conversation with Bernadette Amofa, CAPA Student Director
Supporting future PAs starts long before the classroom. As CAPA continues to expand its support at every stage, I had the opportunity to connect with PA Marissa Stone to reflect on the growth of pre-PA initiatives and the role mentorship plays in shaping future PAs. As a former CAPA Student Director, PA Stone played an important role in building CAPA’s relationship with pre-PA students and creating opportunities for early involvement in the PA journey. Her leadership focused on building community, increasing access to resources, and encouraging students to feel supported as they explored the profession.
During her time in the role, Marissa emphasized listening to students’ needs and turning those ideas into opportunities. Her work contributed to the development and growth of CAPA's Pre-PA Pathways and helped lay a foundation for continued mentorship and teamwork. In this conversation, she shares her perspective on supporting pre-PAs, the importance of guidance early in the journey, and how student leaders can continue building on the momentum she helped create while contributing to CAPA’s continued growth.
What made you start focusing more on pre-PA students at CAPA?
My experience as a pre-PA really shaped my commitment to supporting others at that stage. It can be an overwhelming time–you have so many questions, you’re doing extensive research, and it’s easy to feel like you’re navigating the process alone without a clear sense of community.
That perspective motivated me to focus more on pre-PA students within CAPA. If students are actively seeking information about the PA profession and application process, I believe they deserve a reliable, centralized source that not only provides valuable resources but also a sense of community.
Pre-PA students are truly the grassroots of our profession. The more we invest in them early on, the more we strengthen and advance the future of the PA workforce. As the hub for PAs in California, CAPA is uniquely positioned to support individuals at every stage of the journey, and I think that should absolutely include those just starting out.
What was your reaction to the response to Pre-PA Pathways?
I wasn’t surprised by the program’s success, but the turnout for the first event definitely exceeded my expectations. Watching the program grow has been incredibly rewarding; it’s inspiring to see how we’re helping students navigate this important stage of their journey. I’m excited to see just how impactful this program has become in bringing pre-PA students together and offering resources that they would not have otherwise. I’m continually impressed by the participants' level of engagement–their willingness to step outside of their comfort zones, connect with others, and work towards their goals is what makes me so happy this came to fruition!
Were there any moments or student interactions that really stuck with you?
One interaction that really stands out to me is with a student who is now very involved in CAPA. From the beginning, it was clear he had strong leadership potential within a PA program, you could see it right away. Through both Pre-PA Pathways and my school’s pre-PA club, we connected with many incredible students, but Justin Nelson, PA-S, truly stood out. His professionalism, eagerness, and energy made a lasting impression on all of us. We were rooting for him from the start and seeing how involved he is now as a PA student is incredibly rewarding. It’s moments like that that remind me how meaningful it is to be part of someone’s journey early on.
My advice to pre-PAs is to treat every Pre-PA Pathways event like a job interview. Show up professional, prepared, and engaged. First impressions matter, and these events can be a valuable opportunity to demonstrate why you would be a great fit for a program and why the PA profession is the right path for you.
From your perspective, what do pre-PAs need more of right now?
From my perspective, pre-PAs need more mentorship and guidance now more than ever. Having access to strong mentors can make a significant difference, not only in navigating the application process, but in truly understanding what to expect from PA school and the profession as a whole.
In addition, gaining meaningful, hands-on clinical experience is essential. These experiences, combined with supportive mentorship, help pre-PAs build the foundational skills and confidence needed to succeed. When students are guided by the right people and exposed to real-world clinical environments, they are much better prepared for both the academic and professional demands of becoming a PA. It also serves as a way for students to take the time to fully understand the profession, including its responsibilities, challenges, and rewards, to ensure that it’s the right path for them.
“Don’t be afraid to share your ideas. You never know what seed you might plant, and one day it might just grow into a big, beautiful garden... Trust that your perspective is valuable, and don’t underestimate the difference you can make by simply contributing your voice.”
— Marissa Stone, PA-C
What advice would you give to future Student Directors continuing this work?
Don’t be afraid to share your ideas. You never know what seed you might plant and one day it might just grow into a big, beautiful garden. I remember feeling intimidated by the incredible PAs on the board, but I quickly learned that speaking up, collaborating, and advocating for what you’re passionate about is what drives meaningful change. Trust that your perspective is valuable, and don’t underestimate the difference you can make by simply contributing your voice.
In terms of future pre-PA initiatives, I encourage you to continue building on this foundation and finding ways to grow it even further. Don’t be afraid to think bigger and explore new ideas that can expand the reach and impact of these programs. Most importantly, remember that the key to meaningful growth lies within the pre-PAs themselves–listen to their feedback, ask what they need, and let that guide your direction.
What does it feel like to be part of CAPA’s 50th anniversary, and what are you most proud of as a member?
It feels pretty surreal. Having been a member for several years now, I’ve had the opportunity to see firsthand the amount of work that goes into building CAPA’s programs and resources. The team behind it is truly incredible, and they are constantly working to ensure PAs are supported and advocated for at every stage of their careers.
CAPA has been part of every step of my journey and has taught me so much about the profession, including what it means to be a leader within it. I’m most proud of the efforts and advocacy that they pour into this community, and I’m just grateful to be someone who gets to sit at their table and contribute to that work. The passion, energy, and dedication that PAs across California bring to this organization is something really special–there’s a genuine commitment to caring for the profession and for one another that you don’t find everywhere.
Any final thoughts for students who are just starting their journey?
Don’t focus so much on checking boxes that you forget why you’re pursuing this path in the first place. I know it can feel overwhelming at times, but it is so worth it in the end. Being a PA is one of the most rewarding professions, and I truly love what I do.
Take the time to really learn about the profession, understand your “why,” and make sure it’s the right fit for you. Stay curious, seek out meaningful experiences, and don’t be afraid to lean into the parts of the journey that challenge you–they often lead to the most growth.
Most importantly, trust that your path will unfold the way it’s meant to. If you stay grounded in your purpose and keep showing up with intention, you’ll get there, and it will be worth it.
Explore previously featured CAPA leaders and their contributions to the profession.
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