Meet Our Staff!
Welcome to the UNC Office of Health Professions Advising, our team is passionate about helping you achieve your goals in health professions. Whether you need assistance with career planning, navigating application processes, or accessing resources, our staff is committed to providing personalized support tailored to your needs. Get to know our team members and let us help you succeed in pursuing a fulfilling and rewarding career.
Meg Zomorodi
Associate Provost for Interprofessional Health Initiatives
My name is Meg Zomorodi (she, her, hers), and I moved around a lot as a kid, but ultimately settled in the Alamance County/Burlington Area. I went to a very small high school and had no idea what I wanted to do when I arrived as a first year at UNC. It was through my time volunteering that I fell in love with nursing, and I have been a proud nurse for over 20 years! I am the director for the Offices of Health Professions Advising and Interprofessional Education and Practice, and the Rural Interprofessional Health Initiative. I have a deep passion for healthcare education and for creating a strong workforce for our state. Outside of work, I like to read (preferably by the ocean!) and spend time with my family. My golden retriever (Molly) and I also volunteer at UNC through HAPPEE.
Mya Shackleford
Director, Health Professions Advising & Partnerships
My name is Mya Shackleford (she, her, hers), and I was born and raised in North Carolina. I am an alum of UNC Chapel Hill with a passion for helping others achieve their professional goals. This passion began during my time at UNC through programs like Project Uplift and peer mentoring. I believe that meeting people where they are and creating genuine connections is the first step to opening doors and helping others achieve their goals. This philosophy has guided me through my 10+ years of experience in health professions higher education, I’ve served as Assistant Director of Admissions for a top graduate program, led a student recruitment campaign for a national healthcare association, and created pathway programs for students. In my downtime, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, listening to music and podcasts, attending live sporting events, painting, and swimming.
Ellie Fleming
Office Administrator
My name is Ellie (she, her, hers)! I grew up in Apex, North Carolina, and am a proud UNC alumna with a Bachelor of Arts in English and Comparative Literature. After graduating in May 2022, I began working for the Office of Interprofessional Education and Practice as a program coordinator and quickly began developing our Health Professions Advising Office. Before that, I worked as an office assistant in Carolina Housing. I love working with students and making a difference in their education! Outside of work, I love reading, crocheting, and keeping up with all the new reality TV shows!
Kayela Buffaloe
Health Professions Advisor
My name Kayela Buffaloe (she, her, hers) from Gumberry, NC, a small rural northeastern town outside of Roanoke Rapids, NC. I am a proud UNC Alumna, with a Bachelor of Arts in Exercise Science and minors in: African American & Diaspora Studies and Coaching Education. While at UNC I was involved in CUAB, Carolina Cupboard, Orientation, and Women’s Club Basketball. Upon graduating, I earned a Master’s degree in Counselor Education from NC State. Previously, I have worked in Student Athlete Academic Success, Admissions as a Recruitment Officer at Wake Technical Community College and in UNC Student Life as a Leadership Development Program Coordinator. In my free time, I love playing and watching sports (GO HEELS!), using TikTok to find new food spots, and spending time with my family.
Amy Oyos – Yatrofsky
Health Professions Advisor
My name is Amy (she, her, hers), I am a military veteran with experience in laboratory sciences. I hold a MS in Clinical Mental Health and MA in Health and Wellness. I was born in Connecticut, raised near Charlotte and lived across the US and Germany. I recently relocated from Charlotte with my husband and four children. I take a holistic approach to assist students on their academic, personal, and professional journeys. It is important to find balance throughout our emotional, mental, and physical beings. When I’m not at work, I love to explore hiking trails and new cities with my family, drink matcha, and try new foods!
Amanda Gabbard
Health Professions Advisor
My name is Amanda (she, her, hers), I’m originally from Indiana and have lived in North Carolina for 7 years. I received my bachelor’s degree in Recreation and Sports Management/Recreation Therapy from Indiana State University and master’s degree in Student Affairs in Higher Education at Missouri State University. With 9+ years of experience in higher education, I’ve served in multiple advising roles including as an Academic Advisor, athlete leadership coach, alternative spring break trip advisor, and most recently working with UNC’s Office of Interprofessional Education and Practice supporting interprofessional collaboration among UNC Health Professional students. I currently serve as staff advisor for the UNC student organization, Healthcare Exploration And Learning (H.E.A.L). For fun, I love watching movies, being a dog sitter, going on road trips, listening to live music, thrifting and DIYing!