Kaylee Ann Saunders is serving as Cempa Community Care’s new advanced practice provider. In this role, Saunders will deliver a wide range of medical care to Cempa clients, as well as work alongside Cempa medical team leadership to address goals, budget and performance standards.
A longtime Chattanooga resident, Saunders earned both her master’s and bachelor’s degrees at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. She brings 10 years of nursing experience to Cempa.
Before joining Cempa, which serves some of Chattanooga’s most historically marginalized communities, Saunders provided health and wellness services to unhoused community members through the Hamilton County Homeless Healthcare Center. During her time as a family nurse practitioner student at UTC, Saunders gained experience through rotations in varying specialties at both Erlanger and Memorial hospitals, as well as with community and individual providers.
HCS, partners honor Teachers of the Year
The Hamilton County Board of Education, along with community partners Bowers Automotive Group, the Chattanooga Area Schools Federal Credit Union and the Hamilton County Schools Foundation recognized Hamilton County Schools’ 2025 Teachers of the Year during a ceremony March 13.
Sally Warm, a first-grade teacher at Red Bank Elementary; Jamie Petty, a sixth-grade teacher at Normal Park Museum Magnet Upper; and Candice Clark-Smith, a welding instructor at Sequoyah High School, were honored for their work as the district’s top teachers for the year.
In addition to public recognition, the teachers received the use of a car for a year from Bowers Automotive Group and a $500 check from the Chattanooga Area Schools Federal Credit Union.
“Every day, teachers are shaping the future by inspiring and equipping students with the skills they need to succeed,” says HCS Superintendent of Schools Dr. Justin Robertson. “Candice, Jamie and Sally exemplify the commitment, passion and innovation that define the best in education. We’re proud to recognize their contributions and grateful for the lasting impact they have on students, schools and the broader Hamilton County community.”
SOAR honors Chattanooga State’s Rogers
A Chattanooga State Community College faculty member received statewide recognition last week for her dedication to teaching, scholarship and service.
Dr. Caroline Rogers, program director for Chattanooga State’s physical therapist assistant program, is the recipient of the Tennessee Board of Regents’ (TBR) SOAR Faculty Member of the Year award.
Statewide Outstanding Achievement Recognition (SOAR) honors outstanding students, faculty, staff, philanthropists, volunteers and partners of community and technical colleges across Tennessee.
The state’s board of regents selected Rogers as the recipient of the SOAR Faculty Member of the Year award due to her “commitment to educational excellence, dedication to creating accessibility and opportunity for all students and service to her community,” notes a news release from Chattanooga State.
The release also quotes Dr. Martina Harris, dean of nursing and allied health at Chattanooga State, who nominated Rogers for the award. Harris highlighted her commitment to teaching, mentorship, scholarship, research and community service.
“Dr. Rogers is a distinguished educator, researcher and community advocate whose contributions have had a profound impact on the lives of her students, colleagues and patients,” Harris wrote. “I’m confident her exceptional work will continue to inspire and benefit others for years to come.”
Dr. June Hanks, associate professor of physical therapy at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, and Dr. Jonathan Brigner, academic coordinator of clinical education for the college’s physical therapist assistant program, both supported Harris’ nomination with their own letters of recommendation.
Brigner said Rogers’ impact in the classroom goes beyond instruction, as she also offers students feedback and guidance through meaningful personal interactions.
“The enthusiasm and passion she brings to the classroom are contagious, and create an environment where learning is both enjoyable and enriching,” he wrote. “Her open-door policy and willingness to invest time in one-on-one mentoring have had a transformative impact on many students and inspired them to achieve their fullest potential.”
Hanks lauded Rogers’ commitment to her students, stating her efforts to help design joint learning projects and a simulation lab with the university demonstrate her commitment to teaching excellence.
“She embodies the qualities of an exceptional educator and mentor,” Hanks wrote. “Chattanooga State’s Physical Therapist Assistant Program is well regarded within the physical therapy community due to the exceptional preparation of its students.”
Rogers said she’s privileged to play a role in the education of her students.
“This recognition reaffirms my commitment to helping students reach their goals, and I share this honor with my colleagues who make Chattanooga State a life-changing place.”
SOAR Award winners receive cash prizes through the College System’s Foundation and the Dr. Allana Hamilton Memorial Scholarship Fund, named in honor of the late TBR vice chancellor for academic affairs.
Nurse practitioner Ward joins CHI
Nurse practitioner Sara Ward has joined the staff at CHI Memorial Metabolic and Bariatric Care. Ward earned an associate’s degree in nursing from Chattanooga State Community College and a master’s in nursing from Southern Adventist in Collegedale. She is working toward her Certificate of Advanced Education in Obesity Medicine through the Obesity Medicine Association. Ward has 13 years of experience caring for patients at CHI Memorial’s Chattanooga and Hixson campuses.
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