Meet Our Team
We're focused on using simulation to re-imagine how care is provided at the front lines, with the goal of improving the health in our community.
Senior Director
Prior to becoming the senior director for the Center for Simulation, Research, and Patient Safety and The Human Factors Center of Excellence, Nate worked as a Data Analytics Consultant and Project Manager in Carilion's Accountable Care Strategies Group. He's responsible for continued optimization of the Center's expertise and resources with Carilion Education and Operations, as well as integration of research partnerships with Virginia Tech and Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine. He also leads Usability Works, a MedTech usability consultancy for external innovators. He holds a Masters in Healthcare Administration and is a certified Project Management Professional.
Medical Director
Dr. Melissa Fussell earned her Doctor of Medicine from the Medical University of South Carolina while simultaneously completing her Master of Business Administration at The Citadel. She completed her pediatric residency at Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, followed by a fellowship in Pediatric Critical Care Medicine at Johns Hopkins. She remained at Johns Hopkins for an additional year to design and complete a pioneering fellowship in International Simulation.
Her experience in simulation began during residency, when she partnered with physicians at Muhimbili Hospital in Tanzania to develop a simulation-based education program. Her team created and implemented a cognitive aid and simulation curriculum aimed at improving care for critically ill children at Dar es Salaam’s pediatric hospital. Together with Tanzanian colleagues, she co-founded a local nonprofit dedicated to advancing pediatric resuscitation. During fellowship, she expanded her global simulation work to Quito, Ecuador, collaborating with the Johns Hopkins Carey Business School to establish a second international program. Dr. Fussell’s simulation efforts focus on improving healthcare efficiency and safety through cognitive aids, simulation-based clinical systems testing, and interdisciplinary education. She has collaborated with emergency departments to deliver remote resuscitation training through the ImPACTS program, partnered with Dartmouth neonatal team to design a neonatal transport simulation program in Kosovo, and led the development of the pediatric COVID-19 simulation education initiative for the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth.
Director of Operations
Matthew Adamski, BS, CHSOS, serves as the director of simulation, research, and patient safety, where he oversees the strategic development and operational management of simulation-based education and training initiatives. With a strong foundation in medical simulation operations, Mr. Adamski brings extensive experience in designing, implementing, and evaluating simulation programs that enhance clinical competency and patient safety across interdisciplinary teams.
Prior to his career in academic and clinical simulation, Matthew served as a combat medic in the United States Army, where he developed and delivered tactical combat casualty care training throughout southeastern Baghdad to the Iraqi Federal Police. His military service and field experience have shaped his commitment to advancing realism and effectiveness in simulation-based education.
Matthew holds a Bachelor of Science degree with a concentration in Medical Simulation Education and maintains certification as a Certified Healthcare Simulation Operations Specialist (CHSOS). His professional interests center on simulation program development, research in systems-based safety practices, and leadership in healthcare simulation innovation. He's dedicated to advancing the field through continuous improvement and collaboration in simulation, research, and patient safety initiatives.
Simulation Technology Specialist
Adam Baber is a simulation technology specialist at the Center for Simulation, Research, and Patient Safety. He supports simulation activities by maintaining and troubleshooting manikins, managing technical systems, and helping ensure simulations run smoothly for learners and faculty. He works closely with instructors to translate educational goals into reliable and realistic simulation experiences.
Adam’s strengths include problem-solving, attention to detail, and a hands-on approach to complex systems. He's known for figuring things out, keeping equipment functioning as expected, and improving workflows behind the scenes so sessions stay focused on learning rather than technical issues.
Sim Educator Facilitator
Ashley Bossard has been an integral part of the simulation center for 14 years, bringing extensive experience to the team. She's served as a simulation education facilitator in both full-time and flex-time capacities. Ashley holds a Bachelor of Science in Sport Management and a K–12 teaching certification. She's also a Certified Health Simulation Educator (CHSE) through the Society of Simulation in Healthcare.
Her skill set includes simulator operation, course development, and effective debriefing techniques. Ashley's also passionate about curriculum review and quality improvement, ensuring that educational programs meets the highest standards and drives meaningful outcomes.
Sim Educator Facilitator
Benjamin M. Brown, MSMI, serves as a simulation education facilitator at the Center for Simulation, Research, and Patient Safety. He brings a unique interdisciplinary background in medical education, biomedical visualization, and curriculum design, supporting immersive learning experiences that translate complex clinical concepts into meaningful, learner-centered training.
He holds a Master of Science in Medical Illustration from Augusta University and combines expertise in visual communication, educational strategy, and simulation technology to support innovative approaches to healthcare training. Ben is especially passionate about improving health literacy, advancing simulation-based education, and bridging clinical practice with creative problem solving to strengthen outcomes for learners and patients alike.
Ben is also a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer, having served in the Dominican Republic as a Public Health Interventionist. He also has extensive volunteer experiences with the Red Cross, Richmond Medical Reserve Corps, Rotary Club, and YMCA. In addition to public service, he owns and operates a small film production company that focuses on human interest stories and mental health. These combined roles have given him immense insight into the need and possible avenues to address gaps in medical education for providers and the general public alike.
Sim Educator Facilitator
Robert Hedge is a Healthcare Simulation Education Facilitator with more than 6 years of experience designing, implementing, and evaluating simulation-based education aligned with INACSL Healthcare Simulation Standards of Best Practice and SSH accreditation frameworks. He holds dual certification as a Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator (CHSE) and Certified Healthcare Simulation Operations Specialist (CHSOS), leveraging expertise in instructional design, systems testing, and human factors to advance clinical performance and organizational safety. His work includes the development of high-impact scenarios, facilitation of systems integration initiatives, and interprofessional collaboration to strengthen readiness across the continuum of care. Robert is also an active innovator, integrating 3D printing, rapid prototyping, and in-house fabrication to create sustainable, cost-effective task trainers and simulation solutions tailored to local needs.
Prior to his transition into simulation, Robert practiced as a respiratory therapist for 30 years with specialized expertise in neonatal and pediatric critical care. He served as a neonatal/pediatric transport therapist and earned the Certified Neonatal Pediatric Transport (C-NPT) credential, providing advanced critical care support in high-risk transport environments. His extensive experience in acute and transport medicine informs his simulation practice, enabling authentic scenario design and practical systems-focused problem solving. His professional interests include simulation-based systems testing, innovation in task trainer development, interprofessional team training, and leveraging technology to enhance patient safety and translate evidence-based practice into clinical performance.
Sim Educator Facilitator
Hilary Hedrick brings expertise in experiential, learner-centered education to her role as simulation education facilitator. She earned her Master’s in Educational Leadership from Radford University, focusing on strategies to enhance learning engagement and outcomes. Her experience spans from classroom teaching to working as a Standardized Patient Educator at Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, where she facilitated simulation-based learning that prepared medical students for the complexities of patient care.
Hilary also served as the human subjects research ethics and education manager at Carilion’s Institutional Review Board and Human Research Protection Office, where she created educational content for the research community. Her commitment to meaningful, learner-centered education drives her work in simulation, supporting healthcare professionals’ development through immersive, safe learning environments that build both confidence and competence.
Simulation Operations Specialist
Jeff Lawson is a dedicated simulation specialist with 6 years of experience managing and operating realistic training environments, using high-fidelity manikins and task trainers to help medical professionals practice skills and critical thinking. He has a deep passion for conducting instruction and education in mock emergency resuscitation drills for adults and pediatric patients. He has a 45+ year background in emergency services, which includes heavy involvement in instructing and educating clinicians. His experience led him to the simulation center, where he focuses on improving patient safety and team communication through realistic training scenarios.
Jeff is a national registered paramedic and a Virginia-certified paramedic. He's a certified AHA BLS, ACLS, and PALS instructor, NAEMT PHTLS instructor, NAEMT TECC provider, and has been a Virginia EMS educator and coordinator for 45 years. He's also an SSH and a member of the Carilion Code Blue Committee.
Sim Educator Facilitator
Julie Morris serves as a simulation education facilitator at the Center for Simulation, Research, and Patient Safety, bringing more than 12 years of experience in healthcare simulation. She holds a Doctorate in Health Education (DHEd) and is a Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator (CHSE) through the Society for Simulation in Healthcare. While her expertise spans a wide range of programs, Julie has a particular focus on emergency medicine residency, obstetrics, and pediatric simulation training. She's deeply passionate about creating engaging, high-quality learning experiences that empower healthcare professionals to deliver safe and effective patient care.
Administrative Coordinator
Makayla Trent serves as the administrative coordinator for the Center for Simulation, Research, and Patient Safety, where she plays a key role in supporting day-to-day operations and ensuring a positive experience for learners, faculty, and staff. She manages a wide range of administrative functions—including calendar coordination, course and program scheduling, evaluation management, vendor and warehouse orders, data tracking, and logistics for simulations and departmental events. Known for her proactive approach and reliability, she contributes significantly to the department’s ability to deliver high-quality educational experiences.
Makayla earned her Bachelor of Business Administration from Roanoke College, where she developed a background in human resources, organizational leadership, and strategic management. During her time there, she held multiple leadership and administrative roles, guided student programs, coordinated major campus initiatives, and strengthened outreach efforts across the college community. She's been recognized with several academic and leadership awards for her commitment to excellence and her ability to elevate team performance. Makayla brings a welcoming presence, strong attention to detail, and a solutions-driven mindset to her work—qualities that reflect Carilion's dedication to compassionate care, professionalism, and service.