Our Team

Francis L. Counselman, MD
Vice Dean, GME

Francis Counselman, MD, is Vice Dean of Graduate Medical Education. In that capacity, Dr. Counselman provides oversight for the institution’s provision of and accreditation for professional education in residency and fellowship programs. He also serves as the institution’s ACGME Designated Institutional Official.

Dr. Counselman stepped into his role following a distinguished career as an academic emergency physician. Dr. Counselman organized the school’s department of emergency medicine and served as founding department chair for 30 years. Among his accomplishments was building a highly regarded residency training program and adding four fellowship programs. In recognition of his work, he received the national Residency Director of the Year Award from the Emergency Medicine Residents’ Association, the American College of Emergency Physicians’ Outstanding Contribution in Education Award, and the Parker J. Palmer Courage to Teach Award from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education.

He is a past President of the American Board of Emergency Medicine and the Association of Academic Chairs of Emergency Medicine and a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society.

Nathaniel E. Almeida

Nathaniel is currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Science program in Health Services Administration at Old Dominion University. He previously earned an ABA-accredited Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies from Tidewater Community College and a Career Studies Certificate in Litigation.

Before his current role, Nathaniel served as the Residency Program Specialist for the Infectious Disease Fellowship Program/Department of Medicine at Eastern Virginia Medical School, where he managed the appointment process for incoming trainees, coordinated compliance with credentialing requirements, and provided administrative support to department leadership.

In his current position as the GME Verifications Coordinator, Nathaniel fulfills training verification requests and processes Navy Rotator applications for trainees coming from Portsmouth Naval Medical Center, ensuring a smooth onboarding experience for incoming student physicians.

Linda Archer, Ph.D.
Vice Dean

Candice Cherry, C-TAGME
GME Systems Manager

Candice Cherry, C-TAGME, is a dedicated professional with 17 years of experience in the Office of Graduate Medical Education at EVMS. A graduate of the University of the Cumberlands with a bachelor's degree in human services and a concentration in mental health, Candice now serves as the GME Systems Manager.

In her role, Candice is responsible for the development and management of data systems that ensure compliance with the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and the maintenance of the EVMS GME data system. She supports Program Directors, Coordinators, Residents, Fellows, faculty, and EVMS Administration, providing expert guidance and training on the New Innovations platform, where she is recognized as a Super User. Additionally, Candice manages the GME institutional database and serves as the institutional administrator for multiple national and federal programs related to graduate medical education.

LaConda G Fanning, Psy.D., RN, LPC, LSATP
Director, Early Assessment and Mentoring Program, Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine, GME Diversity Equity and Inclusion Officer

LaConda serves as co-chair of the DEI Subcommittee (GMEC) and the AAMC & Steve Fund Student Mental Health Working Group and chair of the EVMS Phoenix Committee. She is also the GME Liaison SNGH DEI Executive Council and provides evaluative assessment for Resident Leadership Development, mentorship and supportive coaching. 

Her scholarly/research interests include enhancing inclusive culture and workforce development, bias and perceptions in clinical and professional decisionmaking, health equity, simulation in GME (DEI Concepts), working with struggling learners (remediation/probation), mentoring underrepresented minorities in medicine (URIM), holistic review process and counselor educators in academic medicine settings.

Cory D. Gerwe, Ph.D., LPC, ACS, CCTP
Director of Leadership, Coaching, and Wellness

Cory oversees initiatives aimed at enhancing residents' and fellows' well-being and leadership skills. This includes coaching, the Chief Training program, the Resident and Fellowship Association (RAFA) and serving as a GME liaison for various departments. He also manages the Well-being Index and supports LGBTQ+ and Breaking Bad News training for residents.​

Monica D. Kamien
Executive Assistant

Monica has a B.S. in Psychology from Virginia Tech and has various positions within the U.S. Navy and U.S.Air Force, followed by a decade working for Chesapeake Public Schools.
 
As Office Manager and Assistant to the Vice Dean, she is responsible for activities related to the management of the Office of Graduate Medical Education and servicing the program directors, residency coordinators, residents, fellows, faculty members, participating institutions, office staff and other constituent groups.

Juanita Lindsay
GME Program Specialist

Juanita has a Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Leadership and Management from Regent University. As part of the GME team, Juanita is primarily responsible for the Management of On-boarding for Incoming Interns and Incoming Fellows. She is also, responsible for Licensure and other Required Registrations. 

Heather L. Newton, Ed.D, C-TAGME
Executive Director, Graduate Medical Education

Heather L. Newton serves as the Executive Director of Graduate Medical Education. With advanced degrees (EdD, Med) and certification in TAGME (C-TAGME), she brings a wealth of expertise in ACGME accreditation, faculty development, curriculum design, and program coordination.

Dr. Newton is dedicated to fostering an innovative and supportive environment for both faculty and residents, ensuring the highest standards in medical education and professional development.

Agatha Parks-Savage, Ed.D., RN, LPC
Associate Dean and Associate Designated Institutional Official for Graduate Medical Education
Professor, Family and Community Medicine

Agatha Parks-Savage, Ed.D. is a dedicated leader in medical education, holding advance credentials as a Licensed Professional Counselor, Approved clinical Supervisor, and Registered Nurse. With certifications in executive, physician and life coaching, she brings a comprehensive approach to resident and faculty development.

Dr. Parks-Savage holds a Doctorate in Counseling from the College of William & Mary and has over three decades of experience. As Associate Dean for GME, she leads efforts to improve the clinical learning environment, support struggling learners, and champions well-being initiatives. Her research interests include simulation in GME, patient safety, and collaborative decision-making.

Marcia Sessoms
Coordinator, GME Programs

Marcia is responsible for activities directly related to the support of the academic responsibilities for the Vice Dean for GME & ACGME DIO. Her duties include: Academic Administrative Support; GME Educational Programs (Coaching, Diversity and Inclusion, Chief Training, Orientations, Patient Safety QI Council, GME Faculty Trainings.; Committee Responsibilities, such as ACGME Special Review Committees, EVMS/Sentara Joint Operations Committee and GMEC Annual Institution Review Executive Committee.

She also serves as a liaison with the President/Dean’s Office for the VA Dean’s Committee and issues relating to Graduate Medical Education and provides support for other committees determined by the Vice Dean.