This is an update to Stephanie Zunini's original PROCESS episode 35 released September 1st, 2023. We catch up with Stephanie more than a year later to discuss the arduous process required to actually practice in a new state after passing a CAA licensure bill. Stephanie's experience in Nevada highlights the emotional and physical toll of this long, slow legislative process. She shares the behind the scenes of why she made the incredibly hard decision to leave her thriving career in Denver to move to a less than perfect set-up in Nevada. With her eyes set on working in Reno, Stephanie's journey is a powerful reminder of the influence one person can have on an entire profession. My hope is that Stephanie's story inspires others to be change makers in their own states.

Listen to the original [PROCESS] episode HERE

Nevada bill AB 270 was signed into law on June 9th, 2023 thereby giving CAAs legal status to practice anesthesia in the state of Nevada. Learn more about the CAA legislative process by watching other CAA legislative testimonials and listen to episodes 35, 36, 56.

Find more information on the Nevada Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants HERE.
Follow NVAAA on IG and give them your congrats!
Stephanie Zunini @ [email protected]

Inspired to make change? Donate to the AAAA legislative fund HERE and contact the AAAA Director of Government Affairs Brian Flynn via [email protected]

You can now text me! Questions/Suggestions

Support Aaliyah Walker, an OB patient whose care deeply impacted our 2025 AAAA President, Nicole Moore. Learn how you can aid Aaliyah’s recovery and amplify her impact.

• From Crisis to Courage: Aaliyah's Story of Survival
• TikTok @authentically.aaliyah

Want more?

Stay in the know by subscribing to the Awakened Anesthetist Newsletter-
more resources, exclusive content and ways to connect.


Interested in practicing mindfulness with this CAA community?

• Receive your Free 30 min Webinar Introduction to Mindfulness for CAAs

Let's Chat! Contact me:
[email protected]
IG @awakenedanesthetist

Curious about what it truly means to be a Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant (CAA)? You're in the right place! From nearly two decades of experience, I share a clear and comprehensive breakdown of the CAA profession. Think of me as your older sister or best friend, guiding you step-by-step through the essentials—from what CAAs actually do to how much money we make, no topic is off limits. Whether you're an aspiring AA student or simply exploring a career in medicine, this guide equips you with the insights you need to understand the CAA profession.

In Part 2 we unravel the lesser-known complexities of this unique profession, painting a candid picture that challenges its conventional allure. Not to worry, we also explore the many good reasons why you should become a CAA. This is an honest deep dive you won't find anywhere else. 

Helpful Resources:

• American Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants (AAAA) -the CAA profession's national governing board
• AAAA statement on "What is a CAA" 
• American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) on CAAs
• Looking for Day in the Life CAA content? find it HERE and HERE
• "What is a CAA?" YouTube video (produced by AAAA 2015) 

You can now text me! Questions/Suggestions

Support Aaliyah Walker, an OB patient whose care deeply impacted our 2025 AAAA President, Nicole Moore. Learn how you can aid Aaliyah’s recovery and amplify her impact.

• From Crisis to Courage: Aaliyah's Story of Survival
• TikTok @authentically.aaliyah

Want more?

Stay in the know by subscribing to the Awakened Anesthetist Newsletter-
more resources, exclusive content and ways to connect.


Interested in practicing mindfulness with this CAA community?

• Receive your Free 30 min Webinar Introduction to Mindfulness for CAAs

Let's Chat! Contact me:
[email protected]
IG @awakenedanesthetist

In this joint PROCESS episode, 2024 DEI AAAA scholarship winners, Ellen Fleurival and Tekiah McClary, share their unique paths to become Anesthesiologist Assistant students. Together, we uncover the challenges and triumphs they’ve faced, navigating through the demands of AA school while breaking barriers in a predominantly homogenous field. Ellen and Tekiah reflect on their motivations, their resilience, and the broader themes of under representation. From overcoming application barriers to the significance of outreach efforts, their experiences underscore the power of individual actions in fostering meaningful change.

Follow Ellen IG
Follow Tekiah IG

Key Acronyms

• DEI- Diversity, Equity, Inclusion
• HBCU- Historically Black Colleges and Universities
• AAAA- American Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants
• CAA- Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants
• SAA- Student Anesthesiologist Assistant

Key Links

• Health Professions Readiness Education Program (HealthPREP) @ Emory Univ.
• Email the 2024 DEI Committee Chair to get involved [email protected]
• Join the AAAA (must be AAAA member to apply for DEI scholarship)
• DONATE NOW DEI Scholarship - AAAA
• LEARN MORE DEI Scholarship Requirements
• APPLY for the DEI Scholarship 2025 (application open thru mid December 2024)

You can now text me! Questions/Suggestions

Support Aaliyah Walker, an OB patient whose care deeply impacted our 2025 AAAA President, Nicole Moore. Learn how you can aid Aaliyah’s recovery and amplify her impact.

• From Crisis to Courage: Aaliyah's Story of Survival
• TikTok @authentically.aaliyah

Want more?

Stay in the know by subscribing to the Awakened Anesthetist Newsletter-
more resources, exclusive content and ways to connect.


Interested in practicing mindfulness with this CAA community?

• Receive your Free 30 min Webinar Introduction to Mindfulness for CAAs

Let's Chat! Contact me:
[email protected]
IG @awakenedanesthetist

In this episode, the 2024 AAAA DEI Committee chair, Arielle, and I, dive into the goals and selection process for the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion AAAA scholarship. This scholarship is designed to create a more inclusive CAA community by valuing each applicant's unique story. With criteria that emphasize student involvement and contributions to diversity, the scholarship seeks to ensure representation and prevent bias. 
Consider this your sneak peek into the upcoming PROCESS episode featuring the 2024 DEI scholarship winners, Ellen and Tekiah. Don't miss this opportunity to be inspired by Arielle's impactful work and continue supporting diversity within the anesthesia field.
 

Key Acronyms

• DEI- Diversity, Equity, Inclusion
• AAAA- American Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants
• CAA- Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants
• SAA- Student Anesthesiologist Assistant

Key Links

• Email the 2024 DEI Committee Chair to get involved [email protected]
• Join the AAAA (must be AAAA member to apply for DEI scholarship)
• DONATE NOW DEI Scholarship - AAAA
• LEARN MORE DEI Scholarship Requirements
• APPLY for the DEI Scholarship 2025 (application open thru mid December 2024)

You can now text me! Questions/Suggestions

Support Aaliyah Walker, an OB patient whose care deeply impacted our 2025 AAAA President, Nicole Moore. Learn how you can aid Aaliyah’s recovery and amplify her impact.

• From Crisis to Courage: Aaliyah's Story of Survival
• TikTok @authentically.aaliyah

Want more?

Stay in the know by subscribing to the Awakened Anesthetist Newsletter-
more resources, exclusive content and ways to connect.


Interested in practicing mindfulness with this CAA community?

• Receive your Free 30 min Webinar Introduction to Mindfulness for CAAs

Let's Chat! Contact me:
[email protected]
IG @awakenedanesthetist

Gain the confidence to make decisions aligned with your true desires and embrace a compassionate approach to life. We'll explore how mindfulness can help break the cycle of equating worth with productivity, fostering inherent worthiness and resilience. I'll also share my personal experiences with obsessive-compulsive disorder, illustrating how mindfulness has been pivotal in managing anxiety and building resilience. Whether you're a seasoned CAA* or an aspiring student, learn about the unique potential within our community to harness mindfulness for overall well-being. 

*several times I misspoke and left off Certified Anesthesiologist ASSISTANT. This was not intentional.

You can now text me! Questions/Suggestions

Support Aaliyah Walker, an OB patient whose care deeply impacted our 2025 AAAA President, Nicole Moore. Learn how you can aid Aaliyah’s recovery and amplify her impact.

• From Crisis to Courage: Aaliyah's Story of Survival
• TikTok @authentically.aaliyah

Want more?

Stay in the know by subscribing to the Awakened Anesthetist Newsletter-
more resources, exclusive content and ways to connect.


Interested in practicing mindfulness with this CAA community?

• Receive your Free 30 min Webinar Introduction to Mindfulness for CAAs

Let's Chat! Contact me:
[email protected]
IG @awakenedanesthetist

Curious about what it truly means to be a Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant (CAA)? You're in the right place! From nearly two decades of experience, I share a clear and comprehensive breakdown of the CAA profession. Think of me as your older sister or best friend, guiding you step-by-step through the essentials—from what CAAs actually do to how much money we make, no topic is off limits. Whether you're an aspiring AA student or simply exploring a career in medicine, this guide equips you with the insights you need to understand the CAA profession.

In Part 1 we dive into the foundation of what it means to be a CAA. I'll clarify common lingo, highlight the distinctions between CAAs and other anesthesia professionals, and provide vital information for those prepping for AA school interviews. By the end of this episode, you'll not only grasp the basics but also appreciate the nuanced and vital position we hold within the anesthesia care team and the broader medical community. 

Helpful Resources:

• American Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants (AAAA) -the CAA profession's national governing board
• AAAA statement on "What is a CAA" 
• American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) on CAAs
• Looking for Day in the Life CAA content? find it HERE and HERE
• "What is a CAA?" YouTube video (produced by AAAA 2015) 

You can now text me! Questions/Suggestions

Support Aaliyah Walker, an OB patient whose care deeply impacted our 2025 AAAA President, Nicole Moore. Learn how you can aid Aaliyah’s recovery and amplify her impact.

• From Crisis to Courage: Aaliyah's Story of Survival
• TikTok @authentically.aaliyah

Want more?

Stay in the know by subscribing to the Awakened Anesthetist Newsletter-
more resources, exclusive content and ways to connect.


Interested in practicing mindfulness with this CAA community?

• Receive your Free 30 min Webinar Introduction to Mindfulness for CAAs

Let's Chat! Contact me:
[email protected]
IG @awakenedanesthetist

Discover how Washington Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants President, Sarah Brown, paved the way for CAAs in Washington State. Hear her PROCESS from Georgia to Seattle, balancing career & family, and breaking legislative barriers in this 2024 CAA victory.

Do you want CAAs licensed in all 50 states? Then you should
1. Join the AAAA (American Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants)
2. Donate to the AAAA Legislative Fund
3. Listen to ep. 35 [PROCESS] The Stars Align in Nevada ft. CAAs Stephanie Zunini, Jada Wabanimkee and Joey Parrish

Do you want to work in Washington state? Then you should
1. Donate to the WAAA (Washington Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants)
2. Join the WAAA
3. Read the WA AA bill SB5184

Do you have the desire to open a new state? Then you should
Email the AAAA Legislative Committee Chair, Brie Seekford, CAA

and just for fun: Pic of WA Governor signing the CAA bill into law ft. Sarah and her 5 day old baby!

You can now text me! Questions/Suggestions

Support Aaliyah Walker, an OB patient whose care deeply impacted our 2025 AAAA President, Nicole Moore. Learn how you can aid Aaliyah’s recovery and amplify her impact.

• From Crisis to Courage: Aaliyah's Story of Survival
• TikTok @authentically.aaliyah

Want more?

Stay in the know by subscribing to the Awakened Anesthetist Newsletter-
more resources, exclusive content and ways to connect.


Interested in practicing mindfulness with this CAA community?

• Receive your Free 30 min Webinar Introduction to Mindfulness for CAAs

Let's Chat! Contact me:
[email protected]
IG @awakenedanesthetist

If you missed the viral video mentioned in this episode you can watch (or rewatch) it HERE ~credit @CAALifestyle

In this Season 4 premiere I share how going viral in May 2024 changed my life. I give you all the juicy details and my final take away is something you won't expect. I FINALLY learned a big lesson, once and for all.

You can now text me! Questions/Suggestions

Support Aaliyah Walker, an OB patient whose care deeply impacted our 2025 AAAA President, Nicole Moore. Learn how you can aid Aaliyah’s recovery and amplify her impact.

• From Crisis to Courage: Aaliyah's Story of Survival
• TikTok @authentically.aaliyah

Want more?

Stay in the know by subscribing to the Awakened Anesthetist Newsletter-
more resources, exclusive content and ways to connect.


Interested in practicing mindfulness with this CAA community?

• Receive your Free 30 min Webinar Introduction to Mindfulness for CAAs

Let's Chat! Contact me:
[email protected]
IG @awakenedanesthetist

Join me for my first LIVE podcast interview featuring our 2024 AAAA President, Danny Mesaros. This episode was recorded in April 2024 in front of an intimate audience at the American Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants (AAAA) conference in Orlando, FL. During this candid conversation Danny discusses the demands of his presidency and what he envisions for the future of our profession.  He also addresses the haters. A must-listen for any aspiring or practicing CAA!

Season 4 of Awakened Anesthetist Podcast is launching on Friday, September 13th, and I’m thrilled to share the episodes I’ve been working on this summer. This season, we’ll dive into what it means to be a healthy and thriving Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant, and for those of you curious about the profession, I’ll be giving you an insider’s look each month. Of course, I’ll continue the fan-favorite PROCESS episodes, expanding our vision of what’s possible for CAAs. I’m excited to see what we can build together this season. Talk soon!

You can now text me! Questions/Suggestions

Support Aaliyah Walker, an OB patient whose care deeply impacted our 2025 AAAA President, Nicole Moore. Learn how you can aid Aaliyah’s recovery and amplify her impact.

• From Crisis to Courage: Aaliyah's Story of Survival
• TikTok @authentically.aaliyah

Want more?

Stay in the know by subscribing to the Awakened Anesthetist Newsletter-
more resources, exclusive content and ways to connect.


Interested in practicing mindfulness with this CAA community?

• Receive your Free 30 min Webinar Introduction to Mindfulness for CAAs

Let's Chat! Contact me:
[email protected]
IG @awakenedanesthetist

Season 4 is launching on Friday, September 13th, and I’m thrilled to share the episodes I’ve been working on this summer. This season, we’ll dive into what it means to be a healthy and thriving Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant, and for those of you curious about the profession, I’ll be giving you an insider’s look each month. Of course, I’ll continue the fan-favorite PROCESS episodes, expanding our vision of what’s possible for CAAs. I’m excited to see what we can build together this season. Talk soon!

You can now text me! Questions/Suggestions

Support Aaliyah Walker, an OB patient whose care deeply impacted our 2025 AAAA President, Nicole Moore. Learn how you can aid Aaliyah’s recovery and amplify her impact.

• From Crisis to Courage: Aaliyah's Story of Survival
• TikTok @authentically.aaliyah

Want more?

Stay in the know by subscribing to the Awakened Anesthetist Newsletter-
more resources, exclusive content and ways to connect.


Interested in practicing mindfulness with this CAA community?

• Receive your Free 30 min Webinar Introduction to Mindfulness for CAAs

Let's Chat! Contact me:
[email protected]
IG @awakenedanesthetist