Cheri Plyler serves as the Executive Director of Mid-Carolina AHEC, Inc., an 11-county regional center within the South Carolina AHEC system. With a multifaceted background as a clinician, educator, and financial steward, she leads the implementation, execution, and evaluation of programs tied to federal, state, and local contracts.

Cheri holds a Bachelor of Health Sciences from the Medical University of South Carolina and a Master of Business Administration from Pfeiffer University. She collaborates regionally with healthcare and education partners to advance initiatives in continuing professional development, health careers exploration, and clinical training for health professions students.

At the state level, she works closely with academic institutions, hospitals, and community stakeholders to strengthen the healthcare workforce pipeline—particularly in rural and underserved communities. Nationally, Cheri contributes her expertise through service on the National AHEC Organization’s Education Committee and Model AHEC grant review panels.

Outside of her professional role, Cheri enjoys cooking, gardening, and spending cherished time with her two grandchildren.

cplyler@midcarolinaahec.org

Whitney Amaker joined Mid-Carolina AHEC in August 2017 as the Health Careers Program Coordinator. In this role, she is dedicated to inspiring and guiding students as they explore opportunities in the healthcare field. Whitney earned her Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences, with a concentration in Adolescent Studies, from Winthrop University in Rock Hill, SC.

A Columbia, SC native, Whitney has always been passionate about supporting and mentoring young adults as they navigate their educational and career paths. She brings a strong commitment to youth development and community engagement to her work at AHEC.

Whitney married her husband in 2022 and now lives with her family in Florence, SC. She is also a proud mother to a spirited 6-year-old, which fuels her passion for helping shape the future for the next generation.

wamaker@midcarolinaahec.org

Sara served as the Director of Utilization Management at a local behavioral health facility. Her advocacy and strong desire to help others will provide a solid foundation for the complex facilitation of roles and resources in this position. Sara is a graduate of Winthrop University with a Masters of Education in Counseling and Development in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

snewton@midcarolinaahec.org 

Rebecca Jackson BSN, RN joined Mid-Carolina AHEC in 2011 as a Continuing Professional Development Coordinator.  She received her Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing from the University of South Carolina Upstate in Spartanburg, SC. Prior to joining AHEC, she worked in medical surgical nursing, patient education, critical care nursing, home health and hospice.  Rebecca enjoys working with healthcare professionals to ensure they meet their educational goals.

rjackson@midcarolinaahec.org 

Casey joined Mid-Carolina AHEC in March 2019 as a Health Professions Student (HPS) Coordinator. She received her Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (BAIS) degree with concentration in Early Childhood Education from the University of South Carolina. Prior to joining the AHEC team, Casey taught grades 4K through 2 nd grade for 30 years. She is looking forward to working with the health professions students to help them have a great educational experience in the rural communities.

ccato@midcarolinaahec.org

Taylor Rice, BS joined Mid-Carolina AHEC in August 2022 as a Health Careers Coordinator. Taylor received a Bachelor’s of Science in Public Health with a concentration in Healthcare Administration from Coastal Carolina University in 2022. Taylor is dedicated to supporting students and communities in exploring and pursuing careers in the healthcare field.

Pam joined Mid-Carolina AHEC in 1996 as the Course Administrator, bringing valuable administrative support to the organization. As an integral member of the Continuing Professional Development team, she plays a key role in the execution of educational programs.  In addition to her administrative responsibilities, Pam oversees website management, marketing initiatives, and database operations.  Pam is also responsible for processing CPR eCards for both students and instructors through Mid-Carolina AHEC’s Community Training Center.

pharper@midcarolinaahec.org

Katelyn Bailey, BS earned her bachelor’s degree in biology from the College of Charleston in 2017. In October 2018 she began working at Mid-Carolina AHEC as a continuing professional development coordinator and knew that was where she was meant to be. Katelyn enjoys working closely with the hospital educators to plan classes and provide new and interesting education courses. She hopes to help grow AHEC and expand its reach.  She is a vital part of the CPD team and we enjoy having her bubbly personality in the office!

kbailey@midcarolinaahec.org 

Kim has been with Mid-Carolina AHEC since 2000. She has 25 years experience in the accounting field. Kim received her associate degree in accounting from York Technical College in 1992. She manages the operational functions within the office, as well as, administers the accounting functions associated with the financial records.

kroberts@midcarolinaahec.org