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.

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.

Sara Newton joined Mid-Carolina AHEC in Fall 2021 as a Health Professions Student Coordinator, where she supports and mentors students on their journey toward becoming healthcare professionals. A proud native of Lancaster, South Carolina, Sara is deeply committed to serving her hometown and the broader Mid-Carolina AHEC region.

Sara attended the University of South Carolina Lancaster and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies in 2014 through USC’s Palmetto College, with focused coursework in psychology, anthropology, and history. She went on to receive a Master of Education in Counseling and Development with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Winthrop University in 2016.

Her professional background includes work in behavioral health, where she served as a counselor in an inpatient setting, as well as roles in utilization management and risk management. These experiences have strengthened her compassion for others and her dedication to providing student support.

Outside of work, Sara enjoys spending quality time with her family, reading, and traveling to both the beach and the mountains.

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.

Casey joined Mid-Carolina AHEC in March 2019 as a Health Professions Student (HPS) Coordinator. Since 2021, she has also served as the Site Coordinator for the VCOM – Carolinas campus in Spartanburg. She holds a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (BAIS) degree with a concentration in Early Childhood Education from the University of South Carolina. Prior to joining the AHEC team, Casey dedicated 30 years to teaching, with experience spanning grades 4K through 3rd grade. She is passionate about working with health professions students and is committed to supporting their development and enhancing their educational experiences, particularly in rural communities.

In her spare time, Casey enjoys spending quality time with her family and cherishing her role as a CiCi (grandmother) to her granddaughter.

Hope Jewett, BA, joined Mid-Carolina AHEC in 2022 as a Continuing Professional Development Specialist. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Finance and Accounting from Wofford College in Spartanburg, SC. Before joining AHEC, she managed a real estate company in Lexington, SC, where she gained valuable experience in organization and business operations. In her current role, Hope is passionate about facilitating engaging and impactful educational programs to healthcare professionals throughout the Midlands region. Outside of her professional work, Hope runs a small business specializing in handmade pet accessories and frequently travels to craft shows along the Eastern U.S. coast. She brings the same creativity and dedication to her entrepreneurial ventures as she does to her work in healthcare education.

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.

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!

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.