Pre-Professional Programs Directory

Dr. George Hebeka hails from Warren, Michigan. He attended Wayne State University on a full merit scholarship, earning a Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences in 1995. He then attended the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, completing his Doctor of Dental surgery degree in 2000.

After completing Dental school, Dr. Hebeka completed a General Practice Residency at Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton, Ohio. There he trained in advanced procedures including endodontics, oral surgery, trauma training, and IV sedation. Throughout his dental career he has taken extensive continuing education, including completing the Comprehensive Implant Residency program (CIRP) in Birmingham, Alabama.

Dr. Hebeka practices dentistry in Bowling Green, Ohio in the group practice Drs. Phipps, Levin, Hebeka and Associates. He is professional member of ADA, ODA, TDS, and GBSSC. 

Dr. Hebeka lives in Perrysburg, Ohio with his wife and three children. He is involved in CYO Basketball coaching for his kids in Lial Catholic School. In his free time, he enjoys weightlifting, kickboxing and watching all pro and college sports associated with U of M and Detroit.

From the young age of five, Dr. Klassen had dreams of becoming a dentist. She recalls playing “dentist” in her uncle’s dental office in Kalamazoo, Michigan, with her cousins every time her family traveled across Michigan to visit her relatives. The path that led her to accomplishing this dream includes graduating Summa Cum Laude from Bowling Green State University and then earning her Doctor of Dental Surgery from Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry.

While she was still attending BGSU the terrorist attacks of 911 occurred, which sparked an additional life goal of serving in the United States military. She was awarded a scholarship through the US Navy’s Health Professions Scholarship Program which allowed her to simultaneously achieve both of her life callings. Dr. Klassen served in the Navy for five years as an active duty dentist and continues to serve as a Commander in the Navy Reserves.

Within the past few years, Dr. Klassen has used her dental skills and position in the healthcare field to greatly influence the communities around her. She initiated and organized a Dental Health Fair and “Toothbrush Trio Relay” race to raise funds to help build the Inclusive Playground at Carter Park in Bowling Green. She annually provides free dental care to any active duty, retired, separated, or reserve service man or woman in Northwest Ohio during a program she created called the 1% Salute. In 2016 Dr. Klassen and her husband completed a mission to run across the state of Ohio (some of it with her children on her back) to promote education and raise awareness about the joys and hardships of raising children with autism and other special needs.  

Dr. Klassen and her husband have two sons, Kolden and Aithan. Her interests span a broad range, from running to photography and baking to March Madness. The Klassen family loves to explore Ohio’s Metroparks and enjoy going to “up north” Michigan to get out in the woods and visit family.

Dr. T. Ryan Phipps was born in Bowling Green, Ohio. He received a Bachelor of Arts studying at Miami University, a Master’s of Science in Biology from Bowling Green State University, and a Doctorate of Dental Surgery from The Ohio State University.

He continued his dental education at Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton, Ohio where he completed a General Practice Residency. This program focused on advanced training in general dentistry, oral surgery, pediatric dentistry, and endodontics.  Dr. Phipps also completed rotations in medicine, anesthesia, trauma care, and also completed advanced courses in pharmacology and treatment of medically comprised patients. He is certified in intravenous conscious sedation and advanced cardiac life support.  

He belongs to the ADA, ODA, TDS as well as the Great Black Swamp Dental Study Club.  Ryan enjoys being active in his local community. He currently resides in Bowling Green with his wife Rachel and young children Georgia and Arnie. When he does have free time, he is cheering on the Falcons and Buckeyes, playing golf, running, cycling, swimming, cooking, or hiking with his golden retriever Skip. 

Elizabeth was born in Bowling Green, Ohio in 1966. She moved with her family to Ithica, New York where her father attended Law School at Cornell. She moved back with her family to BG and started kindergarten. She graduated from BGHS in 1984. Elizabeth spent the summer of 1984 in Rio de Janeiro then enrolled in Miami University's 'Western College' School of Interdisciplinary Studies and received her Bachelor's degree in Philosophy.

Elizabeth's first job after college was with Greenpeace, the environmental organization. In that capacity, she traveled quite a bit all over the country and lived in Manhatten, Atlanta, Ann Arbor, Los Angeles, and DC and ended up as the Director of Greenpeace Oregon. She then ran the seven offices, in the West Coast Region. She was the Director of Development for a community radio station in Portland, Oregon and also was in development at Oregon Trout, an anadromous fish habitat preservation organization.

She had her son at age 31, got married and became a stay-at-home mother for the next twelve years. She had her daughter when she was 37 years old. As her kids grew up, she decided to re-enter the workforce by pursuing a law degree. She was encouraged by the ability to earn a juris doctorate in three years-no thesis. Elizabeth moved her family back to BG and attended The University of Toledo Law School from 2001-2014. She is now practicing law in downtown Bowling Green, by joining her father, Norman Geer, who has been in practice for over forty years. She has a typical small town practice where she does a variety of types of law, including family law (juvenile, divorce, custody, abuse and neglect) as well as criminal and civil disputes. She also writes Trusts and does Estate Planning...etc. She participates in two legal clinics, the Community clinic as well as the Senior Center to make legal services accessible regardless of income.

When she is not driving her kids around to sports practices and events, she spends her spare time bike riding, skiing, walking her dog, reading and spending time with family. Elizabeth currently serves on the Board of the BG Chamber of Commerce, the Wood County Historical Society and Museum and is Vice-President of the Wood County Bar Association.

Dr. Jeffrey Noftz MD, PT graduated from Bowling Green State University receiving his BS in Physical Therapy in 1992.  He began his physical therapy career as a specialist in the rehabilitation of injured athletes at The Medical College of Ohio (currently known as University of Toledo Medical Center).  During this time, Dr. Noftz specialized in the care and rehabilitation of injured athletes.  He cared for athletes at every level including weekend warriors to Olympic athletes as well as served as one the principal physical therapists for The University of Toledo football program. 

After 7 years, he returned to medical school and received his Doctorate in Medicine from The Medical College of Ohio in 2001.  Selected as one of only four students to enter residency training early, he began his Family Medicine residency training in 2000 and completed this in 2003.  During this time, he served as the Chief Resident in his final year of training.

Following residency, Dr. Noftz started the first Primary Care Sports Medicine practice at The Medical College of Ohio serving as its director in the Department of Orthopedics/Sports Medicine.  During this time, he developed one of the first sports performance programs in the area focusing on athletes recovering from ligamentous injury/surgery. 

Dr. Noftz then moved to Bowling Green, Ohio.  While serving the local community as a primary care physician, he continued his professional goals in physical therapy opening Jump Start Physical Therapy in 2004.

In addition to this, in 2004 he began his work caring for BGSU students at the university’s Student Health Center eventually being named the Medical Director there.  While at BGSU, he also cared for injured student athletes for the department of Intercollegiate Athletics.  He was selected as The Head Team Physician/Director of Athletic Medicine in 2006. 

Along with a team of professionals at BGSU, Dr. Noftz developed BGSU’s Sports Performance Program in 2007.  As medical director of The Sports Performance Team, he helps coordinate the care offered by multiple BGSU professionals including Nutritionists, Sports Psychologists, Exercise Science faculty, and others with the goal of improving student athletes’ ability to compete at the highest level.

Dr. Noftz is a veteran serving in the US Air Force from 1984 through 1988.  He is married to his wife Renee.  Their daughter Jordan will be starting her freshman year at BGSU in 2019.  He and his wife enjoy watching their daughter ride horses as she competes in barrel racing events including international competition at the Youth World Championships.

Kelly Fullenkamp, MOT, OTR/L attended the University of Findlay, graduating with her Master of Occupational Therapy degree in 2003. She is certified through the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) and is currently licensed in the State of Ohio through the Ohio OTPTAT Board.

She started her career in Wilmington, DE at St. Francis Hospital, a small community hospital which offered her experience in acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, and transitional care. Kelly also assisted at Select Specialty Hospital, a long-term acute care facility (LTAC).

Kelly returned to Ohio and spent the next four years at Miami Valley Hospital (MVH) in Dayton, a level one trauma hospital. She spent two years as a full-time acute care OTR before accepting the Acute Care Clinical Coordinator position.

Another relocation brought Kelly to Bowling Green. She resumed her OT career at a skilled nursing/extended care facility. Initially as a staff OTR and then as a Director of Rehabilitation.

Currently, Kelly is employed by Med1Care, evaluating/treating clients in the home care setting while providing a rewarding opportunity to impact client's in their own environment.

Dr. Madeline Eklund is a Northwest Ohio native. Madeline attended BGSU and received her bachelors degree in Applied Health Science in 2018. She was very involved in the Sidney A. Ribeau President’s Leadership Academy, New Student Organization, and University Activities Organization. Madeline attended Huntington University in Fort Wayne, Indiana and earned her occupational therapy doctorate in 2021. During her OTD program, she co-authored research studies, went on a mission trip to China, and completed her capstone project on animal-assisted therapy.

Madeline is an occupational therapist at Paulding County Hospital in Paulding, Ohio. She sees a variety of populations such as outpatient orthopedics, outpatient pediatrics, and inpatient rehabilitation. Madeline enjoys making each patient’s therapy experience personal.

In her spare time, Madeline enjoys game nights with her family and friends, baking, and any excuse to go shopping or out to eat.

Dr. Brujic , OD, FAAO is a 2002 graduate of the New England College of Optometry.  He is a partner of Premier Vision Group, a successful four location optometric practice in Northwest Ohio.  He practices full scope optometry with an emphasis on ocular disease management of the anterior segment and specialty contact lenses.  He is active at all levels of organized optometry.  Dr. Brujic is on the editorial board for a number of optometric publications.  He has published over 400 articles and has given over 1900 lectures, both nationally and internationally on contemporary topics in eye care. 

Dr. Mathias is a 2011 graduate of New Riegel High School. She attended Bowling Green State University and received a Bachelor of Science in Education in 2014. She then continued her education at The Ohio State University College of Optometry and graduated in 2018 with a Doctorate of Optometry and Master of Vision Science.

While in Optometry school she was very involved including mission trips to provide eye care for those in needs in Guatemala and Nicaragua and President of Lions Club. She hopes to use her training in research to continue to provide the most up-to-date, evidence based care. She is practicing full-scope medical optometry at Spectrum Eye Care in Findlay, Ohio is looking forward to providing patients with a lifetime of vision care to meet their visual needs. Dr. Mathias is a professional member of the American Academy of Optometry and the American Optometric Association.

 She enjoys spending time with family, friends, and traveling. In her free time she enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, sand volleyball and biking.

Sara Houlihan was born and raised in St Clair Shores, Michigan and is a proud BG grad. She majored in Applied Health Sciences and graduated in May 2009 with University Honors. While at BG, she was very active in the Honors Program. She went on to the University of Toledo where she earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2012.

Sara currently works at the University of Michigan University Hospital in Ann Arbor where she is a clinical specialist physical therapist who covers oncology, general medicine and the emergency department. Sara is an active member of the American Physical Therapy Association and the Michigan Physical Therapy Association. Sara is also very active in research and has recently presented 2 posters at the national level and 1 poster and 1 platform presentation at the state level. She is actively working on a manuscript regarding mobility for general medicine patients while in the hospital.

When not at work, Sara enjoys spending time with her family and friends at her cottage in Northern Michigan.

Nicole Bergman PA-C, is a certified Physician Assistant. 

Nicole was born and raised in Northwest Ohio. She received her Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science with minors in Biology and Chemistry in 2008. in 2010, she graduated with her Master's degree in Biomedical Sciences, Physician Assistant from the University of Toledo. Nicole has worked in Emergency Medicine and currently in Dermatology.

Nicole is licensed by the Ohio State Medical Board. She is an active member of her church, Hope Community Church of the Nazerene, Oregon, Ohio. Nicole currently resides in Genoa with her husband Bob and three children Bo, Britain, and Bauer. In her free time, Nicole enjoys being a mom, playing sports, gardening, cooking, vacationing and spending time with their family and friends.

April Gardner is a Physician Assistant. She graduated from Bowling Green State University majoring in Education and returned to BGSU for pre-medicine work in 1998. She is the first BGSU graduate from the Department of Biological Sciences to attend PA school. She graduated from the Medical College of Ohio in 2001 with a Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences and Physician Assistant Studies.

She is the previous Program Director for the University of Toledo Physician Assistant Program where she also practiced clinically in the Department of Emergency Medicine (the ER) and the Department of Family Medicine. April had also practiced medicine in cardiothoracic surgery and urology and in the UTMC COVID ICU in addition to working in the ER and Family Medicine at UTMC. April is currently the Department Chair and Program Director for the Physician Assistant Program at Advent Health University located in Orlando, Florida. April loves to return to BG to talk to students about careers in medicine.

Dr. Alan Kao graduated from BGSU in 1991 with a dual Bachelors of Science in Biology and Comprehensive Science Education. He graduated from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2003.

LtCol Kao serves in the Ohio Air National Guard as a Public Health Officer. He has a particular passion for medical intelligence. He has served in Tchad, Africa; United Kingdom; Italy; Germany; Turkey; Kuwait; Dominican Republic; Hawaii; and many of these in the United States.

While at BGSU, he took advantage of many great programs including: studying Marine Biology; working as a visiting scientist on a NOAA vessel for a Sea map cruise in the Gulf of Mexico; went on a Marine Lab Gulf Coast field trip; Studied two summers at the Gulf Coast Research Lab in Ocean Springs, MS; and student taught in Rio de Janeiro at Our Lady of Mercy American School.

He has been married to his wife Jill since 2012. Jill received her teaching certificate in Family and Consumer Science education from BGSU in 2000. She earned her Masters in Educational Administration and Supervision from BGSU in 2010. While the didn't meet at BGSU, they are Falcon Flames!!!

Dr. Jennifer Croce Rokke, originally from New Jersey, received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Zoology from Miami University and her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Colorado State University's School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences in 2000.  

Following graduation, she began working for a small animal clinic in Perrysburg Ohio where she served as Associate Veterinarian and Medical Director for 13 years.  

During her career, she has enjoyed working in a variety of veterinary fields such as pharmaceutical research, small animal relief work, corporate medicine vaccine clinics,  online telemedicine, and worked with Golden Retriever Rescue Resource of Toledo as one of their area veterinarians.  

She is a member of the Michigan Veterinary Medical Association, the Ohio Veterinary Medical Association, The National Veterinary Cancer Society, The American Association of Feline Practitioners and the American Veterinary Medical Association.  

Isabelle is a junior from Columbus, Ohio. She is majoring in Exercise Science with a minor in Psychology on the Pre-Occupational Therapy track.

During her time at Bowling Green State University, she has been involved in the Pre-Occupational Therapy Club, serves as a student leader in the Chapman Learning Community, a member of the Omega Phi Alpha National Sorority, and a choreographer for the University Dance Alliance.

Isabelle has dedicated her time gaining clinical observation hours in both inpatient and outpatient settings and looks forward to serving as a mentor for those who are interested in becoming Occupational Therapists.

Brittany is a senior from St. Henry, OH studying biology on the pre-optometry track, and is very excited to serve as the Pre-Professional Programs Pre-Optometry Student Ambassador.

Brittany is the president of BGSU's Pre-Optometry Club, leads on service chair for MEDlife, is a member of the American Medical Women's Association, American Sign Language Club, and is a student of BGSU's Honors College as an Alumni Laureate Scholar.

She currently works as an optometric technician at Premier Vision Group in Bowling Green and has many years of experience within the field of optometry. Addiitonally, Brittany enjoys traveling, exercising, and spending time with friends and family. She looks forward to working with Pre-Optometry students and helping them prepare for their future during their time at BGSU.

Samantha is currently a junior from Medina, Ohio majoring in Exercise Science on the Pre-Physical Therapy track. She is planning to graduate Spring 2024 and then attending DPT school. Samantha is super excited to be the new Pre-PT Student Ambassador.

At BGSU, Samantha currently serves as the Vice-President of the Pre-PT club, which prepares students interested in going into the field of physical therapy. She has been a member since her sophomre year. She is also an active member of Alpha Phi Omega, a co-ed national service fraternity. She is a two year member of the Student Exercise Science Association (SESA) as well. Samantha has worked an un undergraduate learning assistant (LA) and  lead learning assistant in Biology courses.

Samantha has gained expereince in the field of physical therapy by completing 100 observation hours in various settings. In her free time, she enjoys reading, traveling, hiking, cooking, and spending time with her family and friends. She is looking forward to working with and being a resource for all Pre-DPT students.

Paetyn is a 'second year' student in junior standing on the pre-veterinary medicine track. She is pursuing a Biological Science major with a minor in Chemistry and hails from Vermillion, Ohio.

During her time here at BGSU, Paetyn has been involved in the Herpetology Association, the Pre-Veterinary Medical Association, Omicron Delta Kappa, and Alpha Lambda Delta. She has worked as a volunteer researcher in the marine lab and ofter volunteers at the Wood County Dog Shelter. To further her career in veterinary medicine, Paetyn works as a veterinary assistant at the Vermillon Animal Clinic. Outside of school and work, she also loves to crochet and work on her own aquariums!