Sonia V. Otte, DMSc, MMS, PA-C
Founding Program Director | Associate Professor
Master of Science in Physician Assistant (MSPA) Program
Dr. Sonia V. Otte is the Founding Program Director and Associate Professor for the developing Physician Assistant (PA) Program at California State University - San Bernardino (CSUSB). She serves a critical role in developing and establishing its Master of Science in Physician Assistant (MSPA) Program. Prior to CSUSB, Dr. Otte was the Founding Program Director for the Physician Assistant Program at Keck Graduate Institute (KGI) in Claremont, California, where she oversaw the development and successful launch of their MSPA program. In her time at KGI, she secured a $1M grant for PA facilities, led to the program’s successful accreditation, and worked hand-in-hand to design and develop all new PA program facilities.
Before transitioning to academia, Dr. Otte worked as a clinical PA in hospital medicine, urgent care, and medical dermatology. Since 2018, Dr. Otte has served as an independent PA Education Consultant, where she has created the full didactic curriculum for multiple developing PA programs. In addition to her role at CSUSB, she is an adjunct faculty member for the Medical Education concentration of the Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) program at the University of Lynchburg.
Dr. Otte is passionate about diversifying the PA profession, developing a culturally competent/humble healthcare workforce, and increasing access to equitable care in rural and underserved communities. She is a published author in the Journal of Patient Experience, peer reviewer for the Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities, as well as contributor for a Physician Assistant board exam review book.
Dr. Otte holds a Doctor of Medical Science from the University of Lynchburg, a Master of Medical Science from Nova Southeastern University (Fort Lauderdale, FL), and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology (Pre-Medicine) from the University of Georgia.
Julie K. A. Kasarjian, MD, PhD
Medical Director
Master of Science in Physician Assistant (MSPA) Program
Dr. Julie Kasarjian is a board-certified Emergency Physician and an Addiction Medicine specialist, who serves as the Medical Director for the Master of Science in Physician Assistant program at California State University – San Bernardino.
Dr. Kasarjian is also the Medical Director for VARP Inc. in San Bernardino and MFI Recovery Center in Riverside, where she shares her expertise by providing medical care and medication assisted treatment (MAT) for patients with substance use disorders. She also serves as an Implementation Leader with the CA Bridge organization and is currently working on creating increased access to low barrier MAT access points for patients. She has extensive leadership experience as a medical director for emergency departments of varying sizes across Southern California. For several years she held the position of Principal Investigator/Medical Director at Velocity Clinical Research conducting multiple high-profile clinical trials, focusing on vaccines and treatments for a wide range of conditions, including COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
She is pleased to join the MSPA team at CSUSB as the Medical Director and is dedicated to the advancement of education for physician assistants. She is a strong advocate for PA education and practice and has spent many hours teaching at the bedside as well as starting an Emergency Medicine PA Fellowship at San Joaquin Community Hospital in Bakersfield with Vituity/CEP America.
Outside of medicine, Dr. Kasarjian loves spending time with family (both two and four-legged), singing with the Inland Master Chorale and her church choir, playing piano, and traveling. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Armantrout Montessori Education Foundation in honor of her parents, Margie and Leon Armantrout.
Dr. Kasarjian received her medical degree from Loma Linda University and earned a PhD in Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, bringing a robust scientific and academic background to her medical career. She completed her residency in Emergency Medicine at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center.
Jeffrey A. Cronin, MSPAS, PA-C
Director of Clinical Education | Assistant Professor
Master of Science in Physician Assistant (MSPA) Program
Jeffrey A. Cronin, MSPAS, PA-C, is the Director of Clinical Education for the Master of Science in Physician Assistant (MSPA) Program at California State University – San Bernardino. He was raised in San Bernardino, CA, just a few miles from the CSUSB campus. Throughout his professional journey, Cronin has actively engaged as a preceptor for both physician and PA students in emergency medicine. Additionally, he serves as an American Heart Association Instructor in Basic Life Support, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, and Pediatric Advanced Life Support.
In 2014, Cronin graduated from the Riverside Community College District PA Program. Following graduation, he completed an Emergency Medicine PA Fellowship at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton, CA. He continued his academic journey, obtaining a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from A.T. Still University in Mesa, AZ. In 2022, Cronin entered PA education, assuming the role of Assistant Professor and Clinical Coordinator at A.T. Still University Central Coast PA Program.
Rosslynn S. Byous, DPA, PAC
Professor | Student Success Focus
Master of Science in Physician Assistant (MSPA) Program
Monique J. Williams, PhD, MSPA
Associate Professor | Admissions Focus
Master of Science in Physician Assistant (MSPA) Program
Lisa Arredondo
Administrative Support Coordinator
Master of Science in Physician Assistant (MSPA) Program
Lisa Arredondo is the Administrative Support Coordinator for the developing Physician Assistant (PA) Program at California State University - San Bernardino (CSUSB). She notably served in the US military for five years aboard the USS Milius, where she showcased her dedication and skills as an Operations Specialist.
For 15 years, Arredondo worked for prominent financial firms, where she assisted clients with various financial plans. Her commitment to community service became evident during her six-year tenure with the City of Ontario, where she played a pivotal role in obtaining a $312 million grant for homeless assistance, housing, and rehabilitation. Most recently, Arredondo spent five years with the County of San Bernardino Clerk of the Boards office as a Board Service Specialist. In this role, she collaborated with government officials, legislators, and other entities, showcasing her ability to navigate complex bureaucratic landscapes.
Her commitment to community welfare extends beyond her professional life as she has actively volunteered for veterans, participated in city-wide clean-ups, and contributed to tree-planting initiatives.
Arredondo earned an associate degree from the University of Colorado, graduating top of her class with the highest honors and receiving prestigious presidential awards. In 2005, Arredondo also obtained a Pharmacy Tech Certification from UEI (United Education Institute) College.
Jocelin Monge, MA
Graduate Admissions Counselor
Master of Science in Physician Assistant (MSPA) Program
Jocelin Monge, MA (she/ella) is the Graduate Admissions Counselor for the developing Physician Assistant (PA) Program at California State University - San Bernardino (CSUSB). She was born in San Diego County and raised by Mexican immigrant parents.
Her academic research interests delve into a particular focus on Latine communities and the experiences of undocumented students. Guided by a passion for diversity, inclusion, and accessibility within higher education, she is dedicated to fostering an equitable admissions communication process that empowers future PAs towards a bright future.
As a first-generation Woman of Color, Monge proudly holds a Master of Arts in Communication Studies from CSUSB (2023) and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from California State University, San Marcos (2017).
Maria Goldman, MSPAS, PA-C
Program Coordinator | Instructional Faculty
Master of Science in Physician Assistant (MSPA) Program
Maria Goldman, MSPAS, PA-C is a Program Coordinator and instructional faculty member for the Master of Science in Physician Assistant program at California State University – San Bernardino. Over the past 10 years, she has been practicing as a skilled and dedicated emergency medicine Physician Assistant. Her passion for teaching led her to instruct and guide PA students and new graduate PAs in the intricacies of emergency medicine, passing on her knowledge and experience to the next generation of medical professionals. She is committed to helping shape future PAs by offering practical insights to students and bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-life scenarios.
PA Goldman began working in PA education in 2020. She helped start the Keck Graduate Institute (KGI) PA program by serving as the Clinical Coordinator and a member of the admissions committee. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband, two young children, and two dogs. There is never a dull moment at her house!
PA Goldman holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Central Florida and a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Keiser University in Fort Lauderdale, FL. After completing her graduate education and receiving her board certification, she specialized in Emergency Medicine and completed an EM fellowship at Florida Hospital East Orlando to enhance her expertise in the field.