Samantha Mirra 

Originally from Springfield, Vermont, Samantha earned both her Bachelor of Science degree and Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies at Springfield College. During her undergraduate years, she gained valuable clinical experience working as a Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA) in both a nursing home and a hospital setting. While in PA school, Samantha was actively involved in the Springfield College PA Student Organization and served as a student representative for the Massachusetts Association of Physician Associates. During her clinical year, she discovered a strong interest in surgery, particularly during her general surgery and interventional radiology rotations. Motivated to develop a broad foundation in multiple surgical subspecialties, Samantha pursued a postgraduate surgical fellowship. She was drawn to the Hartford Healthcare Surgical Fellowship for PAs for its unique opportunity to rotate throughout the healthcare system. Her goal is to become a well-rounded, confident, and competent surgical provider. Outside of her professional pursuits, Samantha enjoys swimming, working out, and hiking.

After fellowship, Samantha accepted a position with Backus Hospital in Norwich, CT with the surgical subspecialty team

Natalie Stoner 

Natalie was born and raised in Wynantskill, New York and earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Health Sciences at Springfield College.  She continued her education at Springfield College and completed her master’s in physician assistant studies. During her undergraduate years, Natalie gained clinical experience working in a medical ICU as a patient care technician and was a co-captain of the softball program. During clinical rotations, she was instantly drawn to rotations with surgical components. With the desire to expedite the acquisition of complex perioperative skills, Natalie elected to join the Hartford Healthcare Surgical Fellowship for PAs. While not working, Natalie enjoys visiting the beach, playing softball and pickleball, and painting. 

After fellowship, Natalie accepted a position with Backus Hospital in Norwich, CT with the surgical subspecialty team.

Sammy Yunki Kim 

Sammy is originally from Grenada Hills, California. Sammy earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Cell and Molecular Biology at California State University, Northridge. After completion of his undergraduate degree, Sammy worked as a paramedic and with the search and rescue team in Los Angeles. Sammy wanted to further his career in medicine as a provider. With the desire to explore the east coast in mind, he went on to gain his master’s degree in physician assistant studies at Sacred Heart University in Stamford, CT.  While his education provided him with a strong foundation, he recognized surgery is a highly specialized field where additional structured training would allow him to grow beyond entry-level competency. With the goal to work at the top of his license as a surgical PA, Sammy applied for and completed the Hartford Healthcare Surgical Fellowship for PAs. When not at work, Sammy enjoys traveling, watching the Red Sox, and playing tennis. 

After fellowship, Sammy accepted a position with Backus Hospital in Norwich, CT with the surgical subspecialty team.  

Grace Ferruzza 

Grace was born and raised in Rochester, New York. She attended the Rochester Institute of Technology, where she earned both her Bachelor of Science and Master of Physician Assistant Studies through the university’s five-year accelerated Physician Assistant program. During her training, Grace explored a wide range of surgical specialties through her general surgery rotation and additional elective experiences in the operating room, where she developed a strong passion for operative care. Recognizing her desire to further expand her surgical knowledge and skills, she pursued postgraduate training through the Hartford HealthCare Surgical APP Fellowship. Outside of the hospital, Grace enjoys reading, traveling, and staying active through group fitness and gym classes. 

Caitlin Greco

Caitlin is a lifelong Connecticut resident, born and raised in Higganum, CT. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science from Lasell College in Newton, Massachusetts, where she was a student-athlete and worked as a Physical Therapist Aide as well as a chemistry and physics tutor. Following her undergraduate studies, Caitlin pursued her Master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences University in Worcester, MA. During her training, she gained extensive hands-on experience through diverse clinical rotations, including orthopedics and several surgical specialties, which sparked her strong interest in surgical care. To further refine her skills and deepen her expertise, Caitlin sought advanced training and accepted a position in the Hartford Healthcare Surgical Fellowship for Physician Assistants. She hopes to follow in the footsteps of her grandfather, a retired surgeon, and become a confident and versatile surgical PA. Outside of her professional pursuits, Caitlin values spending time with her family and enjoys playing soccer, trail running, and riding her horse, Biggie.