Whiddon College of Medicine Simulation Center Staff

Dr. Laura Boatright, CHSE
Assistant Dean, Medical Education

Laura Boatright, MD, serves as the Director of the Whiddon COM Simulation Center, the Course Director of M1 and M2 Clinical Skills, and Assistant Dean for Medical Education. Her medical training took place at the University of Florida College of Medicine, in Gainesville, FL. She served as the Director of the Clinical Skills Center at the University of Virginia School of Medicine for six years, before moving to Mobile, AL with her husband, Jeffrey. She oversaw the final construction and outfitting of the Whiddon COM Simulation Center and now oversees its operation. Dr. Boatright is committed to providing high-quality, evidence-based simulation activities that promote learner growth, patient safety, and excellence in clinical education.

Craig Walker, CHSOS
Assistant Director, Simulation Operations

Craig Walker serves as the Assistant Director of Simulation Operations at the Whiddon College of Medicine, where he combines his background in education, healthcare technology, and operations to lead high-impact simulation training. He holds a Master of Arts in Education and is a Certified Healthcare Simulation Operations Specialist (CHSOS).

In this leadership role, Craig plays a vital part in coordinating the Simulation Center, overseeing daily operations, simulation systems, project management, and trainer development. He attended the 2025 International Meeting on Simulation in Healthcare (IMSH), bringing back innovative ideas to strengthen the local program.

Prior to his current role, Craig worked in IT support and electronic health record systems, giving him a strong technical foundation that he now leverages to streamline operations with an education-focused approach.

Outside of the Simulation Center, he is a licensed real estate agent and enjoys 3D printing and design. He also loves spending time outdoors and creating lasting memories with his family.

Sarah Steffens, CHSE, CHSOS
Assistant Director, High-Fidelity Simulation

Sarah Steffens serves as the Assistant Director of High-Fidelity. She began her career as a simulation assistant ten years ago and has worked her way into the position she currently holds. A nationally registered Advanced Emergency Medical Technician, Sarah recently earned the Certified Healthcare Simulation Operations Specialist (CHSOS) credential and is currently pursuing certification as a Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator (CHSE). She attended the International Meeting on Simulation in Healthcare to further advance her professional development. A native of Mississippi, Sarah continues to reside there with her family. In her free time, she enjoys crocheting and exploring a variety of craft projects.  

Nikki Hall
Assistant Director, Standardized Patients

Nikki’s medical journey began in 2011 when she joined the Army and attended 68W Combat Medic School in San Antonio, TX. There, she earned her NREMT certification and gained hands-on experience with advanced medical procedures. In 2015, she completed her Bachelor of Arts in Education at Western Illinois University, combining her passion for learning and teaching with her medical expertise.

Over the years, she has worked in diverse clinical settings—including roles as a worksite health technician, positions in multiple urgent care centers, and most recently on travel medical contracts in Portland, OR.

In August 2024, she joined the Simulation Center Team as a Simulation Operations Technician (SOT). Her curiosity and drive quickly led her to transition into the role of Standardized Patient (SP) Educator, and she now serves as the Assistant Director of SP Education. She recently attended the ASPE Convention in Montreal, Canada in June 2025, further expanding her knowledge and professional network in simulation education.

After relocating to South Alabama in August 2024, she is embracing the lifestyle she loves most—exploring the outdoors, adventuring, spending time on the water, and enjoying quality moments with her friends, family, significant other, and animals.

Mary Beth Young
Standardized Patient Educator

 As a Standardized Patient Educator, Mary Beth Young specializes in training and guiding standardized patients to deliver realistic, consistent, and impactful clinical simulations. Mary Beth assists in designing scenario-based learning experiences, coaches standardized patients in communication and performance techniques, and collaborates with faculty to ensure high-quality assessment and teaching environments. Mary Beth holds both a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in Elementary Education from the University of South Alabama and worked as an Elementary School Teacher for five years. During Mary Beth's time as a teacher, she developed a strong foundation in instruction and educational design. These skills continue to shape her approach to simulation-based education. 

(251) 460-6748 
maryyoung@southalabama.edu

Evan McGlothen, CHSOS
Simulation Operations Technologist

Evan McGlothen is a seasoned Paramedic, Firefighter, and Instructor with over a decade of clinical experience. Evan completed his Paramedic and Firefighter training in Michigan and later obtained an Associates of Applied Sciences from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and a Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences from the University of South Alabama. As a paramedic instructor at Kellogg Community College, Evan was responsible creating and updating curriculum as well as integrating and expanding the use of simulation into the program to better prepare paramedics for their transition from the classroom to the field. While at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine, Evan obtained his Certified Healthcare Simulation Operations Specialist certificate. Evan continually strives to improve his knowledge and abilities as an educator and simulation technologist.

Darika Turner
Simulation Operations Technologist

Darika Turner is a Simulation Operations Technologist with a steady commitment to supporting healthcare education and operational efficiency. She brings eight years of experience from Mobile Infirmary Hospital, where she worked in a variety of roles including as a safety companion for high-risk patients, a monitor technician for Infirmary hospitals and clinics, and staffing specialist for Infirmary’s regional staffing pool. These experiences gave her a broad understanding of patient care and hospital workflows. Darika holds a bachelor’s degree in Professional Health Sciences with a concentration in Healthcare Management from the University of South Alabama. In her current role, she focuses on helping deliver effective, hands-on simulation training that supports both learning and team development.

Hunter Boyd
Simulation Operations Technologist

Hunter Boyd holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Florida. While in college, he worked as a hospital technician during the COVID-19 pandemic, gaining direct clinical experience. After graduation, he spent two years as a high school math teacher, developing a strong foundation in education. Now, as a Medical Simulation Operations Technologist, Hunter runs high-fidelity clinical simulations that support healthcare training and preparedness. His role uniquely integrates his academic background in biology, hands-on clinical experience, and teaching expertise. With a strong interest in 3D printing and design, he also contributes to the development of custom simulation tools that enhance the quality and impact of simulation.