I have been a member of the Massachusetts Assembly since 2016, serving as Director, Vice President, and currently President. In 2024, I was appointed to AST’s State Assembly Leadership Committee.
I have been working at MGH since graduating from Bunker Hill Community College in 2003, and I currently work on the night trauma team.
I am passionate about giving back to the profession that has shaped my career and committed to supporting and mentoring the next generation of surgical technologists.
When I am not in the OR, I enjoy traveling, watching hockey, and going to concerts.
I am looking forward to serving you as President. I am open to your suggestions and look forward to hearing from you!
VicePresident - Dana Thomas, CST
I am a Program Director of the Surgical Technology program at Bunker Hill Community College and Vice President of the Massachusetts State Assembly of Surgical Technologists. Over the past 20 years, I’ve educated and mentored surgical technology students in both lab and clinical settings, teaching everything from scrubbing and sterile technique to instrumentation and laparoscopic procedures.
My clinical background includes neurosurgery, trauma, transplant surgery, vascular, ENT, and thoracic services. I especially enjoy helping students build confidence and seeing concepts finally click for them. Today, many of my graduates work across the Commonwealth in day surgery centers and Level 1 trauma centers.
Education was never part of my original plan. While precepting during a transplant procedure, a surgeon told me, “You explain things so well — you should teach.” That moment changed my path, and nearly two decades later, I can honestly say I wouldn’t change a thing.
I’m a Boston native, educated through Boston Public Schools and several universities before earning my degree from Cambridge College. I also began a master’s program, which I plan to complete after our program’s accreditation review is finished
Treasurer - Jennifer Forte, CST
I have been a member of the Massachusetts State Assembly since 2009 and have served on the Board as both Director and Treasurer. During my time with the Assembly, I worked alongside fellow board members to help advance and pass the Surgical Technology bill in Massachusetts.
I earned my Certificate in Surgical Technology from North Shore Community College in 2008 and later completed my Associate of Applied Science degree in 2021. I have since earned a Bachelor’s degree from Bay Path University and a Master of Science degree from Southern New Hampshire University. Since 2012, I have served as the Department Chair of the Surgical Technology Program at North Shore Community College.
When I am not busy teaching, I enjoy spending time with my Chihuahuas and searching for new roller coasters to ride!
Treasurer - Amy Ruelle Leigner, CST
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of serving this organization in several roles—three terms as a Board Member, two terms as Treasurer, and most recently, starting my second term as your Secretary. Each of these experiences has strengthened my commitment to our profession and deepened my appreciation for the work we do every day.
I have worked at Baystate Medical Center for 31 years. I currently work in the outpatient surgery unit, where I support a wide range of surgical specialties. While I’ve grown to love the variety, cardiac surgery will always hold a special place in my heart—it’s where my journey began, and where I spent 14 meaningful years developing my skills and passion as a Certified Surgical Technologist.
Beyond the OR, I’ve made it a priority to stay engaged and informed by attending both our state conferences and national conferences. I believe continued learning and connection are essential to advancing our profession and supporting one another.
I’m also a proud mom of two teenagers, which has taught me patience, adaptability, and the importance of truly listening—qualities that continue to guide me both personally and professionally.
Serving the Massachusetts State Assembly is more than a title to me; it is an opportunity to advocate for our profession, represent our members, and help shape the future of surgical technology.
Director- Jason Klemm, CST
I have been a Surgical Technologist since 2010. I started my career in the Endoscopy Unit at Massachusetts General Hospital before transferring to the Main Operating Room in 2012, joining the Thoracic Service. I joined the Massachusetts State Assembly as a Board of Director in 2024.
In my spare time, I like to attend the National AST Conference,I like to travel and play baseball during the spring and summer. I enjoy horseback riding when the opportunity presents itself.
Director- Angie Hernandez, CST
My name is Olfrania, but I usually go by Angie. I decided to become a surgical technologist after my father passed away. I was looking for a change in my life and I wanted to do something in healthcare, to help those that needed healing hands. Obviously, nursing was my first option but as soon as I saw the pamphlet for the Surg Tech program, I was drawn to it automatically. The way it was described, the importance of our role in the OR, I was hooked. I have been a tech since 2013, and I have never regretted it.
I was part of the Connecticut state assembly, and I have attended 3 national conferences. It is always such a privilege to be among others that love the profession.
I love doing general cases, ortho, neuro, especially spine, and craniofacial cases. But I also enjoy everything in between (except cardiac). I am now well versed in ophthalmology cases (have you tried loading the smallest 10-0 needle in the dark?!).
Director- AJ Nwokeji, CST
My name is AJ Nwokeji. I'm a certified surgical technologist at Massachusetts General Hospital. I've been a scrub for a little over a year, and honestly, I wish I'd discovered this career earlier in life because it brings me so much joy! I'm grateful to serve as a Director in the Massachusetts State Assembly so that I can have a positive impact on surgical techs across the state.
When I'm not in my scrubs, you can find me at the gym, watching anime, or thrill-chasing. Skydiving has my heart right now, and I recently did the world's highest at 18,000 feet.
Director- Cindy Fletcher, CST
I am a proud 2017 graduate of the Surgical Technology program at North Shore Community College and now serve as a professor in the program. After graduating, I worked as a Certified Surgical Technologist at Beverly Hospital, where I continue to serve in a per-diem role while teaching full-time since 2021. Dedicated to lifelong learning and advancing healthcare education, I earned my Master’s degree in Education in 2023 and am currently pursuing a Doctorate in Health Science.
In my spare time, I volunteer at my local animal shelter, serve as an officer of the Gloucester Elks, and enjoy spending time with my husband and our three dogs.
Director- Samantha Shea, CST
My name is Samantha Shea, and I’ve been a surgical technologist for four years. This career has helped me grow both personally and professionally, and I’m grateful for the experiences and connections it has brought into my life. I am honored and excited to begin my journey as a first-time Director for MA-AST, and I look forward to learning from others, building meaningful connections, and contributing to the surgical technology community.
Outside of the OR, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, creating pottery, and spending time with my dog. These moments allow me to recharge, stay grounded, and bring balance to the work I love