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Originally from upstate New York, Debi has been living in Kannapolis, NC since 1978. She received an associate degree in Applied Science and Medical Assisting from Central Piedmont Community College in 1991 and has been a certified research coordinator since 1998. Debi’s career in research spans 20 years, with the majority of her experience in cardiovascular research. She has been with Carolinas Research Associates for the past 6 years doing Internal Medicine and Family Practice research studies. Debi is married with five children. As the manager of the local Girl Scout service unit CRA always has a fresh supply of cookies on hand – please feel free to contact Debi for your yearly supply.

Kelly Smith was born and raised in Atlanta, GA. After attending ASU in Tempe, AZ she moved to Charlotte in 2004. Kelly worked with a chiropractic group starting as a Chiropractic assistant and was promoted to clinical manager. Her experience includes billing representative and office managers in the chiropractic, orthopedic, and urology specialties. Kelly has been the Regulatory Specialist for Carolinas Research Associates since joining us in 2007 and was certified as a Clinical Research Professional in December 2010. She is married and her hobbies include gardening, cooking, reading and traveling. She mostly enjoys spending quality time with her large extended family and friends.

Nancy is one of those rare people who was born and raised in Charlotte, N.C. She graduated from Mercy School of Nursing and has been involved in clinical research as a coordinator for the past 20 years. After running the research for an Asthma and Allergy group for many years, Nancy joined Carolinas Research Associates in 2010 and received her Certification as a Clinical Research Coordinator. She is married with one son, enjoys her horse, dogs and spending time with friends and family.

Pat has worked in the clinical research setting since 1999 and as certified research coordinator since 2001. She began her career in research in San Diego, California working for Scripps Clinic. Pat relocated to the Charlotte area in December, 2009 to be closer to family and enjoy the east coast once again. She joined Carolinas Research Associates in May of 2010 as a Rheumatology coordinator. Pat’s varied research experience includes working with numerous pharmaceutical companies and investigator initiated protocols in both drug and device research for pediatrics and adults.

Jenny is another one of those rare natives of Charlotte, born and raised here She attended the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and graduated with her BA in 2006. Jenny’s experience and certifications include Nursing Assistant, Pharmacy Technician, and EMT. She joined Carolinas Research Associates in April 2007 as an assistant coordinator for GI studies. She was soon promoted to lead coordinator and was certified as a Clinical Research Coordinator in 2009. She is married with one child.

Yvonne is Founder, President and Chief Executive Officer of Carolinas Research Associates. Born in Cherry Point, NC, she has seen much of the country as the daughter of a US Marine pilot. She received her undergraduate degree in Dental Hygiene in 1981 and a Masters of Public Health in 1992 from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Yvonne has been involved with clinical research since 1992 in the positions of research coordinator, site manager, business owner and consultant. She has maintained her certification as a research coordinator since 1996. Yvonne speaks and does workshops on topics in clinical research locally and around the country.

Jalene a native of upstate New York, has lived in the Charlotte area for about 25 years, spending some of those years visiting Russia. After graduating from UNC Charlotte with a degree in Chemistry in 2006, Jalene joined Carolinas Research Associates as a research assistant for Family Practice studies. She was advanced to lead coordinator for GI studies in our newly opened Birkdale office in 2007. She received her Clinical Research Coordinator certification in 2009. In addition to coordinating, Jalene’s responsibilities include business development for CRA.

Jennifer was born and raised in the Charlotte area. She graduated from Rowan-Cabarrus Community College and has 14 years of clinical and laboratory management experience specializing in Hematology/Oncology for the majority of her clinical career. She joined Carolinas Research Associates in 2008 as a Clinical Research Assistant. Her three children keep her busy most of the time but in her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends.