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Meet Our Team

The Learning Center team is here to support students throughout their academic journey at NEOMED. Our staff brings experience in learning support, tutoring, accessibility services, academic coaching, and student success across medical, pharmacy, dental, and graduate education. Get to know the people behind the Learning Center and learn more about how each team member supports students.

Director of the Learning Center Craig Theissen, M.Ed /L.

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Craig Theissen has more than 20 years of experience in higher education and oversees learning support services across all NEOMED colleges, including learning specialists, accessibility and accommodations, and peer tutoring. He works closely with medical students as they prepare for major assessments throughout their training, supporting M2 students preparing for USMLE Step 1, M3 students preparing for shelf exams, and M4 students preparing for USMLE Step 2 CK. His work focuses on helping students develop effective study plans, choose appropriate resources, strengthen test-taking strategies, and approach each stage of exam preparation with greater confidence and structure. Craig also serves as an instructor of Family and Community Medicine. Outside of work, Craig enjoys sporting events, movies, and spending time with his wife and two daughters.

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Kristen Porter, M.Ed.

Associate Director of the Learning Center

Kristen has a background in Educational Psychology and more than 12 years of experience in healthcare education. As Associate Director of the Learning Center, she supports pharmacy students in developing effective learning strategies, strengthening study and test-taking skills, and navigating academic challenges. Her work also emphasizes overall wellness, helping students build sustainable habits that support both academic success and well-being. In addition to working directly with students, Kristen helps support the day-to-day operations of the Learning Center and contributes to programs, resources, and services that promote student success across the university. Outside of work, she enjoys crafting, learning new skills, and spending time with her family and her dog, Jake.

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Amy Lane, M.Ed., Ed.S.

Assistant Director, Learning Center

Amy brings 20 years of experience in education, including extensive work in higher education, to her role at NEOMED. She supports College of Graduate Studies students, M1 and M2 students, and students in Early Assurance programs as they navigate the academic demands of their programs and prepare for the next stage of their professional education. Her work focuses on helping students develop effective learning strategies, strengthen study and academic skills, understand program expectations, and build habits that support long-term success. Amy also works with the Learning Center’s tutoring program, helping connect students with academic support and resources across the university. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, running, and keeping up with her three dogs.

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Dr. Mirza Baig, MBBS, MPH

Assistant Director, Learning Center

Mirza supports medical students with study strategies, exam preparation, and USMLE Step 1 planning. He helps students understand their performance, identify areas for improvement, and develop realistic study plans. Mirza holds a medical degree and a Master of Public Health and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in healthcare administration. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling, has set foot in 10 countries, and speaks five languages, with English as his fourth.

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Casey Gibson, M.Ed.

Assistant Director, Learning Center & Accommodations

Casey supports dentistry students develop effective learning strategies, navigate academic challenges, and connect with resources that support their success. She brings a background in special education and psychology, student support, and academic intervention, with more than 15 years of experience working in K–12 and higher education settings. Her work focuses on helping students better understand how they learn, strengthen study and organizational strategies, and build skills that support success throughout the dental curriculum. She also serves as part of NEOMED’s accommodations team. Outside of work, Casey enjoys spending time with her husband and three children, photography, and traveling.

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