Blue Ridge AHEC Staff
Blue Ridge AHEC
7 Ivy Street NE
Rome, Georgia 30161
(706) 235-0776
Caroline Aultman, MBA, MHA
Executive Director
Caroline Aultman has served as Executive Director for Blue Ridge AHEC since 2018, bringing more than 25 years of experience leading healthcare strategy and operations. Prior to joining the team at Blue Ridge AHEC, Caroline served as the Executive Director of Strategic Planning and Business Development for WellStar Health System, the Southeast’s largest not-for-profit health system.
Caroline currently serves on the Georgia Rural Health Association Board of Directors, the Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University’s Advisory Board for Community Outreach and Engagement, the Georgia HOSA Board of Directors, and the Advisory Committee for the Medical College Of Georgia - Northwest Campus.
Caroline earned a bachelor’s degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering from Georgia Tech, where she served on the President’s National Advisory Board. In addition, she holds dual master’s degrees in Business Administration and Healthcare Administration from Georgia State University.
(706) 235-0776 ext. 204
Mandy Hunter
Assistant Director & Clinical Training Coordinator
Mandy Hunter is a lifelong resident of northwest Georgia and has served as Assistant Director & Clinical Training Coordinator for Blue Ridge AHEC since 2018. She is a graduate of the University of North Georgia, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Kinesiology and Exercise Science. Mandy’s career in healthcare began at the Bradley Wellness Center of Hamilton Health Care System, leading health promotion and wellness programs. Mandy is a certified instructor for Healthcare Provider CPR and Mental Health First Aid, and she leads the Blue Ridge AHEC Scholars Program.
Mandy oversees clinical training programs for the center, working to develop and nurture relationships with community partners and to secure clinical training sites for students in advanced health professions degree programs, including doctor of medicine, doctor of osteopathic medicine, physician assistant, physical therapy, and pharmacy.
(706) 235-0776 ext. 206
Kristie Washington, RN, BSN
RN Re-Entry & Continuing Education Coordinator
Kristie Washington has been with Blue Ridge AHEC since 2016, overseeing the RN Re-entry Program and Continuing Education. Kristie graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, Kentucky, and she hold RN licenses in both Georgia and Kentucky.
Kristie has experience in various nursing roles and settings, including serving as the Staff Development Director for a healthcare organization providing care for the elderly in independent, assisted and long-term care nursing settings, and as a Clinic Nurse for a homeless shelter serving at-risk men, women and children. She has also worked as a staff nurse for multiple hospitals and a community health center, and taught as an adjunct clinical instructor for a Dual Enrollment CNA Program.
After placing her nursing career on hold for 14 years, Kristie completed the Blue Ridge AHEC RN Re-entry Program. Serving others continues to be a passion of Kristie’s and we are proud that she invests her time and talents to help others re-enter a profession she loves!
(706) 235-0776 ext. 208
Elizabeth DiPrima
Office Manager & Special Projects Coordinator
Elizabeth DiPrima has served Blue Ridge AHEC as the Office Manager and Special Projects Coordinator since 2018. A lifelong a resident of northwest Georgia, Elizabeth grew up in the rural town of Ranger and experienced firsthand the necessity and benefit of rural healthcare, and this inspires her to fulfill the mission of Blue Ridge AHEC. In her role, she represents the center through the Rome Floyd Chamber Young Professionals, the Rome College & Career Academy Advisory Board, and on the Nonprofit Partnership Board for logicIT. She is currently pursuing a dual Bachelor & Master of Science in Accounting Finance with Southern New Hampshire University.
In her free time, Elizabeth is a dedicated advocate and volunteer for state and local non-profits which serve children and animals in need, leading her family to rescue a small menagerie of dogs and cats.
(706) 235-0776 ext. 203
Beth Byars, MPA
Student Support & Data Coordinator
Beth Byars joined Blue Ridge AHEC in 2021 as the Student Support and Data Coordinator. Beth collaborates daily with academic programs across the state to provide housing and travel assistance for students completing clinical training rotations in northwest Georgia. She plays a vital role in meeting the needs of these students while providing hospitality and a welcoming environment, with the goal of attracting future providers to choose to practice in the region.
Beth graduated Magna Cum Laude from Jacksonville State University with a Bachelor of Science, then went on to earn a Master of Public Administration in Administrative Management. She has an extensive background in public service across northwest Georgia, including leadership roles with the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA), the E911 Division of the Bartow County Sheriff’s Office, Polk County 911 and the City of Cartersville Fire Department.
A talented musician and singer, Beth performs regularly with the Harris Art Center Community Band and for private events.
(706) 235-0776 ext. 205
Kelsey Lively
Health Education Coordinator
Kelsey Lively joined the Blue Ridge AHEC team as the new Health Education Coordinator in 2022. Kelsey grew up in northwest Georgia and earned a degree in Business Healthcare Technology from Georgia Northwestern Technical College.
She has worked in a variety of healthcare settings, including Harbin Clinic, The Free Clinic of Rome and PT Solutions. Please contact Kelsey if you're interested in Health Careers programs and resources.
(706) 235-0776 ext. 207