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, she 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 Board of Directors for the Georgia Rural Health Association, Georgia HOSA, and the Georgia Healthcare Science Technology Education Foundation, as well as the Advisory Board for Community Outreach and Engagement for the Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University and the Augusta University/Medical College Of Georgia Northwest Campus Advisory Committee.
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. She is a member of the Atlanta Regional Commission's Regional Leadership Institute, Class of 2014 and Rome Floyd Chamber's Leadership Rome, Class of 2023.
(706) 235-0776 ext. 204
Lauren Hahn
Clinical Training Coordinator
Lauren Hahn 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. 209
Mandy Hunter, MS
Assistant Director & Director of Student Enrichment Programs
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 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 was recently appointed to the Board of Directors for the American Red Cross of Northwest Georgia. She is a certified instructor for Healthcare Provider CPR and Mental Health First Aid, and she leads the Blue Ridge AHEC Scholars Program.
(706) 235-0776 ext. 206
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.
Kelsey serves on the Board of Directors for Communities in Schools of Rome-Floyd County and the CTAE/Health Science Pathways advisory boards for many schools and districts in northwest Georgia. She is a member of the Health Science Educators Association and has worked in a variety of healthcare settings, including Harbin Clinic, The Free Clinic of Rome and PT Solutions.
(706) 235-0776 ext. 207
Jeanette Long
Student Support & Data Coordinator
Jeanette Long joined Blue Ridge AHEC in 2023 as the Student Support and Data Coordinator. Jeanette 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.
(706) 235-0776 ext. 205
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