PRESIDENT: Sonya Tyson, MS, BA, CST, FAST, RST
Sonya Tyson has been a dedicated member of the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST) for 14 years and has served on the Board of Directors for the Illinois State Assembly (ISA) since 2019. Her professional journey includes roles at Carle Methodist, Carle Proctor, and Carle Pekin hospitals. However, her most rewarding role has been as a mother, raising her children.
Currently, Sonya serves as the Program Director of the Surgical Technology and Sterile Processing Programs in Health Careers at Illinois Central College. Her commitment to community service is reflected in her active memberships in local and national organizations such as the Tri-County Urban League Guild, NAACP, Peoria PAC (Peoria Political Action Committee), and her church. As the ISA Community Outreach Chairman, Sonya has gained significant insight into the needs and solutions for her community.
To maintain balance in her life, Sonya enjoys reading, learning new hobbies, and traveling with her fiance. With her children successfully pursuing their graduate and postgraduate career goals across the country, she looks forward to new and varied challenges within the ISA. She is excited to meet new people and develop working relationships to achieve the organization's goals. Sonya is honored to serve as your President and National Delegate for the State of Illinois, and she is committed to supporting the membership of the ISA.
Sonya Tyson has been a dedicated member of the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST) for 14 years and has served on the Board of Directors for the Illinois State Assembly (ISA) since 2019. Her professional journey includes roles at Carle Methodist, Carle Proctor, and Carle Pekin hospitals. However, her most rewarding role has been as a mother, raising her children.
Currently, Sonya serves as the Program Director of the Surgical Technology and Sterile Processing Programs in Health Careers at Illinois Central College. Her commitment to community service is reflected in her active memberships in local and national organizations such as the Tri-County Urban League Guild, NAACP, Peoria PAC (Peoria Political Action Committee), and her church. As the ISA Community Outreach Chairman, Sonya has gained significant insight into the needs and solutions for her community.
To maintain balance in her life, Sonya enjoys reading, learning new hobbies, and traveling with her fiance. With her children successfully pursuing their graduate and postgraduate career goals across the country, she looks forward to new and varied challenges within the ISA. She is excited to meet new people and develop working relationships to achieve the organization's goals. Sonya is honored to serve as your President and National Delegate for the State of Illinois, and she is committed to supporting the membership of the ISA.
Vice President: Emily Gregg, BS, CST, FAST
Emily Gregg, BS, CST, FAST, resides in St. Joseph, IL. She graduated from Parkland Community College with an AAS degree in Surgical Technology and earned her BS in Organizational Professional Development from Eastern Illinois University. Emily has been employed at Carle Health in Urbana, IL since 2008 and has served as adjunct faculty and clinical coordinator for Parkland College since 2010. She currently works as the Clinical Coordinator at Parkland Community College.
Emily brings vast experience to her role as ISA Education Chairman, thanks to her extensive background as an educator and clinical coordinator. Her dedication to education and professional development is evident in her commitment to fostering a supportive learning environment for students and colleagues alike.
In her free time, Emily enjoys hunting, canoeing, and spending time outdoors with her husband, her two young sons, and their yellow lab. Her passion for the outdoors and family life complements her professional achievements, making her a well-rounded and valuable member of the ISA Board of Directors.
TREASURER: Jennifer Jordan, BS, CST, FAST
Jennifer is from Marion, Illinois. She has been a CST for 14 years, graduating from Southern Illinois Collegiate Common Market Surgical Technology Certificate program. She has since continued her education receiving an Associates of Science at John A. Logan College (Carterville, Illinois) in May 2018 and her Bachelor of Science at Southern Illinois University (Carbondale, Illinois) in December 2019. She is currently the Surgical Technology Program Director at the John A. Logan College in Carterville, Illinois. Jennifer really enjoys teaching and preparing her students for a career as surgical technologists. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her adult children. She enjoys traveling, spending time with her family and being with her significant other and beloved cat Luna aka Kitty.
Jennifer is from Marion, Illinois. She has been a CST for 14 years, graduating from Southern Illinois Collegiate Common Market Surgical Technology Certificate program. She has since continued her education receiving an Associates of Science at John A. Logan College (Carterville, Illinois) in May 2018 and her Bachelor of Science at Southern Illinois University (Carbondale, Illinois) in December 2019. She is currently the Surgical Technology Program Director at the John A. Logan College in Carterville, Illinois. Jennifer really enjoys teaching and preparing her students for a career as surgical technologists. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her adult children. She enjoys traveling, spending time with her family and being with her significant other and beloved cat Luna aka Kitty.
Secretary: Becca Good, CST, CSFA, FAST
After graduating Trinity School of Surgical Technology, Moline, Illinois in 1996, Becca worked for 2 years in the Quad Cities. Her family then moved to Nashville, Tennessee where she began her 20 plus years of volunteer work with the students doing their clinicals. Precepting became a passion for her. After speaking at the 2012 TN state meeting, she began her path of involvement in the state assembly. Serving on the Advisory Board to two Nashville colleges was rewarding and gave her great insight to their needs in the clinical setting. In 2015 Becca was honored to be asked to serve on the NBSTSA Exam Review Committee for the CSFA Exam for two terms. Over the past 10 years Becca served the Tennessee State Assembly as a BOD 2 terms, Secretary 1 term and Treasurer for 2 terms. After moving back to Illinois Becca desired to be active in the Illinois State Assembly. She served her first year as BOD, and currently is serving as Secretary. Her home hospital is Unity Point in the Quad Cities where she covers OB and the OR. Currently she is enjoying working as a traveler and welcoming the challenges of the Transplant and Vascular team. In her spare time she enjoys antiquing, thrifting and restoring old furniture. Becca's grandchildren make life fun. Becca is blessed to be momma to 4 awesome adults.
After graduating Trinity School of Surgical Technology, Moline, Illinois in 1996, Becca worked for 2 years in the Quad Cities. Her family then moved to Nashville, Tennessee where she began her 20 plus years of volunteer work with the students doing their clinicals. Precepting became a passion for her. After speaking at the 2012 TN state meeting, she began her path of involvement in the state assembly. Serving on the Advisory Board to two Nashville colleges was rewarding and gave her great insight to their needs in the clinical setting. In 2015 Becca was honored to be asked to serve on the NBSTSA Exam Review Committee for the CSFA Exam for two terms. Over the past 10 years Becca served the Tennessee State Assembly as a BOD 2 terms, Secretary 1 term and Treasurer for 2 terms. After moving back to Illinois Becca desired to be active in the Illinois State Assembly. She served her first year as BOD, and currently is serving as Secretary. Her home hospital is Unity Point in the Quad Cities where she covers OB and the OR. Currently she is enjoying working as a traveler and welcoming the challenges of the Transplant and Vascular team. In her spare time she enjoys antiquing, thrifting and restoring old furniture. Becca's grandchildren make life fun. Becca is blessed to be momma to 4 awesome adults.
BOARD OF DIRECTOR: Sherry Fulk, AAS, CST
Sherry is a proud graduate of the Illinois Central College Surgical Technology Program and has been an AST member since 2007. Her clinical experience includes UnityPoint Health, Carle Health, OSF HealthCare, and private practice with Peoria Ear, Nose, and Throat, giving her a broad and well‑rounded foundation in patient care and surgical services.
Sherry has an extensive history of service within the Illinois State Assembly. As an engaged and highly respected board member, she has consistently demonstrated professionalism, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to patient safety. Her colleagues value her steady leadership, strong work ethic, and ability to bring people together to advance shared goals.
Sherry was elected to the ISA Board of Directors to continue championing surgical technologists across Illinois. She is dedicated to strengthening educational opportunities, expanding advocacy efforts, and supporting professional growth for practitioners at every stage of their careers. Her vision centers on ensuring that the Illinois State Assembly remains a strong, unified, and forward‑thinking voice for the profession and the patients we serve.
Sherry is a proud graduate of the Illinois Central College Surgical Technology Program and has been an AST member since 2007. Her clinical experience includes UnityPoint Health, Carle Health, OSF HealthCare, and private practice with Peoria Ear, Nose, and Throat, giving her a broad and well‑rounded foundation in patient care and surgical services.
Sherry has an extensive history of service within the Illinois State Assembly. As an engaged and highly respected board member, she has consistently demonstrated professionalism, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to patient safety. Her colleagues value her steady leadership, strong work ethic, and ability to bring people together to advance shared goals.
Sherry was elected to the ISA Board of Directors to continue championing surgical technologists across Illinois. She is dedicated to strengthening educational opportunities, expanding advocacy efforts, and supporting professional growth for practitioners at every stage of their careers. Her vision centers on ensuring that the Illinois State Assembly remains a strong, unified, and forward‑thinking voice for the profession and the patients we serve.
BOARD OF DIRECTOR: Keiton Hamilton, AAS, CST
Keiton is a U.S. Navy veteran, Certified Surgical Technologist, and emerging healthcare leader committed to service, education, and professional excellence. He earned his CST credential during his military service, beginning his career in orthopedics and expanding his experience across OB/GYN, ENT, general surgery, urology, and ophthalmology.
After his honorable discharge, Keiton relocated to Peoria, Illinois, where he now serves on the Pediatric/Congenital and Adult Open‑Heart surgical team. He also previously worked at the Center for Health Ambulatory Surgery Center, supporting orthopedics and supply operations during a leadership transition.
Keiton is also a distinguished student leader. At Illinois Central College, he served as Vice President of Leadership and later President of the Upsilon Mu Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, holding the presidency for two years. He went on to serve as Vice President of the Central District and was elected President of the Illinois Region of Phi Theta Kappa. He was also selected as the Illinois Central College commencement speaker, addressing nearly 4,000 guests.
He revitalized ICC’s Pre‑Health Club as President and held additional roles including Treasurer of the SAFE Club and Vice President of the Student Government Association. At Indiana State University, he helped establish a Student Veterans of America chapter and served as Secretary. He is currently completing his bachelor’s degree with plans to pursue a Physician Assistant master’s program. Keiton is also a member of The Society for Collegiate Leadership & Achievement and Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology.
Keiton is a U.S. Navy veteran, Certified Surgical Technologist, and emerging healthcare leader committed to service, education, and professional excellence. He earned his CST credential during his military service, beginning his career in orthopedics and expanding his experience across OB/GYN, ENT, general surgery, urology, and ophthalmology.
After his honorable discharge, Keiton relocated to Peoria, Illinois, where he now serves on the Pediatric/Congenital and Adult Open‑Heart surgical team. He also previously worked at the Center for Health Ambulatory Surgery Center, supporting orthopedics and supply operations during a leadership transition.
Keiton is also a distinguished student leader. At Illinois Central College, he served as Vice President of Leadership and later President of the Upsilon Mu Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, holding the presidency for two years. He went on to serve as Vice President of the Central District and was elected President of the Illinois Region of Phi Theta Kappa. He was also selected as the Illinois Central College commencement speaker, addressing nearly 4,000 guests.
He revitalized ICC’s Pre‑Health Club as President and held additional roles including Treasurer of the SAFE Club and Vice President of the Student Government Association. At Indiana State University, he helped establish a Student Veterans of America chapter and served as Secretary. He is currently completing his bachelor’s degree with plans to pursue a Physician Assistant master’s program. Keiton is also a member of The Society for Collegiate Leadership & Achievement and Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology.
BOARD OF DIRECTOR: Bridget Hoffenkamp, BSHS, CST
Bridget lives in Homewood, IL and has been a member of the AST for 16 years. She graduated from the Surgical Technology program at Prairie State College in 2007. She was employed at Ingalls Memorial Hospital for 9 years and enjoyed working with the neuro team there. She joined Prairie State College as an adjunct lab instructor in 2011 and became the program clinical coordinator in 2014. She also taught a sterile processing class in 2017. She then worked as clinical coordinator of the Surgical Technology program at Rasmussen College Romeoville campus. Bridget received her bachelor degree in Health Science in 2017 and is a CPR BLS instructor with the AHA. She is currently the program director of the Surgical Technology and Sterile Processing and Distribution programs at Elgin Community College in Elgin, IL. Bridget enjoys sharing her knowledge of aseptic technique with her students and is eager to help prepare them for their surgical technology/sterile processing career. Being an educator and sharing knowledge in regards to helping save lives and ensuring quality patient care is very fulfilling to her. She has two adult sons with one working at Northern Illinois University in Dekalb, IL and the other attending an HBCU in Columbia, SC where he plays for their baseball team. During her free time, Bridget enjoys traveling, trying cuisines from other cultures, cooking, attending or watching live stand-up comedy, attending or watching Chicago football and baseball games, and most often enjoys relaxing weekends at home. She is excited to give back to the community and the surgical technology profession by serving as an active member of the Illinois State Assembly of the AST.
Bridget lives in Homewood, IL and has been a member of the AST for 16 years. She graduated from the Surgical Technology program at Prairie State College in 2007. She was employed at Ingalls Memorial Hospital for 9 years and enjoyed working with the neuro team there. She joined Prairie State College as an adjunct lab instructor in 2011 and became the program clinical coordinator in 2014. She also taught a sterile processing class in 2017. She then worked as clinical coordinator of the Surgical Technology program at Rasmussen College Romeoville campus. Bridget received her bachelor degree in Health Science in 2017 and is a CPR BLS instructor with the AHA. She is currently the program director of the Surgical Technology and Sterile Processing and Distribution programs at Elgin Community College in Elgin, IL. Bridget enjoys sharing her knowledge of aseptic technique with her students and is eager to help prepare them for their surgical technology/sterile processing career. Being an educator and sharing knowledge in regards to helping save lives and ensuring quality patient care is very fulfilling to her. She has two adult sons with one working at Northern Illinois University in Dekalb, IL and the other attending an HBCU in Columbia, SC where he plays for their baseball team. During her free time, Bridget enjoys traveling, trying cuisines from other cultures, cooking, attending or watching live stand-up comedy, attending or watching Chicago football and baseball games, and most often enjoys relaxing weekends at home. She is excited to give back to the community and the surgical technology profession by serving as an active member of the Illinois State Assembly of the AST.
BOARD OF DIRECTOR: Alexis Meints, AAS, CST,
Alexis Meints is a dedicated practitioner and Certified Surgical Technologist with OSF’s vascular team. She has been an active member of the Illinois State Assembly of Surgical Technologists since her time as a student and has never missed a meeting. Throughout her matriculation at Illinois Central College, she served as a peer mentor and excelled as a member of Phi Theta Kappa.
Before transitioning into surgical technology, Alexis worked in healthcare for many years, ultimately discovering that the operating room was where her true passion and purpose aligned. A devoted wife, mother, and full‑time employee, she brings exceptional commitment, compassion, and professionalism to every patient she serves.
Alexis Meints is a dedicated practitioner and Certified Surgical Technologist with OSF’s vascular team. She has been an active member of the Illinois State Assembly of Surgical Technologists since her time as a student and has never missed a meeting. Throughout her matriculation at Illinois Central College, she served as a peer mentor and excelled as a member of Phi Theta Kappa.
Before transitioning into surgical technology, Alexis worked in healthcare for many years, ultimately discovering that the operating room was where her true passion and purpose aligned. A devoted wife, mother, and full‑time employee, she brings exceptional commitment, compassion, and professionalism to every patient she serves.
Board of Director: Regina Barajas, AAS, CST
As a dedicated and skilled Surgical Technologist, Regina brings over six years of experience to her role, ensuring a safe and efficient operating room environment. Her extensive background in scrubbing in various operating rooms has provided her with a strong foundation in sterile techniques, patient care, and teamwork.
Throughout her career, Regina has excelled in providing top-notch support to surgeons, nurses, and other surgical team members during a wide range of procedures, including Orthopedics, Ortho-Trauma, Ortho-Spine, Gynecology, robotics (MAKO & Da Vinci), General Surgery, Podiatry, Urology, Gastrointestinal, and bariatric cases. Her exceptional attention to detail, adaptability, and effective communication skills have significantly contributed to the success of surgical teams.
As a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST), Regina has demonstrated expertise in maintaining the highest standards of patient care and safety, adhering to hospital policies, and ensuring that all procedures meet regulatory standards. In her role as a traveler at hospitals in central Illinois, she has consistently shown her ability to work effectively in high-pressure situations while maintaining a safe and clean environment.
Regina's dedication to the field of healthcare, along with her passion for lifelong learning and growth, drives her to contribute to the excellence of surgical teams. With a strong background and an ongoing commitment to continuing education, she is confident in her ability to excel in a challenging and dynamic environment.
Regina has been a active member and has served on the 2024 ISA Teller Committee. She is excited to leverage her skills and experience as a Certified Surgical Technologist and contribute to the success of the Illinois State Assembly of the Association of Surgical Technologists.