OAFP Staff
jessica gmerick
Finance & Events Coordinator
jgmerick@ohioafp.org
Jessica came to the OAFP after a career in apparel sourcing and time as a stay-at-home mom to her three kids. She is looking forward to growing her depth of knowledge in yet another industry as she dips her toes back into the workforce.
When not at the OAFP, Jessica can be found transporting her kids to soccer, dance, volleyball, basketball, cheer, and classes at the local recreation center. In her spare time, she loves to hang out with family and friends, enjoy the outdoors, and try out new restaurants in town.
lauren heberling
Communications Manager
lheberling@ohioafp.org
Lauren earned her degree in public relations and health communications from Otterbein University. She is ecstatic to bring her passion of storytelling and uplifting primary care to her role as communications coordinator through the Academy’s quarterly magazine, The Ohio Family Physician, the management of its social media channels, the implementation of the annual OAFP Awards, and the promotion of OAFP programs and events.
While in school, she had the opportunity to study abroad in Italy and Spain which fed into her love of art and travel. In her free time, Lauren enjoys trying new restaurants in Columbus, visiting the Metro Parks, and spending time with family and friends.
Erin Jech
Director of Education
ejech@ohioafp.org
With more than 60,000 pictures currently in her camera roll, it is safe to say Erin is a master of capturing moments and inspiration. This passionate skill for capturing the intricacies of life are emulated in her work at the Academy.
Throughout her years at the OAFP, Erin has planned meetings and events, managed technology that assisted members with their board certification requirements, and served as video editor extraordinaire.
Having experienced nearly every major “life event” during her 19 years with the OAFP – getting engaged to her high school sweetheart, building her first home, and welcoming two kiddos into the world – it’s safe to say the OAFP is very much a part of Erin’s family.
When she’s not helping members at a CME event, or shopping to support her sneaker addiction, Erin can be found on the soccer sideline cheering on her daughter or throwing the football with her sports-loving son.
Caitlin Laudeman
Workforce Development Manager
claudeman@ohioafp.org
Since joining the OAFP in 2020, Caitlin has held roles focused on strengthening Ohio’s family medicine workforce. She has managed student, resident, and continuing medical education events; overseen OAFP Foundation programming designed to engage medical students in family medicine; and supported members in advocating for and advancing the specialty of family medicine in Ohio.
In her current role, Caitlin leads initiatives that engage medical students and family medicine residents across the state, with a focus on inspiring the next generation of family physicians and growing the family medicine workforce. She serves as the OAFP’s connection to Ohio’s medical schools and family medicine residency programs, coordinates student and resident events like the Chief Resident Workshop, and oversees student scholarship and engagement programming through the Foundation.
Outside of work, Caitlin enjoys running, hiking, reading, and traveling.
Kate Mahler, CAE
Executive Vice President
kmahler@ohioafp.org
When Kate was a freshman in college, she told her Dad that she wanted a career where she could help people, find inspiration, be creative, and remain authentic to her roots. Little did Kate know that the aims she idealized as a dreamy-eyed 19 year-old would be realized at the OAFP – a location just down the street from her childhood home.
With over 20 years of association management experience, Kate provides a practical yet collaborative approach to membership engagement and strategic leadership. Encouraged by the quote made famous by Steve Jobs, Kate believes that “the only way to do great work is to love what you do.”
Kate is married to her high school sweetheart and the proud mama of a precocious, school-aged son. She cheers for The Ohio State Buckeyes, the Columbus Bluejackets, and the true heroes of primary care – Ohio’s family physicians
Kaitlin McGuffie
Deputy Executive Vice President
kmcguffie@ohioafp.org
Kaitlin McGuffie wears many hats (and drinks a lot of coffee) as the Deputy Executive Vice President at the OAFP. She’s a go-to person for making big ideas happen—whether it’s shaping strategic initiatives, strengthening key partnerships, or securing funding to keep the Academy thriving. From communications and education to leadership development, Kaitlin helps keep everything running smoothly, ensuring that Ohio’s family physicians have the resources they need to succeed.
She’s a driving force behind the Partners in Health initiative and helps members navigate the twists and turns of Family Medicine Certification. She also champions ongoing physician education through programs like EasyPI and the ABFM Knowledge Self-Assessment Group Study, making professional development a little less daunting.
Beyond that, Kaitlin expertly juggles budgets, special projects, and staff leadership while playing a pivotal role in the OAFP Foundation, where she oversees fundraising and programs that inspire future family physicians.
Armed with a bachelor’s degree and 14+ years of experience in medical associations, Kaitlin is known for her adaptability, organizational wizardry, and ability to keep calm under pressure. Maybe that’s because, as the oldest of five siblings, she basically grew up as a built-in project manager—balancing responsibilities, keeping the peace, and perfecting the art of delegation long before it was part of her job description.
When she’s not making magic at the OAFP, Kaitlin is busy being a supermom to her fun-loving 2-year-old and creative 7-year-old. Whether she’s tackling a board meeting or bedtime negotiations, Kaitlin brings energy, dedication, and a touch of humor to everything she does.
Emily Pavoni
Director of Member Engagement
epavoni@ohioafp.org
First hired as the Academy’s secretary in 1999, Emily now manages the Academy’s database, website, and e-communications. Her attention to detail and willingness to learn new skills makes Emily an invaluable member of the OAFP team. Emily truly enjoys helping others and her work at the OAFP affords her the opportunity to support the unique needs of family physicians. With her pulse on the most current issues facing the Academy, everyone knows that you talk to Emily. And here is a bonus – Emily is the friendly, helpful voice that you hear when calling the OAFP!
Emily, her husband, and two beautiful daughters reside in a rural community and enjoy the peace and quiet that comes with country living. In her spare time, when she isn’t getting updates from her oldest daughter in grad school or taking walks with her younger daughter and their Siberian Husky Willow, Emily is an avid reader of paranormal fiction and civil war history, and enjoys spending time with their three cats Spike, Angel, and Oz.
Kaela Springhetti
Advocacy Coordinator
kspringhetti@ohioafp.org
Kaela is a Columbus, OH, native with an in-depth background in communication and management. While she is excited to bring her expertise and energy to the OAFP, she is most excited about becoming a part of the team and being a constant advocate and resource to the members.
Kaela is an avid lover of sports, family, and messing around in the kitchen hoping to find the next fun thing to bake. More often than not, you will find her coaching high school and club lacrosse, enjoying a night of bocce with her family, or visiting a local metro park with her husband and dog Birdie.