Larner College of Medicine

Medical Student Admissions Ambassadors

Admissions Ambassadors are members of each class who represent and promote the Larner College of Medicine during college events and activities throughout the year. They reflect and share the values of the College through positive engagement, stewardship, and service by interacting with visitors at events.

Responsibilities

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To be an Admissions Ambassador you must: 

  • Have a commitment to the Larner mission
  • Be engaged with the Larner community
  • Have a vision for the role and be the best representatives of our medical school

Roles

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  • Participation in recruitment events (virtual or in-person)
  • Providing tours for prospective or accepted students
  • Hosting Med Student Panels
  • Planning events catered to the recruitment or promotion of Larner
  • Planning and assisting in information sessions and webinars
  • Serving as representation in some capacity for the following, but not limited to:
    • Orientation
    • White Coat Ceremony
    • Match Day
    • Commencement
    • Alumni Events
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Leads & Committees

There are 3 sub-committees and 3-4 leads per class. Communication between the general ambassador group and the Admissions office goes through the Leads. Once a lead, you stay a lead up until commencement. Meet your current leads below!

Pre-Interview Day Leads

Emma Fleming, M4

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EMMA FLEMING

Hi everyone! My name is Emma - I'm originally from Burlington but grew up in Rhode Island. I moved here from New Orleans when I went straight through from undergrad to med school. I have a research background in orthopedics and forensic psychiatry. My favorite things to do in VT include outdoor yoga, hiking, going to breweries, and swimming in the lake!

Field of Interest(s):

  • Orthopedics
  • OBGYN

Alma mater(s)

  • Tulane University, BS (Neuroscience and Chemistry)

Sarah Chiavacci, M3

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Sarah Chiavacci

Welcome to Vermont! My name is Sarah, and I'm a North Carolina transplant, fully adopting the New England lifestyle of skiing, sailing, and stunning sunsets. In my free time, you might find me teaching spin class or touring the local coffee shops. Unoriginally, I love plants, cats, and traveling, and my future self has learned to cook! Don't be a stranger and reach out with any questions :) 

Field(s) of Interest:

  • OB-GYN
  • Global Health 

Alma mater(s)

  • University of North Carolina (Biology B.S. & Anthropology B.A.)
  • North Carolina State University (Master of Physiology M.S.)

Amir Zafaranian, M3

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AMIR

I am originally from Florida but have lived in Chicago, Colorado, and am now exploring and loving Vermont! Prior to medical school, I worked in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Dermatology. As a medical student, I have worked on projects within the dermatology and pathology departments. I have enjoyed being an ambassador as we are some of the first faces prospective and future students see! Please reach out by email if you have any questions.

Field of Interest(s):

  • Dermatology

Alma mater(s)

  • University of Florida - Biology (B.S.) & Spanish (B.A.)

Ashley Sharma, M2

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Sharma

Hi everyone! My name is Ashley, and I am from Boston, MA. I am interested in surgery and have a research background in global public health, adolescent health, and infectious diseases. I look forward to answering questions from prospective students and sharing my experiences at LCOM thus far.

Field of Interest(s):

  • Surgery

Alma mater(s)

  • Johns Hopkins University, BS in Neuroscience
  • Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, MHS in Mental Health

Kapri La Cava​, M1

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Kapri La Cava

Hello! My name is Kapri La Cava, and I am originally from Tampa, Florida. While I still miss the beach, I have fully embraced life in Vermont by skiing with friends whenever possible and exploring local restaurants, coffee spots, breweries, and shops around town. Before medical school, I worked as a medical assistant in a variety of specialties and pursued research. Since starting at LCOM, I have had the opportunity to gain further exposure to different specialties through shadowing and school events, allowing me to continue refining my interests. I have also enjoyed volunteering in the community, hiking, running, and spending time with friends. Please feel free to reach out with any questions. I am excited and always available to share more about my experience at LCOM!

Field(s) of Interest:

  • Otolaryngology
  • Plastic Surgery
  • Orthopedics

Alma Mater(s)

  • Florida State University, B.S. in Biology

Interview Day Leads

Hayden Christensen, M4

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Christensen_Hayden

Hello! My name is Hayden Christensen, and I'm originally from Utah and enjoy anything outdoors! I'm excited about answering questions that prospective students have and sharing my experience here in Vermont.

Alma mater(s)

  • University of Utah
     

Francisco J Cordero, M3

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francisco

I’m Francisco Cordero, a San Francisco native with a passion for medicine, science, and advocacy. I studied Cell and Molecular Biology at San Francisco State University and later completed post-baccalaureate studies in health at UC Davis.

Beyond medicine, I’m passionate about advocating for Latino representation in healthcare and ensuring our communities have access to quality care. When I’m not studying or working toward my goals, you can probably find me scuba diving—one of my favorite ways to unwind and connect with nature. I love exploring the underwater world, spotting crabs, sharks, and all kinds of marine life. I also enjoy gardening—it’s a great way to slow down, stay grounded, and appreciate the process of growth.

Field of Interest(s):

  • Emergency Medicine
  • Infectious Disease

Alma mater(s)

  • San Francisco State University
  • University of California - Davis

Marie Kimberly Lim, M3

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Lim_Marie-Kimberly

Hi, I'm Marie! About me -- I spent a big part of my life growing up in Manila, Philippines, before coming back to the US to pursue the medical route. I consider myself a non-traditional student, having graduated with a business degree, while dancing ballet professionally. Outside of school, I find time to continue ballet classes as well as pilates, and love anything to do with the Arts. Traveling and exploring new cuisines have always been something I also enjoyed. I've also started hiking more and recently fell in love with skiing as a way of exploring the beautiful scenery that Vermont has to offer!

Alma mater(s)

  • De La Salle University Manila
  • University of Pennsylvania
  • Johns Hopkins University
     

Nila Sabetfakhri, M2

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nila

Hello! A little about me - I'm originally from Ann Arbor, Michigan, and I lived in NYC for a couple years before moving to Burlington for medical school. On the medical side, I'm interested in immigrant and refugee health, cancer research, and medical education. Outside of school, I love exploring the yoga studios around Burlington, hiking, riding horses, and trying out new coffee shops and restaurants. I'm always happy to talk and answer questions about LCOM or otherwise, so feel free to reach out!

Field of Interest(s):

  • General surgery
  • OBGYN

Alma mater(s)

  • University of Michigan, B.S.
  • Columbia University, M.P.H.

Donian Chyong, M1

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Donian Chyong

Hi! My name is Donian. I bounced around a bit growing up, but spent the longest time in Atlanta, GA. After college in NYC, I lived in Boston for 4 years – 2 years in healthcare consulting and 2 years as a clinical research coordinator in leukemia. I don’t know 100% what I want to do yet, but I am certain my career will involve academia and clinical research. My favorite things to do in Vermont include, exploring all the cute boutiques in Burlington, hiking along the lake, and playing foosball with my friends!

Field of Interest(s):

  • Hematology/ Oncology
  • Dermatology

Alma Mater(s)

  • Columbia University in the City of New York, B.S. in Biochemistry

Post-Interview Day Leads

Christopher Kruglik, M4

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Kruglik_Christopher

Hi everyone! I’m Christopher (he/him), and I have been in Vermont for the past 9 years but grew up in Connecticut. I am interested in pursuing otolaryngology with a particular focus on providing gender-affirming care and helping to increase access to underrepresented and marginalized patient populations. 

Field of Interest(s):

  • Otolaryngology

Alma mater(s)

  • University of Vermont, BS (Biochemistry)
  • University of Vermont, MSc
  • University of Vermont, MPH

Sara Santagostino, M2

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Sara Santagostino

Hi everyone, my name is Sara (she/her). I grew up in Italy but moved to Vermont with my husband, daughter, and our two lovely cats after several years of living in California. I have a research background in comparative pathology and have worked in biotech for a while —needless to say, I took a very non-traditional path to medical school. I am part of the Vermont campus. Please reach out with any questions!

Field of Interest(s):

  • Neurology
  • Internal Medicine

Alma mater(s)

  • University of Milan, Italy (DVM, PhD)

Fabiana Ferreira​, M1

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Ferreira_Fabiana

Hello everyone! My name is Fabiana. I was born in Vero Beach, FL, but I grew up in Toronto, Canada, for most of my life. After majoring in microbiology and immunology in college, I moved to Boston, MA, to pursue research at Boston Children's Hospital in cardiology and physical medicine and rehabilitation. I am very interested in surgery for residency, especially orthopedics. I have loved my experiences at LCOM thus far and would be happy to share my experiences with prospective students, so please feel free to email me at any time.

Alma mater(s)

  • Western University, BMSc in Honors Microbiology and Immunology

Steven Goff​, M1

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Steven Goff

Hey everyone, my name is Steven, originally from Colorado. I studied kinesiology but ended up in the brewing industry for some years before pivoting to medicine. Prior to Larner, I attended a post-baccalaureate program at the University of Virginia.

Outside of school, I'm usually at the gym or trying to find the snobbiest coffee spot I can. I consider myself a mediocre movie critic and work to learn some Spanish in whatever free time I have.

Alma mater(s)

  • Colorado Mesa University, B.S. in Kinesiology

Ambassador Coordinators

c.bernegger 2025

Carolyn Bernegger

Assistant Director of Medical Student Admissions

carolyn.bernegger@med.uvm.edu
a.linton 2025

Ayanna Linton

Admissions Coordinator

ayanna.linton@med.uvm.edu