The Texas Heart Institute (THI) School of Perfusion Technology proudly added eight new talented alumni to the more than 1000 perfusionists who have graduated from the distinguished training program since its founding. Program leadership Deborah Lowery Adams, MA, LP, CCP, and Kathleen Kibler, LP, CCP, celebrated the Class of June 2025 with the graduates’ families, fellow students and hospital staff during the graduation ceremony on June 13 in the Denton A. Cooley Auditorium.

Pioneering cardiothoracic surgeon Denton A. Cooley, MD, established the school in 1971 because he recognized the vital role perfusionists play in supporting patients through open-heart surgical procedures; since that time, the role of the perfusionist in cardiovascular medicine has evolved along with the life-sustaining technologies they use. Trainees admitted to the 18-month post-baccalaureate certificate program become experts in use of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and other techniques used in cardiovascular operating suites and critical care medicine departments.

Joseph G. Rogers, MD, transplant cardiologist and director of The Texas Heart Institute at Baylor College of Medicine, opened the morning ceremony with congratulations to the graduates, thanks to their families and a reminder of the legacy that the graduates will carry with them into the world. The commitment to excellence in clinical care instilled in them during their time at THI—and the importance of teamwork to that excellence—began with Dr. Cooley himself, along with his emphasis on compassionate care and innovation. “Remember that people come to you in a time of medical crisis, at their most vulnerable moment,” Dr. Rogers shared. “Always hold that trust that people put in you in your heart.” Dr. Rogers assured the new perfusionists that they would continue to shape the future of cardiovascular medicine as the field’s capabilities rapidly evolve.

Skye Williams, MS, CCP, Class of June 2019 graduate and frequent guest lecturer from The University of Alabama at Birmingham, provided a practicing perfusionist’s perspective during her commencement address. Remarking on the graduates’ “excellent clinical skills honed through tough teaching moments provided by clinical instructors and school leadership,” she said, “You will soon see for yourself that doors will open for you because of this degree you earned from this historically rich place.” She also shared her belief that it is “truly the greatest privilege on earth” to serve patients in the operating room each day. Williams continued her classmates’ generous annual tradition of collectively donating $2019 to the school by presenting Adams with a check for the Sal Guercio Memorial Scholarship fund.

Graduates of the Perfusion School become deeply involved in the perfusion community, often beginning before they even complete the program, through scholarly activities and service in professional organizations. As part of this tradition, each of the graduates contributed their expertise to the THI 2025 Perfusion Conference through technical presentations and case studies.

Griffin Cronk earned the prestigious 2025 Sal Guercio Memorial Scholarship, served as the program’s American Academy of Cardiovascular Perfusion (AACP) student ambassador, participated in fundraising for his fellow students to attend the academy’s national conference and represented THI at the conference held in Denver in February 2025. Molly Manale was awarded the Sanibel Manufacturer Internship for the Sanibel Symposium 2025, which she attended in May 2025 as a student delegate.

In addition to recognition for his academic excellence, class valedictorian Michael Yates was acknowledged for his leadership and heartfelt support of his classmates during their extremely demanding training journey.

The graduates will contribute to excellence in patient care throughout the United States in their new positions.

June 2025 Graduates

Jason Alexander
Beacon Medical Group
South Bend, Indiana

Griffin Cronk
Perfusion Associates of Michigan
Saginaw/Bay City, Michigan

Molly Manale
UF Health Shands Hospital
Gainesville, Florida

Crystal Murphy
University of Chicago Hospital
Chicago, Illinois

Joonwo Nho
Comprehensive Care Services – Morton Plant Hospital
Clearwater, Florida

Helen Peiler
Comprehensive Care Services
McAllen, Texas

Nicholas Timpa
Comprehensive Care Services
Birmingham, Alabama

Michael Yates
West Tennessee Healthcare
Jackson, Tennessee

---

View Photos From the Celebration

---

About The Texas Heart Institute School of Perfusion Technology

The Texas Heart Institute School of Perfusion Technology is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Accreditation Committee for Perfusion Education (ACPE), and graduates are eligible to become a Certified Clinical Perfusionist after they take the national certification examination, which is given by the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion.

---