Student Leadership

Piriye was inspired to pursue a career in pharmacy by her late mother, Mabel Bamson. As a child, she watched her mother use her profession to serve the community in meaningful ways. More than 20 years ago, her family traveled to Jamaica on medical missions, ministering to a church community and helping assess the health needs of its members. These early experiences sparked a passion for service and a deep appreciation for how healthcare can transform lives.

That passion continued to grow as Piriye earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with a minor in Public Health from East Tennessee State University. Now a Doctor of Pharmacy candidate at Howard University, she remains deeply involved in community health, leadership, education, and advocacy. Her diverse experience across retail, specialty, and independent pharmacy settings has shaped her commitment to improving patient outcomes and expanding the pharmacist’s role in public health. As a former NCPA chapter president and Student Director of the Capital City Pharmacy Medical Reserve Corps, Piriye has promoted medication safety, championed independent pharmacy, and addressed barriers to care through education and policy reform.

Outside of pharmacy school, Piriye enjoys traveling and learning new languages.

Email: piriye.bamson@bison.howard.edu

Karli is a pharmacy student from Muskogee, Oklahoma, with a strong passion for independent pharmacy, leadership, and advocacy for the future of the profession. Through her involvement in pharmacy organizations and student leadership, she is committed to representing student pharmacists while strengthening the voice of pharmacy at both the school and professional levels.

Karli brings five years of experience in independent community pharmacy, where she developed a deep appreciation for the personalized care and meaningful patient relationships that define independent practice. Through this experience, she has seen firsthand the vital role independent pharmacists play in improving medication access and serving as trusted healthcare resources within their communities.

Karli plans to pursue a career in independent pharmacy, with the long-term goal of owning and operating her own pharmacy. She is passionate about the impact independent pharmacies have on their communities and hopes to build a practice centered on meaningful patient relationships and accessible, patient-focused care. Outside of pharmacy school, Karli enjoys staying active at the gym, playing pickleball, and spending time with her husband.

Email: karli-schiller@ou.edu

Teti first became interested in pharmacy through compounding, which sparked her love for the profession. She worked for three years as a pharmacy technician and now serves as a pharmacy intern at her father’s compounding pharmacy, Fireside Compounding Pharmacy in Palm Desert, California. Her favorite aspect of community pharmacy is the opportunity to build personal relationships with patients, and she hopes to carry on—and expand—her family’s legacy of pharmacy ownership.

In her future pharmacy, Teti aspires to offer specialized services such as compounding and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), focusing on individualized care that goes beyond one-size-fits-all treatment. She is especially passionate about ensuring all patients—particularly those of color—have access to compassionate healthcare providers they can trust and identify with.

Outside of pharmacy school, Teti enjoys buying plants and flowers for her apartment and spending quality time with loved ones.

Email: oluwateti.omilana@bison.howard.edu

Bennett was introduced to the world of pharmacy while assisting his mother, who lives with multiple sclerosis. Witnessing the level of care provided by her pharmacist—and the profound impact it had on his family—he quickly developed a passion for the profession. This experience not only inspired him to pursue a career in pharmacy but also motivated him to become actively involved with NCPA.

Through NCPA, Bennett has connected with student pharmacists from across the country who share his passion for serving others and advocating for the profession. He has further strengthened his commitment to patient advocacy, particularly in the areas of medication cost reduction, access to pharmacy services, and PBM reform.

Following graduation, Bennett plans to own and operate an independent pharmacy while continuing to serve as a strong voice for his patients. Outside of pharmacy school, he enjoys playing golf and cheering on the Arkansas Razorbacks.

Email: bhasley@uams.edu

Excellanxt Greer has always had a passion for healthcare, inspired by the challenges she witnessed growing up in rural Mississippi. While she wasn’t initially sure which path to pursue, her interest in STEM and her cousin’s career as a pharmacist sparked her curiosity. That interest deepened in college, where she balanced academics and collegiate basketball while working part-time at Walgreens. It was there that she discovered her love for pharmacy—particularly the meaningful, personal connections she could build with patients.

Her experience led her to explore independent pharmacy, where she saw an opportunity to directly address the healthcare disparities in her home state. Driven by a desire to serve, Excellanxt became an active member of SNPhA, dedicating herself to improving care for underserved communities. After graduation, she hopes to open an independent pharmacy in her rural hometown, providing personalized and accessible care to those who need it most.

Outside the classroom, Excellanxt enjoys spending time with her family, reading, watching sports, and staying active. Her commitment to service and community continues to guide her journey to becoming a trusted healthcare provider where it matters most—at home.

Email: exgreer@unc.edu

Amber is a pharmacy student at South University School of Pharmacy with over five years of experience in independent pharmacy. She began her career as a cashier and advanced to a pharmacy intern at Georgetown Drug Company, gaining valuable insight into the operations and patient-centered focus of independent practice.

Amber values the personalized relationships that independent pharmacies foster with their patients and is passionate about delivering individualized, patient-centered care.

In addition to her involvement with NCPA, Amber is the incoming President of the Georgia Pharmacy Association (GPhA) Student Leadership Board and is actively engaged in several campus organizations. She serves as GPhA chapter president, Rho Chi treasurer, Kappa Epsilon fundraising chair, CPFI events chair, NCODA vice president, and is a member of APhA-ASP.

Following graduation, Amber plans to continue working in independent pharmacy, either with her current organization or one of its partners. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys playing and coaching soccer and previously competed at the collegiate level and in the Women’s Premier Soccer League.

Jeremy has dedicated his pharmacy career to a single guiding principle: serving his community. With over a decade of experience in independent community pharmacy, he has been a consistent advocate for the health and well-being of his hometown. Jeremy is pursuing his PharmD at Samford University’s McWhorter School of Pharmacy, where he is focused on pharmacy ownership and becoming a strong professional voice for independent pharmacies.

Jeremy has been a passionate advocate for the profession and has championed causes such as PBM reform, expanded pharmacy access, and affordable medication at both the state and federal levels. His involvement with NCPA reflects his belief in the power of collective advocacy to advance the profession and support future pharmacists.

After graduation, Jeremy plans to own and operate the very pharmacy where his journey began at age 17. Outside of work and school, he enjoys traveling with his wife and golfing with friends.

Email: jcates@samford.edu

John Bailey (JB) is a pharmacy student at Union University College of Pharmacy in Jackson, Tennessee, where he is also pursuing an MBA. Growing up in a small community where relationships and service were deeply valued, JB developed an early appreciation for the role pharmacists play in caring for their communities—sparking his passion for independent community pharmacy and the meaningful connections it fosters.

JB currently works in an independent community pharmacy, where he continues to see firsthand the impact pharmacists have on their patients’ lives. He is passionate about advocating for the future of the profession and has participated in national advocacy efforts in Washington, D.C., engaging with legislators on issues affecting independent pharmacy and patient access to care. Through his involvement with NCPA and service on the Student Leadership Council, JB is committed to supporting and strengthening the next generation of independent pharmacists.

Following graduation, JB plans to pursue a career in independent community pharmacy with the long-term goal of ownership. Outside of pharmacy, he enjoys volunteering, participating in medical mission work, and staying active in his church community.

Email: johnbailey.meinz@my.uu.edu

Hannah’s interest in independent pharmacy was sparked in high school through a school-based experiential learning program. She had the opportunity to shadow pharmacists at the independent pharmacy in her rural hometown, where she witnessed firsthand the vital role independent pharmacists play—not just in dispensing medications, but in providing accessible, personalized care in areas where healthcare resources are often limited. While Hannah explored other healthcare careers, nothing matched the connection, impact, and sense of purpose she felt when learning about pharmacy. Seeing the deep relationships pharmacists build with their patients and the trust they earn within their communities made a lasting impression and solidified her passion for independent pharmacy.

As she continues her pharmacy education, Hannah has become increasingly interested in compounding and personalized medicine. She is drawn to the creativity and precision involved in customizing medications to meet individual patient needs, especially for those who cannot be treated with standard therapies. She sees compounding as an exciting way to combine science, problem-solving, and patient care—all within the independent pharmacy setting.

Outside of school, Hannah enjoys spending quality time with her family, catching up with friends, and exploring the outdoors with her golden retriever, Sophie.

Email: hannah.matthewson@uga.edu

Maret chose the pharmacy profession because of her strong passion for helping others. Pharmacy has provided her with the opportunity to make meaningful differences in patients’ everyday lives. After beginning work at a local independent pharmacy, Maret quickly developed a deep appreciation for the strong sense of community and the genuine relationships formed with patients and colleagues.

This experience inspired her to become actively involved with NCPA, where she continues to grow her commitment to independent community pharmacy and patient-centered care.

Following graduation, Maret plans to pursue a career in independent pharmacy with the goal of owning and operating her own pharmacies. Outside of pharmacy school, she enjoys traveling, cooking, reading, and playing pickleball.

Email: mmb88437@uga.edu

Payton first began working in a compounding pharmacy during high school and quickly fell in love with the field. She was especially drawn to the ability to create customized medications tailored to individual patient needs. Payton has also had the privilege of working alongside her sister, a pharmacist, who encouraged and inspired her to pursue a career in pharmacy.

Through NCPA, Payton has connected with fellow students—both locally and nationally—who share her passion for community pharmacy. In addition to her involvement with NCPA, she is an active member of the Missouri Pharmacy Association and Kappa Epsilon.

Outside of school, Payton enjoys watching the St. Louis Cardinals, reading, and taking trips to Disney World.

Email: payton.reinbott@uhsp.edu

Lauren is a pharmacy student with a strong passion for compounding pharmacy. She was first introduced to the field during her time as a pharmacy technician at a local compounding pharmacy, where she discovered how personalized care can strengthen the connection between pharmacist and patient. That early experience not only inspired her to pursue a career in pharmacy but also led her to apply to the NCPA Student Leadership Council.

Unlike many of her peers, Lauren did not grow up with healthcare professionals in her family. Through her journey, she has come to deeply value the sense of community and support among independent pharmacists—who, she believes, treat each other like family.

After graduation, Lauren aspires to open and operate her own compounding pharmacy. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her chocolate lab and doing pilates with friends.

Email: lng0022@auburn.edu

Armin’s journey into the world of pharmacy began at 16, when he started working at a community pharmacy in his hometown of Waterloo, Iowa. This early experience grew his interest in community pharmacy and developed a lifelong passion for helping his community and the patients he served. Fascinated by how medications worked and their effects on patients, Armin knew from a young age that he wanted to become a pharmacist.

As he’s progressed through pharmacy school, Armin’s growing awareness of the challenges facing independent pharmacies has deepened his commitment to advocating for both pharmacies and the patients they serve. He is especially passionate about advancing PBM reform legislation, improving medication affordability, expanding access to pharmacy services, and addressing reimbursement issues that affect patient care. After graduation, Armin ultimately hopes to own and operate his own independent pharmacy.

Outside of his professional interests, Armin enjoys spending time outdoors—his favorite hobbies include camping and fishing.

Email: armin-sarajlija@uiowa.edu

Caitlin developed an interest in healthcare early on, but her passion for pharmacy began while working as a technician at a Walmart Pharmacy during her undergraduate studies. As her first job, she was initially unsure what to expect, but she quickly grew to appreciate the meaningful relationships pharmacists build with their patients and the direct impact they have on their communities. Encouraged by the pharmacists she worked alongside, she was inspired to pursue pharmacy school.

After relocating to Washington state to continue her education, Caitlin gained exposure to independent pharmacy and its role in delivering high-quality, patient-centered care. Her interactions with local pharmacy owners motivated her to become involved with NCPA and explore opportunities in independent pharmacy and leadership. Through her involvement, she hopes to continue developing the skills needed to one day open her own pharmacy and serve underserved communities.

Outside of pharmacy school, Caitlin enjoys crocheting, bouldering, and baking for family and friends.

Email: cjpl@uw.edu

Emily’s passion for pharmacy was sparked at a young age while spending time in her grandfather’s pharmacy. As a child, she loved standing behind the counter of his soda fountain, watching him care for patients and build relationships with everyone who walked through the door.

While in college, Emily worked in pharmaceutical manufacturing, but she quickly realized she was missing the heart of pharmacy—direct patient care. Her desire to support patients and preserve the legacy of independent pharmacy led her to join NCPA and become more involved in the profession.

After graduation, Emily hopes to work in an independent pharmacy and eventually become a pharmacy owner herself. In her free time, she enjoys fishing, working out, and spending time with her family and friends.

Email: elf6@email.sc.edu

Jackson has long been driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact in his community. His early interest in clinical trials led him to recognize that while many life-changing therapies exist, there is still significant opportunity to improve how care is delivered to patients. After working as a pharmacy technician during his undergraduate studies, he discovered that community pharmacy provides a unique setting to innovate care delivery and directly impact patient outcomes.

During pharmacy school, Jackson developed a strong interest in advocacy, recognizing that advancing pharmacy practice requires meaningful regulatory change. His primary areas of interest include practice transformation, public health, and patient advocacy. Through his involvement on the SLC, he aims to inspire fellow student pharmacists while learning from experienced leaders in community pharmacy.

Following graduation, Jackson plans to pursue a community pharmacy residency and is particularly interested in roles involving insurance contracting, finance, and clinical services. Outside of pharmacy, he enjoys staying active and spending time on the mountain, in the gym, in the kitchen, or on the dance floor.

Email: jgilmour@uw.edu