Faculty & Staff
Dr. Travis Laffoon,
DNP, CRNA, APRN
He/Him/His
Dr. Travis Laffoon, DNP, CRNA, APRN was appointed Director on October 3, 2023 after previously serving as Associate Director since 2020. Dr. Laffoon graduated from the Baptist Health/Murray State University Program of Anesthesia with his Masters of Science in Nursing in 2015. He completed a Doctorate of Nursing Practice degree from Murray State University in 2018. Dr. Laffoon previously worked as a CRNA in Madisonville, KY, where he also served as a clinical instructor. He also served as the Associate Director of the Baptist Health/Murray State University Program of Anesthesia for three years prior to relocating to Minneapolis, MN. In addition to his current role at MSA, he also works as community faculty at our education partner, Metro State University and maintains current clinical practice at several facilities in Minnesota.
Dr. Megan Kakela, DNP, CRNA, APRN
She/Her/Hers
Dr. Megan Kakela, DNP, CRNA, APRN joined MSA as faculty in December of 2024. She obtained her BAN degree from The College of St. Scholastica in 2007, and her DNP degree in nurse anesthesia from The University of Iowa in 2013. Megan previously served as Adjunct Clinical Faculty at the University of MN in the nurse anesthesia program. She maintains a current clinical practice at M Health Fairview University Campus (East Bank) and Lakeview Hospital in Stillwater.
Dr. Beth Quaas,
DNP, CRNA, APRN
She/Her/Hers
Dr. Beth Quaas, DNP, CRNA, APRN joined MSA as faculty in August of 2020 and as Associate Didactic Director in January of 2021. She obtained her BSN degree from Bemidji State University and her Master’s degree in nurse anesthesia in 1999 at MSA. Most of her career as a CRNA was at Essentia Health in Duluth, where she also served as CRNA Director. Beth earned her Doctorate of Nursing Practice degree in 2010 at St. Scholastica, in Duluth, MN so she could give back to her profession by educating the next generation of nurse anesthetists. Beth is currently Associate Director and faculty at the Minneapolis School of Anesthesia/Metro State University and continues her clinical practice in the OR. She also serves on the Minnesota Association of Nurse Anesthetists Board as a Director.
Dr. Jordan Popp,
DNP, CRNA, APRN
He/Him/His
Jordan Popp, DNP, CRNA, APRN joined Minneapolis School of Anesthesia as faculty in May of 2023 and as Associate Clinical Director in 2024. Jordan graduated from the Minneapolis School of Anesthesia in 2020 with his Masters of Science in Nursing. He completed his Doctorate of Nursing Practice from Capella University in 2024. Jordan also works as community faculty at Metro State University while maintaining current clinical practice at University of Minnesota MASONIC Children’s Hospital.
She/Her/Hers
Dr. Megan Kakela, DNP, CRNA, APRN joined MSA as faculty in December of 2024. She obtained her BAN degree from The College of St. Scholastica in 2007, and her DNP degree in nurse anesthesia from The University of Iowa in 2013. Megan previously served as Adjunct Clinical Faculty at the University of MN in the nurse anesthesia program. She maintains a current clinical practice at M Health Fairview University Campus (East Bank) and Lakeview Hospital in Stillwater.
Dr. Megan Kakela,
DNP, CRNA, APRN
Dr. Marie Julien
DNP, CRNA
She/Her/Hers
Marie Williams Julien has been in clinical practice for 17 years and formerly served as a faculty member at the University of Michigan-Flint Nurse Anesthesia Program. As an independent CRNA, she combines her extensive experience with a strong academic interest in student success, particularly through mentorship and support of aspiring nurse anesthetists. Her research lies in assisting CRNAs to become effective preceptors in the clinical environment so that our students have the chance of success. Outside of work, Marie enjoys cheering on the Detroit Tigers, walking, and spending quality time with her grandson.
Caitlyn Goodell
MSN, CRNA, APRN
She/Her/Hers
Caitlyn Goodell joined MSA as community faculty in January 2025 and works clinically as a CRNA at Essentia Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Duluth, MN. She earned a Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia from Wake Forest University School of Medicine and is completing a Doctorate in Nursing Practice at Metro State University. Currently, she serves as a director on the MANA Board of Directors and is actively involved in the MANA Government Relations Committee.
Ellie Noctua
She/Her/Hers
Ellie Noctua joined MSA staff in April 2025 as the Clinical/Simulation Assistant. She obtained her bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Minnesota in 2015 and Radiation therapy degree from St. Kate’s in 2022. Previously Ellie worked as a medical assistant at a pain clinic and as a radiation therapist. In her free time, Ellie likes to hike with her corgi and travel.
He/Him/His
Josh Hopkins joined MSA staff in May 2025 as the Office Administration Coordinator. He has two performing arts undergraduate degrees from New York University and Metropolitan State University. He's worked for various healthcare organizations throughout Minnesota, and within education at Saint Paul Public Schools. When he's not working, he's probably making or watching a movie.
Josh Hopkins
Minneapolis School of Anesthesia
700 East 7th Street
St. Paul, MN 55106
651-793-1684
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