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by CAAs, for CAAs

welcome Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants, AA students, and the CAA curious.

This is your place to belong.

Connect with yourself, your work, and other CAAs who are living with intention - not just on autopilot.

Through stories, skills, and support across every stage of the journey, we make room for the parts of this profession no one prepared us for.

You don't need to have it all figured out. You just need a place to trust your path and see what's truly possible.

Learn more

Awakened Anesthetist is a space created by and for Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants (CAAs) who crave expansion, clarity, and a career that feels aligned.

Founded by Mary Jeanne , a CAA with 20 years of experience, mindfulness educator, and moon-gazing creative. Awakened Anesthetist was born from her disorienting pursuit of a more aligned life.

With no mentors, map, or community who got it

she did what CAAs do best…

turned uncertainty into clarity.

Today, that clarity lives on through Awakened Applicant, Awakened Anesthetist, and Awakened Educator, three branches of one mission. Now pursuing her doctorate in healthcare education, Mary Jeanne continues to research and build what she once needed most, a space to connect with self, work, and others.

Whether you’re just starting out or reimagining what comes next, you’re not alone.

Podcast

Awakened Anesthetist podcast, the first podcast for the CAA community.

The Awakened Anesthetist podcast is for anyone in the CAA community, at any stage of the journey, who wants to know what's truly possible in this career,

Hosted by Mary Jeanne, a longtime CAA, Awakened Anesthetist blends monthly PROCESS interviews with CAA "expanders" and solo episodes on wellness, self-discovery, and mindful growth. 93 episodes and counting, all pointing toward one thing → the power you hold to create a life by design, not by default.

GET INSPIRED

listen here

awakened educator

Listen deeply. Belong fully. Discover what’s possible.

Professional Development for AA Programs

I'm a practicing CAA and doctoral candidate in healthcare education, exploring what it really takes to first learn the art of anesthesia, then do it, then teach it well.

CAA Matters brings these foundations to first-year AA students through a virtual professional development program that builds emotional intelligence, resilience, and communication alongside clinical skill.

For CAA preceptors and faculty, I teach experienced clinicians that skills they already use in the OR will also make them great teachers. Faculty development workshops like Titrating Your Teaching reframe teaching not as a separate skill set to master, but as clinical instinct already within reach, helping preceptors meet AA students where they are and rediscover the joy of teaching along the way.

bring professional development training to your students and faculty

Let’s connect
Awakened Applicant logo

AWAKENED APPLICANT

Listen deeply. Belong fully. Discover what’s possible.

Preparing aspiring CAAs for More Than Just Admission

Awakened Applicant is a suite of live, virtual prep school programming for aspiring Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants who want to stand out as applicants.

Designed by a practicing CAA educator, Awakened Applicant teaches the realities of the application process that can’t be googled. Through live workshops and at-home guided learning, you will explore the emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and resilience required to navigate a high-stakes admissions process and thrive once accepted.

Interview Prep School (enrolling now)

Personal Statement Prep School (coming 2027)

Pre-AA Matters Intensive (next cohort TBD)

Supporting Pre-AAs in:

  • Developing confidence and clarity in interviews and applications

  • Learning how to receive feedback without shutdown or defensiveness

  • Regulating stress and performance anxiety

  • Communicating with authenticity, professionalism, and maturity

  • Understanding what it truly takes to succeed in AA school beyond GPA and test scores

The Awakened Applicant is a Pre-AA who does not simply “check boxes.”
They are the kind of applicant (and future student) faculty trust, peers rely on, and patients deserve.

Join the Awakened Applicant Community
Be the first to know when enrollment opens for various offerings. Receive early access to program details, timelines, and priority registration thru the link below.

get all the info

i am an awakened applicant

Mindfulness for the CAA community

think you can’t meditate?

I sooo get it. Your mind races, your schedule is packed, and slowing down feels impossible (or pointless).

Here's what I want you to know → you already have the skill of mindfulness. You use it every single day in the OR. It is your moment-to-moment presence, the ability to track five things at once while staying calm and the focus that doesn't waver when it matters most. You just direct all of it toward your patients, and none of it toward yourself.

I used to think mindfulness was something I didn't have time to learn. Then I realized I already had it, I just needed to turn it inward. That shift changed everything. It let me be both a high-achieving Type A practicing CAA and someone who knows how to pause without guilt.

To make your path easier, I created the CAA Quick Start Guide to Sustainable Mindfulness and a free webinar to help you understand the "why" behind mindfulness. These resources are packed with the lessons and "aha" moments that took me years to learn, now distilled into simple tools you can start using today.

Drop your email below to get the free guide + webinar, plus you'll be the first to hear about upcoming Mindfulness for CAAs offerings.

claim your right to pause

Get Mindfulness guide

podcast

  • 3 picture collage of moments in Britton's Pre-AA to CAA jounrey, acceptance, white coat and first day of clinicals

    Pre-AA to CAA [PROCESS] Part 3. Britton's Dream Acceptance, White Coat and Classes Begin

    Listen Here
  • headshot of 2026 AAAA President Emily Mycyk

    Your Dreams Are Closer Than You Think | Season 5 Finale

    Listen Here

  • 2025 AAAA Diversity Scholarship Winners On Code Switching and Belonging [AA STUDENT PROCESS]

    Listen Here
  • Graphic with 3 pictures of Britton on her Pre-AA to CAA journey

    Pre-AA to CAA [PROCESS] Part 2. Britton's First Interview, an Acceptance and the Waiting Continues

    Listen Here
  • thumbnail with pictures of Britton, the latest PROCESS guest, through her pre-AA to CAA journey

    Pre-AA to CAA [PROCESS] Part 1. Meet Britton, Pre-reqs, Application ft. Britton Robinson

    Listen Here

  • CAA Millionaire’s 2025 Financial Review and Pursuit of Enough

    Listen Here
  • 3 images showcasing Genesis as a college basketball player, professional referee, and CAA.

    [PROCESS] Making the Right Call ft. CAA + Professional Referee Genesis Perrymond

    Listen Here
  • Podcast graphic for episode entitled Enneagram for CAAs. A Wellness Wednesday episode featuring resources and micro practices for the CAA community.

    Enneagram for CAAs ft. Dr. Jodi Jackson

    Listen Here
  • A collage with the text 'I HAVE OCD TRUE LIFE' surrounded by various personal photos of people and a logo for 'Awakened Anesthetist' in the bottom right corner.

    True Life: I Have OCD ft. The Awakened Anesthetist

    Listen Here
  • A 3 picture graphic for Wellness Wednesday EP. 4, featuring images of a hand spiking an IV bag, an anesthesia mask, and a woman stretching on a yoga mat, with text highlighting resources and micropractices for the CAA community.

    Neuroplasticity for Compassionate Care ft. Dr. Ferguson

    Listen Here
  • A promotional graphic titled 'Understanding Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants Part 6', with subtitle 'how to land + leverage those darn shadowing hours', featuring a close-up of a person handling medical tubing or equipment in an operating room.

    BONUS: POV of a CAA Hosting a Shadower

    Listen Here
  • Collage of three images of the Process Series guest, Rad Zamani, with text overlay reading 'Process Series RAD Zamani, CAA' and a tagline 'seeing to believe what's possible in the CAA community'.

    [PROCESS] CAAs Can Rewrite The Rules Of Work with Harmony Founder, Rad Zamani, CAA

    Listen Here
  • A graphic titled 'Understanding Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants pt. 5' with a subtitle 'how to land + leverage those darn shadowing hours'; background shows a person in scrubs handling medical equipment.

    Your Complete Guide to Land and Leverage Shadowing Hours

    listen Here
  • A 3 picture graphic for Wellness Wednesday EP. 3, featuring images of a hand spiking an IV bag, an anesthesia mask, and a woman stretching on a yoga mat, with text highlighting resources and micro practices for the CAA community.

    3 Undetectable Ways to Regulate in the OR

    Listen Here
  • Graphic collage of 3 photos with overlay text 'PROCESS SERIES KATE NOVINC, CAA' and 'seeing to believe what's possible in the CAA community'

    [PROCESS] Walking Through the fire with author Kate Novinc, CAA

    Listen Here
  • A 3 picture graphic for Wellness Wednesday EP. 2, featuring images of a hand spiking an IV bag, an anesthesia mask, and a woman stretching on a yoga mat, with text highlighting resources and micro practices for the CAA community.

    You Can't Do Everything

    Listen Here
  • A graphic for Brooke Ferris CAA featuring three photos of her: one in graduation cap and gown, one in medical scrubs, and one as a cheerleader. Overlaid with text 'Process Series Brooke Ferris, CAA' and 'seeing to believe what's possible in the CAA community'.

    [PROCESS] Pom-Poms & Propofol: Defying Stereotypes in Anesthesia ft. Brooke Ferris, CAA

    Listen Here
  • A 3 picture graphic for Wellness Wednesday EP. 1, featuring images of a hand spiking an IV bag, an anesthesia mask, and a woman stretching on a yoga mat, with text highlighting resources and micro practices for the CAA community.

    Finding Yourself in CAA Wellness

    Listen Here
  • Podcast episode graphic for 'Season 5 Premiere: Life Update' by CAAs, featuring images of a medical setting, a woman in scrubs, and a anesthesia mask.

    Season 5 Premiere | CAA Life by Design (an update)

    LISTEN Here
see all episodes

what people say

  • "

    Pre-AA Matters has been one of the most impactful parts of my journey. As a non-traditional student transitioning from a completely different career, I needed guidance, not just academically, but mentally. The program helped me understand how to position my experiences, how to think like a future anesthesia provider, and how to approach this process with intention.

    — Monica (Pre-AA Matters 2026)

  • "

    This could not be a more supportive environment for Pre-AA students to get their feet wet on the journey. Mary Jeanne teaches with such intention and clarity - I wish all classes were this well thought out. Pre-AA Matters gives students skills that will be used for the long-haul. Invaluable!

    — 2026 Awakened Applicant Alum

  • "

    Mary Jeanne, thank you for the phenomenal content and diversity within your podcast for the CAA profession. This topic especially hit home. I hope that it inspires other military spouses to take that leap and understand that in many circumstances, and with some effort and planning, the military can provide assistance in lining up assignments.

    — Cassie Langhals, CAA (South-Orlando Program Director)

  • "

    Thankful to finally have a podcast representing the CAA profession. It’s been quite enjoyable hearing some familiar voices tell the stories of their legislative efforts, and how our profession is expanding. Keep up the good work!

    — Randy, CAA

  • "

    A number of my coworkers and myself were discussing it today and they all were saying how your podcast is one of the best things that have happened for our profession! You’re doing great things!

    — Lindsey, CAA

  • "

    I saw your newsletter and thought of our episode this May. I wanted to give you an update that since the podcast, 5 international students have reached out to me to ask for opportunities to shadow and the application process, and I think one of them is currently in the application cycle!

    I’m very grateful for what you do – I think it really inspires a lot of perspective AA students and working CAAs, not just international students. Again, thank you for hosting the podcast and allowing me to share my story with you!

    — Bill, CAA

  • "

    I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude for your Pre-AA Matters curriculum. I am currently in the process of applying to AA programs and have recently received two interview invitations. I am feeling extremely grateful and blessed. During this time, I have noticed stress manifesting in new ways that I have never experienced before, such as eye twitching and migraines. Because of what I have learned through Pre-AA Matters, I have been able to recognize these manifestations and apply the strategies you have taught me to help manage them and complete my stress cycle.

    I hope you can recognize the positive impact you are making on Pre-AAs. I am grateful for your guidance and support!

    - Rylee, Pre-AA (Pre-AA Matters 2025)

  • "

    I just wanted to tell you thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to work with us during those sessions. I found them extremely helpful! I really enjoyed learning about stress management. You really helped me a lot. Thank you so much for your passion and making us feel like we matter! You are the absolute best and thank you so much for your help!

    - Kaylan, SAA-1 (CAA Matters 2025)

  • "

    The (interview) “hot seat” style practice pushed me outside of my comfort zone, but in a supportive environment where feedback was always constructive and encouraging. Over time, I became more confident in my ability to express myself, trust my knowledge, and handle pressure—skills that are essential for both interviews and future clinical settings.

    - Dahlilah (2025, 2026 Pre-AA Matters alum)

trusted CAA partners

Built by CAAs, for CAAs

These partners are fellow Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants who are building bold, intentional lives beyond the OR. Their support helps keep Awakened Anesthetist going, and their businesses exist to serve our unique community.

Explore their offerings - and tell them Awakened Anesthetist sent you!

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current offerings

i teach to inspire you.

Grab your seat in one of my upcoming workshops.

Awakened applicant July interview prep school

Wednesday, July 29th, 2026

6-8:00PM CST / 7:00- 9:00 EST

$97

July's interview focus is Managing Stress. Not the buzzword version. The real version that admissions committees are watching for when they put you on the spot. This month is designed to help you do one thing ⤵️

Prove you can handle the pressure of AA school.

enroll now

awakened applicant August interview prep school

Wednesday, August 26th, 2026

6-8:00PM CST / 7:00- 9:00 EST

$97

August's interview focus is Receiving Feedback.

Admissions committees aren't just evaluating your answers. They're watching what happens when you get corrected in the room.

enroll now

awakened applicant september interview prep school

Wednesday, September 30th, 2026

6-8:00PM CST / 7:00- 9:00 EST

$97

September's interview theme is on Navigating Failure.

Admissions committees want to know whether you're teachable, and nothing reveals that faster than how you talk about failure.

enroll now
A woman with short, curly purple hair, wearing blue medical scrubs, sitting by a window and holding a coffee cup, smiling at the camera.

let’s talk soon.

you're not alone in wanting clarity.

I created Awakened Anesthetist to make the journey of self-discovery and career clarity easier for the CAA community. If you’re curious, inspired, or have a question about my workshops, the podcast, or mindfulness offerings - reach out.

Let’s keep building this CAA life, together.

Book Your Free Call