Meet the CSPA Team

CSPA is the leading online platform for CRNA school preparation, guiding and empowering students to achieve their dreams of becoming skilled and compassionate nurse anesthetists. Founded and operated by dedicated CRNAs, our organization is deeply committed to enriching the educational and professional development of future CRNAs.

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The Team Members

Meet our dedicated experts who will guide you towards CRNA school success. Benefit from their extensive knowledge and experience to excel in your studies and achieve your career goals.

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Jenny Finnell, MSN, CRNA

CEO & Founder
Jenny Finnell is a practicing Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist with over 12 years of anesthesia experience. She began her nursing career in the adult MICU and now works in pediatric anesthesia, a journey that’s given her a deep understanding of both the clinical demands and emotional challenges aspiring CRNAs face.
Driven by her love for the profession and a genuine desire to help others succeed, Jenny founded CRNA School Prep Academy after receiving countless messages from nurses looking for guidance. She saw a need for more than just information; nurses needed strategy, education, mentorship, and support. CSPA was created to be that space: a trusted, encouraging community for every nurse chasing the CRNA dream.
Jenny is a proud mom of five, happily married to her college sweetheart for over 15 years. She loves working out, traveling with her family (when they’re not enjoying time at home), and never turns down tacos or a good glass of red wine. At her core, she values connection, growth, and helping others believe in what’s possible.
CRNA changed her life, and through CSPA, she’s honored to help others find the same clarity, purpose, and success on their path to becoming a CRNA.
Michelle McCrackin | Outer Banks Vacation 2024

Brandon Finnell

CMO & Founder

Brandon has been with Jenny through her entire journey as a stressed Nursing Student, overwhelmed ICU Nurse, burned-out Nurse Anesthesia Resident, and empowered CRNA mentor. Along with his second-hand experience to her journey, he brings his professional experience in customer service, marketing, and sales to help serve CSPA’s thousands of aspiring CRNAs. He joined CSPA in 2020, filling in various roles as CSPA has grown.

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Michelle McCrackin

Communications, Operations, and HR Manager

Michelle holds a BA in Communication from John Carroll University in Cleveland, Ohio, and bring over 16 years of experience in marketing, public relations, and event planning to her role. She’s passionate about CSPA’s mission to help students succeed and achieve their CRNA career dreams. Outside of work she enjoys taking as many pictures as possible, scrapbooking, and all the beautiful craziness that being a mom of 2 little boys brings. Fun fact: She’s also a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer.

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Deanna Jackson

Marketing and Growth Manager

With a robust background in marketing and a passion for educational growth, Deanna brings invaluable expertise to her role as Marketing & Growth Manager with CRNA School Prep Academy. Since joining in February 2021, Deanna has leveraged her extensive skills in social media marketing, ads management, SEO and strategic communications to enhance The Academy’s visibility and attract aspiring CRNAs.

Her efforts ensure that nurses have access to over 140 hours of on-demand courses, CRNA Faculty-led monthly live educational events and a supportive community- helping nurses accelerate their journey into CRNA success. Deanna’s strategy not only highlights CSPA’s rich & robust resources but also underscores our foundational commitment to nurturing the next generation of nurse anesthetists.

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Richard Wilson, DNAP, CRNA, FAANA

Co-Founder & COO

Dr. Wilson currently serves as the Assistant Program Director – East Coast of the Ursuline College with Somnia Nurse Anesthesia Program.

Before that he served as the Assistant Program Director on the Greenville Campus of the University of South Carolina CRNA program for 15 years. He graduated from the University of South Carolina School of Medicine with a Masters in Nurse Anesthesia and from the Medical University of South Carolina with his Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice.

In 2023, Dr. Wilson was selected as a Fellow of the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology and recently selected to serve as a social media ambassador for the AANA. He was also elected to serve on the AANA Leadership Identification Committee and continues to practice clinically.

Along with this, he enjoys mentoring nurses interested in attending CRNA school.

The Faculty Members

Introducing our esteemed faculty members, committed to steering you towards success in CRNA school. Tap into their wealth of expertise and experience to thrive academically and realize your professional aspirations.

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Dr. Richard Wilson, DNAP, CRNA, FAANA

COO & Co-Founder

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Dr. Michele M. Ballister DNP, CRNA, APRN, CHSE, FAANA

Faculty Contributor

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Dr. Matthew Harmon, DNP, CRNA, APRN, MBA

Faculty Contributor

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Dr. Johanna Newman DNAP, CRNA, FAANA

Faculty Contributor