About Us
Our Story
Synesthesia Education was founded on a simple observation: Nurse Anesthesia programs face challenges that generic educational consultants simply don't understand. The clinical complexity, COA accreditation requirements, and the unique culture of CRNA training demand a different kind of partner — one who has lived it.
We built Synesthesia Education to be that partner. Founded by practicing CRNAs with experience in program administration, curriculum development, and accreditation, our firm exists to give CRNA programs access to the expert guidance they need to grow, strengthen, and lead.
Whether you're a new program finding your footing or an established program looking to elevate your outcomes, we bring the experience, tools, and commitment to help you get there.
Dr. Zach Stewart, DNAP, CRNA
Founder | Consultant Lead
Dr. Zach Stewart is a practicing CRNA and the founder of Synesthesia Education. He earned his MSNA from Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia in 2017 and completed his DNAP in 2025, with doctoral research centered on improving evaluation return rates for resident registered nurse anesthetists—a direct reflection of his commitment to strengthening the systems that support clinical education.
As Consultant Lead at SynesthesiaEDU, Dr. Stewart brings a frontline clinical perspective and a genuine passion for program development to every engagement. He works directly with CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist) programs to design practical, results-driven solutions across curriculum, student support, and program evaluation.
Dr. Michael MacKinnon, DNP, CRNA, FNP-C, FAANA
Senior Consultant | DNP, CRNA, FNP-C, FAANA
Dr. Michael MacKinnon is a nationally recognized Nurse Anesthesiologist whose career spans elite clinical practice, academic leadership, and health policy advocacy. He holds a DNP from the University of Alabama, a Family Nurse Practitioner certification from UMass Boston, and an MSN in Nurse Anesthesia from Thomas Jefferson University.
As Vice President of Clinical & Practice Management at Valley Regional Anesthesia Associates, Dr. MacKinnon provides director-level oversight across a 20-facility anesthesia network — driving improvements in clinical quality, staffing strategy, and OR throughput. He also maintains an active caseload through MacKinnon Anesthesia PLLC.
Dr. MacKinnon brings deep expertise in perioperative management, graduate-level program development, and healthcare operations to every consulting engagement. His faculty appointments span Midwestern University, Thomas Jefferson University, Fairfield University, and others, and his advocacy work within the AANA and AzANA has shaped legislation, organizational growth, and professional recognition for CRNAs nationwide.