About SynesthesiaEDU

A partner for nurse anesthesia programs, built by people who have lived it

Our story

SynesthesiaEDU was founded on a simple observation: nurse anesthesia programs face challenges that generic educational consultants don't understand. The clinical complexity, COA accreditation requirements and culture of CRNA training call for a partner who has lived it.

We built SynesthesiaEDU to be that partner. Founded by practicing CRNAs with experience in program administration, curriculum development and accreditation, the firm gives CRNA programs the expert guidance they need to grow, strengthen and lead.

Whether you're a new program finding your footing or an established program working to improve outcomes, we bring the experience, tools and commitment to help you get there.

Our consultants

Doctorally prepared, actively practicing CRNAs

Every engagement is led by the people below. We don't subcontract your program to junior staff.

Co-founder and chief operating officer

Dr. Zach Stewart

DNAP, CRNA, APRN

Dr. Zach Stewart is a practicing CRNA and a co-founder of SynesthesiaEDU. He earned his MSNA from Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia in 2017 and his DNAP from Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia (MTSA) in 2025. His doctoral research focused on improving evaluation return rates for resident registered nurse anesthetists, a direct reflection of his commitment to the systems that support clinical education.

As chief operating officer, he brings a frontline clinical perspective to every engagement and works directly with CRNA programs on practical solutions across curriculum, student support and program evaluation.

Education: MSNA, Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia, 2017. DNAP, Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia (MTSA), 2025.
Focus: Curriculum design, COA accreditation, program strategy

Senior consultant

Dr. Michael MacKinnon

DNP, CRNA, FNP-C, FAANA

Dr. Michael MacKinnon is a nationally recognized nurse anesthesiologist whose career spans clinical practice, academic leadership and health policy advocacy.

As vice president of clinical and practice management at Valley Regional Anesthesia Associates, he provides director-level oversight across a 20-facility anesthesia network, focused on clinical quality, staffing strategy and OR throughput. He also maintains an active caseload through MacKinnon Anesthesia PLLC.

He brings expertise in perioperative management, graduate program development and healthcare operations. His faculty appointments include Midwestern University, Thomas Jefferson University and Fairfield University, and his advocacy within the AANA and AzANA has shaped legislation, organizational growth and professional recognition for CRNAs nationwide.

Education: DNP, University of Alabama. FNP certification, UMass Boston. MSN in nurse anesthesia, Thomas Jefferson University.
Focus: Graduate program development, perioperative management, healthcare operations

Senior consultant

Dr. Angela Mund

DNP, CRNA, FAANA, FAAN

Dr. Angela Mund is among the most accomplished educators in nurse anesthesia. She is a fellow of both the American Academy of Nursing and the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology, recognition reserved for those who have shaped the profession well beyond their own practice.

Her expertise sits where new and established programs are most exposed: COA accreditation standards, self-study preparation, and curricular design built to hold up under review.

At SynesthesiaEDU she advises institutions on accreditation pathway and eligibility, clinical site adequacy, and the evaluation systems that keep a program defensible year over year.

Fellowships: American Academy of Nursing (FAAN). American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (FAANA).
Focus: Accreditation pathway, self-study, clinical site adequacy, evaluation systems

Consultant

Dr. Boone Simmons

DNP, CRNA, APRN

Dr. Boone Simmons is a practicing CRNA and a current nurse anesthesia program administrator, which gives him a vantage point few consultants have: he is doing the job our clients are preparing to fill.

That perspective matters most early, while an institution is still deciding what it is committing to: what a program administrator's workload actually looks like, what the COA will expect to see documented, and where new programs consistently underestimate themselves.

At SynesthesiaEDU he leads operational build-out, turning an approved plan into the policies, processes and daily structure a program needs before its first cohort arrives.

Current role: Nurse anesthesia program administrator
Focus: Operational build-out for new programs

Talk with a consultant

Every engagement begins with a free consultation. Tell us about your program and what you're trying to solve.

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