WOMEN ON

Amanda Cairnes

Amanda Cairnes was born and raised in North Carolina. She attended Appalachian State University for undergraduate studies majoring in Exercise Science with a pre-professional concentration. During her undergraduate studies, she worked as a EMT-Basic. After App State, Amanda attended High Point University for her master’s in physician assistant studies. She has been practicing as a PA since late 2021 at Digestive Health Specialists. Amanda chose to become a physician assistant to develop meaningful relationships with patients, have good work/life balance and flexibility to change throughout her career if she ever wanted to. When treating patients, Amanda thinks it is important to find a treatment plan that works well with the patient’s needs, wants and lifestyle. During her free time, Amanda enjoys hiking and traveling to see national parks with her husband.

Shay Johnson

Shay Johnson is the co-founder of High Point Fashion Week, a podcast host of “With Love Shay,” a qualified mental health professional, a health and wellness coach, a self-love coach and a mom of three children. “My love for mental health is due to my own need for searching for someone that looked like me,” said Shay. “Not having that presence in the field, I decided to become that. Everything I do is centered around putting your mental health first. I stepped into fashion production as a hobby. I have always loved fashion and clothes, so fashion shows were things I watched. After watching my then partner create similar experiences for adults and having no interest in working with kids, I decided to take on that population creating similar experiences for children ages 5-17.” She has been a fashion producer for four years and founded We Inspire Talent Group Kids.

Megan Helmly

Megan Helmly is a real estate agent in the Triad with Jpar Legacy Group. She started in the real estate business after seeing how happy and successful her sister was. Her motivation to have a successful career comes from her children. “My children have been my inspiration for being who I am today,” said Megan. “My son and daughter both suffer from chronic disease; my son beat cancer and had a kidney transplant in 2013. Every day is a challenge, but they are my motivation. I hope someone reading this right now knows to never give up on your hope and dreams! It’s never too late!” In her spare time, Megan enjoys spending time with her two children and her husband. She also just loves helping people in general as well as cooking whenever she has time.