Our Team
Andrew Call
President
Started at VATA in 2005
Andrew loves learning and is a passionate problem solver. His favorite part of the day is spent absorbing the enthusiasm and knowledge from the VATA team and the clients that inspire their next products. Andrew enjoys working together with the product development team to find solutions so that VATA can continue to offer cutting edge products that make learning medical procedures easier and more realistic for clinicians.
Andrew received his BS from Oregon State and his MBA from University of Oregon. Andrew loves spending time with his nieces and nephews and getting active outside—snowboarding in the winter, hiking in the summer.
Q&A With Andrew
What makes VATA different?
Our customer service. We will do whatever we can to help our clients out. It’s also our goal to make the highest quality products.
While growing up, what was your dream job?
It might be what I’m doing. I saw VATA start when I was 5 or 6 years old in our kitchen and garage. I’ve always found it very interesting and enjoyed figuring out how things work. I get to do that every day now.
Andrew’s 10 cents: No matter how busy life can get, find time to do the things you enjoy.
Mary Nizich
Office Manager
Started at VATA in 2008
Mary thrives on making things happen! As a former stay-at-home mom and mother of four, Mary arrived at VATA well prepared to juggle schedules, handle emergencies in a calm manner, and manage multiple projects while staying organized and level headed. Mary most enjoys the variety of her work and family culture at VATA.
Mary received her Bachelor of Science in Retail Merchandising Management from Oregon State University. Outside of work, Mary enjoys watching her kids play sports, and camping and hiking with her family.
Q&A With Mary
What makes VATA different?
Realism and quality of our products, excellent customer service, and quick response time to customer requests.
If you could have one super power what would it be?
Since having kids, I have spent many, many hours driving them to school, sports, activities, etc. I would love to travel at lightning speed! “Beam Me up Scottie.”
Mary’s 10 cents: Hard work pays off.
Reid Hatch
Production Supervisor
Started at VATA in 1992
Reid was one of VATA’s very first employees and has witnessed the evolution of the company and creation of countless new and original products. Reid’s favorite part of his workday is spent working closely with clients. He loves making customers’ days by helping them find solutions, no matter their situation.
Reid has been with VATA for over 25 years. In his spare time, Reid enjoys hiking with his dog, and road and mountain biking.
Q&A With Reid
What makes VATA different?
We truly care about the products we put out.
What’s your dream for the future?
Keeping active, engaged, and healthy.
Reid’s 10 cents: Take your responsibilities seriously and keep learning.
Patrick Brady
Production Development Specialist
Started at VATA in 2005
Patrick has been in production and media arts for over 25 years, and counting! Each day, Patrick looks forward to the completion of a successful project and enjoys the art and creativity of mimicking anatomy. Always thinking ahead to what’s next, Patrick’s favorite part about working with clients is hearing their ideas and brainstorming plans for new products.
Outside of work, Patrick enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, surfing, skating, snowboarding, and hiking. Most of all it’s about watching his 2 kids play sports.
Q&A With Patrick
What makes VATA different?
Its great working for a small successful company with big plans for new hyper-realistic anatomical models.
Where’s your favorite place in the world?
With family—home.
Patrick’s 10 cents: Invest in yourself and your family.
Miriah Stuart
Accounting & Purchasing
Started at VATA in 2015
Miriah comes to VATA with over 25 years of accounting experience. She provides essential support to the manufacturing team by getting results and keeping the supply chain strong. Miriah most enjoys the variety and challenge of her work at VATA and discovering what’s possible through her own resourcefulness and initiative.
Miriah’s educational background is in accounting with continuing education in marketing and business management. Prior to joining VATA, Miriah built and sold a business that is still in operation today. In her spare time, Miriah enjoys time with friends, her dog, hiking, kayaking in summer, and dancing.
Q&A With Miriah
What makes VATA different?
It’s the quality and realism of the anatomical products. It makes us truly unique.
What’s your favorite part about working with clients?
I get joy when they are excited about the products and when what we make creates a better job for them. Yesterday I heard such excitement from a nurse about the venipuncture training aid, that I asked her to put her testimonial in writing. She did so, happily, and I get to pass that message on to my team here. It lifts everyone!
Miriah’s 10 cents: Take good care of yourself, with regard to your health. Grow, and find out what makes you happy. Then, do more of that!
Brandi Walker
Inside Sales and Account Manager
Started at VATA in 2019
Brandi’s at her best when she’s working with clients. She loves developing relationships with clients, learning about their needs, and working together to ensure a successful partnership. Brandi also enjoys contributing to VATA’s marketing efforts and attending trade shows to meet new people in the ever-evolving world of medical simulation.
Brandi earned a Bachelor’s Degree in History from the University of Oregon. In her spare time, Brandi enjoys attending concerts, having game nights with friends, collecting stamps in her McMenamins Passport (and her real passport!), and playing with her dog.
Q&A With Brandi
What makes VATA different?
I’m so proud to be part of a team that makes remarkable effort to ensure our products are of the highest quality. When I walk through our various production areas, I’m reminded of the dedication and hard work that goes into hand crafting our models each day!
Where’s your favorite place in the world?
Oregon. I have had the good fortune to travel and see some other countries but there is no place like home.
Brandi’s 10 cents: If you see someone without a smile, give them one of yours. -Dolly Parton
Kyle Pierce
Product Design Manager
Started at VATA in 2021
Kyle’s role at VATA is his first in the medical simulation industry. Prior to joining the VATA team, he worked in the biopharmaceutical industry designing labware for research. In his current role, Kyle enjoys the variety of projects he gets to work on and is fascinated by the procedures and devices of the medical world. He appreciates the opportunity to learn about new things and the challenge of creating great new products. When working with customers, Kyle loves the creativity that customers bring. He particularly enjoys the inventive suggestions that customers offer at meetings or trade shows.
Kyle has a Bachelor’s of Science in Mechanical Engineering and an MBA from the University of Nevada, Reno. Outside of the office, Kyle loves spending time with his wife, traveling, cooking, and just hanging out. He also enjoys hiking on the weekends and enjoying the beautiful trails and views around the Portland area.
Q&A With Kyle
What makes VATA different?
We are committed to setting and advancing the standard of quality and realism in simulation.
While growing up, what was your dream job and why?
For a long time when I was little, I wanted to be a doctor, but I don’t remember why now. I loved taking things apart and rebuilding them into new creations, and in high school I finally realized I wanted to be an engineer like my dad.
Kyle’s 10 cents: In college one of my favorite professors taught us about the idea of being a lifelong learner. I think that striving to be a lifelong learner has helped me to become more capable of absorbing new information, more adaptive in my decision making, and better able to handle criticism.