Biography

Driven by a deep commitment to education and patient care my career in nursing has been marked by continuous learning and dedication to advancement in my own education and professional status as well as wanting to share this with others. I started patient care in 2003 as a Certified Nursing assistant and enjoyed patient care so much that I continued to being a Registered Nurse. Initially, I found my love of teaching through serving my patients and educating them on their conditions and circumstances in hopes to improve their quality of life and prevent readmissions. I mentored nursing students and trained new Nurses in my units.In 2013, I was invited to teach Critical Care courses at Mesa Community College in Mesa, Arizona, where my direct involvement with students officially began.

My educational background and professional experience has been dedicated to the field of nursing since 2003. I received my nursing degree at Gateway Community College, then earned a bachelor’s in nursing science and a master’s in nursing education from Grand Canyon University. My pursuit of excellence continued at the University of South Alabama, where I obtained credentials as both a Family Nurse Practitioner and an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. Currently, I am advancing my expertise by working towards a Doctorate in Nursing Practice, with an expected completion in 2025.

Since 2013 I have continued gaining experience in nursing education, having taught as an adjunct faculty member at Grand Canyon University, Creighton University, and Mesa Community College. I also worked full-time at Arizona State University's Nursing Department, where I was involved in lab, simulation, clinicals, and didactic teaching until relocating to Utah in 2021. In August 2022, I began my full-time faculty role at Utah Valley University.

To support my educational role, I have held various critical care positions, including roles in Post-Open Heart Units, Intensive Care, Trauma ICU, and the Emergency Room. My experience as a Registered Nurse provided a strong foundation in acute care, which I have expanded as a Nurse Practitioner. My training spans across all areas and populations, from birth to end-of-life care, including behavioral health. Since Fall 2022, I have been applying my skills in high-acuity Urgent Care.

I am an active member of several professional organizations, including the American Nurses Association (ANA), National League of Nurses (NLN), American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN), American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), and United Nurse Practitioners (UNP), I am committed to ongoing professional development.

Outside of work, I enjoy staying physically active through running and hiking, and have played the clarinet for 30 years at both university and community levels. As a native of New England, I love the beach and seafood, and cherish spending time with my spouse and four children, sharing these activities and traveling together.

Education

Teaching

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Scholarly/Creative Works