Be the change that you want to see in the world. —Mahatma Gandhi

I believe that my purpose is to help others transition through change.  I have always said, “the only thing constant in the OR (operating room) is change.”  It was that comfort with “change” that brought me to education.  I have been a Registered Nurse since 1996, and have spent the majority of my career as an OR nurse, with specialties of vascular and general surgery.  Surgery patients are usually scared, and I can offer my knowledge to give comfort and support as they experience a life-altering event.  I felt that I could apply this same principle to teaching, and I have found great satisfaction in supporting students and their aspirations.  I have been teaching at Mercyhurst since 2012, and I have truly enjoyed every minute of it.            

My many years in acute healthcare has given me a wide perspective of the needs of our community.  Health policies and health disparities are of particular interest to me, as is our impact on our environment.  I feel that it is vital for our future health professionals to understand the needs of our people—our families, friends, and neighbors—and make a positive impact on our world.  Teaching in public health gives me a great opportunity to work with these future health professionals and trigger their positive impact.    

Education:

Diploma, Saint Vincent School of Nursing

B.S.N., The Pennsylvania State University

M.S.N., Clarion and Edinboro Universities

Ph.D. in progress, Nova Southeastern University

Research and Interests:

Online nursing education and instructional design

Innovative teaching methods

Motivation theories

Intraoperative nursing care