Our Presenters

Diane M. Billings, EdD, RN, FAAN, ANEF

Biography Diane M. Billings, RN, EdD, FAAN, ANEF Diane Billings is Chancellors’ Professor Emeritus at Nursing at Indiana University School of Nursing, Indianapolis, IN where she was the Associate Dean for Teaching, Learning and Information Resources and developed and taught the masters/doctoral level Teacher Education Certificate courses. She is the co-editor of the award winning Teaching in Nursing, and the co-editor of the Lippincott’s Q and A Review for NCLEX-RN. She has published widely in nursing and higher education journals in the area of using information technology to support teaching and learning. She is the recipient of the Sigma Theta Tau International Founders Award for Excellence in Teaching, the Award for Outstanding Leadership in Nursing Education from the National League for Nursing, and is a Living Legend in the American Academy of Nursing. Recent projects include serving as the project director for the Faculty Preparation Program of the RWJF/New Jersey Nursing Initiative, participating on tasks forces at the NLN to develop vision statements for The Changing Faculty Role: Preparing Students for the Technological World of Health Care and Doctoral Preparation for Nurse Educators, and twice being a mentor in Sigma Theta Tau’s Faculty Mentored Leadership Academy.

Michelle Byrne, PhD, RN, CNE, CNOR

Michelle Byrne PhD, RN, CNOR, CNE is Professor of Nursing at University of West Georgia, a comprehensive doctoral degree granting university. She teaches nursing education content addressing instructional methods, assessment and evaluation, quality/safety, curriculum development, as well as academic educator practicums in both the Masters and Doctoral programs. In addition she teaches qualitative research for the EdD in nursing education students and directs scholarly/research projects for graduate students. Michelle’s expertise is in the role development of nurse educators addressing concept based curricula, innovative instructional methods, and pedagogical research. Her prior research examined and exposed racial bias in nursing fundamental textbooks. The Byrne Guide for Cultural Inclusion was created to assist faculty in raising their awareness of omissions and stereotypes in their teaching materials. She has demonstrated leadership with curricular and instructional innovation in nursing education and integrates concepts of information literacy and models of cultural competence in assisting faculty in reducing bias in their teaching practices. Her clinical experience was in perioperative nursing and she has published extensively and served on the AORN Journal Editorial Board. She has served as National President for Competency & Credentialing Institute and is currently on the CNE Commission for National League for Nursing.

Lori Candela, EdD, RN, FNP-BC, CNE

Lori Candela, EdD, RN, FNP-BC, CNE is an associate professor of nursing at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. She obtained her doctorate in Adult and continuing Professional Education from the University of Southern California. She has over 21 years of teaching experience at the associate, baccalaureate, RN-to-BSN, MSN, DNP and PhD levels. At the graduate level, she has taught courses in nursing education focusing on teaching/ learning, curriculum development, role development, curriculum evaluation and nurse educator practicums. In the PhD program, she has taught nursing leadership, history and philosophy of education, theory development and independent teacher scholar practicums. In the DNP program, she has taught advanced communication, collaboration, and negotiation strategies. Dr. Candela has chaired or been a member of numerous student thesis, dissertation, DNP Capstone, professional paper, and research utilization projects. She has led major curriculum revision efforts at the BSN and MSN levels. She has published over 25 data-based and descriptive articles in scholarly journals and written book chapters on the theoretical foundations of educational theory and curriculum development related to educational taxonomy. She received the university award for excellence in online teaching. Dr. Candela is also a currently practicing family nurse practiioner and makes her home in Las Vegas, NV.

Darlene M. Cantu, M.S.N., RNC 

My name is Darlene M. Cantu, M.S.N., RNC., currently working with ATI Nursing Education as Staff Development Manager. I studied nursing at the University of Pittsburgh and earned my Bachelor of Science in Nursing. I earned a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. I have earned and maintain two national certifications in neonatal intensive care and electronic fetal monitoring. I have practiced clinically in many different areas although my passion is for teaching and sharing my knowledge and skills with students and other nurses. I have worked in faculty positions in all types of nursing programs from Associate to Bachelor to Master Degree programs. Working with students is rewarding as I see them grow into caring and competent professional nurses. I have taught in traditional and concept-based curricula in most specialty areas. I also teach content in online programs in Masters of Science in nursing and health care administration programs. I have worked in management as Director of a professional nursing program, Quality Director in acute care, and as the Director of the Women’s Service. I have had several opportunities in my career to serve as the Chair of a hospital Nursing Research Committee where I participated in the review of research proposals. I enjoy writing and have written several chapters for specialty books on high-risk neonates, children, and care of clients during pregnancy. I serve on the editorial Board of Neonatal Network, national publication for neonatal nursing. I have authored test items for NCLEX-RN review books, the National League for Nursing, and for other colleges. I am currently a member of Sigma Theta Tau, national nursing honorary, and the National League for Nursing. I work as a nurse legal consultant focusing on my specialty clinical areas.

Lois Churchill, MN, RN

Lois Churchill is a nurse educator with more than 30 years of experience, teaching at both the RN and PN level. Lois worked for the Iowa Board of Nursing where she served as the associate director of nursing practice and as the Bureau Chief for Professional Licensure for the Iowa Department of Public Health . Health. She has been the director of two large nursing programs, the Hutchinson Community College, Hutchinson, KS associate degree nursing program and Johnson County Community College practical nursing program, Overland Park, KS, a large stand-alone PN program. In addition she served on the National Council State Boards of Nursing item writing subcommittee. Ms. Churchill has been a Nursing Education Specialist with ATI Nursing since 2008. She has extensive experience writing NCLEX© style test items and other review materials. She currently writes and reviews items for all of ATI Nursing assessments at both the RN and PN level. Lois was first introduced to writing NCLEX© style test items while serving on the National Council of State Boards of Nursing Item Review Subcommittee.

Cynthia Clark, PhD, RN, ANEF, FAAN

Dr. Cynthia Clark is an award-winning nursing professor, Professor Emeritus, nurse consultant for ATI Nursing Education, and the Founder of Civility Matters®. Her ground-breaking work on fostering civility has brought national and international attention to the controversial issues of incivility in academic and practice environments. Her theory-driven interventions, empirical measurements, theoretical models, and reflective assessments provide “best practices” to prevent, measure, and address uncivil behavior and to create healthy workplaces. Dr. Clark served as a co-chair for the American Nurses Association Professional Panel for Incivility, Bullying, and Workplace Violence and serves as a fellow in the American Academy of Nursing and the National League for Nursing Academy of Nursing Education. She is the recipient of numerous teaching, research, and service awards, and her book, Creating and Sustaining Civility in Nursing Education,” received 1st place honors as the 2013 AJN Book of the Year. Dr. Clark is a prolific researcher, presenter, author; and professional blogger. Her presentations number in the hundreds and her publications have appeared in several peer-reviewed and open-access venues. Dr. Clark is a member of the editorial review board for Nurse Educator and a reviewer for several peer-reviewed nursing journals. Dr. Clark is also well known for her expertise in the area of scholarly teaching and learner-centered pedagogies. For the past several years, Dr. Clark has used live theater actors, simulation, and student-produced and directed YouTube videos as active learning strategies to promote student engagement and deep learning. Her article on the use of live actors as a teaching strategy to address incivility in the practice setting published in Clinical Simulation in Nursing has been downloaded more than 1000 times by readers from the US, Turkey, Taiwan, China, Australia, Iran, and the UK since its release in June 2014.

Patricia Davis, DNP, MS, BSN, CHSE, CNE

Patricia Davis is the Director of the School of Nursing Skills and Simulation Center at George Washington University. Dr. Davis received her BSN from Wheeling Jesuit University, Master’s of Science from Regis University and Doctorate of Nursing Practice from George Washington University. As a member of the inaugural faculty for the ABSN program, Dr. Davis guided the integration of simulation throughout the curriculum and continues to support the inclusion of simulation in lab, clinical and didactic courses. Leveraging her background in staff development and understanding of the importance of a good foundation, the BLAST model was developed to prepare students prior to their clinical rotations. Dr, Davis is certified both as a Healthcare Simulation Educator and a Nurse Educator.

Susan Deane, MSN, CNE

Susan Deane, MSN, RN, CNE is a full time associate professor at the State University of NY’s (SUNY) College of Technology at Delhi. She teaches in the online RN-to-BSN program and has been teaching online in various programs for over 15 years. Professor Deane has developed expertise in best practices for online learning throughout these years. The development and facilitation of online learning has been her passion for many years. She holds a post-master’s certificate in Healthcare Informatics is currently in her dissertation phase of her doctorate in education at Northcentral University. Professor Deane was awarded the 2014 N.Y. Chancellor’s Award for Scholarly and Creative Activities. In addition, she is the President-Elect of the Connecticut League for Nursing (CLN) and Co-Chair of CLN’s Program Committee. She has been instrumental in the development of online courses for CLN’s programs.

Michele Deck, RN, M.Ed., BSN, LCCE, FACCE

Michele Deck presents nationally and internationally on innovative teaching methods in the field of health care education and training. She is the recipient of many honors and awards for her creativity, innovation, productivity and exemplary leadership qualities. Honors include the National Nursing Staff Development Organization’s (now ANPD) prestigious Belinda E. Puetz Award, election to Sigma Theta Tau National Nursing Honor Society, Business Woman of the Year by the National Business Council, and Best Over All Trainer by Creative Training Techniques Companies. She is co-founder and chief executive officer of G.A.M.E.S., a company that specializes in seminars on adult learning and interactive training methods, and Tool Thyme for Trainers, a company which supplies innovative and creative presentation tools for educators worldwide. She has authored twelve books on creative and involving ways to train adults. She is a past president of Lamaze International and the author of twelve books.

Sharon Decker, PhD, RN, ANEF, FAAN

Sharon Decker, RN, Ph.D., ANEF, FAAN is the Associate Dean for Simulation, a Professor in the School of Nursing, the Executive Director of The F. Marie Hall SimLife Center, and Covenant Health System Endowed Chair in Simulation and Nursing Education at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. She was the past Director of the Health Sciences Center’s Quality Enhancement Program (QEP): Interprofessional Teamwork. Dr Decker has been engaged in simulation-based activities since the mid 1900’s to include using simulation for both learning and assessment and education of educators related to integrating simulation into curricula, and techniques related to the debriefing process. Dr. Decker’s educational research, supported by multiple grants, is related to how simulation can be used to improve learning and promote professional and interprofessional competencies. She currently serves as the Chair of the Certification Committee for the Society for Simulation in Healthcare. As a past member of the Standards Committee for the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning, Dr. Decker was the lead author for two evidence-based standards. Dr. Decker has been the recipient of the Texas Tech’s Chancellor’s Council Distinguished Teaching Award and the TTUHSC President’s award for Academic Achievement, Excellence in Teaching, and Outstanding Professor. Dr. Decker is a fellow in the Academy of Nursing Education and American Academy of Nursing.

Kirsty Digger, DNS, RN, FNP-BC

Kirsty Digger, DNS, RN, FNP-BC is an Associate Professor of Nursing at the State University of New York, College of Technology at Delhi. Dr. Digger is a full time faculty member teaching online in both an RN to BSN and MSN programs and is Program Director for Technology. Dr. Digger has expertise with educational technology, online curriculum and course development, and faculty preparation to teach online. Her research interests include teaching nursing using technology, preparation of nurse educators in the use of emerging learning tools, and mHealth technologies for teaching nursing.

Agnes DiStasi, DNP, RN, CNE

Agnes DiStasi DNP, RN, CNE is a Nursing Education Consultant with ATI. She has more than 15 years of experience in nursing education, having taught at the LPN-RN, Diploma, ADN, BSN, RN-BSN and MSN levels. She has developed curricula for BSN, MSN, and DNP programs, most recently leading an interprofessional team in the development of a concept-based BSN program of study. She has been involved in several accreditation visits, and the preparations for those visits, and has been an active participant in program assessment and evaluation activities. Dr. DiStasi developed and served as the Director of a new RN-BSN Program utilizing a problem-based learning format. She created numerous hybrid courses according to best practices in online course development for this program in partnership with a major instructional design firm. She has been an advocate of active learning strategies, and has been an integral part of the shift to active learning in nursing education through presentations at national, state, and local conferences and meetings. Dr. DiStasi’s primary interests in nursing education include the socialization of adjunct clinical instructors to the nurse faculty role, concept-based curriculum development, active learning, and overall faculty development regarding the relationship between teaching and learning, program assessment, program evaluation, and accreditation. Dr. DiStasi is a Certified Nurse Educator. She earned her BSN and MSN from the University of Cincinnati, and her DNP from Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama.

Carrie B. Elkins, DHSc, MSN

Carrie B. Elkins, MSN, DHSc is a Lead Nurse Educator with ATI Nursing. Dr. Elkins has been a nurse educator for more than 10 years in traditional BSN and Web-based RN to BSN and MSN programs. In her current role with ATI Nursing, Dr. Elkins leads a team of Nursing Education Specialists who focus on content development, item writing, and alignment of content with NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN test plans. Dr. Elkins has been an invited presenter on nursing education-related concepts locally, nationally, and internationally.

Helen A. Gordon, DNP, CNM, CNE, CHSE

Helen A. Gordon DNP, CNM, CNE; Duke School of Nursing. Helen Gordon received her BSN from the University of Arkansas College of Nursing, her MS in Parent-Child Nursing and Nurse-Midwifery from the University of Utah, and her DNP from Case Western Reserve University in 2012. Dr. Gordon’s entire career (40 years) has been in birth and women’s health. Before coming to Duke in 2005, she managed a grant for the American College of Nurse-Midwives in Washington, DC. For five years she was the state’s first technical specialist in nurse-midwifery care for the NC Office of Rural Health, assisting in the implementation of CNM-MD practices in rural North Carolina. She was the first nursing director in the U.S. to implement LDRP care in a tertiary setting. Dr. Gordon also has extensive experience in the development of market-driven competitive women’s care services. She co-teaches the maternity nursing course and teaches senior seminar courses in the ABSN program. She has also served as lead faculty in community health. Gordon has received three teaching awards. She was selected by DUSON faculty to receive the Duke University School of Nursing Distinguished Teaching Award, and she received the DUSON Outstanding BSN Faculty Award from ABSN students in 2005 and 2011. Gordon’s scholarly interests are in the area of teaching and learning in adults and she is passionate about normal birth and the role that nurses play to keep labor normal and thereby influence birth. Dr. Gordon also teaches a mindfulness course for DUSON students. Gordon currently serves as Faculty-in-Residence in Randolph dorm on Duke’s East Campus, where she resides with 182 coeds. Gordon is the first DUSON nurse to participate in this highly sought-after and uniquely rewarding Duke program.

Jane Grassley, PhD, RN, IBCLC

Jane Grassley, PhD, RN, IBCLC is a Professor of Nursing and the Jody DeMeyer Endowed Chair at Boise State University in Boise, ID. As the Endowed Chair, she mentors faculty colleagues in developing their scholarship. She is particularly interested in mentoring new faculty as they transition from expert nurse clinicians into their new role as nurse educators. As a certified lactation consultant, Dr, Grassley conducts research about facilitating new mothers’ breastfeeding confidence through improved support from nurses and grandmothers.

Judith A. Halstead, PhD, RN, ANEF, FAAN

Judith A. Halstead, PhD, RN, ANEF, FAAN is the executive director of the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (CNEA), a position she has held since July 2013, and professor emeritus at Indiana University School of Nursing, Indianapolis. Dr. Halstead has over 35 years of experience in nursing education with expertise in program evaluation, online education, and nurse educator competencies. She is the recipient of numerous awards including the Midwest Nursing Research Society Advancing Nursing Science Award for the Nursing Education Research Section and the Sigma Theta Tau International Elizabeth Russell Belford Excellence in Nursing Education Award. Dr. Halstead is co-editor of the award-winning Teaching in Nursing: A Guide for Faculty, currently in its 5th edition. She served as president of the National League for Nursing from 2011-2013. In recognition of her contributions to nursing education, she has been inducted as a fellow in the American Academy of Nursing and the National League for Nursing Academy for Nursing Education.

Leann Horsley, PhD, RN, CHSE, CNE

Leann Horsley, PhD, RN, CHSE, CNE is an Assistant Professor at Loyola University Chicago Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing in Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Horsley is a nurse educator, researcher, and leader who focuses on the use of simulation to enhance learning and team performance. She is the Lead Nurse Planner for the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning (INACSL) organization, an Ambassador of the Loyola Institute for Transformative Interprofessional Education (I-TIE), and a recent Scholar in Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI) Nurse Faculty Leadership Academy. She is an active member of the INACSL and I-TIE Research Committee.

Carol L. Huston, MSN, DPA, FAAN

Carol Huston, MSN, DPA, FAAN has been a professor of nursing at California State University, Chico (CSUC) since 1982 and assumed the position of Director of the School in January 2010. Dr. Huston was named one of seven Master Teachers in 1999/2001 as well as the CSUC Outstanding Teacher in 2001/2002. She was also named the Outstanding Professor for CSUC in 2008/2009. Dr. Huston also served as the 2007-2009 President of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing and is a fellow in the American Academy of Nursing. She currently serves as the Vice Chairperson of the Board of Directors for Enloe Medical Center in Chico, CA and is a member of the ATI national advisory board. Dr. Huston also currently serves as the lead faculty for the Sigma Theta Tau International/Chamberlain College Experienced Nurse Faculty Leadership Academy which launched in fall 2014. Dr. Huston is the author/co-author of five leading textbooks on leadership, management, and professional issues in nursing (a total of 16 editions) and has published more than 100 articles in leading professional journals. Her co-authored book “Leadership Roles and Management Functions in Nursing” has been translated into five languages and “Management Decision Making for Nurses” was an AJN book of the year. The first edition of “Leadership and Management Tools for the New Nurse” published in 2012 and the third edition of Professional Issues in Nursing: Challenges and Opportunities” published in 2013. In addition, she has keynoted more than 250 nursing and healthcare conferences worldwide. Dr. Huston is also the co-developer of the Marquis-Huston Model for Teaching Critical Thinking, which has been recognized internationally by nurse scholars. Her research interests include critical thinking, outcomes measurement, quality health care, and empowerment of the nursing profession.

Pamela R. Jeffries, PhD, RN, FAAN, ANEF

Dr. Pamela R. Jeffries (PhD, RN, FAAN, ANEF), Vice Provost for Digital Initiatives at Johns Hopkins University and professor at the School of Nursing, is nationally known for her research and work in developing simulations and online teaching and learning. She is well regarded for her expertise in experiential learning, innovative teaching strategies, new pedagogies, and the delivery of content using technology in nursing education. Additionally, Dr. Jeffries is the President of the interprofessional, international Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH) and a member of the Institute of Medicine’s Global Intraprofessional Education (IPE) forum, among many other organizations. Jeffries was newly inducted in the prestigious Sigma Theta Tau Research Hall of Fame and is the recipient of several teaching and research awards from the Midwest Nursing Research Society, the International Nursing Association of Clinical Simulations and Learning (INACSL), and teaching awards from the National League of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau, International, and most recently, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Excellence award. She has a BSN from Ball State University and a MSN and PhD in Nursing from Indiana University.

Janean Johnson, MSN, RN, CNE

Janean Johnson, MSN, RN, CNE Janean is a Nursing Education Consultant with Assessment Technologies Institute. Prior to joining ATI, Janean held faculty positions that provided her with an extensive knowledge of teaching in the traditional and on-line environments. Since joining ATI, she has assisted programs in developing or revising their curriculum to incorporate current initiatives such as the BSN essentials, QSEN and NLN competencies. She has participated in and led item writing workshops where she works with faculty to improve their skills in item writing. As a consultant she is able to share her passion for curriculum and instruction with faculty across the country. Janean has shared her expertise with faculty in item writing, curriculum development, and program evaluation. As well as the use of active instructional strategies to improve student outcomes aimed at improving student, faculty, and program outcomes.

Suzan Kardong-Edgren, PHD, RN, ANEF, CHSE, FAAN

Suzan (Suzie) Kardong-Edgren PhD, RN, ANEF, CHSE, FAAN professor and Director of the RISE Center at Robert Morris University in Moon Township, PA is an nternationally known simulation researcher, educator, and the Editor-in-Chief of Clinical Simulation in Nursing, the flagship journal for the International Nursing Association of Clinical Simulation and Learning (INACSL). Dr. Edgren was awarded the Excellence in Educational Research award by the National League for Nursing (NLN) in 2012 and the prestigious Debra Spunt Endowed Lectureship in simulation by the NLN in 2010. Dr. Edgren was the first nurse to chair the Research Committee for the Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH) and serves as the Vice President for Research for the INACSL. Dr. Edgren also teaches in the MS in Medical Simulation program at the Drexel College of Medicine.

Patty Knecht, PhD RN ANEF

Patty Knecht PhD RN ANEF is the Chair of the Division of Nursing at Immaculata University, a suburb of Philadelphia. Nursing education/administration has been a passion for Patty for several decades. She received her Associates Degree in Nursing at Gwynedd Mercy College, followed by a BSN from Immaculata University, an MSN from West Chester University and a PhD in nursing from Penn State University. Her research interest in job satisfaction coupled with experience leading workforce initiatives at the state and national level have defined her commitment to equal and fair access for all citizens to cost-effective education. Diversification of the nursing workforce and alignment of nursing education with workforce priorities are a continual focus. Previous to her appointment as Chair at Immaculata University, her responsibilities have included administration of the Practical Nursing Program and Adult Education Initiatives at the Chester County Intermediate Unit, co-chair of the Pennsylvania Center for Health Careers and various other state and national leadership appointments. Committed to the community, she currently serves on numerous advisory boards, including the Board of Directors of Penn Medicine Chester County Hospital.

Patty Knecht, PhD RN ANEF

Patty Knecht PhD RN ANEF is the Chair of the Division of Nursing at Immaculata University, a suburb of Philadelphia. Nursing education/administration has been a passion for Patty for several decades. She received her Associates Degree in Nursing at Gwynedd Mercy College, followed by a BSN from Immaculata University, an MSN from West Chester University and a PhD in nursing from Penn State University. Her research interest in job satisfaction coupled with experience leading workforce initiatives at the state and national level have defined her commitment to equal and fair access for all citizens to cost-effective education. Diversification of the nursing workforce and alignment of nursing education with workforce priorities are a continual focus. Previous to her appointment as Chair at Immaculata University, her responsibilities have included administration of the Practical Nursing Program and Adult Education Initiatives at the Chester County Intermediate Unit, co-chair of the Pennsylvania Center for Health Careers and various other state and national leadership appointments. Committed to the community, she currently serves on numerous advisory boards, including the Board of Directors of Penn Medicine Chester County Hospital.

Denise M. Korniewicz, PhD.RN,FAAN

Denise Korniewicz, PhD, RN, FAAN Consultant Dr. Korniewicz is an educational consultant with Nursing Education & Strategy at Assessment Technologies Institute. She holds PhD. in Nursing and has been involved in the development of outcomes based clinical practice and education for over 35 years. She has held a has a variety positions in higher education including Director of Adult Health, Associate Dean for Academics, Senior Associate Dean for Research and most recently Dean of a College of Nursing. Dr. Korniewicz has played an active role in curriculum development for undergraduate and graduate programs with emphasis on the development of outcomes based educational competencies. Throughout her career, Dr. Korniewicz has been instrumental in the development of mentoring faculty to use innovative teaching strategies, revision of curriculum, and the development of educational grants for new program development. She has worked with all levels of programs on revising their curricula and integrating current initiatives such as the QSEN, NLN competencies and BSN Essentials. Additionally, she has had experience with the development and preparation of programs to meet the required professional accreditation standards. Dr. Korniewicz is a recognized national nurse leader. She has presented at numerous nursing and inter-professional conferences about the importance of outcomes-based education and evidence based practice techniques. She was instrumental in the initial development of the American Nurses Association’s Nurse Quality Indicators to assess nursing outcomes in clinical practice. Dr. Korniewicz has numerous publications associated with safe nursing practice, infection control, evidence-based research and quality patient care. She has served as an editorial reviewer for several peer-reviewed journals and has been member of several national panels associated with research, leadership, patient safety and outcomes based patient care.

Mary Beth Kuehn, Ed.D, RN, PHN

Dr. Mary Beth Kuehn, Ed.D., RN, PHN is currently an Assistant Professor of Nursing at St. Olaf College. Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Winona State University in Winona, MN, a Master’s of Science in Nursing in Adult Health and a focus in Nursing Education from Winona State University in Rochester, MN, and an Educational Doctorate in Educational Leadership from St. Mary’s University in Minneapolis, MN. Her clinical background is in adult medical-surgical nursing and public health nursing. Dr. Kuehn Has taught in the Bachelor of Arts in Nursing at St. Olaf College for the past eighteen years. Publications focus on the lived experience of nursing faculty in the academic workplace, Adolescent Non-Medical Prescription Drug Use and Parental Consent and Enhancing clinical reasoning through simulation debriefing. Dr. Kuehn is a member of the Minnesota Consortium for Nursing Education Research (MCNER) focused on simulation and debriefing, specifically clinical reasoning with baccalaureate nursing students. This team received the 2012 Debra L. Spunt mini-grant for simulation research and the 2013 Sigma Theta Tau International – Chi Chapter at large professional development grant to promote scholarship among members. A 2013 St. Olaf Faculty Development Grant for simulation research and dissemination was secured in collaboration with Dr. Diana Neal. The completion of multiple MCNER Research team local, national and international presentations followed. Publications related to the MCNER pilot study and faculty development implications are in process. A new research focus is interdisciplinary collaboration through simulation on a small scale with nursing and social work students/faculty plus a chaplain. Dr. Kuehn received with a colleague, Susan Huehn, the 2015 St. Olaf Academic Innovation Grant to disseminate the research findings. Dr. Kuehn was a recent National League of Nursing Scholarly Writing Retreat Participant.

Lynne M. Kuhl, MSN RN

Lynne M Kuhl MSN RN Lynne is the Clinical Coordinator for Medical-Renal and Oncology Unit at Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, Illinois. She provides both educational and management support for these busy units. She functions as the chairperson for the inpatient pain team, is an active member of multiple hospital committees, serves on system wide forums for Medical-Surgical Telemetry Nursing and Oncology Nursing and sits on the hospital wide advisory committee for Shared Governance. She was instrumental in the development of the Nursing Model of Care for Advocate Condell Medical Center and continues to support the hospital’s Magnet Journey. During her 10 years as a nurse she has worked in ICU and Intermediate/step down units. Lynne has received her Master of Science in Nursing with a certificate for Nursing Education from the University of St. Francis, Joliet. She is a member of Upsilon Delta Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. She brings a passion for the cultivation and development of the nurse from pre-licensure through retirement to all she does and calls upon her rich work experience in business and social services as well as nursing. Her areas of interest include pain, nurse development with particular interest in clinical decision making and impact of caring paradigms on patient outcomes and satisfaction.

Mary Pat Lewis, PhD, RN

Dr. Mary Pat Lewis is Professor and Dean of the School of Nursing at the State University of New York College of Technology at Delhi, and has over 20 years of experience in nursing research and education. Dr. Lewis received her BS in nursing from the State University of New York at Plattsburgh, her MS in nursing from the University of Connecticut, and PhD from the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Lewis’ clinical practice and research centers on quality of life and medication adherence in people living with HIV/AIDS. She has numerous publications and presentations on these topics. In the area of nursing education other areas of research and grant funding include SUNY Innovative Teaching with Technology grants, SUNY High Needs funding to support growth of baccalaureate and graduate programs, and as a partner with the Foundation of New York State Nurses to implement a dual degree partnership (Robert Wood Johnson Foundation) for Meeting IOM’s 80-20 recommendation. In 2014 under Dr. Lewis’ leadership, SUNY Delhi School of Nursing was awarded the #1 online RN to BSN program in the nation by US News and World Report for curriculum innovation, student support services, and faculty credentials. This program continues to remain as one of the top online programs in the country. In addition, the RN to BSN program was named as one of eight programs selected as state of the art distance learning program in the SUNY system. Dr. Lewis is active in several professional organizations including Sigma Theta Tau Nursing Honor Society, Association of Nurses in AIDS Care, and the National League for Nursing. She serves as a reviewer for multiple journals; she is an active volunteer in her own community for rural healthcare organizations, and in regional and state-wide nursing organizations.

Jennifer Lusins, DNS(C)

Jennifer Lusins, RN, MS, DNS(c) of SUNY Delhi graduated with her Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing in 1995 from Hartwick College. She worked in mental health for 9 years and then transitioned to long-term care and medical-surgical nursing. In 2008, she returned to school earning her Masters of Science in Nursing Education from Excelsior College. Jennifer joined academia in 2005 at SUNY Delhi where she began as a clinical adjunct but then joined as full faculty the following semester. She is currently a doctoral candidate at The Sage Colleges in Troy, NY where she is writing her dissertation on childhood obesity prevention policies with a focus on school-based health and wellness programs. Currently, Jennifer is an Associate Professor of Nursing and the Director of Program Assessment for the School of Nursing at SUNY Delhi and works as an emergency and trauma nurse in a local emergency room.

Mendy G. McMicahel, RN, MSN, DNP

Having earned her Bachelor and Master of Science in Nursing from Jacksonville State University (JSU), and Doctor of Nursing Practice in Public Health from the University of Tennessee, Mendy McMichael, RN, DNP has attained more than 23 years of nursing experience, including serving on the nursing faculty of JSU. Mendy taught in both baccalaureate and STEP (RN to BSN) programs. During her tenure in nursing education, she taught both in the classroom and, in the clinical arena, as well as on-line courses. Mendy began her career as a staff nurse in Labor and Delivery at Northeast Alabama Regional Medical Center (NEARMC) and from there went on to the Lurleen B. Wallace College of Nursing and Health Sciences at Jacksonville State University. She was also staff nurse in birth suites at St. Vincent’s, and nurse manager of Obstetrics and Pediatrics at NEARMC. She has served as a consultant for Harris, Cleckler, Hollis & Shamblin, L.L.C., Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence, and the March of Dimes, and as an NCLEX EXCEL instructor for Drexel University. Mendy is also a member of Sigma Theta Tau. She received multiple Faculty Research Awards at JSU. Mendy has also presented multiple oral presentations at local, state, regional, national and international levels. Mendy is a Nursing Educator Specialist and former Virtual Instructor at ATI, as she continues to work part time as a staff nurse in a newborn nursery and lactation. In her role at ATI, Mendy provides direction for the curricular content of all pre-licensure RN and PN assessments and remedial products.

Kathryn Meglitsch, MSN, RN

Kathryn Meglitsch, MSN, RN, is the Director of Live NCLEX Reviews for ATI Nursing. She leads a vibrant team of nurse educators that deliver high quality NCLEX ® reviews for PN and RN graduates resulting in successful outcomes. She maintains an active role in teaching live NCLEX ® reviews and Test-Taking Strategies Seminars. Kathryn is a visionary leader who developed Virtual-ATI and the Customized Live NCLEX Review. She has over thirty years of experience in nursing education and combines her expertise in leadership, classroom teaching and curriculum and faculty development in her current role. She is a member of Sigma Theta Tau International.

Christine M. Mills, Ph.D

Dr. Christine Mills worked in the field of psychometrics for 10 years before joing ATI as the Director of Research and Applied Psychometrics. She is passionate about working with clients to help them understand the processes for building products and assessments so clients have the information they need to make valid inferences based upon the scores they receive.

Kathy J. Mitchell, PhD, MSN, RN

Kathy J. Mitchell, PhD, MSN, RN, Dean, Virginia Appalachian Tricollege Nursing Program, Virginia Highlands Community College. Dr. Mitchell earned a B.S.N. from East Tennessee State University, in Johnson City, TN, an M.S.N. from the University of Virginia, in Charlottesville, VA, and a Ph.D. in Community College Leadership from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA. She has served as dean of the Virginia Appalachian Tricollege Nursing Program, a consortium of three rural community college in southwestern Virginia, for almost 10 years. During that time she has was award federal grants to develop an extensive simulation lab and to create a part-time evening weekend program for working adults. Her interests include student success and she influenced the program’s implementation of extensive use of ATI resources. Use of ATI testing and remediation was followed by a significant improvement in student learning outcomes as well as program outcomes.

Karen H. Morin, PhD, RN, ANEF, FAAN

Karen H. Morin, PhD, RN, ANEF, FAAN, is Professor Emerita, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. While at UWM, Dr. Morin served as program director for the PhD program. She has extensive experience teaching undergraduate and graduate students, as well as facilitating the development of faculty. She has extensive leadership experience, having served on the board of several state or national organizations; she was privileged to serve as President of Sigma Theta Tau International from 2008-2011. She currently serves as Associate Editor of the Journal of Nursing Education.

Donna M. Nickitas, PhD, RN, NEA-BC,CNE,FAAN

Donna M. (Costello) Nickitas, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, CNE, FNAP, FAAN Dr. Nickitas is the Executive Officer of the Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Program at the Graduate Center, City University of New York and a Professor in the Hunter-Bellevue School of Nursing at Hunter College. Prior to her appointment as Executive Officer. From 2003-2010, Dr. Nickitas served as the Graduate Specialty Coordinator for the first dual degree Master in Science/Master in Public Administration between Hunter College and Baruch College. She is the principal investigator of health information technology initiative, New York City Nursing Education Consortium in Technology (NYCNECT), from the Health Services Administration. Dr. Nickitas is the editor of Nursing Economic$, Journal for Health Care Leaders, a Roosevelt House Associate Fellow in Public Policy at Hunter College and is a 2015-2016 Faculty Fellow for the Academic Center for Excellence in Research & Teaching (ACERT). Dr. Nickitas is the Co-Chair of the American Academy of Nursing, Raise the Voice Campaign Committee, Board member of Sigma Theta Tau National Honor Society of Nursing Building Corporation Committee and an appointed faculty member to the STTI Experienced Nursed Faculty Leadership Academy. She is the immediate past President of the Alpha Phi Chapter, Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing Dr. Nickitas is an elected fellow of the American Academy of Nursing, fellow of the National Academies of Practice and a fellow of the New York Academy of Medicine. She is the 2015 recipient of the National League for Nursing Mary Nutting Award for Outstanding Teaching or Leadership in Nursing Education Dr. Nickitas earned a B.S. in Nursing from SUNY Stony Brook University, a M.A. in Nursing from New York University, and a PhD in Nursing from Adelphi University.

Rachel Onello, PhD, RN, CHSE, CNE, CNL

Rachel Onello PhD, RN, CHSE, CNE, CNL is an Assistant Professor at the University of Maryland School of Nursing in Baltimore, MD. She has taught in simulation-based education since 2008 and has experience in designing, integrating, and evaluating simulation in healthcare education. In her previous role as Assistant Director of the Debra L. Spunt Clinical Simulation Laboratories at the University of Maryland School of Nursing, Dr. Onello facilitated the expansion of simulation curricula for undergraduate nursing courses. She has also served as lab and clinical coordinator for entry-level courses where she was responsible for the orientation, faculty development, training, and formative assessment of lab and clinical instructors. In her current role, Dr. Onello engages in simulation-based teaching in clinical and didactic courses for entry level nursing students. She also co-teaches faculty development workshops on debriefing for simulation faculty in academic and clinical practice. Rachel Onello received training on simulation and debriefing through Harvard’s Center for Medical Simulation. Her current work focuses on applying structured models of debriefing to clinical learning environments with a focus on faculty development among clinical instructors. She was named a 2014-2015 National League for Nursing Jonas Scholar for her work in faculty development of clinical feedback skills and was funded by the Maryland Higher Education Commission and by the Jonas Foundation. Her recent publications in peer reviewed journals focus on the use of a standardized framework for the design, implementation, and evaluation of clinical simulation in nursing education, as well as risk sensitization and outcome measurement within educational simulation. She is frequently involved in designing and delivering faculty development workshops on foundational debriefing skills, improving feedback in clinical learning, and using structured models to improve debriefing.

Beth Cusatis. Phillips, PhD, RN, CNE

Beth Cusatis Phillips, PhD, RN, CNE is an Assistant Professor at Duke University School of Nursing. Beth has taught at the community college and university levels since 1996. Her area of research is on clinical decision making in undergraduate nursing students. Other interests Beth has are on clinical instruction, preparing novice educators and teaching strategies that improve nursing education and preparation for practice.

Joan Rich, DNP,RN,PHN,FCN

Dr. Joan Rich is the Vice President of the School of Nursing (SON) at Rasmussen College and oversees approximately 3600 students, 18 SON Deans, two Regional Deans and 200 plus faculty and staff. The SON encompasses 18 physical on-ground campuses located in five states, as well as one National online campus, the SON offers a suite of nursing programs. She joined Rasmussen in 2012 as the Director of Curriculum for the SON and shortly moved into her role as Vice President of Nursing, after completing the RN to BSN program online revisions, along with successfully applying and receiving CCNE accreditation. Her professional experience includes; acute care nursing in NICU, PICU and the emergency department, school nursing, public health nurse consultant, health policy advocate, and holistic care of clients and their families. She developed a passion for teaching and leadership and turned to academia in 1999. Dr. Rich received her undergraduate nursing degree from the College of St. Scholastica, Masters from the University of MN, with a focus in Public Health, and her Doctorate in Nursing Practice from Johns Hopkins University with a focus on Education and Health Policy. Additionally, she completed the Nurse Educator Certificate program at Johns Hopkins University, obtained her Faith Certified Nurse certificate from Concordia College and is certified as a Public Health Nurse. In 2007 she organized and continues to serve as the facilitator for the Northern MN Postpartum Depression (PPD) support group which advocates and assists women who are struggling with mental health issues related to PPD. Dr. Rich was appointed to the National ATI Advisory Board in 2014 and she was also appointed as an NLN Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (CNEA) on-site evaluator in 2015.

Barbara Richardson, PhD, RN

Barbara Richardson, PhD, RN Director, Interprofessional Education & Research Washington State University, Health Sciences o PhD, Washington State University, Spokane, WA (2010) o MN, University of Washington, Seattle, WA (1981) o BSN, University of Colorado, Denver, CO (1977) Dr. Richardson is the Director of Interprofessional Education and Research at the Washington State University Health Sciences campus in Spokane., WA. Her clinical background is pediatric intensive care with special interests in health care ethics and research related to the effects of insufficient sleep in youth. She previously taught in the baccalaureate nursing programs at Seattle University and the University of Washington. She has extensive experience serving on non-profit boards, facilitating leadership training programs, and has been influential in K-12 education policy development as an elected school board member for Spokane Public Schools. Dr. Richardson currently collaborates with colleagues from four universities to create and implement interprofessional learning opportunities for students across 12 health professional programs. Dr. Richardson is the CO-PI for a HRSA-Advanced Nursing Education grant focused on developing a longitudinal team-based collaborative practice initiative that pairs teams of students (MD, DNP, PharmD, MSW, RD) with a (standardized) patient living with multiple chronic conditions. She is the PI on a SAMSHA funded training grant to implement SBIRT training (Screening, Brief Intervention, & Referral to Treatment for substance abuse) with interprofessional teams of primary providers, faculty, preceptors, residents, and students. Some of the other interprofessional initiatives Dr. Richardson facilitates include the IP Odyssey (new student orientation), Health Care Team Challenge, Community Action Poverty simulation, Death Over Dinner and various IP faculty development workshops.

Karin Roberts, PhD, RN, CNE

Dr. Karin Roberts has more than 30 years of experience in nursing education. She earned a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Nursing and a PhD in Education from the University of Kansas. She began her career in nursing education as an instructor at Research School of Nursing and actively participated in their transition from diploma education to baccalaureate and graduate education. Dr. Roberts served as Director of their Accelerated Program for Second Degree students for several years before joining ATI. She has extensive expertise in instructional strategies, curriculum and program development, and online education. Dr. Roberts remains an adjunct professor at Research College of Nursing, teaching online graduate courses in the nurse educator track. She also serves as a CCNE Accreditation Site Visitor and is a Certified Nurse Educator. Karin assisted with the development of the Curriculum Management and Articulation Program, or C-MAP, and has provided consultation services for a number of schools across the country. Dr. Roberts consults with all levels of programs, facilitates development and revision of curricula, supports schools transitioning to a concept-based curriculum, as well as guides the development of program evaluation plans and tools that prepare programs for state board review and accreditation.

Charlene Romer, PhD, MS, RN

Charlene Romer, PhD, RN, is a passionate nurse educator with more than 20 years of experience in her field, 15 of which have been spent in the world of virtual instruction. As a curriculum consultant with ATI Nursing, Dr. Romer is committed to sharing her expertise and partnering with educators across the country. She works under the philosophy that the more she can assist her clients, the more effective they will be at producing skilled, job-ready nurses, which in turn raises the level of quality in patient care. In her role at ATI, Dr. Romer has developed active instructional strategies that are aimed at improving students’ clinical reasoning and clinical judgment skills, and she has assisted institutions in developing or revising their curriculum to incorporate current initiatives such as the BSN essentials, QSEN and NLN competencies. Dr. Romer holds a PhD in Nursing along with diploma, bachelor, and master degrees. Her experience spans the classroom, administration and participation in leadership committees in her field. Over the last several years, Dr. Romer has been actively involved in the curriculum development and student learning outcomes that directly support program outcomes. She has been active in the design/redesign of courses for virtual delivery and the transition of course materials to an virtual and/or blended format. She is also adept at the integration of eLearning tools such as Adobe Captivate, Second Life and Wimba. Dr. Romer has experience in virtual course layout/design and in the loading of course material onto Learning Management Systems (LMS) such as Blackboard and eColleJage. A known expert in her field, Dr. Romer has over the course of her career served as chair of curriculum committees, participated in the conversion of a diploma program to a baccalaureate degree granting, single purpose institution, the development of a virtual master’s program, and an accelerated bachelor’s degree program for second degree students. Dr Romer was awarded her registered nurse diploma from the Blessing Hospital School of Nursing and her bachelor’s degree from Quincy University in Quincy, Ill. She was awarded her master’s in medical-surgical nursing from University of Illinois, in Peoria and her PhD from the University of Missouri in Columbia.

Margaret Rowberg, DNP, APRN-BC

Margaret (Peggy) J. Rowberg, DNP, APRN-BC Peggy is the Director of the School of Nursing and a professor at California State University, Chico. She taught leadership/management in the BSN and MSN programs for nine years. She was also the pre-nursing advisor for the more than 7 years. Previously, she was the Academic Coordinator for the MSN/FNP program at Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, CA. She has authored four chapters on advanced practice nursing in Professional Issues in Nursing: Challenges and Opportunities (Huston, 2006, 2010, 2013, & 2016) and has published and presented on leadership and weight management. Professional affiliations include Sigma Theta Tau, the International Honor Society of Nursing, the California Association for Nurse Practitioners (CANP), and the American College of Nurse Practitioners. Peggy was on the Board of Directors for CANP for ten years and was its state President from 2004-2006. She is the secretary of the Board of Directors for Nursing Knowledge International of Sigma Theta Tau International.

Lori Schroeder, MA

Lori Schroeder is currently the Director of Accreditation Services for the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Lori has been in her current role at CCNE since 2011. Lori has her baccalaureate degree in Communications from American University and her Master’s Degree in Education from The Ohio State University. Lori has worked in the field of healthcare accreditation since 1998.

Sheryl K. Sommer, PhD, RN, CNE

With nursing education expertise and overall strategic acumen, Sheryl K. Sommer, PhD, RN, CNE, is the ideal leader for ATI Nursing’s consulting organization. As vice president for faculty and institution services, she is responsible for the overall management of consultation activities as well as creating the strategy to address current needs in nursing education. Dr. Sommer is a former administrator and instructor for some of the Midwest’s finest nursing schools. She was an associate professor and served as chair of the baccalaureate nursing program at Creighton University. Dr. Sommer was also associate dean for undergraduate nursing programs at Loyola University. While at Loyola, Dr. Sommer was honored as the outstanding nursing faculty member of the year and was actively involved in interprofessional education. Dr. Sommer’s success and experience in administration and the classroom have given her a sound understanding of the needs of nursing education at all levels and an innate ability to help ATI Nursing clients strategize and put in place educational solutions that are best for them and their students. She has put her knowledge to use for clients in areas such curriculum development, concept-based curriculums, active instructional strategies and more. Dr. Sommer has been instrumental in resource development for such ATI marquee products as Nurses Touch and Real Life Clinical Reasoning Scenarios. Dr. Sommer is an active industry professional, serving on the Editorial Board for the Journal of Nursing Education as well as Teaching and Learning in Nursing. She served on the NCLEX Examination Item Development Panel for the National Council of State Boards of Nursing and as a project participant for the Council of Independent Colleges Service Learning Project. Dr. Sommer holds membership in Sigma Theta Tau, the American Nurses Association, the Organization for Associate Degree Nursing and the National League for Nursing.

Marsal Stoll, BSN, MSN, EdD

Marsal P. Stoll, EdD began her appointment as Chief Executive Officer at ACEN on December 1, 2014 and is leading the Commission in providing services that are proven to anticipate and be responsive to the needs of nursing education programs throughout the U.S., U.S. territories, and internationally. Prior to joining ACEN Dr. Stoll was a vice president for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Dr. Stoll was president of Coleman College for Health Sciences, Houston Community College (Houston, TX) and also served as interim president at Lord Fairfax Community College, (Middletown, VA). She holds a BS in Nursing from D’Youville College, and MS in Nursing and EdD in Educational Administration from the State University of New York at Buffalo. Dr. Stoll started her career as a registered nurse at Deaconess Hospital in Buffalo, New York. She taught nursing at Niagara County Community College for ten years before becoming the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, Curriculum Development and Evaluation at NCCC. From 1999 to 2005, Dr. Stoll was Vice President of Instruction and Student Services at Piedmont Virginia Community College in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Catherine Todero, PhD, RN, FAAN

Catherine Todero, PhD, RN, FAAN is Dean and Professor of Nursing at Creighton University in Omaha, NE. Dr. Todero has held educational leadership roles for many years in the Omaha area and also in San Diego. As an Associate Dean for the University of Nebraska Medical Center, College of Nursing in Omaha NE, Dr. Todero partnered with a regional service group, Cosmopolitan International, to launch a mobile nursing center. The center providing nursing services to vulnerable populations and others throughout Nebraska and afforded educational opportunities for both graduate and undergraduate nursing students. As the Director of the School of Nursing at San Diego State University in San Diego, CA, Dr. Todero partnered with VA San Diego Medical Center to establish one of the first four VA Nursing Academic Partnerships in the country. One goal of this partnership was to educate more nurses for the VA system and to provide support and funding for nursing education required. Dr. Todero recently co-authored the publication “Academic-Practice Partnerships: A Tale of Two Cultures” in the August 2015 issue of Nursing Management.

Elisabeth Turingan, MSN/MHA, RN

Elisabeth Turingan, MSN/MHA,N is a nurse educator for Integration Services at ATI Nursing Education. Elisabeth holds a Master’s of Science in Nursing and Health Administration. She has held faculty positions that provide her with knowledge in traditional Associate Degree Nursing programs in the Public and private sector. During which time she served on the Western California Associate Colleges (WASC) committee for the nursing program. Elisabeth was able to focus on providing evidence to support Student Learning Outcomes (SLO’s), Program Learning Outcomes (PLO’s), and Institutional Learning Outcomes (ILO’s) through the Curriculum. Since Joining ATI in 2012, Elisabeth has worked with nursing programs across the United States, assisting them with maximizing their use of the ATI supplemental resources. Elisabeth has presented workshops on the ATI Academy to promote Active Teaching strategies.

Terry Valiga, EdD, RN, CNE, ANEF, FAAN

Dr. Terry Valiga received her bachelor’s degree from Trenton State College and her Master of Education and Doctor of Education degrees (both in Nursing Education) from Teachers College, Columbia University. She currently is a Professor and Director of the Institute for Educational Excellence at the Duke University School of Nursing. Immediately prior to her appointment at Duke, Terry served as the Chief Program officer at the NLN; before that, she served on the faculty and held administrative positions in 5 universities over a 26-year period: Trenton State College, Seton Hall University, Georgetown University, Villanova University, and Fairfield University, where she was the Dean of the School of Nursing for four years. Terry has completed research related to student learning, cognitive/intellectual development, curriculum design, leadership development, as well as student evaluations of courses and teachers, and has received grants to support her scholarly endeavors. She has published extensively and co-authored five books: the nurse educator in academe, using the arts and humanities to teach nursing, clinical nursing education, achieving excellence in nursing education, and leadership, a book now in its 4th edition. In addition, she has presented papers and workshops at national and international conferences and served as a consultant to many schools of nursing throughout the US, as well as in Canada, Japan, Bermuda, and China. Additionally, she has provided leadership in several professional organizations, including service on national governing boards. In recognition of her leadership and her sustained contributions to nursing scholarship and nursing education, Dr. Valiga has received several prestigious national awards including Sigma Theta Tau’s Elizabeth Russell Belford Founders Award for Excellence in Nursing Education and the National League for Nursing’s Outstanding Leadership in Nursing Education Award, and she been inducted into the Academy of Nursing Education and the American Academy of Nursing.