Board Certified!

Welcome to my Academic Portfolio.
Career update:  On November 19, 2018 I became a Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, board certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.  
Learn more about Nurse Practitioners in Arizona here. 
Find out how to become a patient here. 

Introduction
​Hello and welcome to my website!
​
This is me out enjoying nature at Lynx Lake in Prescott, Arizona.

I love the beautiful four seasons here and enjoy being outside, near water and trees. Lynx Lake reminds me of where I grew up (Minnesota), minus the cold, the snow, and the ice!

I'm a NURSE by profession and a teacher at heart.

I find joy inspiring my students and strive to have my teaching feel like the ultimate nourishment for mind, body, and spirit. Learning should be experienced by more than just the frontal lobe and neuroscience backs me up! Whole brain learning exceeds memorization of facts in the development of neural pathways in the brain (http://www.nurses2teachers.com/tips-for-learning.html).
 
I have been called "a natural teacher" and my classes have been described as having wisdom and depth. One participant said, “Your heart is in your teaching” and I feel that this is true for me.
​
When I'm not in front of a class (or teaching online), you can find me out in nature in Prescott or experimenting with new healthy recipes in the kitchen!

What's it like to take my class?

The best way to find out (beyond taking one of my classes) is to hear what students say.
Here are a few comments students have mentioned in feedback about my academic classes:
"Prompt, relevant, encouraging feedback"

"Passionate about teaching"

"Makes learning enjoyable (these were 'painful' classes!)"

"Humor(ous), cheery"
"Knowledgeable"
"Open to questions"

"Punctual with responding to questions/email"
"Responds very promptly & relays an encouraging attitude"

"Charming"(it's true), from a student!

"Wonderful teacher"
"Organized"
"Pleasant"
"Helpful" 
"Caring"

"Approachable"
"Understanding"
"Patient"

"Helps the class connect"
"Enthusiastic"
"Cares about others' success"

It it all true? Well, my students think so.
​
​You'll have to take a class to find out for yourself!

Academic Portfolio

As a part of the faculty review process for Yavapai College, I am keeping an online portfolio.
Reviewers will find examples of my syllabi below.
​The remaining categories of my portfolio are available in print on request. 

Syllabi

Curriculum Vitae

Mission & Vision
 
My mission is to provide a safe and challenging environment for learners to excel. Holding the tension and allowing reflection stimulates critical and independent thinking, preparing students to engage in the nursing profession in our current, complex health care environment.  My vision is seamless transition from theory to practice along with higher education and life-long learning for nurses in every setting.

Registered Nurse Skill Set

Healthcare Leadership and Education. Demonstrated competency in the following skills:
  • Educator:  Provide an appropriate climate for learning and facilitate the adult learning process
  • Leader:  Provide and support the organizational and administrative structures to achieve department and organizational goals
  • Researcher:  Design, create, and apply relevant research for practice
  • Consultant:  Assist with the integration of new learning into the practice environment and to serve as a resource for professional growth and development of other personnel
  • Facilitator:  Assist in identifying learning needs and effective learning activities required to meet those needs
  • Change Agent:  Create change within organization, community,  or at national/international levels

Nurse Educator Specializing in Nursing Professional Development, based on the American Nurses Association (ANA) Standard of Practice (2010):
  • Assessment for Potential Educational Needs
  • Identification of Issues and Trends to Determine Learning Needs
  • Identification of Desired Educational Outcomes
  • Planning to Achieve Expected Outcomes
  • Implementation of Identified Plan
  • Coordination of Educational Initiatives
  • Promotion of Positive Learning and Practice Environments
  • Consultation to Influence Change
  • Evaluation of Progress Toward Outcomes
 
Education
  • Master of Science in Nursing: Leadership in Health Care Systems, Education Focus; Graduate Certificate in Health Care Education. Regis University, Denver, Colorado. Degree Conferred 2008
  • Bachelor of Science, Nursing. Excelsior College, Albany, New York. Degree Conferred 1999
  • Associate of Applied Science, Nursing. Yavapai College, Prescott, Arizona. Degree Conferred 1992
 
Academic Honors
  • Graduated with Honors from Yavapai College, 1992
  • Graduated Summa Cum Laude from Excelsior College, 1999
  • Graduate Honors from Regis University, 2008

Teaching Experience
  • Yavapai College, Prescott, Arizona, Faculty, Clinical Nurse Educator
  • Northern Arizona VA Health Care System, Prescott, Arizona, Supervisory & Leadership Development Courses; General and Nursing New Employee Orientation
  • Grand Canyon University, Phoenix, Arizona, Online Adjunct Faculty
  • Yavapai Regional Medical Center, Prescott, Arizona, Nurse Extern Program Coordinator/Educator; Mentor Workshop Facilitator; Staff Development; Nursing Orientation
  • Providence Sound Home Care, Olympia, Washington, Staff Education for Documentation and Reimbursement
  • Nurses Network Home Health, Prescott Valley, Arizona, Staff Orientation/Continuing Education for Documentation and Reimbursement
 
Committees
  • Arizona Nurses Association Continuing Education Committee, Chair. 2006-2017.

Academic Courses Taught
Undergraduate
  • Clinical Nursing Instruction, First & Second Year Nursing Students, Associate Degree Program, Yavapai College, Prescott, Arizona
  • HLT 250 Health Care Systems and Transcultural Health Care, Grand Canyon University, Phoenix, Arizona
  • HLT 302 Spirituality and Christian Values in Health Care and Wellness, Grand Canyon University, Phoenix, Arizona
  • AHS 114 Nursing Assistant Training
  • HIM 240 Disease Process (Pathophysiology)
  • HIM 173 Legal & Ethical Aspects of Health Information Management
  • AHS 140 Pharmacology
  • AHS 130 Medical Terminology for Patient Care Staff
 
Related Work Experience
  • Faculty, Allied Health, Yavapai College, Prescott, Arizona. 2014 to 2018. Courses of instruction: Nursing Assistant Training, Disease Process (Pathophysiology for Allied Health Professionals), Legal & Ethical Aspects of Health Information Management; Pharmacology; Medical Terminology for Patient Care Staff.
  • Clinical Nurse Educator, Associate Degree Program, Yavapai College, Prescott, Arizona.  2013-2014. Instruction of third semester nursing students in clinical rotations at Yavapai Regional Medical Center.
  • Program Manager, Education & Training Service Line. Designated Learning Officer & Acting Designated Education Officer for Northern Arizona VA Health Care System, Prescott, Arizona. 2011-2013. Oversight of the development, coordination, delivery and tracking of education and training for a medical center and off-campus clinics. Point of contact for a grant funding the implementation of a Simulation Lab with delivery of televised medical education in Women's Health to remote locations using a high fidelity manikin, one of only two manikins issued under the government grant. Oversight of new employee orientation, facilitator in new supervisor training, VA Mentor Certified, Green Belt Lean Trained, and oversight of VA's Talent Management System (TMS). Developed and  implemented an Education and Training Program Manual to coordinate access, content, delivery, evaluation, and improvement of education & training for all NAVAHCS employees.
  • Adjunct Faculty, Grand Canyon University, Phoenix, AZ. 2010-2011. Online instruction for College of Health Sciences.
  • Registered Nurse, Yavapai Regional Medical Center, Prescott, Arizona, 1994-1995, 1996, 2002-2011.   Direct patient care and relief charge nurse, medical surgical patients; RN float pool hospital-wide. In 2006, assumed new position as Nurse Extern Program Coordinator until the program discontinuance in 2009. In 2009, assumed RN Clinical Education Specialist position. Educator duties included development and implementation of a Mentor Program and Mentor Training Workshop for more than 250 RNs and other patient care staff, Nursing Student liaison, Nursing Orientation, and computer-based learning module creation for Swank Learning Management System.
  • Adjunct Faculty/Instructional Specialist, Yavapai Community College, Prescott, Arizona, 2003-2006. Instruction of second and third semester nursing students in clinical rotations, skills competency check-offs, participated in development and implementation of patient care simulation exercises.
  • Prescott Valley Urgent Care, Prescott Valley, AZ, 2004-2005. Triage nurse in urgent care setting.
  • Director of Quality and Medical Records, Nurses Network, Prescott, Arizona, 1996-2000 & 2001-2002.  Coordinate and provide in-home services; company-wide documentation review and multi-discipline staff education for quality assurance and reimbursement for three offices.
  • Manager of Reimbursement Documentation, Providence Sound Home Care, Olympia, Washington, 2000-2001.  Ensure reimbursement for home health services, appeal payment denials, multi-discipline staff education related to documentation; hiring, supervision and orientation of intake/referral and case management departments; oversight of data encoding and transmission for Medicare and Medicaid claims.
  • Registered Nurse, Unity Hospital/Allina Healthcare Systems, Fridley, Minnesota, 1996.  Primary care nursing in 15 bed intensive care unit.
  • Registered Nurse, Arizona Heart Institute, Prescott, Arizona, 1992-1994.  Initial patient history and testing for Pulmonologist evaluation.
  • Licensed Practical Nurse, Registered Nurse, Veterans Administration Medical Center, 1991-1993.  Acute Care (Licensed Practical Nurse), Night Charge Nurse (Registered Nurse).
 
Non-CEU/Non-Traditional Training & Education
Seven years of study in Eastern Philosophy and Traditional Yoga, Ayurveda, and Meditation including study at the following trainings and workshops:
  • 2009 - Renewal Weekend, Denver. The Chopra Center’s introduction to Meditation, Ayurveda, and Yoga.
  • 2009-2010 - Hatha & Integral Yoga Teacher Training, Prescott. Nine month immersion in Yoga with an emphasis on Ayurveda.
  • 2009 - Mantra and Meditation, Sedona. Dr. David Frawley (Vamadeva Shastri) and Shambavi small group instruction on the relevance of Yoga instruction in the US as it relates to the ancient practice intent. Emphasis on mantra repetition and usefulness in today’s world. Additional small group instruction in yoga breath and asana from Rama Jyoti Vernon.
  • 2010 - Journey into Healing, Phoenix. The Chopra Center’s week-long premier course in Ayurveda including instruction from David Simon and Deepak Chopra, co-founders of the Chopra Center in Carlsbad, CA, Dr. David Frawley (Vamadeva Shastri), and other leaders in U.S. Ayurveda teachings.
  • 2010 - Seduction in Spirit, Whistler, BC. The Chopra Center’s premier week-long meditation retreat.
  • 2011 - Seduction of Silence, Sedona, AZ. The Chopra Center’s immersion in advanced techniques to deepen the meditation experience.
  • 2010 - Sedona Meditation Company: Intro to Ayurveda.
  • 2011 – Yoga Shala, Prescott: Ayurveda Course.
  • 2011 - Free to Love, Carlsbad, CA. Taught by Dr. David Simon and the Chopra Center Staff, this intense 3-Day course teaches techniques in releasing negative patterns and integrating a loving approach to relationships and life.
  • 2011 - Conflict Resolution using the Yoga Sutras, Sedona. Three day immersion in the cycle of relationship and the Enneagram as it relates to Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, instructed by Ruth Hartung (Shrada), owner of 7 Centers Yoga in Sedona.
  • 2012 - Sanskrit Origins of Yoga and Chanting (March, 2012) by Nicolai Bachman, Phoenix. Three day immersion in correct pronunciation of Sanskrit and the value it carries to enliven mantra and preserve the integrity of the Yoga Tradition.
  • 2012 - Sanskrit Chanting webinar with Nicholai Bachman
  • 2012-2014 - Ayurveda Health Educator course (500 hour). Home study. Dr. David Frawley (Vamadeva Shastri)
  • 2013 – Journey into Healing, Carlsbad, CA with Dr. Deepak Chopra and Dr. Andrew Weil (received 18 CEUs)
  • 2013 - Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras Retreat with Nicolai Bachman. 12 hours continuing education credit.
  • 2013-2014 - Integrative Nutrition Health Coach Certification Course.  Over 100 dietary theories and the concepts of primary foods and bio-individuality.
  • 2015 – 200-Hour Hatha Yoga Teacher Training at 7 Centers Yoga in Sedona, Arizona

Updated October, 2019