Candidate Statement

I am honored to seek nomination for the position of Director for the Southwest Region of the Organization for Associate Degree Nursing (OADN). My journey in nursing education has been grounded in a strong commitment to student success, evidence-based teaching, and advocacy for the essential role of associate degree nursing programs.

I currently serve as full-time nursing faculty and Assistant Nursing Director at Estrella Mountain Community College, where I teach maternity nursing in both didactic and clinical settings. Prior to joining EMCC, I spent more than a decade teaching in baccalaureate prelicensure nursing programs in Texas while remaining actively engaged in maternal-newborn nursing practice and patient education. During my five years in ADN education here in Arizona, I have gained an even deeper appreciation for the transformative impact ADN programs provide to students, families, and communities. Supporting students throughout their educational journeys has strengthened my growth as both a nurse educator and leader.

I am a Certified Nurse Educator and have contributed nationally as a subject matter expert for nursing education publishers and NCLEX item development. My involvement with OADN has included conference participation and presenting a poster on implementing a Just Culture approach in nursing simulation and clinical learning.

As a military spouse who has lived and practiced in diverse settings around the world, I bring adaptability, collaboration, and an appreciation for diverse perspectives. I would be honored to continue growing within OADN while supporting its mission and advocating for associate degree nursing education across the Southwest region.