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Experts Interviewed on NursingColleges.com
Brandon Uribe is a dedicated and skilled medical-surgical nurse. He holds a BSN from Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) and an ADN from Clatsop Community College. He has built a commendable career focused on providing exceptional acute care to general medical and surgical patients.
With a specialization that includes telemetry, Uribe’s expertise allows him to offer high-quality care to patients experiencing a wide range of conditions requiring surgical intervention and medical management.
Dr. Catherine Paradiso is an assistant professor at the College of Staten Island City University of New York School of Health Science. She is also an adult nurse practitioner and psychiatric nurse practitioner with a history of diverse experience in advanced practice and senior leadership roles within the nursing community. She is a member of several professional associations, such as the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and the New York State Nurse Practitioner Association. Dr. Paradiso is also an inductee of the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society. Her commitment to nursing excellence and community service has earned her many awards and recognitions.
Her scholarly contributions, particularly in transgender health, underscore Dr. Paradiso’s passion for emerging health needs and underrepresented populations. Her research has been widely recognized and presented at various regional conferences. Her education, which includes a DNP from the University of Buffalo and multiple degrees from institutions such as Stonybrook University and Rutgers University, complements her extensive publication record.
Cheryl Peterson is the Vice President of Nursing Programs at the American Nurses Association (ANA). She earned her BSN from the University of Cincinnati and her MSN from Georgetown University. In her role at the ANA, Peterson provides senior leadership to the departments responsible for guiding policy development and advises the ANA CEO, President, and membership on the full range of policy and practice issues facing the nursing profession.
As part of her policy portfolio, Peterson is responsible for managing ANA’s participation within the International Council of Nurses and supporting the development and implementation of quality indicators affecting patients, nurses, and the entire healthcare team. Since coming to ANA in 1990, she has developed expertise in several areas, including political education and campaign involvement; lobbying issues related to labor, employment, trade, and immigration; and policy development on the supply of and demand for nursing services.
Dr. Christopher Blackwell is the director of the adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner program and associate professor at the University of Central Florida. In addition to being in academia, he has been an active nurse practitioner for more than 20 years, currently providing care in pulmonary critical care.
He has a dedicated interest in LGBTQ health. He has spent extensive time studying high-risk sexual decision-making in gay and bisexual men who meet online, HPV vaccination knowledge in gay and bisexual men, and levels of homophobia and attitudes among professional nurses regarding discrimination against LGBTQ nurses in the workplace. He is also the associate editor of the Journal for Nurse Practitioners.
Christopher Battelli is an oncology nurse at Palo Alto Medical Foundation, where he coordinates care for patients with cancer and blood disorders. Previously, he completed a nursing residency at Stanford Hospital, working in medical oncology and bone marrow transplant on an adjustable acuity unit. During his tenure at Stanford, Battelli was involved in committees focused on preventing bloodstream infections and promoting staff wellness, earning him the “Employee of the Quarter” award in Fall 2022. He also delivered the keynote speech at the Stanford Nurse Residency graduation, emphasizing the role of nurses as innovators in healthcare. Before his nursing career, Battelli graduated summa cum laude from the University of Colorado College of Nursing at Anschutz Medical Campus, receiving the Student Leadership Award in 2021.
Dr. Devon Noonan is Dorothy L. Powell Term Chair of Nursing and an associate professor at Duke University School of Nursing (DUSON). She received her BSN at Boston College, her MSN at Georgetown University, her MPH and PhD at the University of Virginia, and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Michigan.
Dr. Noonan’s research is focused on using community-engaged approaches to develop innovative health behavior change interventions, including digital interventions, to reduce risk for chronic diseases including cancer and cardiovascular disease. NCI has continuously funded her for the past five years to examine text-based intervention approaches for tobacco cessation in rural and medically underserved populations. Dr. Noonan teaches and mentors students across all programs at DUSON and is the co-director of the Duke National Clinician Scholars Program. She received the SNRS Mid-Career Researcher Award in 2023.
Dr. Elena Geiger-Simpson is a clinical assistant professor at the University of Minnesota School of Nursing. She earned her DNP from the University of Minnesota. As part of her role, she mentors, advises, and precepts DNP students. She also holds a certificate in integrative therapies and healing practices.
Dr. Geiger-Simpson has presented on a wide variety of topics related to psychiatry and mental health at nursing symposiums and conferences. In 2021, she received the DAISY Exceptional Mentor Award. She is a member of the Integrative Health and Healing (IHH) Knowledge Representation Research Team at UMN.
Dr. Felesia Bowen is a professor and associate dean for diversity, equity, and inclusion at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing. She earned her DNP in nursing education from Fairleigh Dickinson University and her PhD in nursing science from Columbia University.
Dr. Bowen began her nursing career as an Army Nurse serving in the first Gulf War, participating in Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm. She was awarded medals for Meritorious Service, the Liberation of Kuwait, and the Southwest Asia Ribbon with three oak leaf clusters.
A nationally certified pediatric nurse practitioner and educator, Dr. Bowen is a fellow of the American Academy of Nursing with expertise in pediatric healthcare and health disparities. She has been recognized at the municipal, state, and national level, including two terms of service as a member of the National Academy of Science Engineering and Medicine Forum for Children’s Well-Being. She was recently featured in several episodes of the National Academy of Medicine’s Future of Nursing podcast.
Dr. Ginny Moore is director of the women’s health and gender-related NP specialty at Vanderbilt School of Nursing, where she is also a professor. She is a board-certified WHNP whose special interest is populations at risk for health disparities. She has taught at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing since 1990, while practicing in diverse settings that include family planning, sexual assault examination, private practice, and community-based healthcare.
Dr. Moore currently serves as project director for the HRSA grant-supported development of sexual assault nurse examiner training for providers in rural communities. She serves on the National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health board of directors, the American Association of Nurse Practitioners Research Committee, and the Interprofessional Education Group of the Council on Resident Education in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Jennifer Graebe is the director of the NCPD and Joint Accreditation programs at the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). She received her MSN in leadership and health systems management from Drexel University, her baccalaureate degree in nursing from Villanova University, and a certificate in healthcare management, accounting, and economics from Johns Hopkins University. She is a DrPH candidate in education and public health and a co-investigator with the Global Strategic Operatives for the Eradication of Human Trafficking.
Graebe serves as the vice-chair for the Competency-Based Education Network board of directors (BOD), is a BOD for the Academy for Forensic Nursing, and is the chair of the Alliance Board of Director Nominating Committee. She is part-time faculty at Capella University in the School of Nursing and Health Sciences and adjunct faculty at the Villanova University M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing.
Graebe is a published author, and a seasoned presenter both in the US and internationally. She is a peer reviewer and associate editor for the Journal of Continuing Education. Graebe has held positions in leadership at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital as a Clinical Educator and Clinical Manager in the Emergency Department.
Dr. Jessica Peck is a clinical professor at the Baylor University Louise Herrington School of Nursing (LHSON) and a nationally recognized anti-human trafficking advocate. She currently serves as a lead medical consultant for Unbound Houston; in the past, she served as the founding chair of the Alliance for Children in Trafficking (ACT) and started the ACT Advocates grassroots advocacy program, training tens of thousands of nursing professionals at the local, state, national, and international level to respond to human trafficking in their communities. Dr. Peck worked with the US Office of Health and Human Services and the National Human Trafficking Training and Technical Assistance Center to author the first federally issued Core Competencies for health response to trafficking.
Dr. Jessica Peck has served in elected leadership in various professional organizations, including American Association of Nurse Practitioners (Region 6 Director); National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (President); and Texas Nurse Practitioners. In 2019, she was honored as Texas Nurse Practitioner of the Year and inducted as a fellow in the American Academy of Nursing and the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.
John Heymach is co-founder and chief clinical officer of Next Move Healthcare, which specializes in providing staffing solutions for nurses, allied health professionals, and other essential personnel, ensuring that healthcare facilities can continue providing exceptional patient care. He has 15 years of experience on the healthcare industry’s clinical and staffing side, having worked in the ER, telemetry, neuro-trauma, ICU, and more.
Heymach serves as the primary liaison between Next Move’s clinicians and employers, including hospitals, to establish relationships and mitigate any issues. He is a National Nurse Daisy Award winner, a 2019 Neuro Star ICU Award Winner, and a 2012 MNU Nursing Leadership Award winner.
Julie Samms MN, RN (she/they) has been the Nursing Dean and Director of the Nursing program at Bellingham Technical College since 2016. Under her leadership, BTC’s Nursing Program has focused on increasing accessibility to nursing pathways by developing part-time and evening program options and implementing programs and resources to support non-traditional students to be successful in healthcare careers. She began her career as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) in 2006 and became a registered nurse (RN) in 2008. She also holds a master’s of nursing in nursing education.
Kate Judge is the executive director of the American Nurses Foundation. She has over 30 years of leadership experience in healthcare and non-profit communication, resource generation, and management. Her work has supported large and small organizations in education, healthcare, and human service within the United States and abroad.
Judge became the ED of the ANA, the philanthropic arm of the American Nurses Association and American Nurses Credentialing Center, in 2012, to lead its expansion. The Foundation, one of the first to invest in nursing research, now has a diverse program portfolio focusing on nurses’ health and the impact on patients, leadership development, health policy, and elevating the image of nurses. As ED, Judge helped launch the Nurses on Boards Coalition, the Healthy Nurse Healthy Nation campaign, and the Reimagining Nursing Initiative. She also served as an executive producer for Defining Hope, a 2017 documentary about end-of-life care and the unique expertise of nurses.
Katie Boston-Leary, PhD, MBA, MHA
Dr. Katie Boston-Leary is the director of nursing programs and co-lead for Project Firstline at the American Nurses Association (ANA). She has been an RN for 27 years, specializing and certified in perioperative nursing, nursing administration, and executive leadership. She is also adjunct faculty at the University of Maryland School of Nursing and adjunct faculty at the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing at Case Western Reserve University.
Dr. Boston-Leary has been invited to Capitol Hill in Washington, DC with the American Organization of Nurse Leaders to discuss the havoc of regulatory burden on hospitals. In 2019, she was identified by Health Leaders Journal as One of Five Chief Nursing Officers Changing Healthcare.
Dr. Kelli Garber is a clinical assistant professor and director of the DNP advanced practice program at Old Dominion University (ODU) School of Nursing. She is a pediatric primary care NP with over 27 years of experience, including private practice, school-based health, and virtual care.
Dr. Garber is a published author and an accomplished presenter on the topics of telehealth best practices, APRN telehealth practice, telehealth policy, telehealth education, and school-based telehealth. Prior to joining ODU, she was a seminal member of the Medical University of South Carolina School-based telehealth program, contributing to the development and expansion of the statewide program in SC.
Dr. Garber proudly serves as a member-at-large on the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP) Executive Board and as a member of the South Carolina Board of Nursing. She received her BSN at Johns Hopkins University, MSN at the University of Maryland, and DNP from Old Dominion University.
Dr. Laura G. Leahy is a board-certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatric and addictions advanced practice nurse and master clinician in psychopharmacology. She is an honors graduate of Duke University (BS), the University of Pennsylvania (BSN/MSN), and Drexel University (DNP). She founded her private practice, APNSolutions, LLC, in Sewell, NJ in January 2011.
As a clinician-educator with expertise in psychopharmacology and substance use disorders, Dr. Leahy has served as psychiatric NP program director and taught psychopharmacology at the university level.
Dr. Leahy is the current co-chair of the Addictions Council of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA) and represents nursing as a lead mentor for SAMHSA’s Providers Clinical Support System. She was inducted as a fellow in the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANO) in 2017 and in the American Academy of Nursing (AAN) in 2020.
Liset Herrera is a bilingual nurse practitioner with an impressive 24 years of diverse medical experience. Her expertise spans various healthcare settings, including hospitals, home health, long-term care, and case management. Herrera has covered multiple specialties, including mental health, cardiology, and dermatology. She is licensed as an AGNP in Wisconsin, demonstrating her commitment to delivering superior adult-gerontology care. She holds an MSN from Marquette University, a testament to her dedication to continuous learning. She is also fluent in Spanish and proficient with EPIC software.
Herrera’s professional tenure at Ascension All Saints Hospital in Racine, Wisconsin, has been marked by excellence. She has excelled in dermatology, gastroenterology, and cardiovascular care roles, managing complex cases, performing medical procedures, and providing compassionate, high-quality patient care.
Matthew Allen is a Director at Large on the Board of Directors for the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA), which represents over 42,000 members in New York State. He also works as a clinical nurse at Mount Sinai Hospital, in New York City. Allen received his BSN from the Columbia University School of Nursing in 2015.
Dr. Maureen Fagan is a double-certified women’s health and family nurse practitioner. She has compiled a lifetime of work as a nurse, nurse practitioner, and specialist in reproductive health, emphasizing adolescent high-risk pregnant girls and women. She spent most of her practice in OB-GYN, using her expertise to provide patient-centered care.
After graduating with a nursing diploma from Albany Memorial School of Nursing and obtaining women’s health and family nurse practitioner certifications, she went on to achieve a master’s in health administration and a doctorate in nursing practice from Simmons College. Most recently, she was employed as the chief nursing executive for the University of Miami Hospitals and Clinics Health System.
Dr. Michael E. Zychowicz is a clinical professor of nursing at Duke University School of Nursing (DUSON). He is also co-director for the Duke-Durham VA postgraduate primary care NP residency, and leads the veterans’ health specialty and the orthopedic NP specialty program that was developed with funding from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). Dr. Zychowicz served as an army reserve officer in the Army Nurse Corps between 1991 and 2005. Dr. Zychowicz is the editor of the books Orthopedic Nursing Secrets and Introduction to Orthopedic Nursing, and has published several journal articles and book chapters on various orthopedic topics. He received the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) Award for Excellence in 2007 and was also selected for the Outstanding Orthopedic Nurse Award by the National Association of Orthopedic Nurses (NAON).
Monica Cayemitte is the clinical manager at VNS Health—one of the country’s largest home and community health nonprofits. She started her career as a clinical field manager in the Queens region, quickly moving to a management role for the organization’s Maternity-Newborn Pediatrics (MNP) program and its Behavioral Health specialty programs in the Queens region. From there, she became branch director for VNS Health Home Care’s Westchester Region.
In 2020, Monica took on a new role as clinical manager for the nurse residency program and home care infusion and began collaborating with VNS Health’s Clinical Education department on improving the onboarding process for all new Home Care clinicians.
Dr. Nikia Grayson is the esteemed chief clinical officer at the Choices Center for Reproductive Health in Memphis, Tennessee. Recognized for her role in the revival of Black midwifery in the southern region, her efforts are centered on education and training. She is dedicated to broadening the range of birthing choices for Black mothers and birthing individuals.
Dr. Grayson is a devoted advocate for inclusive reproductive and social justice, tackling health inequities and systemic racism that pervade the healthcare system by delivering culturally sensitive care. Her impactful work has drawn recognition from various community platforms, organizations, educational establishments, and fellowship programs. Among these are the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Frontier Nursing University, and the Healthy Communities Fellowship.
Rachel Norton has been an RN since 2007 and has always worked in critical care, spending the first 12 years of her career based in Albany, working for a level I trauma center in their surgical neuroscience trauma ICU.
Norton also worked as a flight nurse for LifeNet of New York on various bases across the state, took on multiple travel assignments since 2010, and ultimately landed in Denver, where she remains per diem in the ICU at The Medical Center of Aurora. As a user researcher at National Hiring Marketplace Vivian Health, she advocates for healthcare workers and works to help bridge the gap between employee and employer expectations.
Rachel Stouffer, MSN, APRN, NP-C, is a distinguished nurse practitioner, and holds a BSN and MSN from West Virginia University (WVU). Currently serving at WVU Medicine’s Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute in the Movement Clinic since November 2021, Ms. Stouffer specializes in neurology movement disorders, conducting thorough patient evaluations, devising treatment plans, interpreting lab results, and managing patient inquiries and prescriptions. Her role is expanding to include programming and managing Deep Brain Stimulators as of February 2024.
Previously, she excelled as an RN in the Neurology Step-Down Unit at WVU Medicine, where from August 2017 to November 2021, she provided exceptional care for stroke patients. Additionally, Ms. Stouffer has enriched the nursing field through her contributions as a Clinical Instructor at the WVU School of Nursing, where she utilized varied teaching methods to engage students in critical thinking and skill acquisition, further showcasing her dedication to patient care and nursing education.
Dr. Rick Zoucha is the director of nursing education, professor, and chair of advanced role and PhD programs at Duquesne University School of Nursing. In addition, he is certified as a psychiatric-mental health clinical nurse specialist by the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
Dr. Zoucha’s research interests include understanding various phenomena related to health and well-being in the Nicaraguan, Mexican American, African American, and African refugee and immigrant communities. He has served as PhD dissertation chair for studies seeking to understand cultural care phenomena related to people of the Puerto Rican, Taiwanese, Mexican American, African American, Peruvian, Dominican, Appalachian, and homeless cultures globally.
Dr. Zoucha is a certified transcultural nurse-advanced and a fellow of the American Academy of Nursing and the Transcultural Nursing Society. He was inducted as a transcultural nursing scholar in 2004 and bestowed the Leininger Award in 1998.
Dr. Rushika Patel is the chief inclusion officer at the University of Michigan School of Nursing (UMSN). She has spent over 17 years in the education sector, both in the United States and abroad, where she has taught in various settings, such as Detroit Public Schools, Japan, and India, gaining diverse perspectives and experiences.
Additionally, Patel has worked on numerous diversity-related initiatives and directed the Women’s Center and Intercultural Center at the University of Michigan-Flint. Her research and publication interests focus on critical race, class, gender, and citizenship studies in education.
She holds a PhD in educational policy studies and organizational leadership from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, with a specialization in global studies in education; a master’s in education from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst with an emphasis in Education for social justice; and a bachelor’s in sociology, psychology, and English from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor with an emphasis in race, class, and gender studies.
Dr. Ruth Taylor-Piliae is a professor and the PhD program director (interim) in the College of Nursing at the University of Arizona. She is recognized internationally as a nurse scientist and mind-body exercise interventionist, with training in cardiovascular epidemiology and clinical trials. Her research is focused on promoting physical activity and improving patient-centered outcomes among older adults with heart disease and stroke through the implementation of innovative non-pharmacologic interventions such as Tai Chi.
Dr. Taylor-Piliae has received several teaching, research, and service awards, including the Suzanne Van Ort Peer Award for Graduate Teaching, the Extraordinary Faculty Award, the Distinguished Alumni Award from the Chinese University of Hong Kong, the Mathy Mezey Excellence in Aging Award from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Cardiovascular and Stroke Nursing Council, and the Award of Distinction for Excellence in Research from Sigma Theta Tau International, Beta Mu Chapter.
Dr. Ryan Shaw is the director of Duke University School of Nursing’s Health Innovation Lab, where he oversees the development and testing of new healthcare products. His lab provides an entrepreneurial environment where standards for care delivery processes are modeled and evaluated. Dr. Shaw is a renowned teacher and mentor, inspiring students to become future health scientists and clinicians.
Several agencies have funded his research, including the US National Institutes of Health, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, and the National Science Foundation. His work involves monitoring and augmenting patient care through wearables, sensors, and electronic health records. He holds a PhD in nursing science from Duke University.
Sothea Kness holds an associate degree in nursing (ADN) from Central Wyoming College and is the Director of Nursing at Westward Heights Care Center in Lander, Wyoming.
With a steadfast commitment to fostering an environment of compassion, integrity, and outstanding care, Kness oversees and directs the facility’s nursing team, ensuring that every resident receives the quality service and attention they deserve. Her role is pivotal, bridging the gaps between administration, department leaders, nursing staff, residents, and their families to achieve the nursing department’s goals. Under her guidance, the nursing team is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of care, driven by a collective mission to serve each resident with unmatched excellence.
Dr. Stacia Hays is associate dean for the online graduate program and clinical associate professor for the Baylor University Louise Herrington School of Nursing. She is also a board-certified pediatric nurse practitioner with an active pediatric practice and a current primary care editor for the Journal of Pediatric Health Care. She earned her MSN from the University of Texas at Austin and her DNP from the University of Florida.
Dr. Hays is the recipient of state, national, and international leadership and advocacy awards, including America’s Top 10 NP Award, a Florida Advocacy Icon Award, Nurse Practitioner of the Year, an Advocacy Scholar Award, and Emerging Nurse Leader. Dr. Hays is a fellow of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) and the current treasurer of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP).
Dr. Surani Hayre-Kwan is the director of professional practice and nursing excellence at Sutter Health in Sacramento, California. She is responsible for advancing professional practice throughout system affiliates. She provides leadership in professional development, clinical education, and training for nursing and advanced practice clinicians. She was previously the executive director of operations for the Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation.
Dr. Kwan has been a California Association for Nurse Practitioners (CANP) member for nearly 20 years and served as the association’s president for two terms. She is also a certified family nurse practitioner and a Fellow of the American Association for Nurse Practitioners and the American College of Healthcare Executives.
Dr. Tim Bruckner is a Professor of Public Health at the University of California Irvine and an expert in perinatal epidemiology.
He was trained in epidemiology at UC Berkeley and wrote his dissertation on the racial disparity associated with sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), where he found that Black infants have a much higher risk of SIDS compared to non-Hispanic White infants. His research continues to specialize in perinatal health and has expanded to include mental/behavioral health, which often has significant disparities along racial/ethnic and socioeconomic lines. Much of his work looks at exposures and antecedents to approximate a natural experiment that can improve our basic understanding of human biology and behavior. Overall, his research aims to inform public health practice and health policy, leading to improved outcomes for vulnerable populations.
Yessie Espinoza’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and determination. After graduating from Boise State University with a BSN, she overcame the challenges of being a first-generation, non-traditional college student and a mother, all while working full-time as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) for nine years. Her journey was not easy, but it was worth it.
Espinoza emerged from her academic journey more resilient, knowledgeable, and adaptable, a testament to her strength and dedication. Her passion for nursing has only grown, and she feels privileged to be part of such a noble profession. Despite the hardships and stressors, she cannot imagine a more fulfilling career.
Meet the Team
Jocelyn Blore
Chief Content Strategist, Editor, WriterJocelyn Blore is the chief content officer of Sechel Ventures and the co-author of the Women Breaking Barriers series. She graduated summa cum laude from UC Berkeley and traveled the world for five years. She also worked as an addiction specialist for two years in San Francisco. She’s interested in how culture shapes individuals and systems within societies—one of the many themes she writes about in her blog, Blore’s Razor (Instagram: @bloresrazor). She has served as managing editor and strategist for four nursing websites since 2015.
Seth Restaino
Co-Founder, Sechel VenturesIn 2013, Seth co-founded Sechel Ventures, where he wears many hats, including production and engineering. Prior to that, he built and sold a web design company (the precursor to Sechel), and held Director positions at a large media company and a marketing software company. Seth lives and works in California wine country.
Barry Franklin
Co-Founder, Sechel VenturesBefore co-founding Sechel Ventures Partners LLC, Barry Franklin was a VP at a Silicon Valley software company. Barry is married with two beautiful daughters. He and his wife met while attending Carnegie Mellon University, a hub of innovation. He is also an investor in several companies.
Bernd Geels
WriterBernd Geels is a Berlin, Germany-based freelance writer and artist. He holds an undergraduate degree in atmospheric science and two graduate degrees. He completed his most recent graduate degree in international environmental studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in 2011. He is interested in healthcare, climate change, marine conservation, indigenous science and refugee issues. You can reach him directly at [email protected].
Farheen Gani
WriterFarheen Gani is a freelance writer, marketer, and researcher. She writes about technology, education, and marketing. Her work has appeared on websites such as Tech in Asia and Foundr, as well as top SaaS blogs such as Zapier and InVision. You can connect with her on LinkedIn and Twitter (@FarheenGani).
Jennifer Latchford
Guest ContributorJennifer Latchford is a publicist with experience spanning multiple industries including health, real estate, technology, and entertainment. When not at work, she can be found writing, reading, or spending time outside. Jennifer is based in the New York metro area.
Johannes Stitz
WriterJohannes Stitz is a freelance writer and researcher based in the Southwest. He’s written about various topics in medical technology careers. Before turning to freelance writing, he spent nearly a decade in the arts as a booker and event manager.
Kimmy Gustafson
WriterThanks to her experience writing in healthcare, Kimmy Gustafson has delivered in-depth articles on timely topics for NursingColleges.com since 2022. Her aim is to assist both students and professionals in navigating the intricate process of selecting a nursing program and understanding the ever-evolving realm of nursing education.
Kimmy has been a freelance writer for more than a decade, writing hundreds of articles on a wide variety of topics such as startups, nonprofits, healthcare, kiteboarding, the outdoors, and higher education. She is passionate about seeing the world and has traveled to over 27 countries. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Oregon. When not working, she can be found outdoors, parenting, kiteboarding, or cooking.
Kristen Lewis
WriterKristen Lewis is a graduate student pursuing an M.A. in Speech-Language Pathology at West Chester University of Pennsylvania. A former educator, Kristen now uses her experience and passion for healthcare to inform readers.
Matt Zbrog
WriterMatt Zbrog is a writer and researcher from Southern California. Since 2018, he’s written extensively about the modern nursing workforce, conducting hundreds of interviews with nurse leaders, nurse educators, and nurse advocates to explore the issues that matter to them most. His Advocates to Know series focuses on nurse practitioners (NPs) who go above and beyond in changing policy and practice in important areas like veteran’s care, human trafficking prevention, and telehealth access. He regularly collaborates with subject matter experts from the American Nurses Association (ANA) and the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP) to elevate issues that empower nurses everywhere.
Nina Chamlou
WriterNina Chamlou is a freelance writer from Portland, OR. She writes about healthcare, psychology, economic trends, business, technology, digitization, supply chains, education, aviation, and travel. You can find her floating around the Pacific Northwest in diners and coffee shops, or traveling abroad, studying the locale from behind her MacBook. Visit her personal website at NinaChamlou.com.
Rachel Drummond, MEd
WriterAt NursingColleges.com, Rachel Drummond has applied her extensive experience in education and mindfulness to elucidate the importance of self-care for nursing students since 2022. Through her writings, she underscores the role of mental and physical well-being in fostering resilient and compassionate healthcare professionals.
Rachel is a writer, educator, and coach from Oregon. She has a master’s degree in education (MEd) and has over 15 years of experience teaching English, public speaking, and mindfulness to international audiences in the United States, Japan, and Spain. She writes about the mind-body benefits of contemplative movement practices like yoga on her blog, inviting people to prioritize their unique version of well-being and empowering everyone to live healthier and more balanced lives.
Sabrina Tillman
Guest ContributorSabrina Tillman has more than 20 years of experience writing, editing, and leading content teams in health, fitness, nutrition, and wellness. She’s led digital content strategy and creation for companies such as MyFitnesPal, MapMyFitness, Under Armour, Primal Kitchen, Beachbody, Active.com, Competitor.com, Rodale (Running Times), and Hearst magazines.
Sharlys Leszczuk
Guest ContributorSharlys Leszczuk is the founder and owner of Shar-Liss, a creative, deep-thinking, insights-driven communications consultancy. She built her career counseling high-technology companies of all sizes – from not-for-profits and pre-seed startups to Fortune 100s – on messaging, communications, and go-to-market strategies. Her specialties include ghostwriting, content development, corporate communications, creative strategy, events, and social media, with a focus on project management, operations, and executive relations.
Born and raised in North Jersey, Sharlys received bachelor’s degrees in public relations and global studies from Hofstra University on Long Island. After graduating, she spent nearly a decade working for New York City PR agencies. Then, with the remote work flexibility afforded by the pandemic, she took an interest in roadtripping, which ultimately led her to relocate to Oregon. She is an active member of her small coastal community, Pacific City, where she spends her free time exploring the outdoors and activities such as hiking, biking, paddleboarding, and kayaking.
Sophia Khawly, MSN
WriterSophia Khawly is a traveling nurse practitioner from Miami, Florida. She has been a nurse for 14 years and has worked in nine different states. She likes to travel in her spare time and has visited over 40 countries. Being a traveling nurse practitioner allows her to combine her love of learning, travel, and serving others. Learn more about Sophia at www.travelingNP.com.