Our faculty are eager to share their expertise as well as their commitment to collaboration, innovation, and servant leadership through Concordia’s uncompromising Christian mission.
Diane Ames
DNP
Dean, Associate Professor
Phone: (262) 243-2006
Bio
Dr. Diane Ames teaches Advanced Practicum Nursing 3 in the Adult Geriatric Primary Care and the Family Nurse Practitioner programs along with Advanced Health Assessment. She is a Co-Director of the Graduate Nursing Programs.
Education
- DNP - (2010)
- MS - Family Nurse Practitioner , UW-Oshkosh (1996)
- BS - Social Work, UW-Eau Claire (1977)
- BSN - Nursing , Alverno College (1992)
- Nursing Practice, CUW (2010)
Research Interests
- Interprofessional Collaboration of Chronic Disease
- Integrative Medicine
Teaching Interests
- Integrative Medicine
- Interprofessional Education
Susan Cole
PhD, RN
Assistant Professor
Office: Rincker Hall R110E
Phone: (262) 243-4269
Education
- RN - Nursing , Northeast Wisconsin Technical Institute (1981)
- Ph D - Nursing , Marquette University (2015)
- MS - Nursing , Marquette University (1991)
- BSN - Nursing , Silver Lake College (1988)
Research Interests
- Chronic Illness
- Heart Failure
Teaching Interests
- Accelerated 2nd Degree BSN Program
Jennifer Delwiche
PhD, RN, CNE
Assistant Professor
Office: Health Services 101G
Phone: (262) 243-4472
Bio
Jen Delwiche teaches research in undergraduate nursing and policy and education courses in graduate. Research focus is the impact of violence on health. She is also interested in innovations in nursing education.
Education
- Ph D - Nursing, Marquette University (2019)
- MS - Nursing, Cardinal Stritch University (2006)
- BS - Nursing, Viterbo College (1998)
- CUW (2016)
Presentations
- Krell, J., Vernon, G. & Delwiche, J., (2021). Assessing Impact of Workshops in Nursing Student Success (WINSS) on Success and Critical Thinking . Poster. WLN 2021 Spring Conference . Virtual.
- Vernon, G., Krell, J. & Delwiche, J., (2021). Assessing impact of Workshops in Nursing Student Success (WINSS) on Success and Critical Thinking. Oral Presentation. Global Virtual Conference on Nursing Education and Research . Malmo, Sweden .
Research Interests
- Intimate Partner Violence
- Vulnerable Populations
Teaching Interests
- Research/ Evidence Based Practice
- Healthcare Policy
John L. Dyson
PhD, RN
Assistant Professor
Office: Rincker Hall HS101-M
Phone: (262) 243-4208
Bio
I have been at Concordia since 2009, joining the faculty full-time in 2011 after five years at UW Milwaukee, and some adjunct teaching at Moraine Park technical College.<br>I have worked as a staff RN, Charge Nurse, and Patient Care Coordinator in an acute medical-surgical setting, and as a staff RN in long-term care. I have previously, and again most recently, worked in home health care.<br>I completed an ADN at Milwaukee Area Technical College, my RN to BSN degree at Concordia University Wisconsin, my Master’s of Science in Nursing Degree (MSN) at Alverno College in Milwaukee, and my PhD in education and curriculum development and assessment at Northcentral University in Arizona.<br>My philosophy is that no student should fail, as long as they are putting the effort into the class work. I enjoy a one-to-one approach in the classroom, and have found positive ways to achieve this in the on-line learning environment too.
Education
- Ph D - Education- Curriculum Development and Assessment- Nursing focused, Northcentral University (2016)
Research Interests
- The Anxiety Levels of Gen Z Students
- Spirituality of Nursing Students
Teaching Interests
- Research, Information Literacy, informatics, gerontological nursing, pharmacology
- Genetics/Genomics
Kelly Huffman
Assistant Professor
Brenda M. Jobe
DNP, RN, FNP
Instructor
Office: Health Services 101P
Phone: (262) 243-4295
Bio
Brenda Jobe teaches pathophysiology, wellness assessment, EKG interpretation, leadership/management, obstetrics and women's health and complementary and integrative therapies in the undergraduate nursing program.<br>She has three wonderful children, a dog, and 2 tortoises to keep her busy in her spare time.
Education
- DNP - Marquette University (2021)
- MS - Nursing, State University New York: Upstate Medical University (2001)
- BS - Nursing, South Dakota State University (1992)
- Nursing Education, State University New York: Upstate Medical University (2002)
Research Interests
- Proper identification and management of pediatric hypertension
- The role of vocation in choosing to become a nurse
Teaching Interests
- OB & Women's Health
- Pathophysiology & Health Assessment
Jill Krell
Associate Professor
Office: Health Services HS 101E
Phone: (262) 243-4341
Bio
Jill Krell teaches Pediatric Nursing Theory as well as the Pediatric Nursing Clinical Component. She specifically enjoys working with and caring for Special Needs children & hosts a Respite Event, with Children's Service Society, on CUW's campus twice/year. Jill also enjoys leading Global Mission Trips for nursing students.
Education
- DNP - Leadership, Concordia University WI (2014)
- MS - Nurse Educator, Concordia University WI (2010)
- BS - Nursing, Concordia University WI (1994)
Presentations
- Krell, J., Vernon, G. & Delwiche, J., (2021). Assessing Impact of Workshops in Nursing Student Success (WINSS) on Success and Critical Thinking . Poster. WLN 2021 Spring Conference . Virtual.
- Vernon, G., Krell, J. & Delwiche, J., (2021). Assessing impact of Workshops in Nursing Student Success (WINSS) on Success and Critical Thinking. Oral Presentation. Global Virtual Conference on Nursing Education and Research . Malmo, Sweden .
- Krell, J., Cero-Jaeger, C. & Chappy, S., (2019). Enhancing Clinical Nursing Education in the Lake Region of Tanzania. Oral Presentation. Fall 2019 Faculty Scholarship Week. Concordia University.
- Krell, J. & Cero-Jaeger, C. (2019). Enhancing Clinical Nursing Education in the Lake Region of Tanzania. Oral Presentation. Healthy People on a Healthy Planet Conference. UW-Milwaukee.
- Krell, J. (2019). Nursing Clinical Education in Mexico. Oral Presentation. Healthy People on a Healthy Planet Conference. UW-Milwaukee.
Research Interests
- Alternative clinical teaching methods
- Indicators for nursing student success in a nursing program
Teaching Interests
- Pediatric Nursing
- Community Wellness
Dawn R. Kuerschner
Ph.D., APN-BC, CNE
Department Chair - Chair Undergraduate Nursing (TUG/Accel/BSNc) - Mequon, Associate Professor
Office: Rincker Hall 110G
Phone: (262) 243-4452
Education
- Ph D - Professional Studies, Capella University (2014)
- BSN - Nursing, Elmhurst College (1981)
- Nurse Practitioner, Rush University (1997)
Research Interests
- Student Retention
- The Skill of Observation
Teaching Interests
- Medical Surgical Nursing
- Pediatric Nursing
Carol Lueders Bolwerk
Professor
Phone: (262) 243-4233
Education
- Ph D - Anthropology: Medical and Rural, University of WI: Milwaukee (1999)
- BS - Nursing , University of WI-Eau Claire (1978)
- Nursing and Nursing Leadership, Marquette University (1986)
Research Interests
- Faith Community/Parish Nursing
- Spirituality
Teaching Interests
- Faith Community/Parish Nursing
- Rural Health
Jennifer Nicpon
Assistant Professor
Julie Parve
DNP, FNP-BC, APNP, RN
Director - Graduate Nursing, Associate Professor
Office: Rincker Hall HS101S
Phone: (262) 243-2051
Bio
Julie Parve teaches Advanced Practice Nursing III, Global Perspectives and Role Development for the Advanced Nursing students. She recently took the role of the Director of Graduate Nursing. Her research focuses on refugee health as well as the impact of cross-cultural immersion experiences on college students as well as pharmacogenetics in treatment of patients with chronic pain. She is the author of one book and several clinical practice articles.
Education
- DNP - CUW-Mequon (2009)
- MS - FNP, CUW-Mequon (2003)
- BSN - Nursing, Marian University (2001)
Contributions
- Parve, J., Carlile, J. & Parve, J. (2019). Pharmacogenetic testing in primary care. (10 ed., vol. 44, pp. 44-49). The Nurse Practitioner.
Research Interests
- Interactive online education
- Cross-cultural immersion for students
Teaching Interests
- Role transition for the Advance Practice Nurse
- Clinical practicum for the Advance Practice Nurse
Natalie Ross
DNP, FNP-BC, APNP, RN
Assistant Professor
Phone: (262) 243-2653
Education
- DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner, Rush University (2016)
Teaching Interests
- Obstetrics and Women's Health Nursing
- Mental Health Nursing
Samuel T. Speckhard
MSN, RN
Clinical Assistant Professor
Office: Rincker Hall 112C
Phone: (262) 243-2704
Education
- MS - Nursing Education, Chamberlain University (2018)
- BSN - Nursing, Concordia University Wisconsin (2013)
Presentations
- Ulmen, B., Witte, C., Speckhard, S. & Fenske, C., (2022). Transition to Practice: The Use of Virtual Clinical Replacement During the COVID-19 Pandemic and its Impact on New Graduate Nurse Readiness. Oral Presentation. Global Conference on Nursing Science, Education & Research (GCNSER-2022). Theme: Science of Caring and Challenges Around the World: Present Status and Future Prospects.. Virtual.
Research Interests
- Student Readiness for Career post-COVID instruction
- Patient Outcomes from Meals-on-Wheels service
Teaching Interests
- Nursing Fundamentals (Skills Lab)
- Simulation Lab - Nursing
Heather K. Vartanian
PhD, RN, ANP-BC, APNP
Associate Professor
Office: Health Services 101H
Phone: (262) 243-4314
Education
- Ph D - Nursing, Marquette University (2015)
Contributions
- Vartanian , H., Bobay, K. & Weiss, M. (2013). Nurses’ Perceptions of Sustainability of Magnet Efforts. (3 ed., vol. 43, pp. 166-171). Journal of Nursing Administration.
Presentations
- Vartanian , H. & Lamberton, N. (2019). Pharmacy and Nursing Students Collaborate in Interprofessional Medication Reconciliation Session. Oral Presentation. Medical College of Wisconsin 5th Annual Midwest Teacher Scholar Retreat. Milwaukee, WI.
- Cohen, G., Korek, S., Havas, N., Pfeifer, K., Berg, J. & Vartanian , H., (2016). Interprofessional Education: Nursing Students Guide Medical Students to Administer Vaccines. Poster. Keck Innovations in Medical Education Conference. Los Angeles, CA.
- Vartanian , H. & Topp, R. (2014). A comparison of antecedents of regular exercise among obese women who do and do not achieve weigh loss during six months. . Poster. Sigma Theta Tau International 42nd Biennial Convention. Indianapolis, IN.
- Vartanian , H., Bobay, K. & Weiss, M., (2013). Nurses’ Perceptions of Magnet Sustainability. Poster. 37th Annual Midwest Nursing Research Society Conference. Chicago, IL.
Research Interests
- Nursing Education
- Transition to Practice
Teaching Interests
- Research and Evidence-based Practice
- Nursing Leadership
Giannina M. Vernon
DNP
Assistant Professor
Office: Rincker Hall HS 101 L
Phone: (262) 243-4286
Bio
Giannina Vernon teaches nursing pharmacology and medical-surgical clinical practicum. Her research focuses on student success and retention. She created and continues to run the Workshops in Nursing Student Success (WINSS) program for the School of Nursing.
Education
- Leadership, CUW (2014)
Presentations
- Krell, J., Vernon, G. & Delwiche, J., (2021). Assessing Impact of Workshops in Nursing Student Success (WINSS) on Success and Critical Thinking . Poster. WLN 2021 Spring Conference . Virtual.
- Vernon, G., Krell, J. & Delwiche, J., (2021). Assessing impact of Workshops in Nursing Student Success (WINSS) on Success and Critical Thinking. Oral Presentation. Global Virtual Conference on Nursing Education and Research . Malmo, Sweden .
Research Interests
- Student Success
- Teaching Strategies
Teaching Interests
- Pharmacology
- Med/Surg
Cynthia E. Witte
Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree - DNP, RN, FNP, CNE
Associate Professor
Office: Health Services HS 101 J
Phone: (262) 243-4409
Bio
Dr. Cynthia E. Witte is an Associate Professor for the School of Nursing at Concordia University Wisconsin. She received her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree in Leadership and the Business of Health Care through Rush University College of Nursing, Chicago, IL. Dr. Witte specializes in medical surgical nursing teaching didactic, clinical, and serves as a clinical coordinator. She has also held a leadership role as Academic Clinical Education Undergraduate Coordinator overseeing all of Concordia’s baccalaureate clinical nursing areas.
Education
- Family Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Educator, Concordia University Wisconsin (2002)
- Leadership and the Business of Health Care, Rush University - College of Nursing (2011)
- Nursing, Concordia University Wisconsin (1990)
Presentations
- Ulmen, B., Witte, C., Speckhard, S. & Fenske, C., (2022). Transition to Practice: The Use of Virtual Clinical Replacement During the COVID-19 Pandemic and its Impact on New Graduate Nurse Readiness. Oral Presentation. Global Conference on Nursing Science, Education & Research (GCNSER-2022). Theme: Science of Caring and Challenges Around the World: Present Status and Future Prospects.. Virtual.
Research Interests
- Clinical Education
- Student Success / Retention
Teaching Interests
- Medical-Surgical Nursing
- Clinical Education
Adjunct Faculty
Jeridon D. Clark
Adjunct Professor
Phone: (262) 366-1402
Bio
I have been teaching as an adjunct professor for Concordia for the past 10 years. I am also the Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services for the Mequon-Thiensville School District. My wife and I have 5 children (ranging from 10 to 21 years old). We have lived in Mequon for the past 13 years. I am originally from Livermore, California and moved to Wisconsin in 1990.
Education
- MS - Computer Science Education, Cardinal Stritch University (2000)
- MS - Educational Leadership, Cardinal Stritch University (2009)
Research Interests
- Impact of Non-Negotiables on K-12 Teachers
- Superintendent Evaluation of Building-based Initiatives
Teaching Interests
- Statistics
- Educational Leadership
Kristina Cullor
Adjunct Professor
Bio
Kristina currently serves as an Adjunct Instructor for the School of Nursing at Concordia University. She has been a Registered Nurse for over 10 years with experience in Critical Care, Cardiac, Occupational Health and Safety, and Medical-Surgical nursing specialties. She began teaching with CUW in January of 2020 and has a passion for leading and coaching nursing students to achieve their educational goals.
Education
- MS - Industrial Management, Northern Illinois University (2005)
- MS - Nursing Education, Sacred Heart University (2019)
Teaching Interests
- Nursing Clinical Practice
- Online/Distance Education
- Leadership and Management
Brenda L. Darrah
MSN-Ed
Clinical Professor, Adjunct Professor
Phone: (920) 946-4950
Bio
Clinical teaching is my pleasure. I enjoy interacting with sophomore students. Concordia's stellar reputation and amazing philosophy, drives my desire and passion for nursing education at the college of nursing.
Education
- MS - Nursing Education, University of Phoenix (2010)
Teaching Interests
- Gerontology
- Mental Health
- Orthvascular Nursing
Sue Habighorst
Adjunct Professor
Melissa Hamachek
MSN/Ed, RN
Adjunct Professor
Bio
An RN since 1993 and nurse educator since 2011, I have combined my love of nursing and passion for teaching into guiding the next generations of nurses! I am blessed to do what I love everyday! Having practiced in both the acute hospital and community settings, I have a wealth of nursing knowledge to share.
Education
- MS - Nursing and Healthcare Education, University of Phoenix (2011)
- BSN - Nursing, Marquette University (1992)
Teaching Interests
- Community Health and Wellness
- Mental Health
- Adult Health
Lilnise Y. Hill
MSN, RN
Program Coordinator, Adjunct Professor
Office: Ann Arbor North Building 105
Phone: (248) 210-3704
Bio
Married for 23 years to Keith Hill , one daughter Taylor . I enjoy family and caring for others and teaching within the medical field. I belong to Delta Sigma Theta INC sorority, ANA and ANA -Michigan.
Education
- MSN - Nursing /Health Care Education, University of Phoenix (2011)
- BSN - Nursing, University of Phoenix (2005)
Research Interests
- Study of Alzheimer's
Teaching Interests
- Gerontology
- Physical Assessment
- Nursing Assistance
Kristina Mingus
Adjunct Professor
Phone: (262) 492-1206
Bio
I have been a pediatric nurse for 17 years, working in various departments throughout Children's Hospital. I have 4 kids, a dog, and three cats. I love to be outside in the summer, preferably pool side or swimming, and playing sand volleyball. I am excited to be on board teaching pediatric clinical for CUW.
Education
- BA - ADN, Gateway Technical College (2003)
- BSN - Nursing, Grand Canyon University (2017)
Teaching Interests
- Pediatric Clinical at CHW
Jana Pownell
DNP, MEd, RN-BC, LHIT
Adjunct Professor
Education
- DNP - Nursing Informatics, University of Minnesota (2019)
- MA - Secondary Education, Concordia University-Chicago (2002)
- MS - Nursing-Clinical Nurse Leadership, University of Iowa (2013)
Contributions
- Ares, S., Pownell, ., Larson, L., Neago, D., Pesch, M. & Austin, R. (2020). Using readability to explore data privacy statements within mobile health applications. In Susan Alexander (Ed.), (5 ed., vol. 38, pp. 217-223). Computers, Informatics, Nursing. https://doi.org/1...
Presentations
- Pownell, J. (1970). Informatics parameters for social determinants of health and prevention and control of misuse of opioids. Poster. Minnesota eHealth Summit.
- Pownell, J. (1970). Collaboration of a business, hospital, and college = Win, win, win. Oral Presentation. Higher Learning Commission National Conference. Chicago, IL, United States.
- Pownell, J. (1970). Win, win, and win: When a business, hospital, and college collide. Oral Presentation. League for Innovation in the Community College Conference. San Francisco, CA, United States.
Research Interests
- Value in Nursing Documentation
- Information Literacy
- Data Privacy
Teaching Interests
- Nursing
- Informatics
- Population Health
Sharron Ronco
Adjunct Professor
Phone: (561) 445-2716
Bio
I’ve spent my career as an administrator, professor and institutional researcher in both public and private universities in Texas, Florida and Wisconsin. I’m now retired from Marquette University and splitting my time between Wisconsin and Florida. I enjoy staying connected through online teaching, editing a research journal for my professional association, and consulting for data analysis and program evaluation.
Education
- Ph D - Statistics, Measurement & Evaluation, University of North Texas (1987)
- MS - Curriculum and Instruction, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (1976)
Teaching Interests
- Statistics
- Research Methods
- Measurement/Evaluation/Assessment
Coleen M. Schmidt
Adjunct Professor
Phone: (414) 788-7522
Bio
Coleen Schmidt is a leader in the home care & hospice industry for over 25 years, and for the last 19 years she has worked at Horizon Home Care & Hospice, Inc. as the COO. At Horizon, she focuses on service diversity, improving patient outcomes, ensuring regulatory compliance, and maintaining high clinical standards of practice for all employees. Coleen currently serves as the Board Chair for the Wisconsin Association for Home Care (WiAHC).
Education
- MS - Nursing Education, Concordia University Wisconsin (2018)
- BSN - Nursing, Carroll/Columbia College of Nursing (2001)
Lois Seefeldt
Ph.D.
Adjunct Professor
Phone: (262) 378-0362
Bio
Dr. Seefeldt graduated from Marquette University and University of Wisconsin Milwaukee. Dr. Seefeldt has 46+ years’ nursing, leadership teaching and organization consultation experience. She has spoken extensively throughout the US, Canada and in Okinawa. Since 2012 she has taught in the School of Nursing RN-BSN, Masters and DNP programs.
Education
- Ph D - Urban Education - Ed Psych Emphasis, University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee (1997)
- MS - MSN High Risk Maternal Infant Care, Marquette University (1976)
Teaching Interests
- Research and Evidence-based practice
- Leadership
- Education and Teaching Strategies
Michelle J. Weiss
BSN, RN
Clinical Faculty, Adjunct Professor
Education
- BSN - Nursing/Psychology, Alverno College (2002)
Heidi Wheeler
MS, ANP-BC, RN
Adjunct Professor
Phone: (269) 370-1496
Bio
I have been a nurse for nearly two decades. I am a seasoned navigator of the healthcare system—working as an adult nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, researcher, educator, instructor, and staff nurse. I have been involved in numerous substantial healthcare quality improvement initiatives and enjoy speaking about and publishing the strategies and outcomes of my work. A busy wife and mother of four, in my spare time I prioritize time for exercise, nature, and writing.
Education
- MS - Adult Nurse Practitioner, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center (2007)
Research Interests
- Communication in Healthcare
- Anxiety and Student Performance
- Race Based Healthcare Disparities
Teaching Interests
- Medical-Surgical
- Quality and Safety
- Critical Thinking
Joseph Yaksich
MS, RN, ACNP-BC, CHSE
Adjunct Professor
Office: Ann Arbor North Building 203
Phone: (734) 995-7436
Bio
Joseph D. Yaksich holds multiple degrees including an ASN, BSN, and a Master’s of Science Degree in Adult Acute Care. Additionally he has multiple certifications including Nursing Education, Adult Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, and Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator. Joseph’s work experience includes emergency medicine both as a paramedic and a nurse, critical care in a cardio-thoracic ICU, and multiple institutions as a nursing instructor.
Education
- MS - Nurse Practitioner, University of Michigan (2011)
- BSN - Nursing, University of Michigan (2010)
Research Interests
- Simulation
- Team Performance
- Expertise
Teaching Interests
- Simulation
- Critical Care
- Medical Surgical Nursing