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
Department Chair - Graduate Nursing Programs, Associate Professor
Phone: (262) 243-2006
Email: diane.ames@cuw.edu
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
Cathy Cero-Jaeger
Assistant Professor
Phone: (262) 243-2704
Email: cathy.cero-jaeger@cuw.edu
Bio
I have been practicing Nursing for 35 years with includes 10+ years in academia. My love for teaching started with patient education and continues to grow with nursing students. Health promotion, illness & disease prevention, and public health will always be my passion.
Education
- MS - Nursing, University of Wisconsin Milwaukee (1990)
- BSN - Nursing, University of Wisconsin Madison (1980)
Presentations
- Cero-Jaeger, C., Graves, S., Krell, J. & Lengyel, K., (2019). Enhancing Clinical Nursing Education in the Lake Region of Tanzania. Oral Presentation. SON Faculty Development Snack & Learn. CUW Campus HS 011.
Sharon Chappy Ph.D, RN, CNOR
Dean - School of Nursing, Professor
Phone: (262) 243-4246
Email: sharon.chappy@cuw.edu
Bio
Dr. Chappy teaches in the DNP program. She previously served as Research Editor of the AORN Journal. She is involved in several collaborative health initiatives including one with Fresh Meals on Wheels in Sheboygan County.
Education
- Ph D - Nursing, University of Wisconsin Milwaukee (2001)
- MS - Nursing , University of Wisconsin Oshkosh (1994)
- BS - Nursing, University of Wisconsin Madison (1979)
Contributions
- Chappy, S., Harrison, L., Kukor, S., Oldani, M. & Suss, T., (2019). Driving Wellness Home: Academic-Community Partnership with Fresh Meals on Wheels Milwaukee, WI: Building Bridges to Evidence Based Nursing Practice.
- Neal-Boylan, L., Guillett, S. & Chappy, S., (2018). Academic Leadership in Nursing: Effective Strategies for Aspiring Faculty and Leaders (1st, pp. 1st). New York, NY: Springer.
Research Interests
- Perioperative Nursing
- Nursing Education
Teaching Interests
- Research and Evidence Based Practice
- Pathophysiology
Susan Cole PhD, RN
Office: Health Services 101T
Phone: (262) 243-4269
Email: Susan.Cole@cuw.edu
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
- Adult Medical Surgical
Jennifer Delwiche PhD, RN, CNE
Assistant Professor
Office: Health Services 101G
Phone: (262) 243-4472
Email: jennifer.delwiche@cuw.edu
Bio
Jen Delwiche teaches research and foundation courses in nursing. Her research focus is on the impact of violence on health and wellness. 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)
Research Interests
- Intimate Partner Violence
- Vulnerable Populations
Teaching Interests
- Research/ Evidence Based Practice
- Foundations of Nursing
John L. Dyson PhD, RN
Assistant Professor
Office: Rincker Hall HS101-M
Phone: (262) 243-4208
Email: john.dyson@cuw.edu
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. 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 previous, and again presently, worked in home health care. I completed an ADN at Milwaukee Area Technical College, my BS-N completion at Concordia University Wisconsin, my Master’s Degree (MSN) at Alverno College in Milwaukee, and my PhD in education and curriculum development and assessment at Northcentral University in Arizona. My philosophy is that no student should fail, as long as they are putting the effort into the class work. I like the one-on-one approach in the classroom, and have found positive ways to achieve this in the on-line learning environment.
Education
- Ph D - Education- Curriculum Development and Assessment- Nursing focused, Northcentral University (2016)
Research Interests
- Information Literacy of Non-Traditional Nursing Students
Teaching Interests
- Research, Information Literacy, informatics
- Genetics/Genomics
Brenda M. Jobe MS, RN, FNP
Instructor
Phone: (262) 243-4295
Email: brenda.jobe@cuw.edu
Bio
Brenda Jobe teaches pathophysiology, wellness assessment, EKG interpretation, leadership/management and complementary and integrative therapies in the undergraduate nursing program. Three wonderful and busy teens keep her on her toes in her spare time.
Education
- 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
- Nursing interventions to improve labor and birth outcomes
Teaching Interests
- OB & Women's Health
- Pathophysiology & Health Assessment
Mary L. Kopp PhD, RN, CHPN, CNE
Office: Health Services HS101H
Phone: (262) 243-4314
Email: Marylou.Kopp@cuw.edu
Bio
I was one the first twelve nursing students to receive a Bachelors of Science at Concordia College, Mequon, WI in 1986. My background includes medical-surgical nursing in the hospital and home care setting, chronic wound care, case management, as well as continuous quality improvement and accreditation assessment and projects. My nursing passion and certification is Hospice and Palliative care, but Geriatric nursing & Education come as a close second.
Education
- Ph D - Nursing Education, Capella University (2013)
- MS - Nursing Education, Concordia University Wisconsin (2005)
- BS - Nursing, Concordia College (1986)
Contributions
- Kopp, M. (2018). A standardized clinical performance grading rubric: Reliability assessment 57 (9, pp. 9). Hartford: Journal of Nursing Education.
- Kopp, M. (2009). The Hospice Volunteer Orientation Manual: A Coordinator’s Toolkit for Effective Training Hartford: HC-Pro: Beacon Health.
Presentations
- Kopp, M. (2018). “A Program-wide Clinical Grading Rubric”. Oral Presentation. Nursing Education Research Conference. Indianapolis, IN.
- Kopp, M. (2018). Career Choices: Beyond the Horizon. Keynote/Plenary Address. Phi Beta Chapter Sigma Theta Tau international Honor Society of Nursing. Mequon, Wisconsin.
- Kopp, M. (2017). “Interdisciplinary Education Curriculum Revision: Application of a Change Leading Model,”. Poster. Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society Biennial conference. Indianapolis, IN.
- Kopp, M. (2016). A Universal Clinical Performance Grading Rubric: Reliability Assessment. Poster. Wisconsin League for Nursing Fall Conference. Pewaukee Wisconsin.
- Kopp, M. (2014). Active Teaching Strategies for a Sense of Salience: End-of-Life Communication. Lecture. Nursing Education Research. Indianapolis, IN.
Research Interests
- Palliative & End-of-Life care, Geriatric Nursing, Education, Global Heath
Teaching Interests
- Palliative & End-of-Life care, Geriatric Nursing, Education, Global Heath
Jill Krell
Assistant Professor
Phone: (262) 243-4341
Email: jill.krell@cuw.edu
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 (2014)
- MS - Nurse Educator, Concordia University (2010)
- BS - Nursing, Concordia University (1994)
Presentations
- Cero-Jaeger, C., Graves, S., Krell, J. & Lengyel, K., (2019). Enhancing Clinical Nursing Education in the Lake Region of Tanzania. Oral Presentation. SON Faculty Development Snack & Learn. CUW Campus HS 011.
- Krell, J. (2018). Clinical Experience for Senior Level Nursing Students: Impact of a Designated Education Unit. Poster. World Congress on Nursing Science and Healthcare. Chicago, IL.
- Krell, J. (2017). Clinical Experience for Senior Level Nursing Students: Impact of a Designated Education Unit. Poster. Wisconsin League for Nursing Fall Conference. Waukesha, WI.
- Krell, J. (2017). Mandatory Continuing Education for Nurses as a Condition of License Renewal. Oral Presentation. Wisconsin Nurses Association Membership Assembly. Green Bay, WI.
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 TUG Nursing Program 2017-2018
Office: Rincker Hall 110G
Phone: (262) 243-4452
Email: dawn.kuerschner@cuw.edu
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
- Med-Surg
- Pediatrics
Kristine M. Kuhfuss
Assistant Professor
Phone: (262) 243-2107
Email: kristine.kuhfuss@cuw.edu
Education
- Nursing , Lakeshore Technical College (2002)
- Nursing , University of Wisconsin Oshkosh (2010)
- Nursing Education , Cardinal Stritch University (2013)
Research Interests
- Compassion Fatigue in the Labor and Delivery Nurse Caring for Women Experiencing Perinatal Loss and Bereavement
- Fetal Loss
Teaching Interests
- Women's Health/Obstetrics/ Postpartum/Newborn
- Wellness Assessment
Carol Lueders Bolwerk
Program Director - Parish Nurse and Congregational Ministry, Professor
Phone: (262) 243-4233
Email: carol.lueders.bolwerk@cuw.edu
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
Julie Parve DNP, FNP-BC, APNP, RN
Associate Professor
Phone: (262) 243-2051
Email: julie.parve@cuw.edu
Bio
Julie Parve teaches Advanced Practice Nursing I, Global Perspectives and Role Development for the Advanced Nursing students. Her research focuses on refugee health as well as the impact of cross-cultural immersion experiences on college students as well as pharmogenetics 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)
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
Email: natalie.ross@cuw.edu
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
Email: samuel.speckhard@cuw.edu
Education
- MS - Nursing Education, Chamberlain University (2018)
- BSN - Nursing, Concordia University Wisconsin (2013)
Research Interests
- Virtual Simulation Learning - Nursing Focus
Teaching Interests
- Nursing Fundamentals (Skills Lab)
- Simulation Lab - Nursing
Brenda F. Ulmen PhD - Leadership in Higher Education
Assistant Professor
Office: Health Services HS101D
Phone: (262) 243-2053
Email: brenda.ulmen@cuw.edu
Bio
Brenda Ulmen teaches medical/surgical nursing, clinical practicums, and is developing clinical immersions for the undergraduate nursing program. She recently obtained her PhD in Leadership in Higher Education through Northcentral University and graduated in July of 2019.
Education
- Ph D - Leadership in Higher Education, Northcentral University (2019)
- MS - Master's in Nursing Education, Concordia University of Wisconsin (2013)
- BS - Bachelor's in Nursing, Concordia University of Wisconsin (2004)
- Nursing, Lakeshore Technical College (1997)
Contributions
- Ulmen, B. (2019). Compassion Fatigue, Resilience, and Intent to Stay: A Quantitative Study among Nurse Educators Ann Arbor, Michigan: ProQuest. https://search-pr...
Research Interests
- Compassion Fatigue and Resilience in Nurse Educators
- Balancing work-life in nurse educators
Teaching Interests
- Medical/Surgical Nursing
- Nursing Clinical Practicums
Giannina M. Vernon DNP
Assistant Professor
Office: Rincker Hall HS 101 L
Phone: (262) 243-4286
Email: giannina.vernon@cuw.edu
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)
Research Interests
- Student Success and Retention
- 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
Email: cindy.witte@cuw.edu
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)
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
Email: jeridon.clark@cuw.edu
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 Mingus
Adjunct Professor
Phone: (262) 492-1206
Email: kristina.mingus@cuw.edu
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
Coleen M. Schmidt
Adjunct Professor
Phone: (414) 788-7522
Email: coleen.schmidt@cuw.edu
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
Email: Lois.Seefeldt@cuw.edu
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
Heidi Wheeler MS, ANP-BC, RN
Adjunct Professor
Phone: (269) 370-1496
Email: heidi.wheeler1@cuw.edu
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
Email: joseph.yaksich@cuaa.edu
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