Faculty/Staff Directory
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In most cases, please use the last 4 digits of the listed phone numbers when calling from any campus.
A B C D E G H J K L M N O P R S T U W Y Z
Adjunct Faculty
Postbaccalaureate Nursing


Adjunct Faculty
General College

Nurse Practioner
Health Service
Office: SOMG38
Phone: (218) 625-4916


Adjunct Faculty
Postbaccalaureate Nursing

Adjunct Faculty
RN to BS

Adjunct Faculty
General College



Adjunct Faculty
Postbaccalaureate Nursing

Adjunct Faculty
General College


Adjunct Faculty
General College

Adjunct Faculty
Postbaccalaureate Nursing

Assistant Professor
Postbaccalaureate Nursing
Office: S3125C

Adjunct Faculty
Postbaccalaureate Nursing



Adjunct Faculty
Traditional Undergraduate Nursing

Adjunct Faculty
Traditional Undergraduate Nursing

Adjunct Faculty
DNP

Adjunct Faculty
DNP


Adjunct Faculty
Traditional Undergraduate Nursing

Adjunct Faculty
General College

Adjunct Faculty
DNP

Adjunct Faculty
General College

Adjunct Faculty
Postbaccalaureate Nursing

Adjunct Faculty
Traditional Undergraduate Nursing


Adjunct Faculty
General College


Adjunct Faculty
DNP


Adjunct Faculty
Traditional Undergraduate Nursing

Adjunct Faculty
Traditional Undergraduate Nursing

Adjunct Faculty
Traditional Undergraduate Nursing


Asst Professor, NSG
DNP

Adjunct Faculty
Traditional Undergraduate Nursing


Asst Professor, NSG
Traditional Undergraduate Nursing
Office: S3208C
Phone: (218) 625-4865

Adjunct Faculty
Traditional Undergraduate Nursing

Adjunct Faculty
Traditional Undergraduate Nursing

Adjunct Faculty
Postbaccalaureate Nursing

Adjunct Faculty
General College

Adjunct Faculty
Traditional Undergraduate Nursing

Adjunct Faculty
Postbaccalaureate Nursing


Asst Professor, Post-Bac NSG
Postbaccalaureate Nursing
Office: St. Cloud Campus
Phone: (320) 625-4802

Asst Professor, Nursing
Traditional Undergraduate Nursing
Office: S3218B
Phone: (218) 723-6209

Adjunct Faculty
Postbaccalaureate Nursing

Adjunct Faculty
General College
Office: S3218D
Phone: (218) 733-2279

Adjunct Faculty
Postbaccalaureate Nursing

Assistant Professor, NSG
RN to BS
Phone: (218) 723-6376

Adjunct Faculty
Traditional Undergraduate Nursing

Assistant Professor, School of Health Professions
DNP


Adjunct Faculty
Postbaccalaureate Nursing






Adjunct Faculty
General College

Adjunct Faculty
Certified Nursing Assistant - CNA

Asst Prof/Director, PMHNP
Grants - State

Adjunct Faculty
Traditional Undergraduate Nursing


Adjunct Faculty
Traditional Undergraduate Nursing

Adjunct Faculty
Traditional Undergraduate Nursing

Adjunct Faculty
Traditional Undergraduate Nursing

Asst Professor, NSG
DNP



Adjunct Faculty
General College


Adjunct Faculty
Postbaccalaureate Nursing

Instructor, NSG
Traditional Undergraduate Nursing

Adjunct Faculty
Traditional Undergraduate Nursing

Adjunct Faculty
Postbaccalaureate Nursing

Adjunct Faculty
Postbaccalaureate Nursing
Office: S3208A
Phone: (218) 723-6247

Associate Professor, NSG
Traditional Undergraduate Nursing
Office: S3220C
Phone: (218) 723-6231

Assistant Professor
DNP



Assistant Professor
Traditional Undergraduate Nursing
Office: S3222A
Phone: (218) 723-5945
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Adjunct Faculty
Postbaccalaureate Nursing

Adjunct Faculty
General College

Adjunct Faculty
Postbaccalaureate Nursing

Adjunct Faculty
Traditional Undergraduate Nursing


Adjunct Faculty
Postbaccalaureate Nursing

Assistant Professor
Traditional Undergraduate Nursing
Office: S3208D
Phone: (218) 723-6003
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Adjunct Faculty
DNP

Adjunct Faculty
Traditional Undergraduate Nursing
Office: S3216D
Phone: (218) 723-6222

Adjunct Faculty
General College


Adjunct Faculty
General College

Adjunct Faculty
Traditional Undergraduate Nursing

Asst Prof, Post-Bacc Nsg
Postbaccalaureate Nursing


Adjunct Faculty
DNP

Assistant Professor
Postbaccalaureate Nursing
Office: S3220A
Phone: (218) 723-6255

Adjunct Faculty
General College


Adjunct Faculty
Traditional Undergraduate Nursing

Visiting Instructor
Traditional Undergraduate Nursing

Adjunct Faculty
Traditional Undergraduate Nursing


Assistant Professor
Traditional Undergraduate Nursing

Adjunct Faculty
Postbaccalaureate Nursing

Adjunct Faculty
Traditional Undergraduate Nursing

Assistant Professor, Nursing Department
DNP

Assistant Professor
DNP

Adjunct Faculty
General College

Assistant Professor
Traditional Undergraduate Nursing
Office: S3208B
Phone: (218) 723-6005

Assistant Professor, NSG
Traditional Undergraduate Nursing
Office: S3220D
Phone: (218) 625-4929

Adjunct Faculty
DNP

Adjunct Faculty
General College


Assoc Professor, NSG
Traditional Undergraduate Nursing
Office: S3218C
Phone: (218) 723-6780

Adjunct Faculty
General College

Instructor
Traditional Undergraduate Nursing

Associate Professor/DNP Program Director
DNP

Adjunct Faculty
DNP

Adjunct Faculty
Traditional Undergraduate Nursing

Adjunct Faculty
Traditional Undergraduate Nursing

Adjunct Faculty
Postbaccalaureate Nursing

Assistant Professor
Traditional Undergraduate Nursing
Office: S3222D
Phone: (218) 723-6214
View Site


Adjunct Faculty
General College

Assistant Professor
Traditional Undergraduate Nursing

Adjunct Faculty
General College


Adjunct Faculty
Traditional Undergraduate Nursing

Adjunct Faculty
Postbaccalaureate Nursing

Associate Professor, Dir, TUG Track, NSG
Traditional Undergraduate Nursing
Office: S3208B
Phone: (218) 723-6789
View Site

Adjunct Faculty
DNP

Adjunct Faculty
Transitional Doctor of PT

Adjunct Faculty
Postbaccalaureate Nursing

Adjunct Faculty
Postbaccalaureate Nursing

Adjunct Faculty
DNP

Adjunct Faculty
Traditional Undergraduate Nursing

Adjunct Faculty
Traditional Undergraduate Nursing

Carrie Alajoki, DNP, MSN, APRN,FNP-C
Education:
- DNP, The College of St. Scholastica, Duluth, MN, 2020
- MSN, Walden University, Minneapolis, MN, 2012
- ADN, Lake Superior College, Duluth, MN, 1998
- Diploma, Lake Superior College, Duluth, MN, 1997
Biography:
Dr. Carrie Alajoki has focused much of her nursing career focusing on high quality care in the rural setting. Her DNP degree was earned at The College of St. Scholastica with specializaton as a Family Nurse Practitioner. Her MSN focused on nursing education and her teaching interests include the adult learning and creative teaching strategies such as the online learning environment. Dr. Alajoki's nursing experience includes advanced practice care as a provider in family medicine. In addition, she has experience as a registered nurse in medical/surgical, emergency nursing, occupational health and wellness, and obstetrics - including labor and delivery, newborn care, and postpartum care .
Recent Achievements:
Carrie Alajoki prepared a poster presentation for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning conference in Savanah Georgia that focused on "Adding a Faculty-Led Online Interactive Meeting in an Hybrid Nursing Course.

Laurel Ash, DNP, CNP, RN
Ash, Laurel J
Position: Chair Graduate Nursing/ NP Director, Associate Professor, NSG
Email: lash@css.edu
Education: University Of Minnesota-Bachelor of Science Nursing, College of St. Catherine-MSN, Adult and Gero NPCertificate, Pediatric NP Cerficate- Rush University- Doctor of Nursing Practice
Recent Publication: Cowrote Chapter 6 Interprofessional Collaboration in (2021) edition of The Doctor of Nursing Practice Essentials
Biography: Dr. Ash is an associate professor and serves as the Chair of the Graduate Nursing Department and Nurse Practitioner Director since January 2020. Prior to that, she was the East Market Lead for Essentia Health NP/PA Transition to Practice program and a family nurse practitioner in Proctor and other East Market clinics. Over the years, she has been a member of the Essentia Primary Care Department, the System Peer Review Council and a representative on the Essential APRN/PA council. Dr. Ash has taught multiple courses for DNP APRNs at CSS over her tenure. Her 2005 DNP Project was entitled "Developing a Population Based Student Health Services" and resulted in the formation of the Well U program at CSS. She also developed the Cardiovascular Prevention Clinic for employees at CSS and served as the first primary care NP in the nurse-run Student Health Services at CSS. Other practice sites have included Eldercare and Urgent Care at Essentia Health. Dr. Ash began her NP practice at Allina in Northfield Family Practice. She has contributed to book chapters, done podium and break out presentations on multiple topics.
Courses recently taught: All clinical courses in the FNP track including Pediatrics, Adult, and Older Adult. DNP project courses and supporting DNP course (Evidenced Based Practice, Heatlh Program Evaluation) . Dr. Ash is co-developing Introduction to the DNP course for new cohort Summer 2021.

Laurie Bisila, MSN, RN, PHN
Education:
Palm Beach State College- Associates of Science in Nursing (ASN)- 1994
Liberty University- Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN)- 2013
Liberty University- Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN)- 2016
College of St. Scholastica- DNP- Anticipated graduation May 2021
Biography: Assistant Professor Bisila has over 20 years of nursing experience dedicating her career primarily to geriatric and Hospice nursing. For the past four years she has taught at two different institutions, preparing healthcare workers for medical practice. She has taught nursing assistants, practical nursing and post baccalaureate nursing.
Recent Achievements: Laurie Bisila is a member of Sigma Theta Tau, National Nurses Association, Nurses Christian Fellowship and Hospice and Palliative Nurse Association. A Member of the AACN Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Group. A member of the EUE Fellowship which focuses on improving Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at CSS. Additionally, she is certified as a Healing Touch Practitioner and as a Public Health Nurse.
Courses:
- NSG 3600 Introduction to Nursing Practice
- NSG 3845 Professional Nursing II
- NSG 4820
- Various lab courses on the St. Cloud campus
- Nursing Assistant Program at CSS on the St. Cloud campus
- Previously has taught Nursing Assistant Course and License Practical Nursing at a state institution.

Pamela Bjorklund, PhD, APRN, PMHNP-BC, CNS-BC
Dr. Bjorklund is a Professor Emerita from the Department of Graduate Nursing, School of Nursing, on the Duluth campus of The College of St. Scholastica (CSS). She taught full-time in the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program, teaching core courses, clinical project courses, and role/ population courses in the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program until her retirement in 2022. She remains engaged in clinical practice at the Student Center for Health and Well-Being (SCHAWB), providing psychiatric evaluations, psychotropic medication management, and brief psychotherapy to student clients.
In 2006, she received a PhD in Nursing with a minor in Bioethics from the University of Minnesota, along with a Distinguished Dissertation Award for the “best dissertation” in Education and the Social and Behavioral Sciences. Her dissertation represented the University of Minnesota in the National Council of Graduate Schools’ dissertation competition for the years 2006-2008. In 2009, she received the Lavine Award for Teaching Excellence from The College of St. Scholastica. Dr. Bjorklund came to CSS from the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center in Denver, Colorado, where she received both her MS and BS in Nursing. She also has a BA in Theatre Arts with a minor in English from the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis.

Cynthia Brown, DNP, RN, PHN, RDN
Cynthia Brown’s clinical focus is in public health, nutrition, and substance use disorders. Her professional interests include community/public health, working with underserved & vulnerable populations, service-learning, chemical dependency/addiction, and the harm reduction model. She is also involved in various service-learning initiatives in local and global settings.

Paula Byrne, DNP, PHN, RN
My area of specialty lies in the practice of nursing in rural areas. I have worked in arctic Alaska, critical access hospitals, and home health/hospice in remote areas. As healthcare delivery changes, and the role of nursing shifts away from acute care and into chronic disease management and health promotion, rural nurses will be invaluable links to provide quality care.
My teaching experiences begin in rural Alaska with some of the first distance delivery methods in place. It was quite interesting to teach American Heart Association CPR to Inupiat Eskimo first responders who truly understood how far away you might be from an acute care hospital setting. Currently I teach Professional Nursing courses for the undergraduate nursing program helping students see the complex relationships between healthcare policy, cost of care delivery, and the unique role of each staff nurse as a leader. All nurses are leaders. My most recent passion has been to develop Interprofessional healthcare teaching teams to allow students to leave their silo style education and develop collaborative care plans.
As a leader within the Traditional Track in the Undergraduate Nursing Program I seek to inspire our faculty team to find the best way to educate the nurses of the future, teaching students to blend skills in technology with compassionate, holistic, quality care. We seek to create nurses who are strong patient advocates, nurses who use the Benedictine values as part of their anchor for moral decision making, and finally nurses who are able to seek answers rooted in Evidence Based Practice. As healthcare becomes increasingly complex, the nurses of the future are called to imagine new delivery care models. Imagination and problem solving can be stimulated by accessing a liberal arts foundation.
My outside interests include experimentation in a broad range of textile arts, extensive travel abroad, and the production and cooking of local foods.

Jody Cadotte, MSN, APRN, WHNP-BC, Assistant Professor of Nursing
Education:
University of South Alabama, Master of Science in Nursing, 2011
Auburn University Montgomery, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, 2006
Park University, Bachelor of Science in Social Psychology, 2004
Professional Licensure:
- Registered Nurse
- Licensed Nurse Practitioner
- Board Certified Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
Jody Cadotte began teaching full-time in the RN to BS Nursing Program in the fall of 2016, after teaching as an adjunct faculty member for the program. Jody holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Psychology from Park University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Auburn University. In 2011, she earned her Master of Science degree in Nursing from the University of South Alabama with a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner specialty. Her professional nursing experience includes neonatal intensive care nursing, maternal child health nursing, plastic surgery and women’s health. Jody is passionate about nursing and nursing education, especially online education. Having obtained 2 degrees online herself, she has a solid understanding of the unique needs of the distance learner and understands the importance of creating an inclusive learning environment for all students. Jody has a love of teaching, and a strong commitment to nursing. She understands the importance of providing all nurses with a strong educational foundation. Jody is honored for the opportunity to educate and mentor future generations of nurses, and to be part of the amazing community at The College of St. Scholastica.
Courses:
- Dimensions of Professional Nursing
- RN to BS Portfolio Introduction
- Holistic Assessment in Nursing
- Leadership in Nursing
- Population Care
Heather Conito, MSN, RN

Gina Diaz, DNP, RN
Education:
The College of Saint Scholastica - Doctor of Nursing Practice in Advanced Practice Nursing, 2015
The College of Saint Scholastica - Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Certificate, 2011
The College of Saint Scholastica - Master of Arts in Nursing (Adult Nurse Practitioner Track), 2007
Philippine Christian University-Mary Johnston College of Nursing- Bachelor of Science in Nursing, 1982
Biography:
Dr. Diaz is an Associate Professor in the Traditional Undergraduate (TUG) Nursing at the Duluth campus. Her clinical background includes critical care nursing, geriatric nursing, and transcultural nursing. She developed the Philippines Capstone for senior nursing students and the lead faculty for this international clinical experience.
Dr. Diaz is a recipient of the Max H. Lavine Award for Teaching Excellence 2017 from The College of St. Scholastica.

Beth Donahue, M.A., R.N.
Upon graduating from St. Scholastica with a baccalaureate degree I found myself launched into a variety of wonderful practice experiences. My early nursing career was focused primarily in the care of the obstetrical and newborn client, as well as with the acutely ill hospitalized adult client, particularly those with cancer. But the pull back to St. Scholastica and to education in particular became very strong in time, and I decided to pursue a graduate degree as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Adult Nursing. This preparation afforded me the incredible opportunity to begin a career that focused on the education of nursing students. As a faculty-member in the Traditional Undergraduate Program, School of Nursing, I am privileged to work with students in a variety of venues; classroom, skills lab, simulation lab and the clinical environment.
My philosophy of teaching is to serve as an “experience facilitator” for the students I work with. Learning experiences occur in the most unexpected and unpredictable ways if one is receptive and curious. I have quickly come to realize that health care changes much too fast to prepare students for all that they are likely to encounter. If, however, I can teach students to be an effective lifelong learner, I have succeeded in teaching.

Patricia Earley, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC
Experience:
- Experienced Advanced Practice Registered Nurse-Nurse Practitioner; Extensive (>20 yrs) clinical experience as a Family Nurse Practitioner. Has broad experience with populations across the lifespan providing preventative care, evaluation and treatment of episodic illness, and chronic disease management.
- My teaching philosophy focuses on application of didactic knowledge to clinical practice; didactic coursework is conducted on-line and in classroom setting; much emphasis is on individual and group case reviews, critical thinking, and clinical documentation technique. Future plans include incorporating more simulation exercises into clinical practicum courses and standardized assessment.
Education:
- Doctor of Nursing Practice, College of St. Scholastica 2019
- Master of Science, Nursing, University of Alaska-Anchorage 1996
- Bachelor of Science, Nursing, University of Alaska-Anchorage 1987
Certifications:
- Family Nurse Practitioner, American Nurses Credentialing Center
Professional Affiliations:
- Member, American Nurses Association
- Member, American Association of Nurse Practitioners
Mary Gdula, MSN, FNP-C
Education: University of New Mexico - MSN 2000 Suomi College - AD nursing 1995 Bradley University - BA International Studies and Political Science 1988 Biography: Mary moved to Duluth in the fall of 2017 with her husband and teenage daughter after living in Utah, NM, and Arizona since 1995. She has over 20 years of experience providing direct patient care in multiple different rural settings. Currently at St Scholastica she has taken on an administration role in the School of Nursing as a grant manager for the graduate nursing department, which is a new and exciting challenge.

Candace Ginsberg, MAN, PNP, FNP, PHN, RN, Assistant Professor of Nursing
My areas of interest have always been family nursing, underserved populations, and trans-cultural nursing. In the past ten years I've added climate change as a pressing concern. These passions reveal themselves in the stories I share with students - helping them connect to the very real needs of our patients within the larger context of family, community, political/economic realities, and the globe. I have taken students to Belize several times to connect them to direct service learning projects in a transcultural setting but I also recognize that all students need the opportunity to build hands-on skills in public health - even in the on-line environment. When not adjunct teaching, I unwind by writing, spending time with friends, and being replenished by the presence of wind and sky over Lake Superior.
Byron Herdman, DNP, APRN, CNP
Position: Assistant Professor and Director, Post-Baccalaureate Nursing Program
Email: bherdman@css.edu
Education:
Doctorate of Nursing Practice (2020). The College of St. Scholastica
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (2015). The College of St. Scholastica
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology (2013). University of Minnesota
Biography: Dr. Byron Herdman is an Assistant Professor in the School of Health Professions and Director of the Post-Baccalaureate Nursing Program. His nursing background includes critical care, cardiology, case management and medical/surgical nursing in both urban and rural settings. He also has experience in rural emergency medical services and the fire service. In addition to his administrative role, Dr. Herdman primarily teaches in the laboratory and simulation setting, as well as supervising faculty- and preceptor-led clinical rotations.
Commonly Taught Courses: NSG 4636: Practicum IV; supervising faculty for faculty- and preceptor-led clinical rotations.

Rena Herheim, MSN, RN
St. Cloud State University- Bachelor of Science in Nursing, 2008
Recent achievements (awards/publications/honors):
- NSG 3600 Introduction to Nursing Practice (Lab)
- NSG 3870 Health Transitions II
- NSG 3871 Integrative Lab I
- NSG 4661 Integrative Lab II
- NSG 4880 Nursing Capstone (Lab)
- Has taught various medical-surgical, mental health, and leadership type courses, labs, and clinical rotations.

Michelle Hoffmann, MSN, RN, HNB-BC
Michelle is an assistant professor in the traditional undergraduate nursing program. She holds a Master of Science degree in Nursing Education from Bethel University and a Bachelor of Science degree in both Nursing and Family Social Science from the University of Minnesota. She has been a nurse since 2001 and joined St. Scholastica as faculty in 2019.
Her clinical background includes care of adult and pediatric populations in both the acute care hospital and community settings at the Children's Hospital of Minneapolis, Mayo Clinic, and Essentia Health, with a special emphasis on integrative nursing and cardiovascular care. After working in direct patient care, she transitioned into the nursing leadership professional development role to provide educational programs to support the work of nurses in the acute care setting. Her work in this role has placed her in a unique position to help provide educational insights that help prepare nursing graduates with the skills needed to transition to practice. She has been a conference speaker on the topics of precepting, simulation and integrative holistic nursing and has a passion for promoting holistic care for both the client and the nurse. Her most recent presentation was at the 2023 International Society of Simulation in Health Conference. When not teaching she enjoys time with her family, the great outdoors and a perfectly brewed cup of tea.
Arlene Johnson, PhD, RN
Position: Adjunct FacultyDepartment: RN to BS NursingPhone: unlistedE-Mail: ajohnson14@css.edu
Background
Arlene Johnson PhD, RN retired from full time faculty in the School of Nursing in 2017. She earned a BA in Nursing from the College of St. Scholastica, an MA in Nursing with a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner specialty from the College of St. Catherine, and a PhD in Education, specializing in Teaching and Training Online from Capella University. Her dissertation research, Transition to Online Learning: The Study of a Graduate Nursing Faculty, was published in Nursing Education Perspectives. Dr. Johnson has been the Principal Investigator in multiple research grants.
Why Do I Teach?
As a nursing faculty member for the past 20 years, I have provided instruction to baccalaureate and graduate nursing students. My desire to teach nursing, as well as to practice nursing, stems from my commitment to the nursing profession. I consider it a privilege to be able to share the knowledge and experience that I have gained in my nursing career with students as they prepare to become the next generation of caregivers. As faculty members, we are charged not only with promoting student learning of the scientific facet of nursing, but we must also encourage exploration of how students will exemplify a caring presence to their future patients. My goal as a faculty member is to be an excellent role model for students and one who encourages them to perform at their highest potential and represent the nursing profession well. I am very excited to work with students in the RN to BS program at the College of St. Scholastica.

Sherry Johnson, DNP,APRN,CNP,CNS,
Assistant Professor, Graduate Nursing
Clinical Practice: Infectious Disease Associates, St. Luke's Hospital and Clinics, Duluth, MN
International Travel Clinic, St. Luke's Hospital, Duluth, MN
Areas of interest include: Preventive care/Immunizations, Hepatitis C, and HIV, and complex case management that includes outpatient antimicrobial therapy aa well as prior authorization of expensive treatments. I am also interested and support independent practice for APRN's, healthcare reform, and the promotion of nurses as scholars.
Margaret Kalina, RN, PhD
I graduated from the University of Minnesota with my Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master's in Public Health. I received a doctorate in business from Capella University. I have taught from CSS for many years as an online instructor for the RN to BSN program. My day job is chief nursing officer at Alomere Health in Alexandria, MN.

Donna Karch, PhD, PMP
Donna Karch is an Adjunct Instructor with the school of Business and Technology teaching online courses in the Masters Arts in IT Leadership and Masters of Science in Project Management. Her academic interests include project management, project leadership, knowledge management, and portfolio management. Dr. Karch holds a Ph.D. in Information Technology Project Management, a MS in Technology Management/Project Management, and a BS in Information Systems Management, as well as a Project Management Professional certification from the Project Management Institute. She is also principle owner/photographer of Karch Photography & Graphic Design. In her spare time, Dr. Karch enjoys golfing, traveling, photography, and riding her 2014 Harley-Davidson Triglide.
Rebecca Kastanek, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC
Centracare Health System, Saint Cloud Hospital Saint Cloud, MN Advanced Practice Provider, ARPN, DNP July 2016- present Clinical practice setting in acute rehabilitation in the hospital and clinic setting with primary focus on Brain injury, stroke, general neurological dysfunction College of Saint Scholastica Duluth, MN Adjunct Nursing faculty December 2016- present Provide online and clinical instruction to DNP and BSN students. Provide clinical instruction for BS-RN undergraduate level students within the acute care hospital setting

Christopher Kemnitz, Ph.D., MSN, RN
Dr. Kemnitz has baccalaureate degrees in Biology and Nursing from Carroll College and the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh respectively. He received his PhD in physiology from Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI in 1994 with a specialization in neurophysiology and completed a Masters of Nursing Education in 2015 at Western Governors University. Dr. Kemnitz has extensive collegiate teaching experience in biology and nursing and has been the recipient of several awards and honors including the Max Lavine Award for Excellence in Scholarship, the Daisy Award for Teaching Excellence in Nursing, and is a Minnesota Hartford Geriatric Nursing Scholar and FLAG fellow. Nationally, Dr. Kemnitz is a recognized subject matter expert in anatomy & physiology and nursing and is a consultant for the American Council on Education. Dr. Kemnitz has published two textbooks and has published and presented articles on basic science, human factors, anatomy, physiology, and educational practices. He continues to pursue his interests in nursing education, evaluation & assessment, and healthcare quality improvement. Most recently Dr. Kemnitz was selected as a Sigma Theta Tau International Rising Star for his masters thesis work on nursing student clinical evaluation. He is the current interim chair of the Department of Graduate Nursing at CSS.

Julie Knuths, DNP, RN
Education:
St. Catherine University-Doctor of Nursing Practice, 2016
University of MN-Master of Science in Nursing, CNS track
The College of St. Catherine, St. Paul,- Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Biography:
Dr. Knuths is the Chair of the Department of Undergraduate Nursing Programs. Her clinical background includes critical care nursing, healthcare administration and healthcare research. Her teaching philosophy includes the conviction that students need to be supported with respect and compassion while challenged to reach higher and go farther. Dr. Knuths leads two pre-licensure baccalaureate programs (one traditional face to face, and one hybrid online accelerated), and the fully online post-licensure program for RN's to complete their baccalaureate degree.

Mary Larson, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, AGACNP-BC
Education:
The College of St. Scholastica - Bachelors of Arts in Nursing, 2003
The College of St. Scholastica - Doctor of Nursing Practice in Family Nurse Practitioner, 2016
The College of St. Scholastica - Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate, 2021
Allison Lesmann, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC,FNP-C
Dr. Lesmann is a proud College of St. Scholastica graduate and was extremely honored to be hired as an adjunct instructor in the RN to BS program. She has been an adjunct instructor since 2014 and strives to make a positive impact on all of her students.
Dr. Lesmann has been a nurse for 25 years and currently works full time in an outpatient pediatric clinic in Minot, ND. She feels extremely passionate about preventative and holistic care for the pediatric population she serves.
She is married and has 3 boys and 2 fur babies. In her spare time, she runs and listens to audiobooks.

Lori Lindgren, MSN, RN, PHN, FNP-BC, HTCP

SueAnne Mattson, MA, RN, CHSE
Education:
College of St. Scholastica
- Bachelor in Nursing, 1991
- Master of Arts, Nursing, 2001
Biography:
Sue Mattson has worked in a variety of healthcare institutions as a staff nurse and nurse practitioner in the acute care setting, a nurse practitioner in ambulatory care, and an assistant professor in both the traditional and post-baccalaureate undergraduate nursing programs. She uses this knowledge and experience to prepare future professional nurses to work in dynamic and complex care environments. She integrates the use of technology, hands-on skills, the Benedictine values to engage students and to prepare baccalaureate nurses to provide holistic care. She is a Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator. Ms. Mattson is a champion for Interprofessional Education and collaborates with disciplines of medicine, pharmacy, occupational therapy, physical therapy and social work from both CSS and UMD.
Recent Achievements:
Sue Mattson received the Excellence Award in Advising and Mentoring in 2018, the Equal Access award in 2016 and the Daisy Award in 2015. She has presented at several national interprofessional and simulation conferences, most recently at the NEXUS Summit in 2018. She has been nominated for multiple Daisy awards and the Tassie McNamara award. She is currently conducting research and publication regarding interprofessional education experiences.
Courses:
- Professional Nursing Theory (sophomore, junior and senior level)
- Health Continuum Theory and skills/ simulation labs (sophomore, junior and senior level)
- Interprofessional Education (ISPE and FIPCC)
- Pathopharmacology for Nursing Practice
Susan McCoy, Ed.D., MSN-Ed., RN
My nursing career began as a nurse corps officer in the U.S. Navy specializing in critical care. I also have worked in the area of community health nursing and forensic nursing. I have been teaching at the community college and university level for 25 years (both live and online).

Sara McCumber, DNP,APRN, CNP, CNS, AGPCNP-BC, FNP-BC, GNP-BC, ACNS-BC
Education: DNP, University of Minnesota; Post Master's Adult & Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate, The College of St. Scholastica ; M.S, Public Health Nursing, University of Minnesota; B.S. Community Health Education, University of Minnesota; Diploma, St. Luke's School of Nursing
Biography: Dr. McCumber has been teaching at St. Scholastica since 2003. Her interests include: geriatric and chronic health care; dementia care: primary mental health care; interprofessional teaching; care coordination; active learning strategies including telehealth and simulation; and nurse advocacy and health policy development. Dr. McCumber has had active leadership positions at local, state and national nursing organizations for the past 40 years including the ANA, ANA-PAC, ANCC, GAPNA, MNA, MNORN and MNNP. Dr. McCumber maintains a clinic practice at Essentia Health Neurology with adults with memory disorders. Other clinical practice has included Long Term Care, Convenient Care, Correctional Health Care/Public Health. Dr. McCumber has made over 100 peer-reviewed and invited presentations locally, state wide and nationally.
Recent Achievements:
Baker, N.; Schipper, L.; McCumber, S.; & Fay, V. (In-press). Utilization of long-term care facilities for primary care nurse practitioner students. Journal of Nursing Education.
Schipper, L.; Fay, V.: McCumber, S. (2019). Primary care in long-term care sites: Long-term care sites as appropriate clinical placements for primary care nurse practitioner students. Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association: Washington, DC
McCumber, S. (2020 & 2018). Suggested preceptor preparation for role & Suggested teaching guidelines for preceptors. In Gerontology resources for APRN preceptors and students (6th ed). Pitman, New Jersey: Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association.
McCumber, S. (2018). Ecumen scholars: 2018 home care externship manual. Shoreview, MN: Ecumen.
Donovan, M. L. & McCumber, S. (2015). Interprofessional collaborative practice: Dementia case studies engage nurse practitioner and occupational therapy students. Journal of Nursing Education.
Train New Trainers (TNT) Primary Care Psychiatry (PCP) Fellowship. (2021).
National Community Service Award. (2020). Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association.
Certificate- Distinguished Educator in Gerontological Nursing. (2019). National Hartford Center for Geriatric Nurse Excellence.
American Nurses Advocacy Institute Fellowship. (2015-2016).
Edmund Safra Visiting Nurse Faculty Parkinson’s Fellowship. (2013).
Hartford Geriatric Scholar. (2008) University of Minnesota School of Nursing
Education Fellow. (2005). Minnesota Area Geriatric Education Center (MAGEC)
Recent Courses Taught: Advanced Health Assessment, Clinical courses including Health Care Management-Adult and Frail Adult, Geriatric Pharmacology & Health Assessment, Clinical Project Courses. Dr. McCumber is developed a new course Psychiatric Mental Health for Primary Care.

Matthew Nierengarten, DNP, RN
Matthew Nierengarten, DNP, RN
Position: Assistant Professor, School of Nursing, Traditional Undergraduate Program
Education: Bachelor of Science in Nursing, 2013
BSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice in Healthcare Leadership, 2023
Biography: Matthew graduated from St. Scholastica in 2013 and began working in a Level One Trauma & Neurological Intensive Care Unit shortly thereafter. He joined the Traditional Undergraduate Program in 2019 while simultaneously starting the BSN to DNP program at St. Scholastica. He serves as one of the counselors for the St. Scholastica Theta Xi chapter of Sigma Theta Tau, International Nursing Honor Society.
Certifications: BLS, ACLS, NAEMT Instructor for Pre-Hospital Trauma Life Support, TNCC, NIHSS
Courses: Healthcare Across the Continuum II & IV, Faculty Supervisor for the ICU Elective for HEC IV, Clinical Preceptor, Capstone Faculty, Professional Nursing V

Matthew Nygren, DNP APRN AGACNP-BC ACNPC-AG CCRN
Assistant Professor of Graduate Nursing
Education:
BSN from University of Mary (Bismarck, ND)
DNP from Winona State University (Rochester, MN)
Clinical Interests:
Critical Care Medicine, Cardiovascular Surgery, Heart Failure Cardiology, and Advanced Care Planning

Pam Olson, Academic Advisor
Academic Advisor for:
- RN to BS Online Program
- Prerequisite Seeking Post Baccaluarete Students
Students, feel free to connect with me via email (polson@css.edu)
Maria Pelleschi, MS, RN, CNE
I have been a registered nurse since 1982. My interests include critical care nursing, palliative care, bioethics, and staff development. I have taught college courses in both the online and “brick-and-mortar” formats. My professional nursing experiences include working as a staff nurse in medical surgical and critical care areas, and serving as a critical care educator, ethics committee member, and palliative care coordinator. I am very grateful for the opportunity to be part of the Saint Scholastica Community.

Brooke Pettinelli, MSN, APRN, CNP, FNP-BC, GNP-BC
Education:
MSN- College of St. Scholastica 2010
BSN- College of St. Scholastica 2007
B.A. - Biochemistry/Biology- College of St. Scholastica 2004
EMT Certificate Mesabi Range Community and Technical College - 2012
Biography: Research interests include multimorbidity management, palliative care, population management, care of the older adult with dementia.
Courses: Advanced Pharmacology, Lifespan Health Assessment
Amos Restad,
Amos Restad is an instructor in the traditional undergraduate nursing department. His primary content area is medical-surgical nursing theory, lab, and clinical. Prior to joining the faculty team in 2015, he worked as a registered nurse at Essentia Health in the adult critical care units. He maintains a position there on a casual status. He received his B.S. in nursing and his B.A. in biology from The College of St. Scholastica in 2010. In 2013 he attained his critical care certification through the American Association of Critical Care Nurses. He is currently enrolled in the doctorate of nursing practice program at The College of St. Scholastica and is pursuing his family nurse practitioner credentials.
Amos has worked with the faculty team to develop a concept-based nursing curriculum. He is a member of the International Nursing Association for Clinical and Simulation Learning (INACSL), and he has developed new simulations based on INACSL guidelines. Additional service activities include developing a guide for faculty recruiting incoming students and educating faculty and staff within the school of nursing on use of new technology that may enhance learning opportunities. In his spare time he enjoys spending time at the gym, gardening, kayaking, and motorcycling with his family.
Courses:
Professional Nursing & Health Care II
Health Continuum II: Individual Physiologic Responses Theory
Health Continuum II: Individual Physiologic Responses Lab and Simulation
Interprofessional Care Coordination of Veterans
Medical-Surgical Clinical
Professional Nursing & Health Care V: Transition to Practice Theory
Professional Nursing & Health Care V: Transition to Practice Simulation

Sheryl Sandahl, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, CPNP-PC, MPH, MSN
Sheryl Scheer Sandahl, DNP, RN, FNP-BC, MPH, MSN
Baccalaureate degree in nursing from St. Olaf College. Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner from St. Catherine's University with a Master of Public Health degree (Maternal Child focus) from the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities. Master of Science in Nursing and a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Case Western Reserve University Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing. Post-Masters Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate from The College of St. Scholastica. Joined the CSS community full-time in 2002. Teaching experience in online, classroom, skills lab and simulation, and clinical environments in undergraduate and graduate nursing. Interests include curriculum development and assessment, simulation, and collaborative testing in nursing education. National League for Nursing Simulation Institute Leadership participant for 2018. Serves on the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Organizational Leadership Network Steering Committing. Experienced Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education site evaluator. Grant reviewer for U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration. Member of Sigma (National Honor Society for Nursing), Minnesota Organization of Leaders in Nursing, National League for Nursing, and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.

Elisa Schmitz, DNP, APRN, CPNP
Education:
Doctorate of Nursing Practice
The College of St. Scholastica
Duluth, MN
Master of Science in Nursing
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, MN
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Bethel University
St. Paul, MN
Teaching Responsibilities:
Recipients of Care across the Lifespan II and III - theory and clinicals; Health Continuum II and III - clinicals; Health Continuum V - lab and Alaska Capstone.
Academic and Research Interests:
Pediatrics, Community Health Nursing including School Based Nursing, Food Allergy Awareness, and Evidenced Based Practice.

Lisa Starr, DNP, MSN, APRN, WHNP-BC
- Experienced Advanced Practice Registered Nurse - Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
- Clinically, has served patients in reproductive care, preventative care, episodic illness, oncology and chronic disease management, from pre-teen to end of life.
- Academically, has held teaching positions in a Women's Health NP certificate program, ADN program, BSN program and currently in the graduate nursing department at the College of St, Scholastica.
- Primary investigator, (one of four) in original qualitative research.
- Participated in two medical mission trips; one to Ngaundere, Cameroon, Africa to work in a hospital and one to Guatemala to serve patients from many villages outside of Guatemala city.
- Strong interest in holistic nursing and functional medicine.
- Life long learner and teacher with the desire to share knowledge and experience. Advocates for healthcare process change to best serve patients and communities.
- Education
- Doctor of Nursing Practice, University of Minnesota, 2017
- Master of Science, Nursing, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 2002
- Bachelor of Science, University of Wisconsin-Superior, 1986
- Associate of Arts, Nursing, Rochester Community College, Rochester, Minnesota, 1980
- Certifications
- Women's Health Nurse practitioner, National Certification Corporation
- Therapeutic Touch/Healing Touch
- Professional Affiliations
- American Nurses Association
- American Holistic Nurses Association
- American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health

JoAnn Tingum, MSN, RN, CHSE
Education: Winona State University: Bachelor of Science in Nursing, 2008 St. Catherine’s University: Master of Science in Nursing: Nurse Educator, 2016 Biography: JoAnn Tingum joined The College of St. Scholastica in 2018 and transitioned to her role as Simulation Director in 2019. Her clinical background includes work with patients in the Acute and Critical Care settings. In addition, JoAnn has experience working in education in the healthcare setting with a focus on promoting professional development among nursing staff and patient care teams through simulation and other teaching modalities. She holds a membership to the Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSIH), International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning (INACSL), and Association of Standardized Patient Educators (APSE). Her passion for education and simulation is driven by the joy of providing experiential learning opportunities which expand the experiences available to learners and ultimately improves patient safety. In her free-time, she enjoys reading, hiking, and spending time with family.

Gregory White, DNP, APRN, FNP-C
Education:
Minnesota State University Moorhead, Moorhead, MN - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Simmons University, Boston, MA - Master of Science in Family Nurse Practice
The College of St. Scholastica, Duluth, MN - Doctorate of Nursing Practice and Healthcare Leadership
Biography:
Dr. Greg White is the Director of the Traditional Undergraduate Nursing Program. He is an advanced practice registered nurse and Veteran with experience in multiple roles including pre-hospital, flight and military medicine, emergency and critical care nursing, as well as nursing education and leadership. He is also the faculty lead for the Veteran to BS in Nursing program, which works with cohorts of veterans and currently serving military members to promote veteran nursing student success, individualized advising and counseling, and recognition of existing leadership and clinical skills throughout their admission and progress in the Traditional Undergraduate Nursing Program.
Recent achievements:
Dr. White was the overall winner of the inaugural Florence Award by the Duluth News Tribune in 2020 for Strength in Empathy, Mission, and Innovation in the field of Nursing. He was also selected as Nurse of the Year for the Air National Guard in 2019.
He is an inductee and active member of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, and holds certification in Family Nurse Practice from the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), of which he is also a member.
Current Courses:
NSG 3370: Pathopharmacology for Nursing Practice (Lecture, Course Designer)