APNN Fuld Scholars 2009

Erin Andrews:

I grew up in a small town on the central coast of California. Having grown up in an active family, I love to swim, row, hike, camp and run. I attended the University of California, Davis, where I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Biological Science and rowed for the women’s crew team. I spent my summers volunteering at Camp Okizu, a foundation dedicated to helping families affected by childhood cancer. I want to pursue nursing because the profession will give me the opportunity to stay connected with Okizu, help improve medical treatment in underdeveloped countries and work in a field that gives purpose to my life.

Randy Arguel:

I graduated from California State University, Long Beach with a BS in Medical Microbiology, and from Keller Graduate School of Management with an MBA in General Management. For the past fourteen years, I have worked as a scientist and reagents manufacturing supervisor in the clinical diagnostics and biomedical research divisions at Beckman Coulter, Inc. Through volunteerism, I have explored my potential as a clinician; working at a group home for developmentally disabled adults introduced me to a broad range of medical problems and treatment plans, and my experiences at the VA Medical Center and St. Jude Medical Center as a nurse aide volunteer gave me the opportunity to work in a geriatric setting and intensive care unit. Ultimately, with my science and research background, I would like to be a nurse scientist, conduct valuable research studies, and teach nurse scholars – an important role given our shortage of nurses and nurse educators.

Ruth Belflower

I am originally from KY where I attended the University of Kentucky and received a BS in Biotechnology. I moved to Rochester 6 years ago where I worked as a Molecular Biologist in the Center for Musculoskeletal Research at the University of Rochester Medical Center. I became interested in Public Health through a trip to the Centers for Disease Control and pursued my Masters of Public Health at U of R. I graduated with my degree in 2007. I then worked as a Health Project Coordinator in the Center for Community Health at U of R where I performed emerging infections surveillance and conducted population based research. I look forward to using my BSN to further my career and personal goals and feel the SON ABPNN program is the right choice for me.

Devin Callan:

I am originally from Webster, NY. I have just recently moved back home after spending the last year and a half in Washington, D.C. I graduated from the University of Buffalo in 2007 with a B.A. in Psychology and Spanish. It has been a long journey to get to this point, so I am excited to begin pursuing my nursing career, and getting to know my peers in the process.

Lisa Cary:

I am from Seattle, Washington, and I graduated from Washington State University with a BS in Psychology. For the last several years I have been working in the field of Information Management and I'm thrilled to be making a career change to Nursing. Outside of school and work, my interests include traveling, reading, listening to music, hanging out with family and friends, hiking, biking, running, diving, sailing, skiing and spending time outdoors.

Suzanne Chase:

I graduated from Boston College in 2006 with a BA in English and Education. For the past 2 (+) years, I have been a Moderate Special Needs teacher at a high school just north of Boston. As a volunteer at Massachusetts General Hospital, I quickly grew to love working with and supporting children as they overcome obstacles in their young lives. My long-term career goal is to become a Nurse Practitioner, but for now I am focused and excited on the challenging year ahead!

Bill Clark:

My name is Bill Clark and I am a retired public school administrator who just moved to the Rochester area 2 years ago with my wife Pat from the Long Island, New York City area where I lived my whole life. I earned my doctorate in Educational Administration and Policy Studies but I'm very excited to be called nurse instead of doctor! I am currently an online graduate professor for Stony Brook University. Pat and I have 3 married children with 3 grandchildren.

Katelynn Clark:

I was born and raised in Rochester, NY, and graduated from SUNY Geneseo in 2008 with a BS in biology and psychology. Throughout college I volunteered at Strong Hospital in orthopedics and pediatrics, and for the past year have been working as a patient care tech at Rochester General Hospital. Being able to help so many people and make their hospital stay a better one sparked my interest in nursing. Currently, I am interested in women’s health and my long term goal is to become a Family Nurse Practitioner. Outside of work and school I enjoy the outdoors, playing soccer, and spending time with my family and friends.

Kathleen Dorn:

My education and background is in teaching mathematics, graduating from SUNY Geneseo in 2002. Since then I have taught in Boston and worked for Habitat for Humanity in Philadelphia. When I decided to go into nursing I took a job as a medical assistant to get a bit of experience while taking the prerequisites. Like others in this program, I have a deep interest in medicine and a strong desire to help others. In my spare time I enjoy running with my dog, rowing when I get the chance, traveling and spending time with friends and family.

Lindsay Eisemann:

After being born and bred in the Rochester area, I moved downstate to Hempstead, Long Island, NY, to earn a BS in Biology from Hofstra University in 2005, where I was a teaching assistant in Genetics for 3 years. After graduation, I returned home and took a position as an Anesthesia Technician at Strong Memorial Hospital, as well as a volunteer position in the SMH Emergency Room. I returned to the tri-state area and earned an MS in Physiology from New York Medical College in Valhalla, NY. Now I'm looking forward to exploring the career options nursing has to offer to find one that will allow me to combine my passion for teaching and basic science research with direct patient care. In my free time I enjoy dancing, painting pottery, and watching classic films.

Sara Fagan:

I graduated from the University of Rochester with a BS in Microbiology and a minor in Chemistry and Spanish. During school I participated in musical theater, juggling club, intramural basketball and soccer. This past fall, I studied abroad in Quito, Ecuador, to improve my Spanish. It was such an amazing experience traveling the country (Galapagos and the Amazon jungle) and volunteering in a children's hospital. My main interest is in pediatrics and in the future I would love to go back to South America on a nursing mission of some sort.

Meghan Glassmacher:

I am from Fairfax Station, Virginia. I went to East Carolina University and graduated in 2008 with my Bachelor’s in Exercise Physiology with a minor in Nutrition. I went to East Carolina to play Division 1 soccer but there I learned my true passion was running. I then joined the Cross country and Track team at East Carolina and competed at the Division 1 level. I still continue to enjoy running to this day. I ran my first marathon last year and hope to be able to complete another one in the future. I feel fortunate to attend University of Rochester and I look forward to the challenges that lie ahead, and surviving my first winter up north.

Jenna Gonillo:

I graduated in 2009 from Pepperdine University with a BS in Biological Psychology. During the spring of my sophomore year, I was fortunate to be the National and Global Youth Service Day intern for Youth Service America, a non-profit service organization in Washington, DC. I decided to pursue nursing after seeing the positive impact nurses had on patients in the medical settings where I worked my sophomore and junior years. I have always enjoyed research and participated in a cell apoptosis project my senior year with Dr. Jay Brewster. My professional goals are to earn a doctorate, conduct research and improve health care available to underserved populations.

Eric Huffman:

I am originally from the Finger Lakes area of New York State. I graduated from Saint Bonaventure University with a BS in Biology and from the United States Naval Postgraduate School with an MS in Management Science. I attended the United States Army Field Artillery School, Airborne School, and Ranger School enroute to my first active duty assignment in Europe that was the beginning of slightly more than 20 years of service as a commissioned officer. I served in the functional areas of operations, logistics, maintenance, and research and development in a number of locations throughout the United States, Germany, and the Netherlands. I worked for British Airways in Germany for a few years after my Army service. I speak German fluently and some Dutch. I have always had a strong interest in the clinical side of health care. Outside of academics, I have strong interests in sports (especially hockey), mathematics (specifically the areas of probability and statistics), computers and research, and spending time with my parents, two brothers, three sisters, and their children.

Cerise Kazmierczak:

I graduated from the University of California Davis in 2007 with a Bachelor’s degree in Human Development. While attending school I served as a respite worker for families with developmentally and physically disabled children. I also volunteered at various hospitals in the area such as Shriner’s Hospital for Children and the UCD Cancer Center. More recently I held a job as a medication technician at an assisted living facility. My work and volunteer experience have only served to solidify my desire to become a nurse and I am very excited to begin the APNN. Once I obtain my degree I would love to pursue emergency nursing or obstetrics. In my spare time I love running, watching classic movies, and laughing with good friends. I look forward to meeting everyone in the program!

Catherine Mets:

When asked where I am from I will always answer “Chicago.” I have, however, lived in Portland, OR, for the past 5 1/2 years. I made the trek out there to attend Lewis & Clark College where I found a good balance between the city and the outdoors. I only wish it didn't rain quite so much. I was a coxswain for many years throughout high school and college and have been coaching ever since graduation. I love any chance to get out and have a good time as well as curling up with a good book.

John Millspaugh:

Prior to beginning the APNN, I worked in brand management for large companies including Colgate Palmolive and Constellation Brands. I have an undergraduate degree in Communications from Boston College and an MBA from Babson College. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my wife and 3 children; mostly working on projects around the house, playing sports or exploring nature. I also volunteer time coaching and serving on a board for a non profit organization. For a variety of reasons I have decided to begin a new career in health care and I am excited to become involved in direct patient care. I am confident that I will find this decision fulfilling and rewarding.

Jack O’Connor:

Growing up in a rural area outside of Albany, New York, I had little exposure to what university life is like. Now, as a 21 year old with a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from the University of Rochester, I can't wait to get across the street to the School of Nursing. Healthcare has always been a passion of mine, but it has been my experience as a PCA at a local community hospital that ultimately directed me toward a career in Nursing. In my spare time I enjoy bike riding, traveling, singing, watching Golden Girls, and spending time with friends. I am very excited to get to know everyone.

Christina Skifstad:

I graduated from the College of Wooster in 2002 with a BA in Psychology and in Music. I received my Masters in Vocal Music from Kent State University in 2005. Since graduation, I have worked as a professor of Vocal Music at Lee University in TN for 2 years, and since moving back to the Ohio area, have had a private voice studio. I also have enjoyed performing opera and musical theater roles in both the OH and TN areas. While music will always be a love of mine, I feel called to help people in a more tangible way: nursing. I look forward to starting my nursing career and using my teaching skills to help patients and their families. My long term goals are to become a nurse practitioner or nurse educator.

Iga Slominski:

I spent my first 12 years in Warsaw, Poland before moving to New York City. I went on to graduate from St. Lawrence University with a B.A in English but I always had an interest in the medical field. I always found nursing to be an exceptional field that combined both science and the art of communication between people. I am excited to start the journey and help heal people along the way.

Aaron Williams:

I was born and raised in San Diego, California. I attended colleges in California, New York, and Virginia. After I finished my degree in Theology, my wife and I took teaching positions in the Czech Republic through a nonprofit that sends teachers to developing nations. We lived there for three years and during our last two years I worked as the field director for Central Europe. We have moved around quite a bit and have finally settled down in the Finger Lake Region in Central New York. I have been working as a CNA in Long Term Care for little over a year now. As of May 1, 2009, I resigned and found it quite difficult saying goodbye to the residents I have worked with. My goal is to become an Advanced Practice Nurse in oncology care.

Amanda Young:

After graduating with undergraduate degrees in Political Science and Anthropology, I assisted on a neurological research study, publishing a paper on Epilepsy in 2003. While continuing my education, I also worked in various secondary and tertiary settings, including departments of Medicine, Cardiology, Phlebotomy, Emergency, Neonatology, Gynecology and Surgery. As a native Spanish speaker, my long-term goal is to become a Midwife, specializing in Latin-American Women’s Health.