Health Sciences Faculty

Rebecca Zolotor currently serves as the Interim Dean for the School of Health Sciences, previously serving as the Associate Dean for over a decade. Her career in higher education includes faculty and department chair positions nationally and abroad. Prior professional experience includes key management positions in the pharmaceutical industry, bench research, coordination of research trials, and pharmacy practice in hospitals, pharmacies, and insurance companies.

Zolotor’s area of expertise is new program development, integration of health industry trends and standards, and interdepartmental operations and project coordination. She serves as a textbook and multimedia reviewer for several major publishing companies and is a peer reviewer for medical journals. Additionally, Zolotor is a Peer Corps Reviewer for the Higher Learning Commission.

Education: PharmD, Nova Southeastern University; MS, University of Connecticut; BA, Emory University

Certifications: Registered Pharmacist, Lean Green Belt certification, Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) Certification

Gina Quesinberry supports the academic department chairs and dean in day-to-day operations, manages special projects, supervises the scheduling team, and fosters early collaboration between Career Services and students. After starting her career at the Janet P. Lewis Child Development Center in 1996, she later joined Strayer University, Grand Canyon University, and Purdue Global as an adjunct faculty member. Quesinberry teaches undergraduate psychology courses and has experience working with adolescent psychiatric patients, homeless families, and disabled young adults. She has been an active member of the Center for Teaching and Learning advisory board and has presented at national and international conferences.

Education: MA, East Tennessee State University; Certificate in Web Application Development, Capella University

Certifications: Six Sigma White Belt Certification

Honors and Achievements: 2015 Great Place Kaplan Way Leadership Award Finalist (Kaplan University), 2009 Arts and Health Sciences Administrator Award (Kaplan University), 2009 Provost’s Circle Designation for Excellence in Instruction (Strayer University)

Nancy Szwydek is an assistant dean at Purdue Global. She is responsible for overseeing compliance within the School of Health Sciences as well as managing and monitoring programmatic accreditation processes and documentation for multiple program. Szwydek has previously served as the academic program chair for the medical billing and coding, associate of health science, health information management and health informatics programs. Szwydek spearheaded approval of the American Health Information Management Association Professional Certificate Approval Program (PCAP) for the billing and coding program, accreditation for the Bachelor of Health Information Management (BSHIM) program, and the Health Information Management and Systems Society (HIMSS) Approved Education Partner (AEP) designation for the master of health informatics and health information management programs.

Prior to working in education, Szwydek worked as a registered nurse for over 30 years. She currently serves as an item and module writer for electrocardiography, phlebotomy, and medical assisting exams through the National Healthcareer Association. She also serves as an accreditation peer reviewer for the Commission of Accreditation for Allied Health Programs (CAAHEP) and Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB) and was elected to the MAERB board in 2019 where she currently serves as a Co-Chair.

Education: MPH, BHS, and AAS, Kaplan University (now Purdue Global); Nursing Diploma, Maryland General Hospital School of Nursing

Certifications:  Registered Nurse (RN); Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA); Registered Medical Assistant (RMA); Certified Rhythm Analysis Technician (CRAT); and Clinical Medical Assistant Certificate (CMAC).     

Publications: Chief Editor for Kaplan’s Medical Assistant Exam Strategies, Practice, & Review RN; RHIA; CRAT; RMA; CMAC

Honors and Achievements: School of Health Sciences Leadership Award (Kaplan University). Purdue University Global Accomplished Learner Award, additional excellence awards

Memberships: American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA); American Medical Technologists (AMT); American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA); Health Informatics and Management Systems Society (HIMSS)

Lanie Wright is responsible for student-related operations activities such as handling escalations, issues, and concerns. To strengthen student retention and satisfaction, she also identifies and implements service improvement strategies. Prior to her career in higher education, Wright spent 17 years in the financial sector including roles in accounting, financial analysis, management, and operations. Since 2007 she has also served in various academic positions including adjunct faculty, course lead and faculty mentor, faculty developer, and faculty payroll analyst.

Education: EJD, Concord Law School; MBA, Park University; BS, William Jewel College

Christopher Gallucci is the academic department chair for the Doctor of Health Science, Master of Public Health, Master of Science in Health Education and Promotion, Bachelor of Science in Health Science, Bachelor of Science in Health Education and Promotion, Associate of Applied Science in Health Science, Associate of Science in Health Science, and the Global Health micro credential. Prior to this position, he was an adjunct professor at Purdue Global and managed the division of Community Health and Performance Management within his county health department in Florida. During that time, Gallucci had oversight over ten public health programs and led efforts to attain accreditation through the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB). Before his career in Florida, Gallucci was certified by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) as an environmental health specialist for Hays County, TX. As an Army veteran having served with the 101st Airborne, Gallucci hopes to leverage his experience to help military students get the most out of their education.     

Education:  DHSc, Nova Southeastern University; MPH, University of Florida; BSc, Quinnipiac University; Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Palm Beach State College; MSA Arabic, Defense Language Institute

Certifications: CPH, LSSYB, TCEQ, FEMA ICS, OSHA, NASM-CPT, ARDMS-OB/GYN & AB

Memberships:  NACCHO, All4HealthFL, Tampa Bay Healthcare Collaborative

Stefanie Jones is the academic department chair for the master of health care administration, bachelor of science in health care administration, medical office administration certificate, and graduate telehealth micro-credential programs. Previously, Jones served as the department chair for a public university, where she led the undergraduate and graduate health administration programs and taught as an associate professor in both the traditional and online settings. Jones founded a health care consulting firm, served as the deputy director of health regulation for a state government agency, and led both for-profit and nonprofit health care organizations. Jones has authored several textbooks, articles, and white papers, and she has acted as a reviewer for a professional journal and an editorial advisory board member for a publishing company.

Education:  DHA, Medical University of South Carolina; MHA, University of South Carolina at Columbia; BA, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill              

Publications: Several white papers and peer reviewed articles, and four books: Competency-Based Care & Facility Assessments: A Compliance Guide for F726 and F838; The Long-Term Care Compliance Toolkit; Long-Term Care Quality Measures: A Guide to Data Analysis, Performance Improvement, and Public Reporting; The Theft Prevention Guide for Senior Living              

Memberships: American College of Healthcare Executives, Association of University Programs in Health Administration, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., HCPro Billers Association and PPS Alert - Advisory Board Member, Journal of Quality in Health Care & Economics – Editorial Board Member 

Research Interests: Health care operations, policy, and quality

Antonio Santo joined Purdue University Global in June of 2023 and currently serves as the academic department chair for the Nutrition and Health and Wellness programs. Santo has been a professor, researcher, and program director for over ten years in the areas of exercise physiology, nutrition, and wellness at a variety of traditional and online universities. Purdue University’s land-grant status resonates with Santo given his prior leadership of the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program at the Cooperative Extension in Clark County, NV. Santo has also extensively worked as a registered dietitian providing medical nutrition therapy and nutrition education to nursing/rehabilitation, dialysis, and bariatric patients.              

Education: PhD, SUNY Buffalo; MS, UNLV; BS, LeMoyne College 

Publications: Santo's research has been published in Games for Health Journal, Computers in Human Behavior, International Journal of Exercise Science, Today’s Dietitian, Frontiers in Physiology, Applied Physiology, Nutrition and Metabolism, ACSM's Health & Fitness Journal, Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, Lipids, and Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport.   

Certifications: ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist; Registered Dietitian

Research Interests: Exercise performance, sports nutrition lipids, cardiovascular disease

Zeynep Behjet has been employed with Purdue Global since 2018 holding several academic appointments. She currently serves as the program chair of health informatics and digital health programs. Behjet’s professional interests lie in the utilization of clinical informatics for quality improvement and patient safety. Her commitment to improving healthcare outcomes through integrating technology and data analysis showcases her dedication to advancing the field of medicine.            

Education: MD, University of Tikrit College of Medicine; MEd in Health Education, Plymouth State University; MS in Health Informatics, Purdue Global

Publications: Nakip, Ali; Mario Cruz; Jordie Martin; Juhee Patel; Neil Alessio; Steve Montoya; John Ngo; and Zeynep Behjet. "Implementing a New Patient Flow Management System at the Addiction and Substance Abuse Program (ASAP)." (2023). https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/hsc_qips/84

Certifications: Graduate Certificate in Eating Disorders

Memberships: Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS), American Medical Informatics Association (AMIA), The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)

Research Interests: Utilizing clinical informatics for quality improvement and patient safety, telemedicine, electronic health records use and physician burnout, data analytics

Karen Getman serves as BS Health Information Management and Medical Billing & Coding certificate program chair. Before coming to Purdue Global, she began her academic career as a faculty member, and later a Health Information Technology (HIT) program coordinator, where she advanced to the rank of Associate Professor. Getman was instrumental in reinstating the HIT program from its inactive status and rebuilding it into a fully online program. She has developed and taught many undergraduate HIT courses. Getman frequently participates in professional development activities and conferences.

Education: MS Instructional Technology, Fort Hays State University; BPS Health Information Management, SUNY Polytechnic

Certifications: RHIA        

Honors and Achievements: Educator’s Award (2022 NYHIMA); Excellence in Teaching Award (2022 MV); Education Director (2022 NYHIMA)   

Memberships: American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA); Healthcare Information & Management Systems Society (HIMSS) and New York Health Information Management Association (NYHIMA), where she serves as the 2nd year Education Director.

Research Interests: Digital health, academic administrative process, online community building, and effective leadership

Danielle Scheetz is the academic program chair for the medical assistant program. Prior to this position, she served as the department chair and practicum coordinator for the School of Health Sciences for the Cedar Rapids and Cedar Falls locations (formerly Kaplan University). She has worked extensively with the medical assistant program, teaching various courses and began her career as an adjunct professor in 2009.            

Education: DC, Palmer College of Chiropractic; BA, Grand View University                            

Certifications: CCMA(NHA)          

Honors and Achievements:
Site surveyor for the Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB) 2017-Present
SME for McGraw Hill and the National Health Career Association
Member, Medical Assisting Examination Committee for the National Center for Competency Testing

Memberships: Society for Simulation in Healthcare

Tricia Berry is the director of clinical and practicum programs for the School of Health Sciences. She oversees clinical and practicum placement processes for health sciences and graduate psychology programs, Health Sciences Education Abroad program, and Health Sciences Service Learning programs. Berry helped launch the online School of Health Sciences in 1996 and has served in a variety of capacities for Purdue Global (formerly Kaplan University). As an occupational therapist, Berry has skilled nursing experience in acute care, home health, mental health, and rehabilitation facilities. She has presented at numerous academic conferences, including international conferences in higher education and leadership.              

Education: PhD, Northcentral University; MATL, Kaplan University (now Purdue Global); BA, BSOT, St. Ambrose University                    

Certifications: Registered occupational therapist, Certified Diversity and Inclusion Specialist              

Honors and Achievements: 2022 PG Organization Builder Award; 2022 AAACE President's Appreciate Award; 2017 Director's Award AAACE Commission on Distance Learning and Teaching; 2015 Spirit of Kaplan Award, 2013 School of Health Sciences Leadership Award (Kaplan University)          

Memberships: American Association of Adult and Continuing Education, International Leadership Association,  Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership, NAFSA: Association of International Educators, Society for Simulation in Healthcare, American Association of Medical Assistants           

Research Interests: Servant leadership, leadership of virtual teams, diversity, equity, and inclusion, service learning, education abroad, adult education, mentorship

Wesley Benton teaches various undergraduate classes for the School of Health Sciences and has been a faculty member at Purdue Global since 2008. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in distance higher education, having taught in both online and on-campus formats in institutions since 2004. As an educator, Benton specializes in leveraging technology to assist students in learning complex material and is known for his ability to create a supportive learning environment where both novice and experienced adult students thrive and learn.

Education: DC, Logan University; MA; MSEd

Honors and Achievements: Distinguished FT Adjunct, 2012 Excellence in Teaching Award (Davenport University), additional teaching awards

Ginger Cameron teaches graduate courses in the masters of public health program, with a special emphasis on epidemiology. She serves on numerous school and university committees and serves as the immediate past president of the PG Faculty Senate. Cameron seeks ways to increase students’ participation in research. Cameron's research has been published in a variety of journals and she has presented at national and regional conferences. She has been interviewed numerous times for her expertise in public health and serves on several international committees to provide public health and/or educational support to diverse global populations.                                                                                   

Education: PhD, MPH, Walden University; MEd, Central Michigan University

Honors and Achievements: Three-time winner, Professor-of-the-Year Award; Greene County Achievers Award (U.S. House of Representatives, 10th District)

Research Interests: Environmental influences on the opioid crisis, nationwide food insecurity

Jennifer Claire has worked with the School of Health Sciences since early 2007. She teaches undergraduate courses in health care administration, but previously taught in the medical office administration and medical assisting programs. Claire has been an active member of numerous committees throughout Purdue Global, including the Curriculum Committee, IRB, Faculty Senate, Academic Appeals Committee, and the Innovation and Learning Committee. She has also served as a Portfolio Evaluator and Faculty Advisor for student clubs. Prior to Purdue Global, she taught health science and medical assisting at various colleges and schools. She began her career as a nursing assistant, followed by medical assistant, RN, and then office manager at various medical practices. Claire is working on a Patient Advocate Certification.              

Education: MS Law, Kaplan University; MSHS, Touro University; MSPH, Trident University International; BS Psychology, Chapman University; BS Sociology, Trinity University

Publications: The Secrets of a Nigh Nigh

The mind body connection

Exam Study Methods for the Online Student: Here is What Really Works!

Developing a Cohesive Course with Effective Student Learning Outcomes

Miracle, Upon Miracle. Turning cancer tragedy into triumph

Certifications: Post-bachelor paralegal certification; Graduate certificate in law, Certified Alternative Health Practitioner, Certified Allied Health Instructor (CAHI) Registered Medical Assistant (RMA)

Honors and Achievements: Faculty Scholarship Award, Purdue Global 2019; 2013, 2011 Outstanding Faculty Award (Kaplan University); Graduation speaker Chapman University and Cero Coso Community College. Proceeds from Claire's book, The Secrets of a Nigh Nigh were used to create a scholarship fund for single moms returning to school.    

Memberships: HCCA (Health Care Compliance Association); American Medical Technologist Society; Online Learning Consortium; Society for Information Technology and Teacher Education; Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE); National Teachers Association; International Association of Administrative Professionals; American Association of University Women

Research Interests: Effective teaching methods, ethics, bioethics, leadership styles, DEI, naturopathic medicine, integrative oncology

Sean Craig teaches a variety of undergraduate courses in the School of Health Sciences, assists with curriculum development, and works passionately with students to provide a path forward in their pursuit of a health-science-focused career. Craig joined Purdue Global as a part-time faculty member and later transitioned into a full-time member. Prior to working in higher education, he managed and grew a team of nutrition professionals that provided virtual counseling for clients across the country. Additionally, through his work as a registered dietitian and certified personal trainer, Craig has a decade of professional experience working with diverse populations in a health and wellness capacity.          

Education: MS, Saint Elizabeth University; BS, Mansfield University of Pennsylvania          

Certifications: Registered and licensed dietitian               

Honors and Achievements: Recipient of White House Healthy Campus Certificate

Memberships: National Nutrition Academy and Local Nutrition Associations

Research Interests: Rapport building and long-term client outcomes in an outpatient counseling setting, sports nutrition in adolescent populations

Kim Dunn teaches various undergraduate courses in the health care administration and medical assisting program at Purdue Global over 15 years ago. In addition to teaching, Dunn works in the medical field, where she has over 30 years of experience in a number of positions and sub-specialty practices. Currently, she serves as a consultant for a large regional health information exchange as well as a member of the readmission coalition for her community.              

Education: MBA/MHA, Pfeiffer University; MS in Psychology with a concentration in Addictions, Purdue University Global      

Publications: Phlebotomy Skills for the Nurse

Certifications: Professional Coder (CPC), Certified Professional in Healthcare Risk Management, Applied Behavior Analysis

Memberships: American Academy of Professional Coders, American Association of Medical Assistants, American Medical Technology, Medical Group Management Association

Research Interests: Improving patient education and coordination of care in the post-acute setting

Christopher Gransberry teaches several graduate courses in the School of Health Sciences at Purdue Global. Gransberry began his career with the university as an adjunct faculty member and transitioned to course leader, then full-time faculty where he specializes in health information governance, healthcare technology, health informatics, and healthcare operations management. His industry expertise includes electronic health record (EHR) implementation, change management, and utilization in support of key healthcare goals, objectives, and deliverables during the deployment of an EHR software application using a comprehensive set of strategies and project management. Gransberry has led numerous research studies and authored articles, policy briefs, and position papers. He is a trained instructional designer and has developed academic courses at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels.        

Education: PhD, Northcentral University; PMHOM, Nebraska Methodist College; MHI, Louisiana Tech University; BGS, Southern University at New Orleans; AGS, Delgado Community College

Publications: A Quantitative Study to Explore the Relationship Between Organizational Leadership and Employee Innovation

How Emotional Intelligence Promote Leadership and Management Practices

Current Industry Trends and Future Career Outlook in Health Informatics

Certifications: Certified Healthcare Technology Specialist: Implementation Manager (CHTS-IM); Certified Associate in Healthcare Information and Management Systems (CAHIMS); Executive Leadership (NSLS-EL) Certification; Certified Federal Program/Project Management (FAC-P/PM) Professional; Certification in Effective Online Teaching Practices (ACUE)         

Memberships: American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA); The National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS); Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS)

Research Interests: Electronic health record modernization; Social determinants of health; Health science workforce and leadership development

Christine Hollander has over 35 years of Medical Assisting experience and teaches Medical Assistant clinical courses. As a Certified Medical Assistant (AAMA), she has completed undergraduate degrees in medical assistant, business, health information technology, and general health studies. Holding the honor of American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) Past President in 2013, Hollander’s involvement with the AAMA also includes serving on the AAMA Board of Trustees and as the State President for Colorado since 1997. She currently serves on the AAMA Continuing Education Board and chairs the ABC Task Force. Hollander is also involved with Colorado MGMA and PAHCOM chapters to obtain updates with today’s medical business trends.

Education: DM (pending), MBA, University of Phoenix; MEd, Kaplan University (now known as Purdue Global), BA Denver Institute of Technology, HIT Purdue University Global, AA Denver Institute of Technology

Certifications: Certified Medical Assistant (AAMA)

Memberships: American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), Medical Group Management Association (MGMA), Professional Association of Health Care Office Management (PAHCOM)

Shelly Johnsen has over 30 years of experience in Health Information Management and has held many different leadership positions, as well as serving as a Joint Commission accreditation specialist and a subject matter expert in electronic health records (EHRs). Johnsen teaches undergraduate courses in the BS Health Information Management program at Purdue Global. She began her teaching career at the University in 2013 as a part-time adjunct and became a full-time university faculty member in August 2018. Johnsen also serves on the Learning and Leadership Community Advisory Board, GEL Committee, BSHIM/MBC Advisory Committee, and the Ultimate Medical Academy – Medical Billing and Coding Advisory Board. In addition to teaching, she also does outreach for medical coding students as a tutor/mentor. Johnsen’s involvement with AHIMA includes serving on the RHIT Certification Exam Development Committee. She also volunteers as the Education Liaison for the Michigan Health Information Management Association.    


Education: MBA, Tiffin University; BHS, Ferris State University

Certifications: Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT)

Memberships: American Health Information Management Association, Michigan Health Information Management Association

Todd Kane is a full-time faculty member in the School of Health Sciences at Purdue Global, where he teaches undergraduate courses in health care finance, quality improvement, and health care management. Kane’s experience in business, human resources, health care, and health care administration spans more than 20 years. During this time, he served as president and chief executive officer of a multi-million dollar private national health care recruitment, human resources, and outsourcing firm for more than a decade, as vice president of a publicly traded health care staffing and outsourcing firm, and in various leadership positions including chief operating officer, regional vice president, and regional director.

Education: MEd, MBA, BBA, Northcentral University; MSIT, Kaplan University (now Purdue Global)

Jericho Leftwich began his career with Purdue Global in 2021 as an adjunct faculty member for the School of Health Sciences. Leftwich is a board certified Doctor of Natural Medicine, Holistic Health Practitioner, Master Herbalist, Homeopathic Practitioner, and Usui Reiki Master/Teacher who maintains a private holistic health care practice. Leftwich is also a public health practitioner with focus areas in infectious diseases, program management, and system building using the Collective Impact Model. Prior to establishing his private practice, he served as the Regional HIV/STD Program Manager for the Texas Department of State Health Services and has worked as a Contract & Compliance Officer for the City of Houston Health Department.     

Education: MPH, Kaplan University; BS, Chowan University          

Certifications: Board Certified Doctor of Natural Medicine, Board Certified Holistic Health Practitioner, Certified Homeopathic Practitioner, Certified Master Herbalist, Certified Reiki Master/Teacher               

Memberships: Board Member, American Association of Natural Wellness Practitioner (AANWP)

Research Interests: Metaphysical science, herbal medicine, meditation and health, mindfulness-based stress reduction, conscious living, public health practices

Sandra Masten teaches various graduate courses in the Masters of Health Information Management Program and Health Informatics programs, as well as undergraduate courses in the Health Information Management BS program. Previously, Masten has worked as a health information management department director for various health care organizations.      

Education: Doctor of Health Sciences, A.T. Still University, Mesa, AZ; MS Health Services Administration, University of Central Florida; BS Health Information Management, University of Central Florida; Licensed Practical Nurse, Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences, Orlando, FL            

Publications: "Acknowledgement for Fourth Edition Review:  Sanderson, Susan, “Computers in the Medical Office.” McGraw-Hill, 2007.

The Blending of Health Information and Health Informatics.  Blog Post.  July 11, 2022 Purdue Global University

Certifications: Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA), Billing & Coding Specialist (BCSC), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Certified Professional in Healthcare Information and Management Systems (CPHIMS)

Honors and Achievements: Community service hours tutoring young adults seeking GED

Memberships: Member of National (AHIMA), State (NCAHIMA) and Local Health Information Management Associations. Member of National and State Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS)

Research Interests: Global health

Holly Parker teaches several courses in the School of Health Sciences at Purdue Global. She began her career with the university as an adjunct faculty member and transitioned to full-time faculty and course leader. She has experience managing the office of a medical clinic as well as owning a company responsible for creating electronic health records. She is also a certified integrative health and nutrition coach, working one-on-one with individuals to help them improve their health and wellness holistically.

Education: MA, Missouri State University; BS, Missouri State University; BS, Kaplan University

Certifications: Medical Billing and Coding Certificate (Kaplan University); Medical Records Transcription Certificate, Integrative Nutrition Certificate, Stress Management Certificate              

Honors and Achievements: 2016 Spirit of Excellent Award (Kaplan University); 2014 Outstanding Full Time Faculty (Kaplan University)             

Memberships: National Wellness Institute; American Holistic Health Association

Research Interests: Food security in economically insecure populations, end-of-life and Hospice care, the emerging use of psychedelic plant medicine to aid in the management of anxiety, depression, PTSD, end-of-life anxiety, memory issues and neurogenesis.

Michael Snell is a faculty member in the bachelor’s degree in health care administration program at Purdue Global. He specializes in health care administration, health care policy and economics, and operational analysis and quality improvement. With more than 20 years of managerial health care experience, Snell has worked for a variety of private, nonprofit, and government health care entities, including the Washington State Medical Quality Assurance Commission. He was appointed and re-appointed to the Commission by the governor of Washington. Snell served in this role for 6 years, during which he helped establish the policies and procedures for the practice of health care in the state.

Education: DBA, MBA, University of Phoenix; EJD, Concord University; MCSS, MCPM, Villanova University

Leslie Young teaches a wide range of nutrition courses, assists with course curriculum development, and acts as the faculty sponsor for the Student Nutrition Association at Purdue Global. She frequently coordinates with other departments to provide degree and career path information to maximize student achievement. Young has been teaching college nutrition courses in both traditional and online environments since 2006. She has also worked as a clinical dietitian in both hospital and home care environments and has extensive training in nutrition support methods. Young has authored articles and given presentations on topics relating to essential oils, dietary collagen, and navigating the nutrition job market.

Education: MS, Winthrop University; BS, Appalachian State University

Certifications: Registered and licensed dietitian

Honors and Achievements: 2015 Kaplan Way Award (Kaplan University); 2005 State Dietitian of the Year

Memberships: Local and national nutrition associations

Research Interests: Effect of childhood and adolescent obesity on early development of type 2 diabetes