Health Sciences Faculty

Angela Ask teaches various undergraduate courses with a special emphasis on medical law and bioethics. She practices innovation with the use of video in the classroom, applies her clinical experience to give examples real-life scenarios of ethical dilemmas, and facilitates student learning by using review games in seminar. Ask was a Certified Clinical Perfusionist for 12 years. She started teaching clinically at the University of Nebraska Medical Center then moved to academic instruction.  She has worked in the University’s School of Health Sciences for ten years

Education: MS, University of Nebraska Medical Center

Publications: The Journal of Extracorporeal Technology

Honors and Achievements: Faculty Innovation Award, Faculty of the Term Award, Faculty Evaluation Award, additional teaching and research awards

Wesley Benton teaches various undergraduate classes for the School of Health Sciences and has been a faculty member at Purdue Global (formerly Kaplan University) 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 master’s of public health program, with a special emphasis on epidemiology. She serves on numerous committees and focuses on ways to increase students participation in research. Cameron has served as a department chair, as well as assistant dean of students, programs, and assessment. She has also served as the dean of the School of Health Sciences at multiple institutions. 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.

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 and oversees curriculum and development for courses in medical office administration, health care administration, medical assisting. Claire is an active member of numerous committees throughout Purdue Global, including the Curriculum Committee 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 and then office manager at various medical practices.

Education: MSHS, Touro University; MSPH, Trident University International; BS, Chapman University

Certifications: Certified Allied Health Instructor, Registered Medical Assistant, graduate certificate in law, post-bachelor paralegal certification

Honors and Achievements: 2013, 2011 Outstanding Faculty Award (Kaplan University), additional teaching awards

Earon Davis teaches courses in stress management and complementary and alternative medicine, as well as the bachelor’s capstone in health and wellness, for the School of Health Sciences at Purdue Global. He also teaches stress reduction techniques and participates in the Sustainability Community of Practice at Indiana University. Davis began his career at the Illinois Pollution Control Board, worked as an environmental consultant, and directed a toxic chemical safety project for the Migrant Legal Action Program. In addition, he has worked for the American Academy of Environmental Medicine, served as board president of Living Earth Television, NFP, and published an international newsletter on environmental health and the law.

Education: JD, Washington University; MPH, University of California

Honors and Achievements: Crane Gargoyle Award (Council on Disability Rights), Recognition of Excellence (National Center for Environmental Health Services), Carlton Lee Award (American Academy of Environmental Medicine), Excellence in Teaching and Kaplan Way Awards (Kaplan University), additional service and teaching honors

Memberships: Rotary Club of Bloomington, Indiana

Jayasri Ghosedastidar teaches undergraduate courses in the School of Health Sciences, with a special emphasis on pathogens, chronic and genetic diseases, and cancer. She is involved in curriculum development, including modularized curriculum. Ghosedastidar joined Purdue Global (formerly Kaplan University) in 2009 as an adjunct professor after teaching at St. John’s University and the Borough of Manhattan Community College. Her postdoctoral career began at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and she later joined Mt. Sinai as a postdoctoral fellow, where she investigated the molecular mechanism of inactivation of the tumor suppressor protein p53.

Education: PhD, Icahn School of Medicine (formerly Mount Sinai School of Medicine)

Publications: Proceeding of the National Academy of Sciences, Journal of Steroid Biochemistry, Molecular Cell

Memberships: American Society for Cell Biology

Research Interests: Cell transformation pathways, molecular basis of steroid-protein interactions

Lisa Giarda teaches various undergraduate courses in the School of Health Sciences at Purdue Global and oversees ethics and leadership and bachelor's capstone courses. Prior to Purdue Global, she was a business manager and consultant in the health care field for over 25 years. Giarda has been a member of the faculty evaluator—student portfolio assessments team and the Academic Governance Board: Faculty Curriculum Committee. She was also an eCYBERMISSION Virtual Judge under AEOP and is on governing committees at other universities.

Education: PhD, University of Phoenix (pending); MBA, MS, American Intercontinental University; BS, Florida State University

Honors and Achievements: 2017 Faculty of the Year (Excelsior College), 2015 Kaplan Way Leadership Award for Outstanding Faculty (Kaplan University), 2013 Faculty of the Year (University of Phoenix)

Research Interests: Competency-based education

Amy Hartog oversees the medical assisting program for Purdue Global in Davenport, Iowa. She also teaches courses in medical assisting clinical lab skills, instructs the student externship course, and manages the student practicum experience. Hartog joined Purdue Global (formerly Kaplan University) in 2013 as the medical assisting program director. Prior to Purdue Global, she worked in primary and secondary education, health education, health marketing, and medical assisting for over 20 years. She is dedicated to helping students succeed and works effectively to increase student retention and graduate exam pass rates.

Education: BS, Nova Southeastern University; Certificate in Health Education

Certifications: Nationally Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA-NCCT), Registered Medical Assistant (RMA-AMT)

Nicole Heim teaches in the health science bachelor's degree program at Purdue Global. Prior to her academic career, Heim worked as an environmental health specialist and emergency planner and was the associate director of the Kansas Public Health Association (KPHA). In addition, Heim was a fellow of the Kansas Public Health Leadership Institute and was elected by her peers to serve on the Faculty Curriculum Committee of the Academic Governance Council.

Education: MPH, University of Kansas; MSEd, Kaplan University (now Purdue University Global)

Publications: “Practicum Report, Pandemic Preparedness and Closed PODS: A Survey of Large Businesses in Johnson County, KS”

Certifications: Certified in Public Health (CPH-NBPHE), Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS-NEHA)

Honors and Achievements: Faculty of the Month Award, Outstanding Curriculum Revision/Innovation Award, Outstanding Faculty Award (Kaplan University)

Memberships: American Public Health Association, National Environmental Health Association, Society for Public Health Education

Kristin Henningsen teaches courses on health and wellness in the School of Health Sciences at Purdue Global. She has served as a faculty mentor and course leader and is currently serving on the faculty senate. Henningsen is ethnobotanist, clinical herbalist, and yoga therapist who maintains a private holistic health care practice and has been researching, writing, and teaching about medicinal plants for over 15 years. She served as assistant curator of the Deaver Herbarium in Arizona and conducted botanical research at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst and for non-profit organizations. Henningsen has been recognized for outstanding curriculum revision and innovation and has been a frequent presenter at conferences and workshops throughout the country, focusing on complementary and integrative healing practices.

Education: MS, Northern Arizona University

Publications: Mother Earth Living, various journals

Memberships: American Herbalist Guild, Vermont Center for Integrative Herbalism

Research Interests: Botany, herbal medicine

Christine Hollander teaches medical assistant clinical courses and is the course lead for the online professionalism in health care and clinical competencies courses, as well as the online externship. She has completed undergraduate degrees in 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.

Education: DM (pending), MA, University of Phoenix; MSEd, Kaplan University (now Purdue University Global)

Certifications: Certified Medical Assistant (AAMA)

Memberships: American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)

Brina Hollis is a faculty member in the health informatics program at Purdue Global, where she focuses on creating a learning community to foster a student-centered learning environment. Hollis is published in several journals and has worked in a variety of key roles at several institutions, including as a program director, market health care programs director, and chair of a health services management program. Additionally, Hollis served as a CEO for a home health solutions organization and has worked as a certified surgical technologist.

Education: PhD, Walden University; MHHS, Youngstown State University; BSBA, Myers University

Grant Iannelli teaches undergraduate health science courses, including medical terminology and coding, and serves on the Institutional Review Board at Purdue Global. He began his teaching career at National College of Chiropractic and served for 25 years, rising to professor of clinics. In addition to teaching, Iannelli maintained a chiropractic practice for over 25 years and participated in several externally-funded clinical research projects. He has frequently presented at professional conferences and has acted as an author and consultant for several publishers, focusing on creating textbook and multimedia resources for anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, and critical-thinking skills for undergraduate health science students.

Education: DC, National College of Chiropractic (now National University of Health Sciences); BS, University of Michigan

Certifications: Certified Coding Specialist—Physician-Based (CCS-P AHIMA), board-certified chiropractic internist

Honors and Achievements: Multiple Outstanding Faculty Awards for teaching and professional development; additional teaching, research, and service honors

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 University Global)

Andre Lee teaches graduate courses in health administration, organization, and human resource management, with a special emphasis on leadership development, at Purdue Global. He has served as course lead and chairs the Multicultural and Diversity Committee. Prior to Purdue Global, Lee acted as hospital CEO for several hospitals over a 35-year period and owned five hospices around the country. He has authored articles, medical history books for minority children, and mobile black history exhibits which have been displayed in a variety of hospital systems, universities, museums, and community church settings around the country.

Education: DPA, Nova Southeastern University; MPA, Cornell University; Bachelor’s, Michigan State University

Honors and Achievements: Awarded teaching and service honors from NAHSE, Boy Scouts of America, American Red Cross, and American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE)

Memberships: National Association of Health Services Executives (NAHSE)

Stephen Lemire teaches undergraduate courses in health care administration at Purdue Global and specializes in health policy and economics, as well as leadership and ethics. He has taught at New England College, Daniel Webster College, Cambridge College, the University of Massachusetts, and Rivier University. Lemire has 20 years experience as an executive director of national, state, and community-based professional associations that focus on health care reform, public health, behavioral health, and interdisciplinary graduate education. He is the former executive director of the National Professional Science Masters Association, the Massachusetts Health Officers Association, and the Massachusetts Business Group on Health.

Education: MSHSA, BS, University of Massachusetts Lowell

Mark Maule has been an instructor at Purdue Global (formerly Kaplan University) since 2009. He serves as a full-time adjunct professor for the School of Health Sciences, where he teaches courses about nutrition, exercise foundations, and holistic-based healing. Maule has over 18 years of professional experience working with diverse populations in a fitness and mental health capacity.

Education: MS, Capella University

Certifications: Specialist in Exercise Therapy, Specialist in Senior Fitness, Specialist in Sports Conditioning, Youth Fitness Trainer, Specialist in Performance Nutrition, Certified Personal Trainer

Honors and Achievements: 2014 President’s Challenge Platinum Fitness Award, 2014 Kaplan Way Award (Kaplan University), 2013 Outstanding Faculty Award (Kaplan University)

Michael Mileski teaches in the School of Health Sciences at Purdue Global and has over 20 years of administrative experience in health care. He has worked in nursing homes and health care facilities across the United States and provided consulting services, litigation support, new construction and remodeling supervision, and a variety of other support services in health care over the years. During his career, Mileski has served as an administrator, regional director of operations and finance, vice president, consultant, and additional positions in health care. He has numerous publications to his credit.

Education: DC, Texas Chiropractic College; MPH, MSEd, MHA Kaplan University (now Purdue University Global); BA, University of South Florida

Memberships: American College of Health Care Administrators (professional advancement chair of the Texas Chapter)

Louise Murray teaches medical accounting, medical terminology, software applications, reimbursement methodologies, and medical insurance billing and coding for the School of Health Sciences at Purdue Global. She became a course evaluator with the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) in 2014 and completed work as a program specialist evaluator in health science competencies. Murray began her career in education in both traditional and online settings at local colleges, utilizing her experience in the medical field to teach courses in medical office accounting, insurance coding, management, and communications, as well as medical law, ethics, and entrepreneurship.

Education: MS, Eastern Connecticut State University; undergraduate degrees in business, psychology, paralegal studies

Certifications: Certified Advanced Online Facilitator

Honors and Achievements: Consistent Classroom Quality Award (Kaplan University)

Memberships: National Honor Society for Leadership, National Honor Society for Business

Julie Nichols is a full-time faculty member teaching undergraduate courses in the School of Health Sciences. She began teaching online classes for Purdue Global (formerly Kaplan University) in 2008 as an adjunct instructor, moving to full-time adjunct faculty in 2015. Nichols started her academic career teaching medical and health classes at local colleges in Ohio and was a chiropractor in private practice for 13 years. She has been cited for her expertise in a variety of topics including wellness, stress reduction, spinal health, nutrition, natural immunity, pregnancy, children's health, mindfulness, learning disabilities, and non-violent communication.

Education: DC, Life Chiropractic College West; BS, Excelsior College

Honors and Achievements: Local awards for best alternative health practitioner

Research Interests: How learning differences and disabilities affect learning in the online classroom

Dorette Nysewander has taught the health and wellness degree program in the School of Health Sciences since 2009 and has been in the health and wellness industry for over 30 years. In 1985, she started training professionals for the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) and writing her first training curriculum in perinatal fitness. As a master certification specialist and consultant, Nysewander was part of the team that developed the Basic Standards & Guidelines for Exercise Safety and has trained and certified group exercise and personal training professionals in multiple industries. She provides leadership facilitation and consultation services; innovative curriculum design and development; and organizational health, wellness, and behavior change initiatives. Through public-private partnerships, Nysewander challenges workforce teams, creates standard operating procedures, and develops health and wellness programs worldwide. She is a researcher, writer, and professor and has been recognized for her efforts in publications, courses, and community initiatives.

Education: EdD, Nova Southeastern University

Kimberly Ondo teaches graduate courses in the master of healthcare administration program in the School of Health Sciences. Her classes specialize in law, ethics, marketing, long-term care, research, and biostatistics. Ondo has been an instructor in higher education since 2010 and began her academic career with Career Education Corporation as a subject matter expert and adjunct faculty. She has held various leadership roles in health care administration including executive director, nursing home administrator, and CEO of a health care system. Before embarking on a career in health care, Ondo elected to live as an undercover nursing home resident and then wrote about her experience. She is completing a graduate degree in psychology, specializing in addiction studies, and hopes to contribute to addiction counseling via telemedicine in rural communities.

Education: DHA, University of Phoenix

Publications: “The Last 48 Hours”

Honors and Achievements: American College of Health Care Administrators, American Society on Aging, LeadingAge Minnesota, Healthcare Financial Management Association

Darrell Portis teaches undergraduate courses in the School of Health Sciences, serves as a course lead, and is involved in several groups that oversee and revise course programs, including the organization and management for health care course. His resume includes a variety of two- and four-year institutions, including Delgado Community College, Sacramento City College, Faulkner State College, and University of Mobile. Portis has previous management and public health education experience on the local, state, and federal level on environmental and clinical topics such as childhood lead poisoning prevention, mercury in fish contamination, youth tobacco awareness, tuberculosis and STD epidemiology, and hazardous waste site assessments. His specialities include managing health education programs for various socioeconomic groups, physicians, state and federal legislators, and public health leaders. Portis also serves as preventive medicine director for a network of medical centers in Sacramento, California.

Education: MPH, Tulane University

Nancy Silva teaches a variety of nutrition and health science courses, including nutrition through the life cycle, nutritional analysis and assessment, and introduction to human diseases. Her career in the health sciences began in emergency medicine as a paramedic, and then as a registered nurse working for Kaiser Permanente. After completing her doctorate, Silva maintained a primary care practice with an emphasis in clinical nutrition. She has written numerous articles on health and nutrition.

Education: ND, Bastyr University; BS, University of California

Publications: Local Harvest, Kaplan University Center for Health and Wellness

Certifications: Registered Nurse (RN)

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

Kathleen Sobel teaches various undergraduate courses in health care sciences at Purdue Global, with a special emphasis on medical reimbursement. She also serves as a course lead, which includes working with the curriculum team on updates, changes, and course revisions and holding quarterly meetings. Sobel served as professor in the master’s degree in public administration program at Fairleigh Dickinson University for 4 years prior to joining Purdue Global (formerly Kaplan University) in 2008. Sobel has also worked as a hospital administrator for a large rehabilitation facility and a practice administrator for a family practice residency program.

Education: MPA, Fairleigh Dickinson 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