Health Sciences Faculty

Russell Arenz has been with Purdue University Global (formerly Kaplan University) since 2010. He currently teaches in the undergrad and grad programs as a full-time adjunct faculty/professor. He has taught many health care courses within the program. Before joining the university, he ran medical centers as director of facilities and director of clinical services. He began his health care career after leaving military intelligence; he became a U.S. Army Medic and then a radiographer.

Education: DM, Colorado Technical University; MS, Florida Institute of Technology; BS, Faulkner University; U.S. Academy of Health Sciences; U.S. Army Intelligence School

Publications: An Exploratory Study of Lived Experiences of Managers Who Have Experienced Cronyism

Certifications: Registered Radiographer, Radiation Protection Officer, Emergency Response Team, Basic Cardiac Life Support

Honors and Achievements: Kappa Gamma honors, SALUTE honors, various military honors

Memberships: American College of Healthcare Executives, Alabama Academy of Sciences, FT Adjunct Teaching

Research Interests: The impact of mentoring; emergency preparedness and governmental response

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

Tracy Burke teaches various undergraduate courses in the health sciences programs. He joined Purdue University Global as a part-time faculty member and later as a full-time adjunct faculty member. He has been teaching at the collegiate level since August 2008. As a disabled veteran, Burke is proud to have served in our nation’s armed forces and engages in practices to assist other disabled veterans.

Education: MS, Touro University International

Publications: Just the Fats: Nutrition for Every Body, Guide to Healthy Eating, The Impact of Ethics in Healthcare textbook for Colorado Technical University students (chapter 4)

Honors and Achievements: National Dean's List

Memberships: The American Mensa Society, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Amnesty International, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Charity

Research Interests: Effects of antioxidant nutrition and the prevention of cancer alternative medicine used in the prevention and treatment of diseases

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. Cameron serves as President of the PG Faculty Senate.

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

Charles Daniel teaches undergraduate health science courses, including epidemiology, biostatistics, and public health. Previously, he worked as a bacteriologist and infectious disease epidemiologist for a state health department.

Education: MPH, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina

Kim Dunn teaches various undergraduate courses in the medical assisting program. She joined Purdue University Global (formerly Kaplan University) first as a part-time faculty member over 10 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, Pfeiffer University

Publications: Phlebotomy Skills for the Nurse

Certifications: Professional Coder, Certified Professional in Healthcare Risk Management, Online College Education, 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

Monica Farrar is a full-time adjunct faculty member in the Human Services Department. Farrar joined Purdue Global in 2017. Farrar has over 20 years’ experience working with individuals with mental health and substance use disorders in multiple setting including private practice and is licensed in the state of NY and VA.             

Education:  MS, State University of New York at Buffalo; BS, Springfield College

Certifications: (NYS) Credentialed Alcoholism & Substance Abuse Counselor; Certified Recovery Peer Advocate; Recovery Coach & Recovery Coach Trainer.  (VA) Certified Substance Abuse Counselor; Board Certified-TeleMental Health Provider     

Honors and Achievements:  Outstanding New Faculty Award Purdue Global (2019); Outstanding University Service Team Award Purdue Global (2020); and Organization Builders Team Award Purdue Global (2020)

Memberships:  Member, New York Mental Health Counselors Association           

Research Interests: Trauma related to substance use, career development

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/ABD, University of Phoenix; 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

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)

Grant Iannelli teaches undergraduate health science courses, including medical terminology and coding, and serves on the Faculty Curriculum Committee at Purdue Global. Iannelli 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. Iannelli 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

Memberships: American Health Information Management Association, Illinois Health Information Management Association.

Shelly Johnsen teaches in the health information management and billing and coding programs 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.

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

Certifications: Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT); Billing and Coding Specialist Certificate (BCSC)

Memberships: American 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 University Global)

Katia Kennedy has taught a variety of undergraduate health science classes. She joined the Purdue University Global faculty as part-time adjunct faculty for the first 3 years and later became full-time adjunct faculty. In her fifth year, she accepted the position as the course lead for the associate’s capstone in health science.

Education: MHA, University of Phoenix

Memberships: Member of the Project Management Institute (PMI) and Alamo Chapter PMI

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

Rachelle Mainard teaches medical law and bioethics. She first joined Purdue University Global as a part-time faculty member and later as a full-time adjunct. She is also the department administrator for the Department of Infectious Diseases, Infection Control, and Employee Health at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Previously, Mainard served as grants and contracts director for The Geneva Foundation, as well as program manager in the Department of Epidemiology in the School of Public Health at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Education: JD, University of Alabama; MBA, Case Western Reserve University; BA, Samford University

Publications: NCURA Magazine

Certifications: Certified Research Administrator (CRA)

Honors and Achievements: Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute, Merit Reviewer and Ambassador; 2016 Goodyear Innovation Challenge Finalist

Memberships: National Council of University Research Administrators, SRA, Association of University Technology Managers

Research Interests: Health care law and resulting ethical implications; bioethics and patient-centered military health research

Sandra Masten teaches various undergraduate courses in the Masters of Health Information Management Program and Health Informatics programs. 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: Technical reviewer, Computers in the Medical Office

Certifications: Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA), Billing & Coding Specialist (BCSC), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

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

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)

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

Holly Parker teaches several courses in the School of Health Sciences at Purdue University 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.

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

Certifications: Medical Billing and Coding Certificate (Kaplan University); Medical Records Transcription 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

Kevin Perrino teaches undergraduate courses in the School of Health Sciences, serves as course lead for pharmacology, and is a portfolio/course evaluator. He began his online teaching career with Purdue University Global (formerly Kaplan University) in 2010 and brings a wealth of knowledge from his experiences having taught both online and on-campus since 2005. Perrino has been in private practice since 1998. Prior to his clinical practice, he worked at Bristol-Myers Squibb for 6 years in their Experimental Therapeutics Department studying breast cancer. He has also co-authored research papers on Taxol and metastatic breast cancer. Perrino also volunteers his time with the Medical Reserve Corps on the island of Hawaii, which provides medical care in times of state emergencies.

Education: DC, Palmer College of Chiropractic; MEd, Kaplan University; MS, Georgian Court University; BS, Rider University

Certifications: Board Certified Atlas Orthogonal Chiropractor, Board Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician, CDC Certified Concussion Specialist, NJ State Licensed Volunteer Fire Fighter

Memberships: Medical Reserve Corp of Hawaii Island, Quality Matters, American Board of Chiropractic Sports Physicians

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, Dr. 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); Licensed Naturopathic Physician

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

Robert Tedeschi teaches various undergraduate courses in health care sciences at Purdue University Global, with a special emphasis on medical reimbursement and health care information beginning in 2009. He also serves as a course lead, which includes working with the curriculum team on updates, changes, and course revisions and holding quarterly meetings.

Education: PhD, Capella University; MBA, Wagner College; BA, Mercy College

Certifications: War College Certificate, Nursing Home Administrator License, Medical Technologist License, Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals Certification (Logistics), Billing and Coding Certification (BCSC) through the American Medical Certification Association (AMCA), Electronic Courses (Cuyamaca College)

Research Interests: Growing hybrid trees for ethanol fuel, health care informatics assistance, improving operational efficiency

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