Meet Maryville’s Faculty
We only succeed when you do
As an academic institution, we’re only as good as the level of instruction we provide.
That’s why our faculty are more than leading researchers. We’re seasoned practitioners. And there’s only one thing we love more than learning. Teaching.
We approach everything with a collaborative spirit and weave our real-world experience directly into your course curriculum. Above all, we’re here to support your educational journey. And your success drives everything we do.
Get to know us. Let’s be brave together.
Nursing Faculty
We’re there when you need us.
It’s what nurses do.
Get to know our nursing faculty
Carol Berger, DNP, FNP-BC
Associate Professor of Nursing
Walker College of Health Professions
Demetruis Leonard, EdD, MSN, RN
Assistant Professor of Nursing
Walker College of Health Professions
Dianna Phares, PhD, DNP, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC
Associate Professor of Nursing
Walker College of Health Professions
Elizabeth Stuesse, MSN, RN
Clinical Assistant Professor of Nursing
Walker College of Health Professions
Gail Pittroff, PhD, MSN, RN
Professor of Nursing
Walker College of Health Professions
Jennifer Taylor, PhD, MSN, RN
Associate Professor of Nursing
Walker College of Health Professions
Jennifer Wiederkehr, MSN, RN
Coordinator of Clinical Education: Nursing/Clinical Assistant Professor of Nursing
Walker College of Health Professions
Julie Forsythe, MSN, RN
Clinical Assistant Professor of Nursing
Walker College of Health Professions
Kellie Sandman, MSN, RN
Clinical Assistant Professor of Nursing
Walker College of Health Professions
LaDonna Whitten, PhD, MSN, RN
Professor of Nursing
Walker College of Health Professions
Manpreet Budhan, AGNP-BC
Clinical Assistant Professor of Nursing
Walker College of Health Professions
Nina Zimmermann, EdD, ANP-BC
Associate Professor of Nursing
Walker College of Health Professions
Rhonda Pugh, EdD, MSN, RN
Associate Professor of Nursing
Walker College of Health Professions
Rita Wunderlich, PhD, MSN, RN
Associate Professor of Nursing
Walker College of Health Professions
Robyn Massey, MSN, CPNP-PC
Assistant Professor
Walker College of Health Professions
Sarah Tappendorf, PhD, MSN, RN
Assistant Professor of Nursing
Walker College of Health Professions
Theresa Galakatos, PhD, DNP
Associate Professor of Nursing
Walker College of Health Professions
Velensia Latimore, EdD, MSN, RN
Clinical Assistant Professor of Nursing
Walker College of Health Professions
Meet Your Maryville University Leaders
Alyssa Brown, MSN, RN
Clinical Assistant Professor of Nursing/Assistant Director, Nursing & Clinical Education
Walker College of Health Professions
Bonnie Stegman, PhD, MSN, RN
Professor of Nursing
Walker College of Health Professions
Brandie Smalley, PhD, APRN, PMHNP-BC
Associate Professor of Nursing
Walker College of Health Professions
Ethan White, DNP, MSN, RN
Assistant Professor of Nursing/Assistant Director, Nursing & Simulation & Skills
Walker College of Health Professions
Jennifer Gwin, DNP, RN-FNP-BC
Assistant Professor of Nursing
Walker College of Health Professions
Joanne Kern, PhD, DNP, APRN, ANP-BC
Associate Professor of Nursing
Walker College of Health Professions
Jodi Green, DNP, APRN, FNP-C
Director of MSN-NP Program/Assistant Professor of Nursing
Walker College of Health Professions
Kelly Counts, DNP, APRN, AGACNP-BC
Assistant Professor of Nursing
Walker College of Health Professions
Kelly Hand, MSN, RN
Clinical Assistant Professor of Nursing/Assistant Director, BSN Coordinator
Walker College of Health Professions
Mariea Snell, DNP, APRN, FNP-C
Director of DNP Program/Associate Professor of Nursing
Walker College of Health Professions
Mykale Elbe, DNP, FNP-BC
Assistant Dean for Nursing/Associate Professor of Nursing
Walker College of Health Professions