Faculty

Faculty Profiles

Nursing and Health Care

Each position I've held during my career has built upon my previous position, culminating in broad expertise in community and public health. My goal as a faculty member at University of Phoenix is to integrate my wide variety of professional experiences into my facilitation of courses. This has proven to be very valuable in teaching community health nursing, health policy, health care infrastructure and other courses. My experiences can help demonstrate to students how theory is applied to practice.

Recently, one of my students requested a letter of recommendation after she graduated and was pursuing additional education opportunities. She is bilingual with English as a second language. She told me I had helped her so much with her writing skills that she gained confidence in her command of the language. Student successes such as this make me appreciate the opportunity to teach at University of Phoenix even more.

Judith Candelaria, MSN, RN, College of Health and Human Services

Judith Candelaria has been teaching nursing and health sciences courses at University of Phoenix since 1992. She also has served as an area chair for the University. Candelaria has broad expertise in community and public health. Her professional experience includes staff and management positions at a home care agency, city-county health department, community health center, program providing health care for the homeless, and a state health department.

I was inspired to teach at University of Phoenix when I met one of the University’s nursing faculty members, who spoke highly of the program and students. That gave me the incentive to learn more about University of Phoenix. Now as a faculty member, my goal is to provide the best education possible for my students. This means that I am well-read on course topics, provide great resources for learning and actively participate in discussions—bringing new perspectives and challenging the students’ thinking.

Deborah Clark, RN, PhD, MSN, MBA, College of Health and Human Services

Deborah Clark, who holds a doctorate in nursing, has been a staff nurse, nurse educator, nurse manager, nurse administrator and associate dean for a nursing program. She has more than 13 years of teaching experience, including more than two years at University of Phoenix, and has taught nursing students at the graduate level.

I was inspired to become a University of Phoenix faculty member because I felt I had something important to contribute to the nursing profession. I wanted to help nurses learn about advanced practice. As a faculty member, I also want to help students achieve their goals and reach their highest potential in a dynamic atmosphere. I teach research, which is not always the most sought-after subject material. But after facilitating classes for hundreds of students, I know that their opinions about research often change and their interest is piqued. They gain confidence in their own abilities and that is very satisfying to me.

Mary Nelson, RN, PhD, College of Health and Human Services

Mary Nelson holds bachelor's and master's degrees in nursing, as well as a doctoral degree in research with a focus on cardiovascular wellness. She spent 23 years as a nurse in the military and currently is the director of a health and wellness center. Dr. Nelson also is a part-time research director for a national nursing association. She has 10 years of teaching experience, including seven at University of Phoenix. Dr. Nelson teaches subjects including nursing research, nursing theory and research utilization.

I have worked in medical management for many years and enjoy training staff. Teaching at University of Phoenix offers me the opportunity to share my proven skills with a diverse population. I love watching students build skills that may help them in their current jobs and position them for success.

University of Phoenix offers me the opportunity to make a difference. My aunt passed away in the early 1980s due to breast cancer. The health care system she encountered was disjointed and disorganized. My goal has been to improve health care and my career has been a tribute to my aunt. As a University of Phoenix faculty member, I can work to improve the health care system through the education of health care professionals all over the United States and abroad.

Martha Owen, MHA, College of Health and Human Services

Martha Owen has more than 17 years of experience in health care administration. She has managed a hospice and an oncology practice, as well as served as a business manager for an organization with multiple clinic locations. A Fellow in the American College of Medical Practice Executives, Owen teaches health administration and business at University of Phoenix.

As a doctoral instructor at University of Phoenix, I like to watch the light go on as nurses learn how the health care business impacts nursing practice. I specifically focus on ensuring quality and safety in nursing practice. I especially like teaching the first seminar, when students embark on their doctoral journey. The enthusiasm is palpable. Then when I see them walk across the stage to receive their diploma and hood, I can feel the sense of accomplishment. The dissertation journey represents an arduous, diligent commitment to improving knowledge and sharing it. It is such a privilege to participate in the research process.

Suzanne Moss Richins, DHA, School of Advanced Studies

Dr. Richins has a distinguished career in senior management in tertiary care centers and free-standing surgery and cancer centers. In 1992, she started teaching management and nursing students, which she continues today. Dr. Richins speaks nationally to nurses about health care finance and budgeting and has participated in a forum at the World Health Organization. She has had several articles published in health care and nursing journals, received awards for community service and participated in humanitarian needs in Uganda.