FNU Student Mara-Joanne Derinor Aims to Improve Clinical Education with DNP

“I want to be the change that I want to see,” she said. “I remember when my very own nursing professor told me I would not pass my NCLEX. That was very discouraging. I passed my NCLEX on the first try. I want to encourage and motivate future clinical students. I also want to make new discoveries in clinical research.” was impressed by FNU’s reputation. Since then, she said she has enjoyed a welcoming and engaging experience fostered by FNU faculty and peers. “One of the best decisions ever,” she said.

Derinor is working on her DNP Quality Initiative, which is focused on improving clinical workflow and patient satisfaction. “I hope to improve quality care and patient satisfaction,” Derinor said.

Outside of her work and studies, Derinor is an author, motivational speaker, dancer, and director. She has published four books, including three children’s books and one book of poetry, and has participated in poetry competitions nationwide. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, traveling, and going to the beach.

The schedule of a healthcare professional can be challenging to navigate. Yet, Mara-Joanne Derinor manages to work as a psychiatricmental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) while pursuing her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), authoring books, and more.

Derinor, a resident of Kissimmee, Florida, completed her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in the PMHNP FNU program last year and is a member of DNP Class 48, on track to earn her Doctor of Nursing Practice this year.

Through her work as a PMHNP, Derinor evaluates and assesses patients for mental health conditions, prescribes medications, provides education about mental health, and provides therapy and counseling. She works with an underserved population, and many of her patients do not speak English or are bilingual.

“I provide culturally competent care for my community,” said Derinor, who was motivated to pursue her DNP in an effort to improve clinical education. She feels that too often, nursing students are not given adequate encouragement in their education.

So far, Derinor said her favorite course in the online DNP program has been the Nurse as Educator course (PC711). “This is the most interesting course because it was informative and provided opportunities for students to improve their skills as a nurse educator,” she said. “My professor was very supportive of me as a learner. This class allowed me to be creative and explore ways to improve my skills as a nurse educator.”

Derinor said she initially decided to study at FNU after researching universities and online programs. She

“I started a book reading program in 2020 where I partner with schools, afterschool programs, and summer programs to read to the children and educate the children about mental health and the writing process,” said Derinor.

Eva Bane Joins Hackensack Meridian Mountainside Medical Group

Hackensack Meridian Mountainside Medical Group in Montclair, New Jersey, welcomed Batsheva “Eva” Bane, DNP (Class 33), MSN, CNM, RNC, CBC. Mountainside Medical Group recently added midwifery services to the group’s obstetrics and gynecology team.

Dalisa Barquero and

NACA Behavioral Health Welcomes Cheryl Carstens

Native Americans for Community Action (NACA) Behavioral Health in Flagstaff, Arizona, recently hired psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner Cheryl Carstens, PGC, PMHNP (Class 199). She works with the coordinator of Phoenix Mental Health and Wellness to ensure that all the patients seen under NACA are transitioned to her care if they choose to do so.

Mariah Cyr Joins Pines Health Services

Pines Health Services in Caribou, Maine, recently welcomed Mariah Cyr, RN, MSN, CNM (Class 206) to their Women’s and Children’s Health Center.

Juli Forrester Joins Fellow Alumnus at Sweetwater Memorial

Amber Shapton

Published in Women’s Healthcare Journal

Cheryl Crane Joins Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic

Cheryl Crane, MSN, PMHNP (Class 194), has joined the Yakima Valley Farm Workers Medical-Dental Clinic in Yakima, Washington, as a psychiatric ARNP. Crane addresses mental health, depression, anxiety, and substance use disorder.

Amber S. Shapton, FNP-C, DNP (Class 26), and Dalisa Barquero, DNP (Class 19) are the authors of “Management of headache in pregnancy and during lactation.” They were published in Women’s Healthcare, a clinical journal for nurse practitioners, in February 2023. Dr. Shapton is the medical director at Lincoln Avenue Medical-Dental Center at Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic in Yakima, Washington. Dr. Barquero is a women’s health nurse practitioner and clinical lead at Mountain Park Health Center in Phoenix, Arizona.

Samaritan Palliative Care Welcomes Maureen EnglishCremeans

Maureen EnglishCremeans, MSN, FNP (Class 178), recently joined Samaritan Palliative Care in Corvallis, Oregon. She is part of a multidisciplinary team that supports patients with serious illnesses.

Juli Forrester, MSN, FNP (Bridge 156), recently joined the Pediatric Clinica of Sweetwater Memorial in Sweetwater, Wyoming. Among her coworkers is fellow FNU alumnus Tammy Walker, PMHNP (Class 197), CPNP-PC.

August 14-18

Attention preceptors! Mark your calendars for Frontier Nursing University’s first Preceptor Celebration Week, August 14-18. We are working on a fun-filled week to honor and celebrate all of our preceptors. Watch for more information at Frontier.edu/PreceptorWeek. If you aren’t receiving our preceptor e-newsletters, please update your email address by contacting us via clinicaladvising@ frontier.edu.

Jeanette Hasley Joins Fellow FNU Alumni at Promise Community Health Center

Southwestern Vermont Medical Center Welcomes

Amy Kranick

Theresa Piper Joins Bayhealth Women’s Care

Jeannette Hasley, MSN, CNM (Class 183) recently joined the midwife team at Promise Community Health Center in Sioux Center, Iowa. There, Hasley joins fellow FNU alumni Audra Degroot, MSN, CNM (Class 69), and Kari Ney, MSN, CNM (Bridge 153).

Heather Jackson, Jessica Jenkins, and Shannon Markle Join Same Women’s Health Practice

Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (SVMC) in Bennington, Vermont, recently welcomed Amy Kranick, CNM (Class 15, MSN, to SVMC OB/GYN and the DartmouthHitchcock Putnam Physicians.

Rebekah “Becky” Kroeger Joins Choptank Community Health System

Choptank Community Health System in Maryland recently welcomed Rebekah “Becky” Kroeger, DNP (Class 43), CNM, to its medical practices. As a women’s health practitioner, Kroeger offers prenatal care and women’s health services at Choptank Health’s Easton Health Center and Fassett Magee Center in Cambridge.

Theresa Piper, MSN, CNM (Class 164), recently joined Bayhealth Women’s Care in Sussex County, Delaware. Piper is the first nurse-midwife on the team, joining four ObstetricianGynecologists in the practice.

Goshen Physicians OB/GYN

Welcomes Kelly Simpson

Kelly Simpson, MSN, WHCNP (Class 196), recently began welcoming patients at Goshen Physicians OB/GYN in Goshen, Indiana. Simpson provides care for women from adolescence through the post-menopausal years. Previously she has served in labor and delivery units in several hospitals.

Stay in the Know

Three FNU alumni are part of the team at the newly opened Franciscan Physician Network Center for Midwifery Women’s Health in Crown Point, Indiana. The Franciscan Physician Network Center for Midwifery is staffed by four certified nurse midwives, three of whom are Frontier graduates: Heather Jackson, MSN, CNM (Class 167), Jessica Jenkins, MSN, CNM (Class 110), and Shannon Markle, MSN, CNM (Class 64).

We know you want to stay informed about all that is happening at FNU. To make sure you don’t miss communications such as the Quarterly Bulletin or our monthly e-newsletters, please take a moment to make sure we have your updated contact information. Please send your updated contact information, including your preferred email address, phone number, and mailing address, to alumniservices@frontier.edu.

Thank you!

Shauntey Singletary Joins

Beebe Women’s Health

Shauntey Singletary, WHNP-BC (Class 196), APRN, MSN, recently joined Beebe Women’s Health in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. She specializes in well-woman care, reproductive health, gynecological care, and prenatal and postpartum care.

Samaritan Women’s Health

Welcomes Amber Subialdea

Amber Subialdea, MSN, CWHCNP (Class 185) recently joined Samaritan Women’s Health in Newport, Oregon, where she provides general obstetric and gynecological care. She worked as a labor and delivery nurse at Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital before continuing her education to become a nurse practitioner.

Kristin Whipple Joins Jackson Purchase Medical Center

Jackson Purchase Medical Center in Mayfield, Kentucky, recently added Kristin Whipple, CNM (Class 196), MSN, IBCLC, to its provider staff. She offers maternity care, including lactation consulting to patients in Mayfield and the surrounding region.

Brittany Winland Accepting Patients at Adena Women’s Health OB/GYN

Brittany Winland, CNM (Class 197), MSN, recently began accepting new patients at Adena Women’s Health OB/GYN in Chillicothe and Hillsboro, Ohio. Winland has previously been a labor and delivery nurse at Adena Women’s Health since 2018.

We are looking to spotlight FNU community members in our blog! Tell us your story by scanning the QR code and filling out the form or email stories@frontier.edu. Then, someone will contact you soon. These spotlight stories help us shine a light on all of the amazing accomplishments and the impact our community members have on their home communities and the University community.

The Frontier Nursing University Office of Alumni Relations is here to support YOU! Our purpose is to offer helpful programs and services that support our graduates. Alumni are an integral part of FNU’s development because you demonstrate the excellence of FNU in everyday practice. You are also our primary recruiters and most loyal donors. We deeply appreciate your commitment to FNU.

The Alumni Association is open to all graduates of FNU. We currently have more than 8,000 alumni in all 50 states and many countries around the world. We encourage you to explore the services, programs, and activities offered and become involved. There are several ways to stay in touch with friends and connect to FNU, including conference receptions, case days, e-newsletters, and the FNU Alumni Facebook Group. To take advantage of all member services, please ensure we have your most recent contact information. Email us at alumniservices@ frontier.edu.

Tia Andrighetti, Podium presentation

Andrighetti, T., Baca, T., Daniels, J. (May 2023). Teaching Diagnostic Reasoning Online Using Simulation. 2023 ACNM 68th Annual Meeting & Exhibition. Orlando, Florida. Podium Presentation.

Tia Andrighetti, Podium presentation

Andrighetti, T., Thrower, E., & Cole, L. (June 2023). Teaching Peer Review in a Just Culture using Simulation. The International Nursing Association of Clinical and Simulation Learning, Providence, Rhode Island. Poster presentation.

Tanya Baca, Podium presentation

Andrighetti, T., Daniels, J., & Baca, T. May 9, 2023, Teaching Diagnostic Reasoning Online Using Simulation. American College of Nurse-Midwives 68th Annual Meeting & Exhibition, Orlando, Fla.

Carla Bray, Article in Peer Reviewed Journal, Second Author Allen, C. M., & Bray, C. (2023). Improving Patient-Centered Care for Veterans With Treatment-Resistant Depression Using Shared Decision-Making Tools. Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, 29(1), 7–14.

Cathy Cook, Podium presentation Cook, C. J., Polito, D. (2023). Intrapartum Complications Review [Power Point Slides]. Frontier Nursing University.

Julie Daniels, Podium presentation

Andrighetti, T., Daniels, J., & Baca, T. May 9, 2023, Teaching Diagnostic Reasoning Online Using Simulation. American College of Nurse-Midwives 68th Annual Meeting & Exhibition, Orlando, Fla.

Jana Esden, Podium presentation

Esden, J. L. (2023, April). Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and trauma-informed care for adults. To be presented at the Kentucky Association of Nurse Practitioners and Nurse-Midwives (KANPNM) 35th Annual Coalition Conference, Lexington, Ky.

Jana Esden, Virtual presentation

Esden, J. L. (2023, April). 2023 GOLD updates on COPD classification and treatment. To be presented at the National Conference for Nurse Practitioners Spring 2023 Conference, [Virtual].

Meghan Garland, Podium presentation

Garland, M. (2023, March 31). Determinants of Physical Activity and Lifestyle Physical Activity Behavior among Black Pregnant People. [podium presentation] 2023 Midwest Nursing Research Symposium. Des Moines, Iowa.

Kristin Gianelis, Article in Peer Reviewed Journal, Second Author

Benjamin, L. E., & Gianelis, K. A. (2023). Using American College of Gastroenterology Guidelines to provide effective health maintenance for patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, 35(1), 86-92.

Kristin Gianelis, Article in Peer Reviewed Journal, First Author Gianelis, K. A., & Butler, J. M. (2022). Improving equitable access to inclusive sexual healthcare in a small urban college health setting. Nursing Forum, 2022, 1-8.

Debra Hunt, Podium presentation Hunt, D. (2023). Baby Boomers and Medical Cannabis: Considerations in primary care.

Diane John, Podium presentation John, D. & Stone-Gale, V. (2023). Intimate Partner Violence: The Impact on Women and the Community. Poster Presentation. 2023 AANP National Conference.

Deborah Karsnitz, Podium presentation

Karsnitz D. & Jenkins, D. (2023, April). Maternal mortality and morbidity in the United States and Kentucky: Relevant postpartum complications. Podium presentation at the 35th Kentucky Association of Nurse Practitioners and NurseMidwives Conference, Lexington, KY.

Heidi Loomis, Podium presentation Loomis H. Graduate Midwifery Students’ Experiences of Bias in the Clinical Setting. Midwifery Forward Conference 2023. Wilson College, Chambersburg, Pa.: PAACNM; 2023.

Heidi Loomis, Podium presentation

Loomis, H. Graduate Midwifery Students’ Experiences of Bias in the Clinical Setting. American College of Nurse-Midwives 68th Annual Meeting & Exhibition, 2023. Orlando, Fla.; 2023.

Laura Manns-James, Podium presentation

Manns-James, L (2023) “Mythbusting menopause: Clinical updates and shifting the paradigm” (podium presentation). Kentucky Coalition of Nurse-Practitioners and Nurse-Midwives 35th Regional Coalition Conference, April 25, 2023, Lexington, Ky.

Amy Marowitz, Book Chapter in a Scholarly Textbook, First Author Marowitz, A. (2023). Prolonged active phase. In Hanson. L. & Malloy, E. eds. Simkin’s Labor Progress Handbook, 5th edition.

Nancy Pesta Walsh, Book Chapter in a Scholarly Textbook, First Author

Pesta Walsh, N. & Arthur, R. (in contract). Urinary tract disorders. In K.T. Grace, C.L. Farley, N. Jeffers, & T. Tringali (Eds.), Prenatal and postnatal care: A personcentered approach, (3rd ed., pp. TBD). John Wiley & Sons.

April Phillips, Podium presentation

Jacobsen, N., Phillips, A., Arterberry, K. (2023, July 20). Interprofessional Development of an Innovative Clinical Assessment Tool for APRN Students. STTI International Conference, Abu Dhabi.

April Phillips, Podium presentation

Phillips, A. (2023, June 24). 23.5.041 Innovative Strategies Designed to Bring Psychiatric Care to Underserved Communities. AANP National Conference 2023, New Orleans, LA.

Ann Schaeffer, Podium presentation

Schaeffer, A., Thumm, B., Michel, A., Long, M., & McFarland, K. (May 2023) Investigating the relationship between restrictive regulation of nurse-midwives and professional burnout: A seven-state comparison of autonomous and restrictive regulatory environments. Paper presented at the annual ACNM meeting in Orlando, Fla.