Welcome to our New Faculty and Staff

Kassandra Carreon Administrative Assistant, Dept. of Student Affairs, RVU-SU

Kassandra grew up in St. George, Utah, but also spent a lot of time in her parents’ hometown of Durango, Mexico.

Whether it be from the front desk, interfacing and assisting students, or during events around campus, Kassandra finds her work at RVU rewarding: "I like knowing I’m a part of a student’s learning experience and that I’m able to help ensure it’s a positive one… I know how important it is to feel supported by faculty and staff at the school you’re attending and how important those interactions are for your success."

When she’s not helping RVU’s students and faculty, Kassandra enjoys spending time with her nephews, reading, watching true crime documentaries, and traveling. Of all the places she’s been, Rome, Italy, is her favorite.

Bienvenida, Kassandra!

Kassandra Carreon Administrative Assistant, Dept. of Student Affairs, RVU-SU

A Utah native, April earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Southern Utah University, then a Master of Information Studies degree from Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand. "Coming to St. George...feels like completing a

An aspect she loves about her position is that she continues to learn: "I would like to know a little bit about everything. One of the most important [parts] about being a librarian is knowing where to find the things you didn’t know." With over nine years of experience working in "every type of library," her knowledge and skillset are great assets to RVU. "I am glad to be working in a place that values its team members," she says.

April still has a fondness for New Zealand, where she earned her graduate degree: "[It] is my favorite place for the attitude and hospitality of the people, the incredible landscape, and the feeling of being in the right place."

Kia ora, April!

Rebecca "Becky" Liebert, FNP, DNP Clinician, Southern Utah Veterans Home (SUVH)

Originally from rural Wisconsin, Becky earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Viterbo University from her home state, before earning both a Master of Science in Nursing and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (with a focus on Organizational Leadership) from Graceland University in Missouri. She is board certified in Family Practice and Orthopedics. Before moving there, her and her husband had fallen in love with the Southern Utah area. "[We] began hiking here ten years ago," she says. They had purchased a home in Southern Utah with the idea of eventually retiring here.

With a medical career spanning over 35 years, she has worked in hospitals and clinics (including 16 years in the operating room with her husband!) and continues to be inspired in her field of work: "Nurse practitioners have an amazing opportunity to take care of others…you will never be bored in this career!" On coming to RVU-SU, she says, "The unique job opportunity and partnership with SUVH is truly one of a kind." She is honored to be able to take care of veterans and "be part of a growing practice."

When not working tirelessly to help others, Becky enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, hiking, walking, doing yoga, and reading. She is also a "dog mom."

Welcome, Becky!

Nicoleta Rus, MD Staff Physician, Rocky Vista Health Center, RVU-CO

Originally from Brasov, Romania (located in the Transylvania region), Dr. Rus received a Baccalaureate degree from the Grigore Moisil National College of Computer Science, followed by her Doctorate of Medicine degree from Transylvania University School of Medicine—both of which are located in her hometown. She completed an Emergency Medicine residency at the Emergency County Hospital, as well as University of Medicine and Pharmacy, in Targu Mures.

Dr. Rus completed her second medical residency in Internal Medicine at Texas Tech University Health Science Center. She collaborated in genetic engineering research in the design of Chimeric Antigen Receptor, generation of Gamma Delta T-cells, and successful "knockout" of ABL/BCR gene through CRISPR CAS9-sgRNA technology in lab research.

Beyond her professional life, Dr. Rus enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She is excited to return to Colorado, where her enthusiasm for outdoor activities such as biking, hiking, skating, and fishing can be realized. She loves dancing and Zumba (and even became a Zumba instructor in 2015!). She is an avid traveler, having visited four continents and fifteen countries and is fluent in English, Romanian, and French, with basic Spanish and Italian.

Welcome, Dr. Rus!

Nadya Sharonova, MA Residency Program Coordinator, Dept. of Graduate Medical Education, RVU- CO

Born and raised in Moscow, Russia, Nadya earned her Master of Arts degree in Linguistics and the English Language from Moscow State University. She worked in the English as a Second Language field for 15 years, as both an ESL Teacher and Academic Director. Before her husband’s job opportunity brought them both to Colorado, she had lived in Sydney, Australia, and San Jose, California.

Now at RVUCOM-CO, Nadya is excited to be part of a “professional community dedicated to providing quality healthcare education and training” to students.

Nadya’s favorite travel destinations are Australia and New Zealand, and when she’s not hard at work supporting students, she enjoys swimming, reading, and attending concerts and art exhibits.

Privet, Nadya!

Logan Stott Administrative Assistant, Dept. of Marketing, RVU-SU

After living in Salt Lake City for a time, Logan returned to his native St. George to be closer to family. He completed a Bachelor of Science degree in English from the soon-to-be renamed Dixie State University. For the past five years, he has worked as a freelance writer/editor and has also as a manager. In his new role in RVU’S Marketing Department, Logan enjoys "creating, whether it be graphic design, writing/editing, or even finding solutions to administrative/web design issues when they crop up."

When not writing Vista View articles or dabbling in Photoshop, Logan loves sports, games, lifting weights, making miniatures, painting, writing, and doodling. While in high school, he was also an All-American football player with the U-19 national team. One of his favorite travel destinations has been Pompeii, Italy. "Walking through a fairly well-preserved ancient Roman city, with its lively frescoes, market stalls, restaurants, crosswalks, tile signage, and manors was probably the coolest thing I have ever done."

Benvenuto, Logan!

Shelene Thomas, PT, DPT, EdD, GCS, FNAP Director of Interprofessional Education and Health Systems Science, Dept. of Medical Humanities, RVU-CO

A Colorado native, Dr. Thomas completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Denver. Although she earned her Doctorate degrees in Physical Therapy and Education from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, she soon returned to her home state. She also holds a Certificate in Healthcare Administration, is a Board-Certified Clinical Geriatric Specialist through the APTA, and was inducted into the National Academies of Practice as a Fellow in Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice.

Dr. Thomas previously worked at Regis University, first as a faculty member, then as the Coordinator of Interprofessional Education. She credits her professional success to her passion for her work, and said she is excited to "work with faculty and students in the medical arm of the healthcare industry" at RVU.

Working in medical education, student success, and seeing students put what they have learned into practice is what inspires Dr. Thomas most. "When it means something to them[,] it means something to me," she said.

When she’s not working for the betterment of her students, Dr. Thomas loves to ski, paddleboard, and experience new places with the people she cares about most.

Welcome, Dr. Thomas!

Patrick Tufts, MD Assistant Professor of Primary Care, Dept. of Primary Care Medicine, RVU- SU

Originally from the town of Soda Springs, Idaho, where his parents have resided for more than forty years, Dr. Tufts spent much of his life and career in Idaho, Montana, and (most recently) Wyoming. In Laramie, he served as the Medical Director of the Emergency Room at Ivinson Memorial Hospital.

Dr. Tufts earned a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering from Arizona State University, graduated from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, and completed his Residency in Family Medicine at Scottsdale Healthcare (now known as Honor Health). He served as Medical Director for Superior Area Ambulance Service and the Albany County Volunteer Ambulance Services, as well as Vice Chief of Staff at Ivinson Memorial Hospital.

Now he brings his extensive experience to RVU. "The plan always was to teach later in my career," he says. "I love finding ways to organize and present information in a way that makes learning more accessible for students." Previously, he taught residents, undergraduate medical students, and physician assistant students from Idaho State University for their Emergency Medicine rotations.

Dr. Tufts has a wide array of hobbies and interests. He enjoys hiking and running—and also gaming, programming, web development, and Star Wars. "I have been called a ‘Turbo-Nerd’ and am proud of the title." He even watched "The Force Awakens" on opening night dressed in Jedi robes, much to the embarrassment of his children. Yet his two favorite places are here on Earth: Bridger Wilderness Area and Glacier National Park.

Chowbaso, Patrick!

(Note: above message translated from Huttese)