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University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences

Clinical Excellence Through Graduate Education

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    May 2022 Leave a Comment

    A Day in the Life of a Nurse Manager

    A Day in the Life of a Nurse Manager

      As we celebrate Nurses Month, we at USAHS wanted to get a sense of what a typical workday is like for a nurse manager. We asked alum Ahnnya Slaughter, DNP, to tell us all about a day in her life. Dr. Slaughter graduated in 2021 from USAHS’ Doctor of Nursing Practice program, the Nurse Executive role specialty. Coming from a military family, she began working at a VA hospital in the Los Angeles area 30 years ago as a critical care RN. “Veterans deserve the best care,” she says. “My calling wasn’t to be in the military. This is my way of being able to serve the country.” Over the years, she worked her way up, through positions such as informatics specialist, deputy nurse executive, and director of clinical staff development. She began Read more

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    • Academics
      • DEGREE PROGRAMS ― Click here to browse all of our degree programs
      • College of Rehabilitative Sciences
        • Occupational Therapy Programs
          • Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT)
          • Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
          • Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (PPOTD)
        • Physical Therapy Graduate Programs
          • Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
          • Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (tDPT)
        • Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP)
      • College of Health Sciences
        • Master of Health Administration (MHA)
        • Master of Health Science (MHS)
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          • Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
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          • Post-Graduate Nursing Certificates
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          • Clinical Orthopedic Residency
          • Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy Fellowship
          • Continuing Professional Education (CPE)
          • Physical Therapy Online Courses for International Students
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        • Admissions & Aid

          USAHS focuses on providing the best and more appropriate academic and financial aid counseling throughout the admissions process. Whether applying to a first-professional, campus based program or a post-professional distance program, an assigned Enrollment Advisor is available to assist you from application to acceptance.

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      Home  >  University Administration

      University Leadership

      Vivian Sanchez, CEO

      Chancellor

      Vivian A. Sanchez

      Vivian Sanchez brings extensive higher education and business experience to her role as Chancellor. Having worked in public research universities in the United States and private institutions in nine countries, Sanchez brings comprehensive global insights to higher education for both campus-based and digital learning.

      President and Chief Academic Officer

      Brian Goldstein, PhD, CCC-SLP

      Dr. Goldstein is an accomplished teacher, scholar and academic leader with more than 25 years of experience in higher education at public and private universities with multiple locations.

      Maria Puzziferro, PhD

      Dean, Teaching, Learning and Innovation

      Maria Puzziferro, PhD

      Dr. Maria Puzziferro’s experience as a transformational academic leader, researcher, and teacher spans more than 25 years at public and private institutions in roles related to the advancement of innovative teaching and learning approaches. She has served as a President, Provost, and Dean with extensive experience developing, launching, and operating online and blended programs.

      Jackie Crossen-Sills, PT, PhD

      Associate Dean of Physical Therapy for the College of Rehabilitative Sciences

      Jackie Crossen-Sills, PT, PhD

      Dr. Jackie Crossen-Sills is the Associate Dean of Physical Therapy for the College of Rehabilitative Sciences. She has been with the University since 2015 and served in varied capacities including a full-time Professor and Academic Program Director for the DPT program for St Augustine and Miami campuses.

      Tia Hughes, DrOT, MBA, OTR/L

      Associate Dean of the College of Rehabilitative Sciences for Occupational Therapy

      Tia Hughes, OTD, MBA, OTR/L

      Dr. Tia Hughes joined the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in June 2020 as Associate Dean of the College of Rehabilitative Sciences for Occupational Therapy. Dr. Hughes has been a faculty member and academic leader at AdventHealth University in Florida since 2002, serving as the Program Director for the occupational therapy programs.

      Elaine Lonnemann, PT, DPT, MSc. FAAOMPT

      Associate Dean of the College of Health Sciences & Program Director, tDPT Program

      Elaine Lonnemann, PT, DPT, OCS, MTC, FAAOMPT

      Dr. Elaine Lonnemann is the Associate Dean of the College of Health Sciences and Program Director of the transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. She has served as a contributing faculty member in online courses for the Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy program since 2002.

      Program Director, EdD/DHSc Programs

      Program Director, EdD/DHSc Programs

      Sunddip Aguilar, EdD

      Dr. Sunddip Aguilar is the Program Director for the Doctorate of Education program in the College of Health Sciences.

      Program Director, OT Programs—St. Augustine, FL Campus

      Helen Carey, PhD, MSc Adv OT, OTR

      Dr. Helen Carey is the Program Director of the Occupational Therapy programs on the St. Augustine, FL campus. She joined the University in March 2020 from the United Kingdom.

      Tony Domenech, PT, DPT, EdD, OCS, FAAOMPT

      Program Director, DPT Program—Austin, TX Campus

      Tony Domenech, PT, DPT, EdD, OCS, FAAOMPT

      Dr. Manuel (Tony) A. Domenech is the Program Director of and an Associate Professor for the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program on the Austin, TX campus.

      Julie Gonick

      Vice President, Enrollment Management and San Marcos, CA Campus Director

      Julie Gonick

      Julie Gonick, Vice President of Enrollment Management, joined the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in 2016 with more than 15 years of experience in admissions and higher education.

      Interim Program Director, OT Programs—Miami, FL Campus

      Marcia Hamilton, OTD, MSHS, OTR/L, BCP, BCTS

      Dr. Marcia Hamilton is the Program Director of the Occupational Therapy programs on the Miami campus, where she also serves as an assistant professor.

      Director, Continuing Professional Education and St. Augustine, FL Campus Director

      Lori Hankins

      Lori Hankins brings more than 20 years of operational experience to the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences as the Director of Continuing Professional Education and St. Augustine, FL Campus Director.

      Interim Program Director, OTD Program—Dallas, TX campus

      Keith B. McWilliams, OTD, OTR/L, DRS

      Dr. Keith McWilliams is the Interim Program Director for the entry-level Occupational Therapy Doctorate program on the Dallas campus, where he also serves as an Assistant Professor.

      Assistant Program Director, SLP Program and Dallas, TX Campus Director

      Ashley Bourque Meaux, PhD, CCC-SLP

      Dr. Ashley Bourque Meaux, PhD, CCC-SLP, is an Associate Professor and Assistant Program Director for the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP) program on the Dallas, TX campus.

      Program Director, Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

      Karen Menard, PhD, OTR/L

      Karen Menard, PhD, OTR/L is the Program Director for the Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy program at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences.

      Cherie_Peters-Brinkerhoff_PT_EDD_MPT_MHA_CNDT

      Program Director, DPT Program—San Marcos, CA Campus

      Cherie Peters-Brinkerhoff, PT, EDD, MPT, MHA, C/NDT

      Dr. Peters-Brinkerhoff is the Program Director for the DPT program at the San Marcos, CA campus.

      Dr-Polley-Payne

      Executive Director, School of Nursing

      Kathleen Polley-Payne, PhD, RN MSN PNP

      Dr. Kathleen Polley-Payne has been an early adopter of the online and blended teaching modalities. Her clinical experience lies with the pediatric population. Dr. Polley-Payne joined the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in 2020.

      Program Director, Physician Assistant Program

      Michael Roscoe, PhD, PA-C

      Michael Roscoe, PhD, PA-C is an experienced physician assistant (PA) educator and clinician. He has been a PA for more than 20 years, with a primary specialty in emergency medicine. He joined the University of St. Augustine in March 2021 and is based at the University’s Austin, TX campus.

      Meghan Savage, CCC-SLP, PhD

      Program Director, MS-SLP Program

      Meghan Savage, PhD, CCC-SLP

      Meghan Savage, Ph.D., CCC-SLP is the Program Director and an Associate Professor in the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP) program.

      Erin Schwier, OTD - Occupational Therapy Program Director

      Program Director, OT Programs—San Marcos, CA Campus

      Erin Schwier, OTD

      Dr. Erin Schwier is the Program Director and an Associate Professor for the Occupational Therapy programs on the San Marcos, CA campus. She brings more than 15 years of experience working with children with disabilities and their families to her position.

      Arvie Vitente

      Miami, FL Campus Director

      Arvie Vitente, PT, DPT, PhD, MPH, GCS

      Dr. Arvie Vitente joined the University as a core faculty in November 2018 and serves as the Miami, FL Campus Director and Academic Coordinator of Clinical Education (ACCE)/Assistant Professor for the DPT program.

      Thomas Werner, PT, MA, PhD

      Program Director, DPT Program

      Thomas P. Werner, PT, MA, PhD

      Dr. Thom Werner is an Associate Professor in and the Program Director for the DPT program at the Dallas, TX campus.

      Kathy H. Wood, PhD, FHFMA - Program Director, Master of Health Administration (MHA)

      Program Director, MHS/MHA Programs

      Kathy H. Wood, PhD, FHFMA

      Dr. Kathy Wood, PhD, FHFMA is the Program Director for the Master of Health Administration (MHA) and Master of Health Science (MHS) programs at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences.

      Mary Zadnik, SCD, MED, OTR/L

      Program Director, OT Programs and Austin, TX Campus Director

      Mary Zadnik, ScD, MEd, OTR/L

      Dr. Mary Zadnik, ScD, MEd, OTR/L, is an Associate Professor and Program Director for the entry-level Occupational Therapy programs on the Austin, TX campus.

      Mariesol Wallace, PT, DPT, CCI

      Executive Director of Clinical Services

      Mariesol Wallace, PT, DPT, CCI

      Dr. Mariesol Wallace joined the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in December 2017 as an academic coordinator of clinical education and is now Executive Director of Clinical Services.

      Damien Cooper

      Chief Information Officer

      Damien Cooper

      Damien Cooper serves as the Chief Information Officer (CIO) and provides leadership and direction for University-wide IT strategies and initiatives to meet the complex needs of the University.

      Terry Rakosky, SVP

      Chief Experience Officer

      Terry Rakosky

      Terry Rakosky, Chief Experience Officer, joined the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) with more than 30 years of experience in consumer products and higher education.

      Deborah Zimic

      General Counsel and Senior Vice President of Compliance

      Deborah Zimic

      Deborah Zimic, General Counsel and Senior Vice President of Compliance, provides cross-divisional legal and compliance support to the University.

      Vice President, Accreditation and Assessment

      Melanie Davis, DHED

      Dr. Melanie Davis joined the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in March 2021. Dr. Davis worked in K–12 education for 13 years, first in the classroom and then as a curriculum and assessment administrator.

      Susan Waugh

      Vice President, Human Resources

      Susan Waugh

      Susan Waugh serves as Vice President of Human Resources for University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. She has more than 20 years of professional experience as a leader in human resources, with strong functional expertise in talent acquisition, operational efficiency, organizational design, training and development.

      Dawn Werling

      Vice President of Student Administration

      Dawn Werling

      With more than 20 years of experience in higher education, Dawn Werling has served in numerous operational leadership positions, during which she oversaw all student and administrative functions, developed and launched new programs, and planned and opened numerous new campuses. Prior to her career in higher education, she served as an Ordnance Officer in the U.S. Army, where she worked in operations, training, and logistics before retiring.

      Executive Director, Student Financial Services and Compliance

      Frank Ravja

      Frank Ravja serves as the Executive Director of Student Financial Services and Compliance. His experiences span a decade in student financial services, financial aid, student accounts, enrollment management and compliance.

      Executive Director, Admissions and Registration Services

      Heidi Terry

      Based at our St. Augustine, FL campus, Heidi Terry joined the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in September 2021. She has served in enrollment and admission leadership roles at multiple institutions ranging in size from 1,000 to 29,000 students throughout her 30+-year career.

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      San Marcos, CA Campus
      700 Windy Point Drive
      San Marcos, CA 92069

      St. Augustine, FL Campus
      1 University Boulevard
      St. Augustine, FL 32086

      Miami, FL Campus
      Douglas Entrance North Tower
      800 S. Douglas Road, Suite 149
      Coral Gables, FL 33134

      Austin, TX Campus
      5401 La Crosse Ave
      Austin, TX 78739

      Dallas, TX Campus
      5010 Riverside Drive, Suite 120
      Irving, TX 75039

      General Inquiries: (904) 826-0084
      Media Inquiries: (760) 407-2301
      Fax: (904) 826-0085
      Registrations: (800) 241-1027

       

       

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      Request For Information

      • The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program is also available at our Miami, FL, Austin, TX and San Marcos, CA campuses. Select a 2nd choice campus if you are open to another or all campuses.
      • The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program is also available at our Austin, TX, Miami, FL and St. Augustine, FL campuses. Select a 2nd choice campus if you are open to another or all campuses.
      • The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program is also available at our Miami, FL, St. Augustine, FL and San Marcos, CA campuses. Select a 2nd choice campus if you are open to another or all campuses.
      • The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program is also available at our Austin, TX, Miami, FL, St. Augustine, FL and San Marcos, CA campuses. Select a 2nd choice campus if you are open to another or all campuses.
      • The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program is also available at our Austin, TX, St. Augustine, FL and San Marcos, CA campuses. Select a 2nd choice campus if you are open to another or all campuses.
      • The Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) program is also available at our Miami, FL, Austin, TX and San Marcos, CA campuses. Select a 2nd choice campus if you are open to another or all campuses.
      • The Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) program is also available at our Austin, TX, Miami, FL and St. Augustine, FL campuses. Select a 2nd choice campus if you are open to another or all campuses.
      • The Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) program is also available at our Miami, FL, San Marcos, CA and St. Augustine, FL campuses. Select a 2nd choice campus if you are open to another or all campuses.
      • The Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) program is also available at our San Marcos, CA, Austin, TX and St. Augustine, FL campuses. Select a 2nd choice campus if you are open to another or all campuses.
      • The Flex Master of Occupational Therapy program is also available at our Austin, TX and Miami, FL campuses. Select a 2nd choice campus if you are open to being considered for additional campuses.
      • The Flex Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) program is also available at our Miami, FL and St. Augustine campuses. Select a 2nd choice campus if you are open to being considered for additional campuses.
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        The Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) program is also offered in a convenient Flex format (Online + Weekend Labs on campus). Check here if you're interested in hearing more about the Flex MOT currently offered in Miami, Austin and St. Augustine.
        The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program is also offered in a convenient Flex format (Online + Weekend Labs on campus). Check here if you're interested in hearing more about the Flex DPT currently offered in Austin, San Marcos and St. Augustine.
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