Faculty & Staff

	Katharine C. Cook, Ph.D., R.N., C.N.E. Chair, Nursing Department Professor, Nursing Department
Education:	B.S.N., University of Maryland, 1972 M.S.N., University of Maryland, 1978 Ph.D. in Nursing, University of Virginia, 2003
Areas of Interest:	Nursing Education Nursing Program Administration Curriculum/Evaluation Health Promotion Qualitative Research Service-Learning Gerontology
Background:	Chair, Nursing Department, 2004 to present Professor Nursing Department, CND faculty for 25 years State Commissions on the nursing faculty shortage Surgical ICU Shock Trauma Open Heart Recovery In-service Educator/Faculty Adult Nurse Practitioner Environmental Health
Research/Publications:	Adult Dementia Caretakers Elders Learning Computers Qualitative Research Program Evaluation RN to BSN Accelerated program Federal and local grants: most recent 1.37 million, 2007
Personal Statement:	I am so impressed by RN to BSN students' pursuit of learning while balancing careers, family, and other life responsibilities. I am also excited about the new MSN program. Graduates of this program are needed to educate future nurses and to improve retention through effective administration. All our students inspire me. Their investment in both personal and professional growth gives me confidence about the future of nursing and healthcare both in this country and around the world.
	Constance M. Adams, M.S., R.N. Assistant Professor of Nursing
Education:	Diploma, Mercy Hospital School of Nursing, 1970 B.S.N., University of Maryland, 1976 M.S. in Nursing Administration/Med-Surg, 1983 Doctoral Student at University of Maryland, Baltimore County in Health Policy, 2000 to Present
Areas of Interest:	Health Policy Community Health/Service Learning Family Nursing Health Services Research Leadership/Administration
Background:	Medical Nursing Coronary Intensive Care Assistant Director of Nursing Director of Nursing Vice President of Nursing Faculty at College of Notre Dame since 1994
Personal Statement:	I have found such fulfillment and opportunities in the Nursing Profession over the ears that I want to help others develop their own paths to a rewarding career as a Professional Nurse. Teaching Registered Nurses at College of Notre Dame of Maryland gives me the access to realize this goal. Looking at the "big" is my specialty and I look forward to working with you to heighten your passion for nursing in this millennium.
	Jane A. Johnston Balkam, Ph.D., A.P.R.N., C.P.N.P., I.B.C.L.C. Assistant Professor of Nursing
Education:	B.S.N., Georgetown University , 1972 M.S.N., University of Rochester, 1977 Ph.D., Union Institute & University, 2006; focus on Maternal Child Health/Breastfeeding and Human Lactation
Areas of Interest:	Maternal Child Health Breastfeeding and Human Lactation Support for Breastfeeding Women in the Workplace
Background:	Fellow National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners Board Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Board Certified Lactation Consultant Owner of Lactation Consulting Practice Health Department Administrator Previously held faculty appointments at Georgetown, Catholic and Marymount Universities Faculty, Notre Dame RN to BSN program since Fall 2008
Research/Publications:
Personal Statement:	I find working with adult learners to be very satisfying. I am very happy to be working with the wonderful students, faculty and staff of Notre Dame.
	Ruth E. Brisson, M.A. Program Manager, Nursing Department
Education:	M.A. in Management, College of Notre Dame, 2007 B.A. in Business, College of Notre Dame, 2004
Areas of Interest:	Adult Education Program Development and Expansion Grant Research Accelerated Learning Strategies
Background:	Human Resource Management in Healthcare Marketing Recruitment/Retention in Adult Education Academic Advising
Personal Statement:	As an adult student, I learned that determination, dedication, and sacrifice are essential to successfully balancing academic, family, and professional goals. As a professional working to help adult students to achieve these same goals, I try to draw from my own personal experience to advise and encourage them. I respect and admire the courage and commitment that these students bring to their academic endeavors. Both the RN to BSN students and MSN students are highly motivated and welcome the challenges they find in the classroom to enhance their personal and professional knowledge and skills. It is an honor to play a small part in helping these students to see their dreams become reality.
	Linda K. Diaconis, Ph.D., R.N. Associate Professor of Nursing
Education:	Diploma, Hendrick Memorial Hospital School of Nursing, 1968 B.S.N., University of Maryland School of Nursing, 1992 M.S., University of Maryland School of Nursing, 1994 Ph. D., University of Maryland College Park, 2001
Areas of Interest:	Nursing Education Curriculum Development Phenomenological Research Leadership in Organizations Labyrinths for Healing
Background:	Medical-Surgical Nursing Leadership in Professional Associations Partnerships with Community Colleges and Hospitals Distance/Online Learning Qualitative Research in Nursing and Education
Research/Publications:	De-distancing Education: Videoconferencing as a Medium in RN to BS Education (Conference Symposium) It Takes Courage to Lead (Presentation at Nursing Grand Rounds, Sinai Hospital) Crossing the Bridge: Creating Harmonious Communities through Interactive Distance Education (Conference Presentation) Friendship in the Hermeneutic Circle (Panel Symposium) “’I Was Scared…’: Voices of Vulnerable Parents” (Co-author, Journal and book chapter)
Personal Statement:	My goal as a nurse educator is to create a caring place for students that is hospitable, a space where students feel a sense of belonging and are free to achieve their educational dreams.
	Barbara Friend, M.S., R.N. Assistant Professor of Nursing
Education:	Diploma R.N., Maryland General Hospital B.S.N. Nursing, University of Maryland M.S., University of Maryland
Areas of Interest:	Critical Care Trauma Perioperative Administration/Leadership Medical Surgical Gerontology Education Community Wellness
Background:	Hospital Administration Nursing Administration Trauma Critical Care Operating Room Recovery Room Emergency Room Med Surg Oncology Outpatient Services Lecturer on Trauma MIEMSS Education Faculty at College of Notre Dame Lecturer Wellness Center Scripps La Jolla
Research/Publications:	R.N.'s role in the education of house staff (co-researcher and author with Claton Shatney, M.D. Trauma Nursing (Co-authored chapter on the Admitting Area - patient care during the "Golden Hour") Clinical Trials Oncology patients Control of post op pain for outpatient knee surgeries (retrospective study) Federal grants for trauma Peer evaluation in the clinical setting
Personal Statement:	My pursuit of a BSN and graduate degree changed my life and career. With this experience behind me I take delight in assisting others to meet their educational goals while working and caring for their families. It is a difficult but worthwhile journey.
	Joanne C. Gladden, Ph.D., R.N., F.N.G.N.A., C.N.E. Associate Professor of Nursing Mullan Distinguished Teacher Award, 2008-2009
Education:	B.S.N., St. John College, Cleveland, Ohio, 1967 M.S., School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, 1973 Ph.D., University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, 1998
Areas of Interest:	Public Health: poverty, racial disparities, and vulnerable populations Community-based care of older adults Qualitative research in nursing Service learning strategies in nursing Cultural competence in nursing Health care and life transitions
Background:	Intensive coronary care Medical and long-term care Public health nursing and home care Adult and Geriatric Nurse Practitioner in acute, long-term, and community based settings (1973-2002) Private practice: independent nursing center and legal consulting partnership Faculty practice: homeless shelter nursing (1987-1999)
Research/Publications:	"Health Care Tranisitions of Older Adults Through Subacute Care" (journal article) "Rural Homelessness" (book chapter) "Understanding Life Transitions" (book chapter) "Qualitative Research: Data Analysis" (book chapter) "Self-reported Needs of Cambodian Refugees" (article) Research grant: National Institute of Nursing Research (1996-98)
Personal Statement:	I feel privileged to participate in the personal and professional development of registered nurses in Maryland. In my relationships with students, I am both teacher and learner. The Notre Dame Nursing Program seems to attract cohorts of highly motivated, committed and intelligent men and women who gift each other with their diverse backgrounds and experiences.
	Melissa King Administrative Assistant
Education:	B.A., English, College of Notre Dame of Maryland Currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Education at College of Notre Dame of Maryland
Areas of Interest:	Tutoring for speakers of English as a second language Study Abroad Literature Music
Background:	Chapter Member of Maryland Student Legislature for College of Notre Dame of Maryland Volunteer for EBLO (Education Based Latino Outreach)
Research/Publications:
Personal Statement:	I am proud to be a part of the Nursing Department. I enjoy helping our nurses in furthering their education just as Notre Dame has done for me. The Nursing Department faculty and staff are a phenomenal group of women who truly care and believe in students’ success, and I am honored to be part of this mission.
	Aundrea McNeil, M.S.N., R.N. Assistant Professor of Nursing
Education:	B.S.N, Coppin University, 2001 Post B.S.N Certificate in Nursing Education, Towson University, 2006 M.S.N, Towson University, 2006
Areas of Interest:	Community Healthy and Healthcare Promotion Nursing Education of the Adult Learner Evidence Based Practice Research for Preventative Healthcare
Background:	Intensive Care Coronary Care Med/Surg Clinical Nurse Specialist Case Management Community Health / Home Health Care Nursing Education as Adjunct Faculty
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Personal Statement:	Educating the adult learner in the RN to BSN program promotes learning as a collaborative process. Everyone contributes to the learning process through personal experiences, new information, and encouragement to critically think. This process of learning leads to the individual learner demonstrating and acknowledging nursing as a profession. I enjoy being a part of the learning process, and contributing to the educational experience of each student.
	Mary O’Connor, Ph.D., R.N., F.A.C.H.E. Assistant Professor of Nursing
Education:	A.A.S., Dutchess Community College, 1978 B.S.N., Excelsior (formerly Regents) College, 1994 M.S.N., Nursing Administration, Northeastern University, 1997 Ph.D., Nursing Administration, George Mason University, 2005
Areas of Interest:	Nursing Leadership Nursing Leadership Education Ethics in Nursing and Healthcare Health Policy Informatics Qualitative Research Curriculum Development and Evaluation
Background:	Med/Surg Nursing Nurse Manager Nursing Administration Informatics Project Leader Health Policy Leadership roles in Local, Regional, and National Professional Associations Faculty for leadership courses in Baccalaureate, Graduate, and online programs Faculty at College of Notre Dame, 2005
Research/Publications:	Nursing Leadership Education Leadership renewal and self-care Quality Improvement of leadership curriculum Nursing leadership and dance Informatics
Personal Statement:	The accelerated undergraduate and graduate students are motivated, engaged, and really enjoy the learning. I am constantly surprised and intrigued by their insight and ability to connect the learned content into their practice. In addition, I continually learn from them and have new insights about nursing, leadership, education, and life with each class. The cohort arrangement facilitates strong peer support as well as allowing the faculty to know them both individually and as a group. I am really enjoying teaching in these programs.
	Mary T. Packard, Ph.D., R.N. Associate Professor of Nursing
Education:	B.S.N., Georgetown University M.S.N., The Catholic University of America Ph.D., University of Maryland
Areas of Interest:	Phenomenology as inquiry and pedagogy Nursing student-teacher relationship Comfort and vulnerability in teaching and practice Nursing and aesthetics Ethics Caring with persons with psychiatric and mental health struggles Curriculum theory and nursing currere Caring Writing as reflective practice
Background:	Nurse Psychotherapist
Research/Publications:	Sitting Next to Our Joy: Nursing Students and Faculty Together in Writing Hands of Comfort in the Midst of Vulnerability: A Pedagogy of Being-With in Psychiatric Nursing The Unforgetting of Remembrances: Awakening the Ancient Call of Belonging Pedagogy of Friendship Dialogic Engagement with Celan’s ‘I and You’ as a Pedagogy for ‘Being-With’
Personal Statement:	I imagine the classroom that the nursing students and I share to be a Listening Space—a place for authentic engagement along the journeys toward bachelor’s and master’s degrees. All students bring rich autobiographical narratives to the table of teaching and learning. How honored I am to dwell in this sacred place.