Get to know NHCC's Nursing instructors.
Desirri Arneson
Educational credentials:
DNP, RN. Associate of Science in Nursing Anoka Ramsey Community College, Masters of Science in Nursing with specialization in Education Walden University, Doctor of Nursing Practice St. Catherine University
Nursing background or areas of clinical expertise:
My first 2 years of nursing were in long-term care specializing in dementia. The next 17 years I worked in an acute care hospital setting. This included medical surgical, intensive care, neuro trauma, maternal child, cardiac, and orthopedic units. During this time, I worked as a “flyer”, or resource nurse, covering medical-surgical units and ICUs as well as a member of the Rapid Response Team and CPR teams for over 10 years. My graduate work was on an inter-professional team with a variety of healthcare disciplines working together.
Why did you choose to teach nursing?
These experiences in nursing have instilled a deep appreciation for the strength of a team working together and a passion for life-long learning. These attributes and expertise have built a foundation and enthusiasm for sharing knowledge with others through teaching.
What are some ways you help students succeed in the nursing program?
Becoming a nurse is a challenging, transforming, and rewarding journey that continues through a lifetime. Recognizing and appreciating the individuality, experiences, and perceptions of each student is important to the development of individuals to reach their potential as a nurse. It is through this approach that teaching is guided to help students feel supported and be successful in their journey toward becoming a nurse.
Share a favorite quote or a "fun fact" about yourself:
"The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away." —William Shakespeare
Linda Carlyon
Educational credentials:
MS, RN. BA from Gustavus Adolphus College.
MS from University of Minnesota.
Nursing background or areas of clinical expertise:
Abbott-Northwestern: 1.5 years in oncology.
North Memorial Health Care: 22 years in Maternal/Child Health, 6 years in Home Care for Maternal/Child Health.
University of Minnesota: 15 of these same years I also taught part-time for the School of Nursing.
Promise Care Home Health: 10 of these same years I also provide part-time home care for adults.
Why did you choose to teach nursing?
I chose to teach nursing school because I enjoy sharing in the experience when students move from being a student to becoming a professional. Many previous students reach out to me years later to thank me to helping them earn their nursing degree.
What are some ways you help students succeed in the nursing program?
All students are individually important to me. I give them as much knowledge as I can, so they equally qualify for the nursing position they aspire toward.
Share a favorite quote or a "fun fact" about yourself:
I earned a red belt in tae-kwon-do and still exercise regularly.
Judy Cotter MSN, RN, CNE
Educational credentials:
2023 - Certified Nurse Instructor, National League of Nursing.
2014 - Master of Science in Nursing/Education, University of Phoenix, Phoenix AZ.
2011 - Bachelors of Science in Nursing, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK.
2008 - Bachelor of Science in Business/Marketing, University of Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ.
Nursing background or areas of clinical expertise:
Worked 10 years as a registered nurse for Mille Lacs Health System in Onamia. My area of expertise is primarily working in behavioral health for the geriatric population, yet I also floated to the medical surgical unit.
Why did you choose to teach nursing?
My motivation stems from wanting to give back to society and help bring in the next generation of nurses. I feel great when I can help students achieve their goals.
What are some ways you help students succeed in the nursing program?
I provide a safe and respectful classroom environment. I am flexible and accommodate various learning styles in the classroom, and I encourage students to communicate their needs.
Share a favorite quote or a "fun fact" about yourself:
Be Strong and of Good Courage ~ Joshua 1:9
Emily R Day
Educational credentials:
BS Animal Science – Penn State University
BSN Nursing – Rutgers University
MPH Epidemiology – Drexel University
Nursing background or areas of clinical expertise:
NICU, Pediatrics, Public Health, Triage, Clinic Care.
Why did you choose to teach nursing?
As a nurse I worked to provide the best outcomes possible for my patients. As a teacher, I teach students how to provide the best outcomes possible for their patients. I am proud to be a part of the education of NHCC nurses. It is my aim to cultivate a culture of excellence and inclusivity among students, that they will show to every patient they care for during their future endeavors.
What are some ways you help students succeed in the nursing program?
It is my goal to be an approachable and available resource for students. Anyone that comes to me for help, I will put in the necessary time and effort to help them succeed.
Share a favorite quote or a "fun fact" about yourself:
Raised on the East Coast, I am a fanatic for all Philadelphia sports. If you are looking for someone to excessively discuss sports with please pay me a visit.
Amy Goman
Educational credentials:
MSN, BSN, RN. University of North Dakota, Grand Forks for both degrees, Master's of Science with a specialization in Nursing Education
Nursing background or areas of clinical expertise:
Neonatal ICU, medical-surgical, cardiac/thoracic surgery
Why did you choose to teach nursing?
I always enjoyed teaching with my patients and have students on the floor. I love experiencing the learning moments when the theory knowledge is seen in practice. Combining knowledge with compassion is wonderful to be a part of.
What are some ways you help students succeed in the nursing program?
I enjoy helping students find their best learning style. There are so many resources to help students find the style best suited to them.
Share a favorite quote or a "fun fact" about yourself:
"Nothing is IMPOSSIBLE. The word itself says I'M POSSIBLE." Audrey Hepburn
Jeanne Harstad
Educational credentials:
ADN Anoka Ramsey
BSN University of Phoenix
DNP University of Minnesota
Nursing background or areas of clinical expertise:
Education, geriatrics, wound care, ventilator weaning, long term acute care.
Why did you choose to teach nursing?
I love seeing the students connect the dots, I can touch many patients through the students I have taught.
What are some ways you help students succeed in the nursing program?
I encourage active learning; I promote project-based learning.
Share a favorite quote or a "fun fact" about yourself:
I grew up in the state of 10000 lakes and cannot swim.
Dorthey Ikegwuani
Educational credentials:
Bethel University: MA.
Minneapolis Community College: RN
Nursing background or areas of clinical expertise:
Cardiac, Home Care, Hospice, Wound Care
Why did you choose to teach nursing?
After my experience with having an instructor care about my success, I wanted to take that same experience and teach other students.
What are some ways you help students succeed in the nursing program? Individual tutoring
Share a favorite quote or a "fun fact" about yourself:
A gift from a group of students: "A truly great mentor is hard to find, difficult to part with, and impossible to replace.” I continue trying to live up to this expectation.
Chris Kleckner
Educational credentials:
MA in English, University of South Dakota
MAN in Nursing Education, Bethel University
Nursing background or areas of clinical expertise:
Critical Care
Culture and Nursing
Emergency Care
Health Care Disparities
Why did you choose to teach nursing?
Serving others through education brings me the most joy. I found that I very much enjoyed sharing information and sparking thoughts. Teaching nursing is where my calling is set. I love those ah-ha moments in the classroom and seeing students grow into caring and competent nurses.
What are some ways you help students succeed in the nursing program?
Probably the most effective way I have helped students succeed in a nursing program is taking the time to understand an individual’s strengths and world view. From there, I like to help the students figure out how to overcome challenges with their strengths and guide them with resources and support.
Share a favorite quote or a "fun fact" about yourself: “Whenever you’re in a position to help someone, be glad and always do it because that’s the Universe answering someone else’s prayers through you.”
Cassie Kramer
Educational credentials:
RN, MSN. Earned BSN at St Cloud State University and MSN at Walden University
Nursing background or areas of clinical expertise:
ICU/Critical Care
Why did you choose to teach nursing?
Love inspiring new nurses and welcoming them into the honorable profession of Nursing.
What are some ways you help students succeed in the nursing program?
Encourage and maintain open communication and incorporate diversity into the curriculum and teaching plans.
Share a favorite quote or a "fun fact" about yourself:
"As a nurse, we have the opportunity to heal the mind, soul, heart and body of our patients, their families and ourselves. They may forget your name, but they will never forget how you made them feel." -Maya Angelou
Lois Mandler
Educational credentials:
MSN RN CNE. Attended Winona State University for BSN/MSN, and ADN from Austin Community College (now Riverland Community College).
Nursing background or areas of clinical expertise:
Multi-Specialty Medical Nursing x 20 years, Clinical Research x 12 Years and Discharge Planning Nurse Specialist x 3 years.
Why did you choose to teach nursing?
My desire to work with students and give back to the profession of nursing.
What are some ways you help students succeed in the nursing program?
I enjoy working with all students to help them be successful by being available, (currently online and in-person when possible) and work to create a positive, comfortable learning environment.
Share a favorite quote or a "fun fact" about yourself:
“If it is to be, it is up to me.” Author unknown.
Lori Mountin
Educational credentials:
BSN from the university of MN
Masters in Nursing Education from the University of Phoenix
Nursing background or areas of clinical expertise:
Several years in Medical Surgical, Critical Care and Perianesthesia Nursing
Why did you choose to teach nursing?
I served as a mentor and preceptor throughout much of my clinical career. I always loved to teach and I love nursing. I decided to combine my love for both by helping to teach those who are entering the profession I love.
What are some ways you help students succeed in the nursing program?
Students come to this program with varied backgrounds. I try to teach at a basic level so students understand why they are doing things rather than just trying to memorize steps to do it. I also try to meet each student at the place where they are, building upon their level of experience. I was a nursing student who had no patient care experience so I feel I can relate to students who come without experience and try to be patient with but encouraging of them.
Share a favorite quote or a "fun fact" about yourself:
Nurses really get a chance to touch people’s lives. A favorite quote of mine is by Maya Angelou, “They may not remember your face but they will never forget how you made them feel.”
Miriam Osammor
Educational credentials:
AS Nursing- Thames Valley University, London England
MSN- Walden University, Minneapolis, MN
Post MSN FNP- National University- Costa Mesa, CA
CNE- Certified Nurse Educator
Nursing background or areas of clinical expertise:
19 years of nursing. Clinical fields include: Medical-Surgical and Critical Care
Why did you choose to teach nursing?
I want to impart my knowledge and expertise on the future nurses.
What are some ways you help students succeed in the nursing program?
At the beginning of the semester, I strive to get to know my students individually making myself available and accessible to the students. I make conscious effort to remove biases in my classrooms, materials and exams.
Share a favorite quote or a "fun fact" about yourself:
I love to travel. I have visited 6 out of the 7 continents.
Mary G. Sayler
Educational credentials:
DNP, RN, CCRN-K, CNE. I earned my ADN at Dickinson State University in Dickinson ND. BSN at University of Detroit-Mercy in Detroit, MI. MSN in Nursing Education at Walden University. DNP at St. Catherine University in St. Paul, MN.
Nursing background or areas of clinical expertise:
I worked as a bedside nurse in various adult critical care units (medical, surgical, trauma, neuro/neurosurgical, cardiac) in multiple states over 33 years of my career. After obtaining my MSN, I began teaching clinical while maintaining my practice at the bedside, and eventually transitioned to full-time teaching.
Why did you choose to teach nursing?
I always liked teaching and mentoring new nurses or nurses new to critical care. I loved having nursing students in their capstone experience with me as well. So, I thought it would be good to start by teaching clinical to undergraduate nursing students and thoroughly enjoyed it! I haven’t ever looked back on my decision to teach full time.
What are some ways you help students succeed in the nursing program?
I see all students as unique individuals with diverse backgrounds, whether it is their culture, gender, race, age, experience etc. One way to help students succeed is to get to know them, especially my advisees. I introduce myself to them and ask them to introduce themselves to me so they know I support them. I attended a program at the college called SEED- Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity- this program was a yearlong endeavor to help me be a better teacher and to meet the diverse learning needs of my students.
Share a favorite quote or a "fun fact" about yourself:
With moving around the country with my husband’s job, you can tell I value lifelong learning because I have 10 hire education transcripts!
Mary Sladek
Educational credentials:
MS, RN, CNE. BSN from South Dakota State University and MS from U of M. Certified Nursing Educator CNE
Nursing background or areas of clinical expertise:
35+ years of nursing. Clinical fields include: Hematology/Oncology, Oncology Research, Medical-Surgical, Imaging, Geriatrics
Why did you choose to teach nursing?
Like many nurses, I have a passion to help others. Nursing has been one of the best decisions I have made.
What are some ways you help students succeed in the nursing program?
I consider the definition of diversity as being broad and encompasses all students. As a faculty, I try to help students to become comfortable with me as their faculty/advisor, whereby encouraging them to visit with me for their individual needs.
Share a favorite quote or a "fun fact" about yourself:
I love to quilt, albeit a crude definition of quilting (large 10” block quilts).
Elmira Turdalieva
Educational credentials:
DNP, RN, CNS-BC. I earned my Masters in Nursing and Doctorate in Nursing Practice from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities.
Nursing background or areas of clinical expertise:
I worked as a research assistant at the University of Minnesota, School of Nursing. Clinical Experience: Cardiovascular Acute Unit at the University of Minnesota Medical Center, MHealth.
Why did you choose to teach nursing?
I like to share my nursing knowledge with nursing students in order to strengthen their skills. I believe that when my nursing students become RNs, they will make a significant impact in the healthcare and contribute to excellent patient care outcomes.
What are some ways you help students succeed in the nursing program?
My teaching philosophy is to learn about every student, individually, which includes their background and learning abilities, so that I can provide them with the best guidance to help them succeed in our program.
Share a favorite quote or a "fun fact" about yourself:
“You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.” Z.Z