My professional nursing practice of 33 years includes 20 plus years of Medical Surgical and Critical Care experience with 13 years as a Nurse Educator.  I hold a Master's of Nursing Science in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing with a focus in addictions. My Doctorate in Nursing Practice in Nursing Forensics included a concentrated study in rural culture, sexual assault services, and death investigation. I am a Rural Health Fellow and member of the National Rural Health Association and an Edmond J Safra Visiting Nursing Faculty Scholar through the Parkinson Foundation. My research interests are rural outreach/health services, addiction treatment, and fostering empathy in nursing students through teaching innovation.