NURSING - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Complex Area Lead & Nanakuli Complex
Alex Munro earned his PhD in performance studies and his MFA in directing at UH Manoa. He has been the program manager for HealthCAST, a simulated patient program developed in collaboration between NAWSON and the UHM Department of Theatre & Dance, since its creation in 2013. Alex's dissertation explored the performative and interpretive aspects at play within simulation in healthcare education, such as immersivity, liveness, perceptual multistability, improvisation, and performativity. Alex is also active in the local theatre community as an actor and director. He has received several directing awards from the Hawaii State Theatre Council.
Job Titles:
- Administrative & Fiscal Support Specialist, Department of Dental Hygiene / Department of Dental Hygiene
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- Academic Systems Manager / Nancy Atmospera - Walch School of Nursing / University of Hawaii at Manoa
Job Titles:
- Complex Area Lead & Pearl City Complex
Job Titles:
- Complex Area Lead & Leilehua - Mililani - Wahiawa Complex Area APRN
Job Titles:
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Job Titles:
- Complex Area Lead & Baldwin - Kekaulike - Kulanihakoi - Maui Complex Area APRN
Job Titles:
- Administration Dental Hygiene Faculty Nursing Faculty Office of Student Services Staff THSSC
graduated from UH West Oahu with a Baccalaureate degree in Public Administration, specializing in Justice Administration, along with a Certificate in Health Care Administration. As an undergraduate student, Brian worked as a lab aide for multiple human anatomy & physiology labs, assisting in the education of students seeking degrees in health care fields. Prior to his arrival at UH Manoa Nursing, Brian worked in social services at a skilled nursing facility, and in intake for a hospice service. In his role as advanced simulation technician, Brian uses his experience in health care to provide high fidelity simulations to the students, faculty, visitors, and guests of THSSC.
Job Titles:
- Chief Administrative Officer / Nancy Atmospera - Walch School of Nursing / University of Hawaii at Manoa
Job Titles:
- Dean & the Queen 's Health Systems Endowed Professor / Nancy Atmospera - Walch School of Nursing / University of Hawaii at Manoa
While Dr. Ceria-Ulep's teaching focuses on adults, management, and administration, her research and scholarly activities have been on aging. Her research philosophy is, "Research is applied," which is consistent with her role as a researcher at UH Manoa Nursing with a mission of "transmitting knowledge, wisdom and values to promote quality of life and health for present and future generations," and her personal mission of "making a difference in this world."
She was always very interested in how one can postpone or prevent institutionalization of the elderly. This quest stems from her experiences as a child. Her family was fortunate to immigrate to Hawaii from the Philippines through the kindness of an uncle, a plantation worker in the early 1900's. In the Philippines, her family and she lived first with her paternal and then later with her maternal grandparents. Her paternal grandmother lived until 96 and grandfather until over 100 and both were productive up until their 90's. She believes that the longevity and productivity of her paternal grandparents are due to the physical activity as farmers that they engaged in throughout their lifetime.
This is in contrast to her experience in Hawaii where the elderly are institutionalized when they can no longer care for themselves. She believes that increasing physical activity in older adults can postpone or prevent institutionalization of older adults. Hence, her research focus on physical activity and how this contributes to healthy aging.
In 2004, Dr. Ceria-Ulep was noted for her Outstanding Dedication & Service for Faith Action for Community Equity (FACE). In 2010, she received the Excellence in Nursing Research Award from the Filipino Nurses of Hawaii. In 2016, she received the Outstanding Alumni award from UH Manoa Nursing at their 60th Anniversary event.
Job Titles:
- Human Resources Specialist / Nancy Atmospera - Walch School of Nursing / University of Hawaii at Manoa
Job Titles:
- Senior Practice Director & Dental Sealant Program Director
Job Titles:
- Complex Area Lead & Castle - Kahuku Complex Area APRN
Job Titles:
- Mental Health Program Manager
Job Titles:
- Administrative Officer / Nancy Atmospera - Walch School of Nursing / University of Hawaii at Manoa
Job Titles:
- Complex Area Lead & Kapaa Complex
Job Titles:
- Associate Specialist and Director
Dr. Merle K. Koury is currently the Associate Specialist and Director, Office of Student Services, Nancy Atmospera-Walch School of Nursing. She has been at UHM NAWSON since January 2009. Before assuming the Directorship at UH Manoa, she served as an Assistant Professor, Language and Literature Division at the College of Southern Maryland and Part-time faculty, University of Hawaii Leeward Community College, Language Division and instructional faculty, Southeastern University in Washington DC Liberal Studies Department both in the Graduate and Undergraduate programs.
Prior to employment in the U.S, she served as Chairperson, Humanities and Language Department, and Professor both in the undergraduate and graduate programs at Capitol University, Philippines for several years. At Capitol University, she was actively involved in addressing institutional goal of achieving national accreditation and particularly involved in the areas of instruction, curriculum development, language, and faculty development.
Dr. Koury has received a number of professional awards and grants/scholarships, including the Capitol University faculty service award for 15 years of dedicated service, Capitol University Alumni Association plaque of outstanding alumna award, and recipient of the faculty development thesis and dissertation grants from the Fund Assistance to Private Education, Philippines. Dr. Koury started her doctoral degree at the University of the Philippines-Diliman and earned her doctor of philosophy in educational planning and management from Mindanao University of Science and Technology, master's degree in education from Capitol University, and bachelor's degree in education from Bukidnon State University.
Currently, she is the project coordinator of the Advanced Education Nursing Education (AENT) scholarship, Nurse Faculty Loan Program, Jonas Nurse Leader Program andJonas Veterans Healthcare Program scholarships. She also oversees and directs various UH Foundation nursing scholarships, tuition waivers and award distribution.
Emily Steward earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theatre at Rollins College and her Masters of Fine Arts Degree from UH Manoa. While earning her Master's degree Emily was a graduate assistant with the HealthCAST Program and spent several years portraying simulated patients at THSSC. She is currently working at THSSC as a Simulation Tech-Sim Patient Specialist. She is an actor, educator and improviser with a focus on applied improvisation, educational integrity and theater for social change. Emily is an active member within the local theater community and enjoys exploring the ocean with her outrigger canoe club.
Job Titles:
- Family Nurse Practitioner
Job Titles:
- Complex Area Lead & Kaimuki Complex
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- Complex Area Lead & Honokaa - Kealakehe - Kohala - Konawaena Complex Area APRN
Job Titles:
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Job Titles:
- Senior Instructional Designer / Nancy Atmospera - Walch School of Nursing / University of Hawaii at Manoa
Job Titles:
- Administrative Officer / Nancy Atmospera - Walch School of Nursing / University of Hawaii at Manoa
Job Titles:
- Simulation Technician / UH Translational Health Science Simulation Center / Nancy Atmospera - Walch School of Nursing / University of Hawaii at Manoa
Biography
Jarrod Caluya earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and Ethnic Studies Certificate from UH Manoa. He is currently a simulation technician at THSSC. Some of his duties include assisting with technology based and clinical simulation learning for students, and providing data analysis of quantitative/qualitative survey results. Prior to joining THSSC, Jarrod worked as a behavioral health case manager supporting the houseless population and individuals diagnosed with severe mental disorders. Jarrod continues to be an active participant in the community as he volunteered and interned at various nonprofit organizations on Oahu.
Job Titles:
- Science Writer / Nancy Atmospera - Walch School of Nursing / University of Hawaii at Manoa
- Science Writer for NAWSON
Biography
Dr. Joanne Loos is the science writer for NAWSON. She is a professional journalist and editor by trade, with experience as an editor for popular home/feature magazines, and contributing writer for the Honolulu Star Advertiser. She also serves as a faculty lecturer for the UHM School of Communications, teaching foundation courses and an upper-level information technology and health communication course. She earned a PhD in communication and information sciences and a Master of Arts degree from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. She completed her baccalaureate degree in journalism with specialties in business and sociology from Ohio University.
Job Titles:
- Executive Assistant to the Dean
- Executive Assistant to the Dean / Nancy Atmospera - Walch School of Nursing / University of Hawaii at Manoa
Job Titles:
- Department Chair & Associate Specialist / Nancy Atmospera - Walch School of Nursing / University of Hawaii at Manoa
Job Titles:
- Graduate Entry Program in Nursing ( GEPN ) Coordinator / Contact for Applicants and Current Students in the Graduate Entry Program in Nursing ( GEPN ) Program.
Job Titles:
- Director of Clinical Operations
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- Mental Health Services Coordinator
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- Administrative Officer and Interprofessional Education Coordinator / UH Translational Health Science Simulation Center / Nancy Atmospera - Walch School of Nursing / University of Hawaii at Manoa
Job Titles:
- Human Resources Coordinator
Job Titles:
- Complex Area Lead & Hana Complex
Job Titles:
- Senior Practice Director & Dental Sealant Program Director
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- Complex Area Lead & Hilo - Waiakea Complex Area APRN
Job Titles:
- Administrative Officer for Nursing Department / Nancy Atmospera - Walch School of Nursing / University of Hawaii at Manoa
Job Titles:
- Instructional and Student Support
Job Titles:
- Complex Area Lead & Nanakuli Complex
Job Titles:
- Business Operations Manager
Job Titles:
- Neighbor Island Supervisor and Virtual Health Lead
Job Titles:
- IKE AO PONO Director & Assistant Specialist / Nancy Atmospera - Walch School of Nursing / University of Hawaii at Manoa
Biography
In September, 2010, Nalani and her brother, Dr. Kekuni Minton are invited to present their work on Cultural Healing from Intergenerational Trauma at the Healing Our Spirit Worldwide Indigenous Health Conference sponsored by Papa Ola Lokahi
Job Titles:
- Director of Clinical Operations
Job Titles:
- Program Manager
- Oral Health Program Manager
Job Titles:
- Administrative Operations Coordinator / Nancy Atmospera - Walch School of Nursing / University of Hawaii at Manoa
Job Titles:
- Complex Area Lead & Complex Area APRN
Job Titles:
- IT Specialist / UH Translational Health Science Simulation Center / Nancy Atmospera - Walch School of Nursing / University of Hawaii at Manoa
Biography
Rina Sharma completed her Master of Science degree in Computing and Information System from the Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Engineering from the Pokhara University in Kathmandu, Nepal. Rina is the THSSC information technology specialist and her primary responsibility is to provide technical support in maintaining the THSSC, an 8,000-sq ft center that integrates state-of-the-art simulation equipment, electronic patient records and advanced AV systems. Rina previously worked for the UH System Bursar's Office as its IT Specialist and was an IT Manager and independent contractor for a local home care healthcare agency.
Job Titles:
- Undergraduate Program Advisor
Job Titles:
- Complex Area Lead & Kau - Keaau - Pahoa Complex Area APRN
Job Titles:
- Marketing & Communications Coordinator
Job Titles:
- Simulation Coordinator / UH Translational Health Science Simulation Center / Nancy Atmospera - Walch School of Nursing / University of Hawaii at Manoa
Job Titles:
- Human Resources Coordinator
Job Titles:
- Marketing & Communications Coordinator
Job Titles:
- Event Coordinator / Nancy Atmospera - Walch School of Nursing / University of Hawaii at Manoa
Job Titles:
- Complex Area Lead & Farrington Complex
Job Titles:
- Director for Clinical Placement & Operations / Nancy Atmospera - Walch School