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Start the Semester Strong! | | |
Welcome to the Fall semester! A new academic year brings with it fresh opportunities for learning, growth, and connection. Whether you are just beginning your journey with us or returning to continue building on your successes, this is the perfect time to set your goals and embrace the challenges ahead with confidence.
At NWCNHS, we are committed to fostering a supportive and innovative environment where you can thrive academically, professionally, and personally. This semester, I encourage you to take advantage of the many resources available to you, engage with your peers and mentors, and step into every classroom and clinical experience ready to make a difference.
Let’s begin this semester with purpose, passion, and resilience. Together, we will continue advancing excellence in nursing and health sciences, while shaping the future of healthcare.
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With gratitude,
Jorge A. Valdés, DNP, CRNA, APRN, FAANA, FAAN
Dean & Fellow
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APNA News Article: Antonella Graña to Present at the 39th APNA Annual Conference | |
As smartphone use continues to shape the lives of today’s youth, APNA member Antonella Graña is shedding light on its impact on adolescent mental health and suicide risk. Drawing from her clinical experience, Graña has seen firsthand how digital behaviors—such as increased social comparison, disrupted sleep, and social withdrawal—can heighten risks for anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts.
In her upcoming APNA 39th Annual Conference session, Smartphone Use Among Adolescents: Implications for Mental Health and PMHNP Practice, Graña will provide psychiatric-mental health nurses with evidence-based tools to screen, engage, and intervene with adolescents and families. Her approach emphasizes empathy, curiosity, and collaboration, equipping nurses to open supportive conversations about technology use without judgment.
Timed with National Recovery and Suicide Prevention Month, Graña’s message is clear: by listening attentively, involving families, and helping teens build healthier digital habits, PMH nurses can make a critical difference in preventing crises and fostering resilience in the digital age.
| | Dr. Lillybet Guilarte at Jackson Health System’s Educator Summit | | | | |
On July 15th, at the Jackson Health System’s Educator Summit, attendees had the privilege of hearing from Dr. Lillybet Guilarte, Clinical Assistant Professor of Undergraduate Nursing at FIU. Dr. Guilarte delivered an engaging presentation on interprofessional education, collaborative practice, and evidence-based approaches to developing nursing skills and competencies. Her insights were highly valued by Jackson Health System educators, who are committed to supporting nursing staff in advancing their knowledge, skills, and professional growth to ensure the best patient outcomes.
| | Dr. Trudy Gaillard Earned the 2025 FNA Nursing Research Icon Award | | Congratulations to Dr. Trudy Gaillard for being selected as the recipient of the 2025 FNA Nursing Research Icon Award! This recognition is a testament to her outstanding contributions to nursing research and the lasting impact of her work in her field. Her dedication, scholarship, and leadership is celebrated with this distinguished honor. Her commitment to advancing nursing knowledge continues to inspire colleagues and students alike. This achievement will be formally recognized in the upcoming Awards Reception at the annual FNA Membership Assembly. | | | Dr. Framil Earned the FNA Nursing Innovation and Creativity Icon Award | | | | Dr. Victoria Framil has been selected for the 2025 FNA Nursing Innovation and Creativity Icon Award. This award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated innovation and creativity in any area of nursing, including research, leadership, and education. Congratulations! | | Cafecito Meet & Greet With Dean Valdès | | We held our semesterly Cafecito Meet and Greet with Dean Valdés. Our students got to know the leadership team over some pastries and coffee. Roary made a special appearance as well and took photos to show some #PantherPride. What a wonderful way to start the day and celebrate the beginning of the fall semester! | | AANA Annual Congress 2025 | | The AANA 2025 Annual Congress returned to Nashville’s Music City Center from August 9–13, offering both in-person and virtual attendees a blend of education and professional connection. Under the theme “Sustaining Anesthesia Excellence: Education, Practice and Beyond,” CRNAs from around the country had the opportunity to join peers and leading experts as they explore the latest clinical innovations and strategies in nurse anesthesiology. Our CRNA students were able to present their research alongside our faculty, Dr. Yasmin Campbell, Dean Jorge Valdés, and Amanda Emery. At this year's conference, Dr. Yasmin Campbell was also inducted as a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing (FAANA). This is what FIU Excellence looks like! | | Ruth Thomassaint is a BHSA student, campus leader, and United States Army veteran. She specializes in collaborating with community organizations to implement health initiatives and educational programs that empower and inspire youth. A dynamic leader, she provides insights and recommendations to improve public service and address the challenges of fostering healthy relationships among young people. On campus, she serves as president of the National Panhellenic Council (NPHC), where she leads historically Black Greek-letter organizations in their pursuit of excellence in scholarship, service, and community. | | First Dean's Alumni Advisory Board Meeting | | |
We were proud to host the inaugural meeting of the Dean’s Alumni Advisory Board (DAAB), a dedicated group of alumni leaders committed to strengthening ties between graduates and our college. DAAB members represent the face of alumni engagement while serving as strategic partners, offering valuable insights that shape our programs and advance our mission.
They also act as event catalysts, energizing reunions, regional gatherings, and signature events that foster mentorship, giving, and Panther pride. Together, DAAB members are true brand ambassadors, helping to promote growth, visibility, and lasting impact for our college community.
Members include:
Alexandra Alonso, ‘04 - Health Services Administration
Vanessa Berrios, '21 & '23 - Nursing
Isabel Bercande Blanco, ‘24 - Speech-Language pathology
Jose Martinez '18 - Physical Therapy
Armando Rieira, '08 - Nursing
Alexander Hughes, '11 - Occupational Therapy
Evelyn Terrell, '99 - Occupational Therapy
Core Tremble, '24 - Athletic Training
Gisella Dettbarn - Nurse Anesthesia
| | Dr. Audrey Miller appointed as Barry University's New Dean of School of Nursing | | |
We are proud to announce that Dr. Audrey P. Miller, a distinguished alumni of our college, has been appointed Dean of the School of Nursing at Barry University, effective September 2, 2025. This marks the conclusion of her 14 years of distinguished service with FIU’s Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing and Health Sciences.
During her tenure, Dr. Miller provided visionary leadership as Inaugural Program Director for the Non-Traditional BSN Program, Program Lead for the Graduate Nurse Educator Program, Chair of the Curriculum Committee, and President of Sigma Pi Alpha Chapter. Her excellence in teaching earned her the 2021 FIU Faculty Senate Excellence in Teaching Award, while her prolific scholarship has been featured in leading journals worldwide.
She also played a pivotal role in securing the HCA East Nurse Educator Foundation Grant, generating a $3M impact that supported student scholarships and faculty development. Recognized as the 2024 Distinguished Alumni in Academic Nursing Education Excellence, Dr. Miller has been a tireless advocate for advancing nursing education and community partnerships.
While her departure is bittersweet, we celebrate her many accomplishments and congratulate her on this well-deserved new role. Dr. Miller’s legacy will continue to inspire our college for years to come.
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RESEARCH & SCHOLARLY ROUNDUP
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Podium, Poster, and Conference Attendance |
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Saber Corum & Jessi Vila attend the INACSL 2025 conference in Denver, CO.
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Dr. Audrey P. Miller (National Chair), Dr. Yasmine Campbell (Co-Chair), and Dr. Chanadra Young-Whiting (Secretary), not only presented at the 53rd National Black Nurses Association Annual Institute & Conference, but served and collaborated with the BSBF Colgate Mobile Dental Van at the Community Health Fair in Dallas, Texas, August 2025.
| Book and Journal Publications |
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Johnson, M. L., & Medina, A. M. (2025). “Everyone Has a Plan ‘til You Get Punched in the Mouth”: Discussing the Topic of Dating in Stuttering Therapy. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, https://doi.org/10.1044/2025_AJSLP-25-00022
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Alliete R. Alfano, Kaitlyn N. Saari (2025) "Experiences of individuals with adult-acquired hearing loss using hearing technology: A qualitative meta-synthesis systematic review" in the Journal of Communication Disorders.
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College-wide Events & Celebrations | |
October 1st, 2025 - Start of PT Month
October 2nd, 2025 - Research Seminar Series @AHC3 101, 2PM-3PM
October 16th, 2025 - World Anesthesia Day
October 23rd, 2025 - Research Seminar Series @AHC3 101, 1:15PM-2PM
October 27th, 2025 - World Occupational Therapy Day
November 15th, 2025 - FIU Homecoming Game
December 13th, 2025 - Nursing Pinning Ceremony
December 13th, 2025 - Clinical Doctoral Hooding Ceremony
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Students, Faculty, Alumni
Have you published, presented at an event, or been recognized with an award or appointment? Send us your monthly accomplishments to be featured in our monthly newsletter!
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Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing & Health Sciences
Modesto A. Maidique Campus | AHC 3, 527
11200 SW 8 Street | Miami, Florida 33199
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