Nurses Week Supplement - Alumni Profiles

UMass Marieb College of Nursing Voices: 2025 Alumni Spotlight

UMass Marieb College of Nursing Voices: 2025 Alumni Spotlight is a special digital tribute created in celebration of National Nurses Week, observed annually from May 6–12. This supplemental page is dedicated to amplifying the voices of alumni from the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing at UMass Amherst, honoring their dedication, compassion, and impact on communities near and far. 

Nurses Week is a nationally recognized time to reflect on the vital role nurses play in our healthcare system and society. This weeklong observance traces its roots to the tireless advocacy of the American Nurses Association and countless nursing champions who worked to secure national recognition for the profession. Today, it remains a powerful reminder of nurses’ enduring contributions to patient care, public health, and health equity. 

The stories below highlight Marieb College nursing alumni—each sharing their journey, inspirations, and reflections on what it means to be a nurse. From recent graduates to seasoned professionals, their voices represent the spirit of UMass Nursing: skilled, compassionate, and committed to making a difference. 

Join us in celebrating these incredible individuals whose work embodies the mission of the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing and uplifts the profession of nursing for generations to come. 

Ever forward, 

Crystal S. Neuhauser

Chief Development Officer, Elaine Marieb College of Nursing 

Priscilla Odame Amankwah ’20ABSN

Faith, Family, and the Future: Priscilla Odame Amankwah’s Path to Purpose in Nursing

For Priscilla Odame Amankwah, nursing was not her first career—but it quickly became her calling. Born and raised in Worcester, Massachusetts, Priscilla is the daughter of Ghanaian immigrants who came to the United States seeking opportunity and stability. “My parents did not just want to survive here—they wanted to thrive,” she says. That commitment to growth and perseverance would eventually shape Priscilla’s own path into nursing.

After earning a degree in biology and considering pharmacy or the physician assistant route, Priscilla felt uncertain—until a period of prayer and spiritual fasting revealed her true direction. “I believe God told me to become a caregiver,” she says. She began by earning her CNA at Field Stone School in Worcester and working in patient care. “I fell in love with the profession,” she says. “It just felt right.”

Priscilla chose UMass Amherst’s Nursing program because of its top-tier NCLEX pass rates and affordability. Her experience at the UMass Springfield Center was formative. “The faculty and clinical instructors prepared me to be competent and confident,” she says. “There were small, meaningful moments—like the secretary, Dee, at the UMass Springfield Center who saw us studying late and bought us dinner—that reminded me I wasn’t alone.” Priscilla credits UMass with equipping her for the exam and shaping her daily practice: how she partners with colleagues, documents care, and connects with patients.

Today, Priscilla works in case management, supporting individuals with developmental disabilities—a hybrid remote role that allows her and her husband, Julius, the flexibility to raise their two young children. She is exploring a return to hospital-based clinical nursing to refresh her bedside skills as she prepares for graduate study and a future as an advanced practice nurse.

To Priscilla, Nurses Week is both an acknowledgment and a celebration. “It’s a moment to recognize nurses for their sacrifice and care. And it is fitting that it overlaps with Mother’s Day,” she adds. “Because nursing, like mothering, is about nurturing. It’s demanding, it’s rewarding—and it deserves to be honored.”

Michael Bartolo '18ABSN, APRN

Carrying the Torch: Michael Bartolo on Family, Nursing, and the Power of Care

Born and raised in Springfield, Massachusetts, Michael Bartolo is a proud first-generation college graduate. His mother grew up in southern Italy, in Calabria, and his father was the son of hardworking immigrants—a tailor and seamstress—who dedicated their lives to providing for their family. Michael's grandfather, a World War II veteran, embodied service and sacrifice, shaping the family's deep sense of duty and resilience. The immigrant experience instilled in Michael the values of hard work, compassion, and community, which continue to guide his nursing career today. 

At 14, while living with his grandparents during a transitional time for his family, Michael became the primary caregiver for his ailing grandfather in hospice. That experience ignited a promise: to take care of others with the same love and attentiveness. Fourteen years later, he fulfilled that vow, graduating with a BS in Nursing from UMass Amherst. 

The pinning ceremony was a powerful milestone. Though frail, his grandmother insisted on attending, saying, "Even if you have to drag me, I'll be there." She shared her pride with Marieb College nursing faculty Chris Calahan and Nancy Thompson '73, making it an unforgettable moment of intergenerational triumph. 

Michael transferred to UMass after completing a degree in public health at American International College. He credits the Marieb College's immersive, real-world curriculum—especially exposure to palliative care with Maureen Groden' 77and state-of-the-art simulation labs—for preparing him to care for patients with empathy and clinical excellence. 

Today, Michael is an adult-geriatric acute care nurse practitioner at St. Francis Hospital in Hartford, Connecticut specializing in lung cancer screening and thoracic oncology. With roots in public health and experience in emergency nursing, he's transitioning into urgent care to reconnect with the fast-paced environment he loves. 

Outside of work, Michael is a devoted father who enjoys traveling and spending summers at his family's beach house in Rhode Island. He says Nurses Week is a time to honor the sacrifices, insights, and advocacy that nurses bring to the frontlines every day: "We are the last stop before something reaches the patient. It's an honor to be their voice—and to serve the community that shaped me." 

Mary W. Chaffee '83, ScD (Hon) '03, PhD, JD, RN, FAAN 

Captain, Nurse Corps, U.S. Navy (Retired)

Service, Strategy, and Strength: The Lifelong Leadership of Dr. Mary W. Chaffee 

For Mary Chaffee, nursing has always been a calling rooted in service, leadership, and limitless opportunity. Growing up in South Hadley, Massachusetts, she knew early on that she wanted to make a difference, to teach, and to pursue a profession where growth and impact had no ceiling. That conviction led her to apply to just one college: UMass Amherst. 

At UMass, Mary found the academic, cultural, and athletic environment she had envisioned, and credits the Nursing program for launching her on a 42-year journey of public service. "I owe the UMass Amherst Nursing program a debt of gratitude," she shares. "The faculty challenged and supported me. I was educated to be a leader and a change agent, and that's exactly what I became." A formative experience during her time as a student—a nursing exchange with the Welsh National School of Medicine—expanded her global view of health care. 

As a student, Mary completed the Nursing Honors Program, with Dr. E. Ann Sheridan serving as her thesis advisor—an experience that helped shape her intellectual curiosity and commitment to evidence-informed practice. A formative exchange program with the Welsh National School of Medicine further expanded her understanding of health care on a global scale.

After earning her BS in Nursing in 1983 (and a BS in Public Health), Mary served 27 years in the U.S. Navy Nurse Corps, retiring with the rank of Captain. Her clinical and leadership roles spanned critical care, informatics, emergency nursing, education, and health policy. In the aftermath of 9/11, she was selected to establish the Navy Medicine Office of Homeland Security. She later coordinated hospital disaster preparedness research at the NIH and earned her PhD in Nursing and a JD in law —a rare and powerful combination of credentials for advancing systems-level change.

In recognition of her outstanding contributions, UMass Amherst conferred an honorary Doctor of Science (ScD) on her in 2003, and she was named a Distinguished Alumni Award recipient in 2001. 

Since retiring from the Navy in 2010, Mary has remained a dynamic force in public life. She has been elected to public office nine times, serving on the Brewster Board of Health, the Brewster Select Board, and the Barnstable County Assembly of Delegates. She is also a political strategist and continues to guide emerging leaders in public service. 

Jordan "Jordi" Goss-Packard '18BS

Embracing Empathy and Advocacy in Acute Care 

Jordi's path to nursing wasn't linear—but it was intentional. A Hofstra University graduate who initially envisioned becoming a physician assistant, he found the role too limiting. Drawn to deeper patient connection, Jordi pursued his BSN through UMass Amherst's Accelerated Nursing Program. "UMass had the kind of program I was looking for—intensive, immersive, and built around real patient relationships," he recalls. Living in Sunderland, Massachusetts, he appreciated the structure of clinicals, where students were assigned to follow a patient, not just shadow a nurse. One experience that left a lasting impression was studying community health with faculty member Nancy Thompson—"a second mother to me," he says.  

After graduating, Jordi returned to his home region in Washington, D.C., where he began his career through a nurse residency program at the George Washington University Hospital (GWUH) in oncology in 2018 before transitioning to critical care in 2020 through an ICU bridge program. Today, he continues to work at George Washington University Hospital, a Level I trauma center, while pursuing his acute care nurse practitioner degree at Drexel. His clinical interests lie in wound care and palliative care—spaces where empathy and honest communication are vital.  

Jordi was recognized in 2019 with the GW Hospital Proud Award, nominated by a pulmonary patient whose journey to palliative care he helped navigate. In 2020, he  became a finalist out of 100 RNs in the ANA/Washington Post Star Nurse Award, selected from over 500 nominations in the DC metro area. He was the most junior nominee of all the finalists at his hospital but stood out for his compassion and advocacy.  

"To me, death can be beautiful. It's a moment of truth, of connection. My job is to protect the dignity of that moment. I'm not just a nurse—I'm the patient's caretaker, witness, and voice."  

Kyle Kendall ’21BS, RN  

Veteran, Advocate, and Future Nurse Practitioner—Harnessing Experience for Policy and Practice  

For Kyle Kendall ’21, BSN, RN, nursing was never just a career choice—it was a calling forged through personal experience, family legacy, and a desire to serve. Raised in Greenfield, Massachusetts, Kyle grew up in a household where caregiving was the norm. His high school sweetheart parents both worked as Certified Nurse Assistants in local nursing homes. His mother was diagnosed with cancer when he was only eight, and other relatives also battled cancer during his childhood. “Hospitals and healthcare were just a part of my world,” he recalls. “I didn’t realize it then, but those early experiences shaped everything that came next.”  

It was his grandfather’s battle with colon cancer that inspired Kyle to become a nurse. As a twelve-year-old, he spent weekends with his grandfather during treatment—observing how the nurses cared not just for his grandfather, but for the entire family. “They became like extended family members,” Kyle says. “They were always asking, ‘How’s Kyle doing?’ That level of compassion and connection stayed with me.”  

After high school, Kyle joined the military, recognizing it as the best path to support his education given his family’s financial situation. While taking part-time classes and working in food service and as an EMT, he eventually found his way to UMass Amherst—drawn by its reputation, proximity to home, and its commitment to supporting veterans in nursing.  

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) had awarded UMass Amherst a grant to launch the Heroes into Healthcare initiative, a workforce diversity program designed to help veterans transition into nursing careers. “That program changed everything for me,” Kyle shares. “In the summer of 2017, a small cohort of veterans came to campus prior to starting the program. We met with individuals who walked us through what to expect and how to succeed. That community gave me a strong start.”  

At UMass, Kyle became a standout student leader—active in the Student Nurses Association and Student Government Association. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he helped transform the Mullins Center into a Public Health Promotion Center. “That was a hands-on way to see what public health nursing can accomplish,” he says. “UMass didn’t just train me in clinical skills—it empowered me to lead.”  

Now serving as the Treasurer for the Massachusetts Emergency Nurses Association, Kyle is a vocal advocate for healthcare policy at the state and federal levels. He’s spoken with members of Congress and is actively working with state legislators to promote workplace safety and reduce violence against nurses. At the same time, he’s pursuing his MSN in the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) track, with plans to continue on to his Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).  

Looking ahead, Kyle hopes to combine his clinical expertise with roles in policy, advocacy, and education. He’s particularly interested in sexual health, substance use, and improving patient outcomes by addressing social determinants of health. “I’d also like to explore research around nursing efficiency,” he says. “I’m always asking how we can do better—for patients and for ourselves.”  

When he’s not working or studying, Kyle enjoys traveling, sailing, and spending as much time as possible near the water during the summer months.  

To Kyle, Nurses Week is not just about celebration—it’s about refocusing. “It’s a time to bring to the forefront everything nurses do in today’s healthcare landscape,” he says. “Modern nurses aren’t confined to the bedside. We work in tech, on corporate boards, in advocacy—always keeping patients’ best interests at heart. Nurses Week is a time for the public to recognize our impact and for us to use our voices to highlight the challenges facing our healthcare system. It’s also a moment to propose innovative solutions—and to remind ourselves why we do what we do.”  

Marie Rohan, ’74MS

Beyond the Bedside: Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist, Educator, and Advocate 

Born into a military family and raised across the U.S. and Europe—from New Orleans to Germany to California—Marie Rohan’s early life was shaped by movement, adaptability, and a strong maternal influence. Her mother, a nurse, expected Marie to follow a practical path through a diploma program. But Marie wanted more: a college education, a meaningful career, and opportunities that challenged the limited roles traditionally available to women of her generation. 

After earning her nursing diploma in New London, Connecticut, and a BSN from Boston College, Marie chose UMass Amherst for her master’s degree in psychiatric mental health nursing. “It was part of our marriage contract,” she laughs. Her husband, a fellow military brat and UMass alumnus, wanted to settle in Western Massachusetts. Marie wanted advanced education. When the UMass College of Nursing launched a National Institute of Mental Health–funded master’s program in psychiatric mental health, she applied—and it transformed the course of her professional life. 

Marie describes UMass Nursing as opening doors and broadening her worldview. “It gave me options. It gave me confidence,” she says. She found inspiration and lifelong mentorship in faculty and peers, including Rachel Tierney ’62, '74MS,  Sally Trip ’74MS, Ann Marie Hasse, and Nancy McGillvray. These connections helped her view health care on a continuum and deepened her commitment to community-based mental health. 

Following graduation, Marie helped develop roles for nurses in children’s protective services, was an active member of the Western Massachusetts Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist Group, and co-chaired the MNA Legislative Committee, where she advocated for independent prescribing authority for advanced practice nurses. She walked the Baystate Franklin picket line in solidarity with her peers and contributed to the policies that opened the Fowler Wing at Noble Hospital. 

As an educator at American International College, she brought RN-BSN students into the community to design real-world interventions—some of those students went on to earn doctorates, “exceeding the teacher,” she says with pride. 

Today, Marie remains deeply engaged in her community. She collaborates with the Gaylord Memorial Library and a local high school carpentry program to build a permanent outdoor “story stroll.” She continues to support international doctoral students at UMass and volunteers with Know Your Town on civic issues like power plant siting and public health. 

For fun, Marie gardens, walks, reads, writes, travels, and participates in political action. “Nursing is who I am,” she reflects. “It’s given me a background and appreciation for the full spectrum of care and the people we serve.” 

Her view of Nurses Week has evolved over time: “It used to mean giveaways and choosing staff for awards. Now, I believe it should be a time for nurses to teach one another—how to speak the language of finance and policy, understand the implications of institutional decisions, and share innovations like those developed at Marieb. Most of all, it should be a time to build community across generations and settings.” 

Marla S. (Zirkes) Satinsky ’88BS, RN

Where Comfort Lives: A Nurse’s Journey from ICU to Hospice 

Originally from New York City and raised in New Jersey, Marla S. Satinsky ’88 found her path to nursing during her teenage years as a candy striper at her local hospital. “I loved being in the hospital setting and helping patients—even just bringing ice water made a difference,” she recalls. That simple act of service sparked what would become a lifelong calling. 

Drawn to UMass Amherst for its strong nursing program and the unique opportunity to begin clinical rotations as a freshman, Marla quickly fell in love with the campus—and the community. “UMass gave me a strong foundation,” she shares. “The small classes helped me build lifelong friendships, and the variety of clinical experiences helped shape my career direction.” By graduation, she had job offers from every hospital where she interviewed. 

Marla began her career on a medical floor during the height of the AIDS crisis, caring for patients undergoing experimental treatments. She then transitioned to the ICU, deepening her expertise in critical care. After pausing her career to raise her two sons, she returned to nursing through a role in hospice care—a move that surprised even her. “I didn’t think I’d like it after years in the ICU,” she admits, “but hospice nursing has become my true calling.” 

Outside of work, Marla finds joy in cooking for loved ones, volunteering through her synagogue, traveling with her family, and spending time with her 19-year-old pet parrot. Looking ahead, she and her husband hope to retire to St. Croix—where, fittingly, there’s a hospice. 

For Marla, Nurses Week is a vital reminder of the impact nurses have. “It’s a chance to celebrate ourselves and our contributions to our patients and communities,” she says. And celebrate, indeed. 

Dr. Christine “Chris” M. (Dougal) Schrauf ’68BS, ’75MS, PhD, RN, MBA 

From Bedside to Policy: Dr. Chris Schrauf’s Trailblazing Journey in Nursing 

Chris Schrauf's journey into nursing began in Chicopee, Massachusetts, as the older of two daughters in a second-generation Polish American family. Growing up bilingual in a tight-knit immigrant community, she absorbed the values of service, education, and perseverance early on. Chris was the first in her family to attend college—a choice supported by her mother, who once dreamed of becoming a nurse. Chris's personal experiences as a patient and her exposure to caregiving shaped her calling. 

While caregiving came naturally, Chris's academic path was influenced by her grandmother's encounter at Springfield Hospital, where a student nurse and faculty member, Ms. Mary Gilmore, both from UMass Amherst, made a lasting impression on her family. That encounter revealed the then-novel concept of nursing as a collegiate profession and set Chris on the path to UMass Amherst, where she earned her BS in Nursing in 1968 and her MS in Medical-Surgical Nursing in 1975. She later earned her MBA from the Hartford Graduate Center/RPI program and a PhD in Nursing from Yale University at age 61. 

Chris's early teaching role at Holyoke Hospital School of Nursing came just a year after graduation. She went on to teach and practice in Connecticut, most notably launching and leading a dialysis unit at Mount Sinai Hospital and later directing nephrology services at Hartford Hospital. Her career has woven clinical excellence, academic leadership, and public policy together. She also served as assistant director of nursing over critical care units and was a fierce advocate for Medicare funding of dialysis care and support for family caregivers, work rooted in her experience caring for her late husband during his battle with multiple sclerosis. 

Today, she continues to teach health policy to masters and DNP students at Elms College and contributes to testimony as Co-Chair for Public Policy for ANA Massachusetts. Chris remains active in sustainability efforts for the nursing profession, focused on workforce retention and meaningful engagement for new nurses. 

"Nurses Week is about honoring the vital contributions nurses make to public health—but equally, it is about supporting the next generation as they find their place in this demanding but deeply rewarding field," she says. 

When she is not teaching, Chris enjoys exploring art, museums, and New England's food scene with her Rhode Island School of Design graduate husband. She also delights in needlework, cultural events, and time with close friends, many of whom she met through nursing. 

Tshikana (Nikki) Scott, '15DNP, MPH, RN, PHNA-BC 

From Village Clinics to Federal Frontlines: Mentor, Leader, and Champion for Underserved Communities

Nikki Scott grew up in a large, close-knit family in Washington State—the second oldest of ten children and the oldest girl. From a young age, she was inspired by her mother's natural caregiving ability and interest in medicine. As a first-generation college graduate, Nikki charted her own course through education and service, beginning with a degree in communicative disorders and a minor in biology from the University of Redlands. Her path quickly evolved into a passion for public health through a community-based youth development program in Syracuse and global service in Senegal with the Peace Corps. 

Those experiences—particularly witnessing midwives in Senegal and working with orphaned children in Mexico—sparked her commitment to nursing. "I was helping with immunization campaigns, child growth monitoring, and health education, but I wanted to do more. Nursing gave me that opportunity to serve fully," she recalls. 

After earning her BSN from Johns Hopkins and her MPH from George Washington University, Nikki came to UMass Amherst to pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice in Public Health Nursing Leadership. At the time, UMass was one of the few schools offering an online DNP with a public health focus. "I loved that I could apply my real-world experiences to my academic work," she says. "When I deployed to Liberia during the Ebola outbreak, I was able to integrate those experiences into my studies. It became an asset—not just for me, but for my peers and faculty as well." 

She credits UMass Amherst with helping her stand out. "I was able to obtain my advanced public health nursing board certification with the DNP, which set me apart from my peers," she explains. "It gave me the confidence to lead, to influence systems, and to make real change in population health. I've since served in spaces I never imagined I would be in." 

Today, Nikki serves as a Nurse Officer in the U.S. Public Health Service. Her deployments have included the COVID-19 pandemic, where she worked on the federal response alongside other prominent public health leaders. Her work included clinical response coordination, community education, and operational strategy at the highest levels. "The experience of being on the front lines of a global health crisis was intense and humbling—but it reaffirmed my purpose as a nurse and public health advocate." 

Nikki continues to lead and serve in diverse federal health agencies and plays an active role on a Community Advisory Board for the National Cancer Institute/Cancer Screening Research Network (CSRN). The board is helping guide the development of a new study on early cancer screening using multi-cancer detection blood assays. "We're reviewing consent forms and recruitment materials to ensure the study is accessible and ethical," she says. "This work ensures that underserved populations are represented and protected. It's policy, advocacy, and care all in one." 

In addition to her full-time work, Nikki volunteers at community clinics, on review panels for nursing scholarships and a vaccine compensation program, and mentors fellow nurses and public health officers—reviewing CVs, supporting career advancement, and building pathways for others. "Mentorship is so important to me," she adds. "We need to uplift each other." 

When she's not working, Nikki enjoys traveling, gardening, reading, hiking, and learning new skills—like knitting. She's also dreaming of the next phase: possibly opening a public health nurse consultancy or home health agency, continuing to serve communities both locally and globally. 

For Nikki, Nurses Week is more than just a celebration. "It's a recognition of nurses as the unsung heroes of healthcare, communities, and families," she says. "It's also a reminder to practice self-care and celebrate the profound impact we make every day." 

Cheryl D. Smith, '94BS, RN

Neonatal Nursing, Evidence-Based Care, and a Lifelong Commitment to Family and Learning  

Cheryl D. Smith ’94, BS, RN, grew up in the small town of Mazomanie, Wisconsin, in a family of five. A first-generation college graduate, Cheryl was the only one in her family to pursue an advanced degree—and the only one to journey east to do so. “We lived with modest means,” she reflects. “But I had two older cousins who were in nursing school, and I found it fascinating.” One of the most formative moments came when her Aunt Alice brought her along while visiting those cousins at nursing school. “That early exposure made an impression,” Cheryl recalls. “It’s one of those memories that sticks with you.” 

Her nursing journey was not a straight line. Cheryl initially worked in administrative roles for the State of Wisconsin, where a mentor encouraged her to pursue her education. As she encountered more people in healthcare and began taking science courses, the idea of becoming a nurse moved from the back of her mind to the front. After relocating to Massachusetts and starting a family, she discovered UMass Amherst’s accelerated nursing program. “There was a summer intensive that helped students transition into full-time coursework by junior year,” she says. “It was rigorous, especially with young kids at home, but it opened the door.” 

A pivotal moment came when one of her nursing instructors introduced her to neonatal intensive care. “She talked about premature infants in incubators—and that was it for me,” Cheryl says. “That conversation lit a spark.” Cheryl built her career in the NICU at Baystate Medical Center, where she first trained as a student nurse. “Baystate was incredibly flexible and supportive,” she says. “I found my place early and knew neonatal care was where I belonged.” 

She became especially passionate about breast milk as medicine. Drawing on her clinical experience and research curiosity—instilled during her time at UMass—Cheryl partnered with a fellow NICU nurse to study the importance of colostrum and breast milk in early neonatal care. “We had to do the research on our own time, while working full shifts, because there wasn’t designated time for this kind of clinical inquiry,” she recalls. Despite the challenge, their work paid off: the study was accepted for poster presentation at a national neonatal conference in Nashville. “It wasn’t a deep study, but it was important—and it helped change the culture in our unit,” she says. “We began supplementing with donated breast milk from the Mothers’ Milk Bank in Newton instead of formula, and that decision was backed by research and results.” Cheryl spent several years in the NICU as an assistant nurse manager until her retirement in 2015. She continued to work as per diem at Baystate in the Well Baby Nursery until 2020.  

Cheryl credits UMass Amherst for giving her more than technical training. “UMass taught us to look at nursing through a global lens,” she says. “We weren’t just learning skills—we were being taught to understand the whole person. Religion, culture, family context—it all matters in caregiving.” That holistic approach stayed with her throughout her time in the NICU, where she emphasized family-centered care and saw firsthand how research drives better outcomes. 

Outside of work, Cheryl enjoys running, yoga, and baking homemade bread—a skill she learned from one of her husband Bernie’s UMass students. Together, they remain active in the UMass community, attending sporting events and cultural programs across the Pioneer Valley and Berkshires. “We love UMass,” she says with a smile. “It’s still a big part of our lives.” 

Looking ahead, Cheryl is focused on maintaining her health and embracing the future with joy and gratitude. “When I turned 70, I told my kids I want to use the next ten years to stay healthy,” she laughs. “Now I’m down to four. We’ve got three daughters and one grandchild—plus some very beloved furry grand pets. Life is full, and I’m thankful.” 

 “Nurses Week takes me right back to the heart of why I do this work,” Cheryl reflects. “Every year, I receive a text from the mother of twin boys born at 24 weeks, whom I cared for in the NICU. They’re 21 now, and she still sends me pictures of them. That kind of connection stays with you. It’s amazing. That’s what this work is about—being there at the most vulnerable moments and forming bonds that last a lifetime.” 

Nancy E. Thompson ’73, ’91MS, RN  

Rooted in Purpose: Nancy Thompson’s Lifelong Journey in Nursing, Leadership, and Legacy  

For Nancy Thompson, nursing is more than a career—"it’s a part of who I am”…..a life’s purpose rooted in compassion, critical thinking, and community. “It feeds my soul,” she says. “As nurses, we’re with people during the most vulnerable and wondrous moments of their lives. Patients are always so grateful, but they have no idea all that they give to us.” “Nursing makes a positive difference in patients’ lives and outcomes and I still consider it a  privilege to do this work.”  

Nancy’s journey began when she became the first in her family to attend college. She enrolled at UMass Amherst in the Fall of 1969, balancing coursework with young motherhood—giving birth to her third child during her sophomore year. She graduated in 1973 with her children proudly watching, marking the first of many moments when Nancy would lead by example, showing them the power of perseverance, intellect, and heart.  

Nearly two decades later, with her children now in college themselves, Nancy returned to UMass as a graduate student. Earning her MS in Nursing Administration in 1991 was a deeply meaningful milestone. “I didn’t take a traditional path in higher education,” she reflects. “It was more circuitous, but I don’t regret a minute of it. I wouldn’t be anything but a nurse.” Her children once again were present for her master’s thesis defense—a bookend to a personal and professional journey that showed education is never out of reach.  

Nancy’s master’s thesis advisor, the late Ann Sheridan, played a pivotal role in shaping her graduate experience. “Ann was the Chair of my thesis committee and was supportive, insightful, and always pushed me to think more critically. “We became close friends, and she remained a treasured part of my life.”   

Throughout her career, Nancy worked in clinical roles in pulmonary care, patient education, and home health, before moving into progressive leadership roles—first-level management, middle management, and eventually executive leadership. Her love of home care was first deepened through grant work that demonstrated the autonomy and effectiveness of nursing practice in patients’ homes. “You see patients as they truly are—in their own environments, not in hospital gowns. You bring your insight, intelligence, assessment skills, interpersonal skills and presence directly into their lives.”  

After retiring from full-time leadership in 2015, Nancy turned her energy to teaching—something she has long loved. Today, she teaches at UMass Amherst primarily with accelerated nursing students, whom she describes as the future “game changers” in the nursing profession. “They’re smart, engaged, and give me so much hope for the future of nursing. I truly enjoy working with them.” In addition to teaching, Nancy continues to shape the future of the College through leadership and service. She was one of the founding members of the UMass Amherst College of Nursing Alumni Board and currently serves as Board Chair, where she is leading a robust strategic planning effort focused on student success, alumni engagement, and the future of nursing education.  

Nancy also remains active in Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. She was inducted as a senior at UMass. Now serving on Sigma’s International Governance Committee, she sees it as a global ‘peer hood’ of nurses committed to scholarship and leadership. “It’s the first organization I encountered that celebrated nurses both individually and collectively”.  

When she’s not teaching, Nancy enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading, gardening, being at the beach or poolside, traveling and studying nursing history.  She’s particularly proud of her personal collection of 19th-century nursing books and memorabilia, which she plans to donate to the UMass College of Nursing archives—along with her graduation uniform. “Nursing has allowed me to meet some of the most incredible people and dearest friends.”  

To Nancy, Nurses Week is a moment of reflection and celebration. “It’s a chance to honor this extraordinary profession, to lift up our colleagues, and to remind the public that we are leaders, scholars, and trusted caregivers. We’ve been voted the most trusted profession for over 20 years—and I’m proud to be part of that legacy.”  

Gwendolyn (Allen) Wright '73BS, RN

Rooted in Community, Committed to Wellness: The Nursing Journey of Gwendolyn (Allen) Wright ’73 

Growing up in Philadelphia and later Boston during the era of school integration, Gwen Wright was shaped by her mother's belief in investing in community-based education. As the third eldest and firstborn daughter of six children, she witnessed firsthand the power of local institutions to drive social change—and this ethos would guide her nursing journey. 

Gwen's path to nursing began as a teenager, inspired by her high school community health teacher and by the example of her mother, a nursing assistant. She started working in a nursing home kitchen before becoming a nurse's aide at sixteen, an experience that confirmed her calling. Through the ODWIN program (Opening the Doors Wider in Nursing), she was introduced to the profession and received crucial academic preparation. She later enrolled at UMass Amherst through the Committee for the Collegiate Education of Black Students (CCEBS), where she found strength in a network of Black nurse mentors and peers determined to see her succeed. 

At UMass Amherst, Gwendolyn was the only African American graduate in her nursing cohort. Faculty members like Nina M. Entrekin, Ann Sheridan, Loretta R. Sharp, and Connie Petrunenko helped her find her voice and thrive—especially in community and public health nursing, where she felt most at home. After building a foundation at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Beth Israel (now Beth Israel Deaconess), she went on to become the first African American charge nurse at the Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters in Virginia. She later returned to Massachusetts to serve in public health and case management, holding roles at Harvard Vanguard, Boston Medical Center, and the City of Boston Public Health Commission. Today, Gwen brings her passion for wellness to Peabody Properties, where she works as a Regional Wellness Nurse conducting blood pressure clinics, medication management, and health education. She also leads community wellness workshops through her church and the YMCA, continuing a life of service rooted in education, prevention, and empowerment. 

"Nurses Week reminds me of the mentors who shaped my path and the importance of giving back," she says. "It's about recognizing the diversity of nursing and the impact we can have across lifespans and communities." 

When she's not working, Gwendolyn enjoys line dancing, water aerobics, crafting, and reading. Her advice to the next generation of nurses? Never forget where you come from—and always invest in the wellness of others.