School of Nursing & Kinesiology

• Ph. D in Nursing Education from Liberty University in progress. 33 credits completed. Overall GPA 3.79
• M.S.N Nursing Education Saint Joseph’s College of Maine, 2011
• Bachelor of Science Nursing University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM. 1998
• Associate Degree in Nursing Cochise College, Douglas, AZ. 1984

• Undergraduate Nursing Program Coordinator

• NMNC 4410 Health and Illness Concepts III
• NMNC 4510 Concept Synthesis
• BIOL 2505 Pathophysiology (Summer)

Charnelle Lee MSN, RN, CHSE is a Full Professor of Nursing at WNMU and has been on faculty since 1999. She earned her BSN from the University of New Mexico and her MSN from St. Joseph College.

School of Nursing & Kinesiology

• MSN-Ed, 2023, Eastern New Mexico University
• MA-IS, 2022, Western New Mexico University
• BSN, 2016, Western New Mexico University
• ADN 2011, Western New Mexico University

• Pre-licensure BSN Program, Faculty
• RN-to-BSN Program, Director
• RN-to-MSN Track, Director
• MSN Program, Faculty

• NUR 3120 Evidence Based Practice
• NUR 325 Health Assessment
• NUR 336 Pathophysiology for Nurses
• NUR 408 Issues in Professional Nursing
• NUR 429 Utilizing Resources
• NUR 432 Nursing Informatics
• NUR 505 Advanced Pathophysiology

I’ve been a Registered Nurse since 2011, and a faculty member of WNMU since 2020. I’m proud to support nursing students obtain the education necessary to become professional nurses, and I have that same pride supporting professional nurses in furthering their education. I teach in the pre-licensure program, the RN-to-BSN program, and the MSN program. I’m thrilled to be a part of WNMU’s vision for advancing education and scholarship in New Mexico. I strive to provide an equitable, respectful learning space for all students, and all classes have access to my written teaching philosophy, Nurturing Lifelong Learners. As a member of the National Nurses Association (ANA), the New Mexico Nurses Association (NMNA), and the National League for Nursing (NLN), I work to engage students on a community, state, and national level to further nursing as an art and a science. As a Managing Editor of NMNA’s state publication, I’m involved in peer-review and uplifting the voices of New Mexico nurses. I’d love to share what makes our program special – please feel free to contact me at Mary.Flores@WNMU.edu.

School of Nursing & Kinesiology

• BS- Nursing 2011
• MSN- Nursing Leadership and Management 2018
• Post- Master’s Nursing- FNP 2020

School of Nursing & Kinesiology

NUR 507 (Issues in Contemporary Health Care Environments) Summer / Fall 2024

Brittany Parks is a compassionate Family Nurse Practitioner based in Texas, with over a decade of experience in the nursing field, having begun her career in 2011. Known for her dedication to patient care, Brittany has built a reputation for providing high-quality, patient-centered healthcare. Beyond her clinical work, Brittany has a profound passion for education, finding immense joy in teaching and guiding the next generation of healthcare professionals. Her ability to inspire and foster growth in students has made her a respected mentor in the nursing community. When not working or teaching, Brittany is deeply committed to continuous learning, ensuring she stays at the forefront of advancements in healthcare.

School of Nursing & Kinesiology

• Ph.D., 2012, University of Connecticut (Storrs, CT)
• M.S.N., 2000, Vanderbilt University (Nashville, TN)
• M.A., 1998, New Mexico State University (Las Cruces, NM)
• B.S., 1994, Wheaton College (Wheaton, IL)

• NUR 501 Theory & Science of Nursing
• NUR 502 Research Utilization for Evidence-Based Practice
• NUR 407 Leadership Roles
• NUR 406 Critical Thinking for Professional Nursing
• NUR 332 Nursing Research

Dr. Petrovic has over 24 years of experience in professional nursing, including 18+ years of teaching experience in higher education. She has worked in acute, critical, and long-term care healthcare environments, among others. She is a member of the American Nurses Association (ANA), New Mexico Nurses Association (NMNA), and New Mexico Center for Nursing Excellence (NMCNE).

School of Nursing & Kinesiology

• Ph.D. Student, 2022-Present, University of Northern Colorado: Nursing Education
• M.S.N., 2016, West Texas A&M University: Nursing (emphasis on holistic nursing)
• B.S.N., 2014, West Texas A&M University: Nursing
• M.S., 1994, West Texas A&M University: Exercise & Sport Science
• B.S., 1989, Lubbock Christian University: Kinesiology

• NMNC 3235 Assessment & Health Promotion
• NMNC 4335, Care of Patients with Chronic Conditions
• NMNC 4320, Professional Nursing Concepts I
• NMNC 4435, Clinical Intensive I
• NMNC 4445, Clinical Intensive II

Angela (Angie) Cox brings a wealth of experience to her role as an educator and healthcare professional. With degrees in Exercise and Sports Science (1994) and Nursing (2016) from West Texas A&M University, she’s cultivated a diverse skill set that spans both education and nursing. She made the transition to nursing in 2014 after nearly two decades spent in public education as a teacher and instructional technology specialist in a small rural district in Texas. Since then, she’s served in nursing roles including intensive care, acute mental health, nursing professional development, and cardiology care management. Angie recently completed a Ph. D. In Nursing education at the University of Northern Colorado, where her research focused the emotional impact of high-stakes skills assessments for students and instructors.

School of Nursing & Kinesiology

• NMNC 4435 Clinical Intensive I
• NMNC 4445 Clinical Intensive II
• NMNC 4535 Clinical Intensive III
• NMNC 4545 Capstone

Fran Driver, PhD(c), MSN, MBA, RN . Fran is pursuing her Ph.D. In Nursing Education at Liberty University, where her research is focusing on the lived experience of undergraduate bachelors of nursing students with the introduction of generative artificial intelligence. Her nursing experience includes working in all aspects of the hospital setting with her primary focus being the critical care areas. Fran has also worked in public and community health. She was CEO of a community health center. During this time, she helped transform a community by being a key partner in starting a regional food system and expanding mental health services. Fran has worked in California, Arizona, and New Mexico and continues her bedside career as an ICU/ER RN. Fran teaches in the pre-licensure BSN program. Fran is an avid motorcyclist, gardener, and loves being outside. Fran believes that no matter what you are doing in life, you need to look at every situation holistically and do your best, always. It is a privilege to care for and teach others. Life is precious, so take the time and do it right.

School of Nursing & Kinesiology

• Ph.D., University of North Dakota, in progress
• MSN, Sacred Heart University, 2021 (Specialization: Clinical nurse leadership)
• BSN, Sacred Heart University, 2019
• ADN, Western New Mexico University, 2015

Nursing & Kinesiology

• Level 3: NMNC4335 Care of Patients w/ Chronic Conditions
• Level 4: NMNC4435/4445 Clinical Intensive I/II, NMNC4410 Health & Illness Concepts III
• Level 5: NMNC4535 Clinical Intensive III, NMNC 4510 Concept Synthesis

I originally graduated with my ADN from WNMU in 2015. I have since obtained both my BSN and MSN through Sacred Heart University, specializing in clinical nurse leadership. Throughout my nursing career, I have mostly done med-surg/telemetry nursing, and have certification in med-surg nursing. I stepped into the charge nurse role of a med-surg unit, helping to support the other nurses as well as precepting students within the clinical setting. I also have experience in case management, as well as travel nursing acting as a float nurse to various units including rapid evaluation and observation, neurology, oncology, cardiology, orthopedics, and COVID specific units.

School of Nursing & Kinesiology

Regis College, Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Nursing Education, graduation December 2026
The University of Texas at Arlington, Master of Nursing in Nursing Education. May 2021
The University of Texas at Arlington, Bachelor of Science in Professional Nursing, December 2015
San Antonio College, Associate of Applied Science in Professional Nursing, August 2009
Tri-City Community Hospital School of Vocational Nursing, December 1999

• NMNC 4435 Clinical Intensive I
• NMNC 4445 Clinical Intensive II
•  NMNC 4535 Clinical Intensive III
• NMNC 4335 Care of Patients with Chronic Conditions
• NMNC-4310 Health & Illness Concepts II

Joline brings a wealth of nursing and teaching experience to her role as an educator and healthcare professional. With multiple degrees in nursing (1999, 2009, 2015, 2021, and 2026), she has developed a broad and diverse skill set that integrates both education and nursing.

Joline began her nursing career as an LVN in South Texas, working in long-term care and later in primary care. After earning her RN in 2009, she began working with medically fragile pediatric patients and their families. In 2015, she transitioned to acute care, working at Swedish Medical Center in Colorado on a multi-trauma unit while completing her BSN.

After moving back to her hometown of San Antonio, Texas, she began working in critical care (medical, surgical, and neuro ICU) while completing her MSN in nursing education. During the pandemic, Joline worked weekends in the COVID ICU while also joining Galen College of Nursing–San Antonio as a new nurse educator. She applied her clinical expertise and COVID-19 experience to safely guide nursing students during clinical rotations in COVID units.

After several years as a nursing instructor—teaching didactic courses, clinicals, skills labs, and simulation—Joline and her husband moved to Silver City. There, she returned to long-term care and began teaching nurse aide courses. In this role, she was inspired to pursue her doctoral degree and focus her scholarly project on sepsis education to promote the health of aging populations. Joline joined the WNMU School of Nursing in August 2025, where she continues to educate and mentor future nurses while advancing evidence-based practice in the care of aging populations

School of Nursing & Kinesiology

• Ph.D. Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin – Madison (2017)
• M.S. Health and Exercise Science, Colorado State University (2012)
• B.A. Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado – Boulder (2010)

• Exercise physiology
• nutrition
• biochemistry

• Graduate Courses:
• Kinesiology 502: Current Issues in Kinesiology
• Kinesiology 503: Research Methods in Kinesiology I
• Kinesiology 506: Advanced Biomechanical Analysis
• Kinesiology 507: Research Methods in Kinesiology II
• Kinesiology 515: The Science and Practice of Endurance Training
• Kinesiology 560: Exercise and Aging
• Kinesiology 578: Applied Topics in Exercise Physiology
• Kinesiology 580: Workshop – Applied Biomechanics
• Nursing 520: Epidemiology and Population Health
• Undergraduate Courses:
• Exercise Science 2115: Anatomy and Physiology I
• Kinesiology 201: Introduction to Kinesiology
• Kinesiology 240: Anatomical and Physiological Kinesiology
• Kinesiology 300: Nutrition
• Kinesiology 340: Human Physiology
• Kinesiology 341: Physiology of Exercise
• Kinesiology 343: Biomechanics
• Kinesiology 402: Current Issues in Kinesiology
• Kinesiology 403: Research Methods in Kinesiology I
• Kinesiology 407: Research Methods in Kinesiology II
• Kinesiology 408: Assessment in Movement Sciences
• Kinesiology 415: The Science and Practice of Endurance Training
• Kinesiology 441: Principles of Conditioning
• Kinesiology 460 Exercise and Aging
• Kinesiology 478: Applied Topics in Exercise Physiology

My scholarly interests include human cardiovascular physiology, bioenergetics, the role of physical activity in health and disease across the lifespan, and ultra-endurance exercise performance.

School of Nursing & Kinesiology

• M.S.N., 2020, Western New Mexico University
• B.S., 2019, Western New Mexico University
• A.D.N., 2017, Western New Mexico University

Nursing and Natural Sciences

• BIO 2505 Pathophysiology
• NUR 367 Clinical Simulation in Nursing I
• NUR 372 Clinical Simulation in Nursing II
• NUR 2993 Nursing Preparatory Elective

Former Army Combat Medic Lorenzo Saenz has over twenty years of experience in the areas of training and education. His involvement with simulation began in the Army in 2003, as one of the pioneers of medical evaluations and simulation assessments in a field environment. Upon leaving the Army in 2004 he has been employed by the AMEDD center and school, where he had purview for one third of all medics being trained in the Army at the height of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lorenzo has been employed by fortune 500 companies such as Bearing Point, and internationally by the Australian company Aspen medical where he was responsible for training members of the Australian Defense Force in tactical medical first response. Lorenzo is a 2018 graduate of the WNMU School of Nursing and intends to use his previous experience in simulation and training to produce the best nurses possible.

School of Nursing & Kinesiology

• Ph.D. Sport Psychology and Motor Behavior, University of Tennessee (2011)
• M.S. Sport Psychology, Western Illinois University (2006)
• B.A. Business and Commerce, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan (1998)

• Graduate Courses:
• KINS 502: Current Issues in Kinesiology
• KINS 503: Research Methods in Kinesiology I
• KINS 504: Psychology of Injury
• KINS 505: Adherence and Well-being in Physical Activity
• KINS 507: Research Methods in Kinesiology II
• KINS 509: Stress Management in Kinesiology
• KINS 512: Skill Acquisition Across Lifespan
• KINS 535: Applied Topics in Motor Learning and Control
• Undergraduate Courses:
• KINS 201: Introduction to Kinesiology
• KINS 400: Motor Learning and Control
• KINS 402: Current Issues in Kinesiology
• KINS 403: Research Methods in Kinesiology I
• KINS 404: Psychology of Injury
• KINS 405: Adherence and Well-being in Physical Activity
• KINS 409: Stress Management in Kinesiology
• KINS 412: Skill Acquisition Across Lifespan
• KINS 435: Applied Topics in Motor Learning and Control
• KINS 440: Exercise Prescription for Special Populations
• KINS 441: Principles of Conditioning
• KINS 481: Internship in Kinesiology

My scholarly interests include integration of mental skills training for optimization for motor skill learning and performance and adherence to physical activity across lifespan.

School of Nursing & Kinesiology

• MSN, 2017, University of Arizona
• BSN, 2003, University of New Mexico

Nursing

• Pre-Licensure BSN Track:
• NMNC 3135 Principles of Nursing Practice
• NMNC 3230 Nursing Pharmacology
• NMNC 3235 Assessment and Health Promotion
• MSN Track:
• NUR 503 Innovation in Informatics and Healthcare Technology

Krista Wood, MSN, RN, is an Associate Professor of Nursing for Western New Mexico University. She has been in nursing practice since 2003, and a professor for the WNMU School of Nursing since 2012. Krista graduated from the University of Arizona with her MSN in 2017, and from the University of New Mexico In Albuquerque with her BSN in 2003. She started her career in NICU, pediatrics, and outpatient family practice, but she has also worked in medical surgical nursing as well as the emergency room. Along with her full-time teaching responsibilities, Krista currently practices as an aesthetic nurse. Krista is the lead faculty advisor for WNMU’s chapter of the Student Nurses Association. She facilitates the organization of the WNMU White Coat Ceremony, and WNMU School of Nursing Pinning Ceremony each year. Krista represents the WNMU School of Nursing as the BSN Co-Chair for the New Mexico Nursing Education Consortium Leadership Council.

School of Nursing & Kinesiology

• M.S.N., 2022, Western New Mexico University
• B.S.N., 2008, New Mexico State University

Science in Nursing

• Pre-Licensure BSN:
• NMNC 3110 Intro to Nursing Concepts
• NMNC 3135 Principles of Nursing Practice
• NMNC 3210 Health and Illness Concepts I
• NMNC 3235 Assessment and Health Promotion
• NMNC 4310 Health and Illness Concepts II
• NMNC 4335 Care of Patients with Chronic Conditions
• NMNC 4520 Professional Nursing Concepts II
• NMNC 4435 Clinical Intensive I
• NMNC 4445 Clinical Intensive II
• NMNC 4535 Clinical Intensive III
• RN to BSN:
• NUR 415 Health Policy

I graduated with my MSN from Western New Mexico University in 2022, and from New Mexico State University with my BSN in 2008. I have been an Assistant Professor at WNMU School of Nursing since 2019. I was adjunct with WNMU School of Nursing from 2015-2019. Prior to these positions I spent 7 years working as an RN in the OR, Medsurg, and pediatric units. I have worked in Las Cruces, NM, Lubbock, TX and Mesa, AZ. I am a member of the NMNEC curriculum committee, and a faculty advisor for the student nurses association.

School of Nursing & Kinesiology

• Associates Degree in Nursing: Western New Mexico University 2018
• RN-BSN: Western New Mexico University 2020
• Master’s of Science in Nursing- Nursing Education: Grand Canyon University 2022

Courses Currently Taught

• • Pre-Licensure BSN Program:
  • Principles of Nursing Practice
  • Assessment and Health Promotion
  • Health and Illness Concepts II
  • Health and Illness Concepts III, Clinical Intensive I and Clinical Intensive II
  • Clinical Intensive III, Capstone
  • RN-BSN Online Program:
  • Critical Thinking in Professional Nursing
  • MSN Online Program:
  • Nursing Informatics
  • Professional Development for Advanced Nursing Practice I and II

Ariana Yurcic (Garcia) MSN-Ed, RN, CLC is an Assistant Professor for the School of Nursing at Western New Mexico University. She obtained her Associates Degree in Nursing in 2018 and her RN-BSN in 2020 from WNMU School of Nursing. She went on to graduate with a Master’s Degree in Nursing with an emphasis in Nursing Education from Grand Canyon University in early 2022. Ariana’s nursing specialties include: Emergency Medicine, Labor and Delivery, Level II Nursery, and Maternal and Well Newborn care. Ariana is also one of the Faculty Mentors for the Student Nurses Association and helps to organize the annual White Coat and Pinning Ceremonies for the School of Nursing. She is a lactation care provider, and member of the New Mexico Board of Nursing Lactation Care Provider Advisory Committee. Ariana helps to organize and provide maternal child education, lectures, and simulations for the WNMU School of Nursing as well as the community.

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School of Nursing & Kinesiology

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School of Nursing & Kinesiology

School of Nursing & Kinesiology

School of Nursing & Kinesiology

A seasoned professional with a graduate degree in engineering and social work with a strong background in technology and data analytics. Possessing extensive experience in project management within the corporate, and non-profit sector, demonstrating adeptness in leading initiatives, managing resources, and achieving organizational objectives. Combines technical expertise to drive efficiency, innovation, and strategic outcomes across diverse domains.

School of Nursing & Kinesiology

Socorro has been in higher education for 30+ years. She enjoys hiking, watching movies, and spending time with her family & friends.

School of Nursing & Kinesiology

School of Nursing & Kinesiology

Serene has many years of experience in higher education, helping students to navigate systems, access resources, and graduate. She holds a B.A. in English/Creative Writing from California State University, East Bay.