Imelda brings over 25 years of nursing experience and more than 16 years as a nurse practitioner, educator, and administrator to her role as Dean. With a deep commitment to fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and collaboration, she aims to equip the next generation of nursing leaders to address the evolving healthcare needs of the community. Her approach integrates evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and interprofessional education into the curriculum while enhancing the student experience through hybrid, digital, and experiential learning opportunities.
A first-generation student and teen mother, Imelda is passionate about providing young people with access to birth control and comprehensive sex education. With extensive experience in primary care, including pediatrics and college health, she leverages her skills as both a family and pediatric nurse practitioner to support adolescent teens in navigating challenging conversations and decisions. Bilingual in Spanish, Imelda recognizes the importance of cultural competence in healthcare and the value of having providers who speak the same language and share similar experiences.
As a Navy veteran, Imelda understands the unique stressors that come with military service and the complexities of reintegrating into civilian life after five years of service. Her diverse background and dedication to education and healthcare make her a dynamic leader committed to enhancing healthcare education and fostering an inclusive, supportive environment for all students.