Faculty

With a student-teacher ratio of 12:1, your professors will know you. They’re invested in helping you succeed. As you work towards your career goals, you will find your professors become more—they become your mentors who can help you along your journey, and ones you can still get advice from years after graduation.

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Nursing & Health Sciences

Ellen Balk-Dick

Ellen Balk-Dick, M.S.N., M.P.H.

Assistant Professor of Nursing

Profile

Ellen Balk-Dick, M.S.N., M.P.H.

Assistant Professor of Nursing


Degrees

MPH, Loma Linda University

1992

MN in Nursing, UCLA

1990

BS in Nursing, Andrews University

1987

Susan Bussell

Susan Bussell, D.N.P., R.N., A.C.N.P

Professor of Nursing

Profile
Susan Bussell
Tel: 1-707-965-6760
Email: sbussell@puc.edu
Office: Davidian Hall 214

Susan Bussell, D.N.P., R.N., A.C.N.P

Faculty Since 2005

Professor of Nursing

Susan Bussell, professor of nursing, started teaching full-time at PUC in 2005 after teaching clinicals as an adjunct professor at Kaiser Vallejo in 2003. With a CNE, she taught pharmacology, pathophysiology, and multiple medical/surgical classes. Between 2014 and 2020, she was the AS program director. Susan was honored to be awarded Educator of the Year in the 2022-23 school year.

She graduated from LLUSN in 1993 with a BSN and received her MSN and acute care nurse practitioner from USCF in 1999. In 2013, she graduated from LLUSN with her DNP. Susan met her husband Ty at PUC, and they have been married for almost 30 years. Napa Valley has been home for 31 years with their four children, including her daughter-in-law. She loves baking, providing food for groups, traveling, and being with her family and dogs. Susan enjoys crafts, sewing, and everything Christmas.


Degrees

B.S., Loma Linda University

1993

M.S., University of California, San Francisco

1999

Serah Choi

Serah Choi, M.S.N., R.N.

Assistant Professor of Nursing
Simulation and Lab Director

Profile
Serah Choi
Tel: 1-707-965-7618
Email: scchoi@puc.edu
Office: Davidian Hall 209

Serah Choi, M.S.N., R.N.

Faculty Since 2013

Assistant Professor of Nursing
Simulation and Lab Director


Degrees

B.S.N., Pacific Union College

2008

M.S.N., Loma Linda University

2012

Tony Chung

Tony Chung, B.S.N., R.N.

Instructor of Nursing

Profile
Tony Chung
Tel: 1-707-965-7621
Email: cchung@puc.edu
Office: Davidian Hall 209

Tony Chung, B.S.N., R.N.

Faculty Since 2021

Instructor of Nursing

Tony Chung, adjunct nursing professor and clinical instructor at Piner’s Nursing Home in Napa, California, joined PUC in 2021. He has a background in geriatric care, and his transition from bedside nurse to educator allows his nursing students to apply their learned concepts to a clinical setting under experienced guidance. He wants to ensure each student nurse has an equal opportunity to deliver care, safety, and comfort to their patients with confidence.


Degrees

BSN: Framingham State University

2014

ASN, Atlantic Union College

2011

BBA, Assumption University, Bangkok, Thailand

1997

Kimberly Dunker

Kimberly Dunker, D.N.P., M.S.N., R.N., C.N.E., C.N.E.cl

Dean of Nursing and Health Sciences, Professor of Nursing

Profile
Kimberly Dunker
Tel: 1-707-965-7640
Email: kdunker@puc.edu
Office: Davidian Hall

Kimberly Dunker, D.N.P., M.S.N., R.N., C.N.E., C.N.E.cl

Faculty Since 2021

Dean of Nursing and Health Sciences, Professor of Nursing

Originally graduating from Atlantic Union College with her AS and BS degrees she has been a nurse for 22 years. Kimberly has worked in a variety of Critical Care nursing areas, specializing in Adult, Surgical, Medical, Oncology, Thoracic, Neurology and Cardiac Surgeries. In addition to holding academic teaching positions, both in the classroom and in clinical instruction, she previously taught at her alma-mater, Atlantic Union College as an Associate Professor of Nursing. She has taught in both pre-licensure medical-surgical nursing, nursing research and RN-BS courses in Informatics and Nursing Leadership as well as master's level nursing education and leadership courses. Her doctoral research and publications focus on, "The Empowerment of Nursing Faculty, development, and Orientation." Her core values focus on student outcomes and retention and academic and clinical faculty satisfaction and development.

In addition to her work in academics, Kimberly is a SIGMA Advisor and author for new nursing educators and has served in accreditation roles.

Most recently, Kimberly comes to us from the Fortis Institute in Nashville, Tennessee, where she was the dean of nursing, and provided leadership in the planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of the nursing program under the president of the college and national VP of Nursing at Education Affiliates.


Degrees

A.D.N, Atlantic Union College

2000

B.S.N Atlantic Union College

2001

M.S.N Regis College

2004

MSN post masters education Wright State University

2005

DNP, Regis College

2011

Iris Engleman-Tompkins

Iris Engleman-Tompkins, M.S.N.

Assistant Professor of Nursing

Profile
Iris Engleman-Tompkins
Tel: 1-707-965-7604
Email: iengelman@puc.edu
Office: Davidian Hall 209

Iris Engleman-Tompkins, M.S.N.

Faculty Since 2019

Assistant Professor of Nursing

I come to PUC with 13 years of experience in medical/surgical nursing and two years experience teaching nursing part time. I am happy to return to PUC in this new role, having attended PUC as a student and lived in Angwin as a staff spouse. In my leisure time, I enjoy gardening, cooking, hiking, backpacking, reading, and needle arts. My favorite place to be is outside.


Degrees

BSN CSU Hayward

2006

MSN-Ed Norwich University

2017

Jefferson Joiner

Jefferson Joiner, M.S.N., R.N., C.E.N., N.R.E.M.T., W.E.M.T.

Associate Professor of Nursing & Emergency Services, Director of the Emergency Services Program and Director of the Health Sciences Program

Profile
Jefferson Joiner
Tel: 1-707-965-7031
Email: jjoiner@puc.edu
Office: Fisher Hall 158

Jefferson Joiner, M.S.N., R.N., C.E.N., N.R.E.M.T., W.E.M.T.

Faculty Since 2015

Associate Professor of Nursing & Emergency Services, Director of the Emergency Services Program and Director of the Health Sciences Program

Jeff Joiner has worked in healthcare as an RN since 1980. He has served as staff nurse, department manager, nursing supervisor, and hospital vice-president. He obtained his MSN as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Critical Care/Trauma. Jeff holds national certifications in Emergency Nursing and as a Wilderness EMT. He has been active in Emergency Management and Disaster Response at the local, state, national and international levels since 2001. He has over 20 years of experience in higher education teaching Nursing and Emergency Management. He has served as a content expert and lecturer in Disaster Response and Emergency Management. He continues to maintain a clinical practice in Emergency Nursing and is a volunteer Firefighter/EMT. Jeff has been married to his wife Judy for over 40 years. They have two grown daughters and four grandsons. Jeff enjoys camping, reading, scuba diving and international travel.


Degrees

AS, Southern Adventist University

1980

BSN, Southwestern Adventist University

1986

MSN, University of Kentucky

1996

Helene Linzau

Helene Linzau, M.S.N., R.N.

Director of Off-Campus Ukiah Program,
Assistant Professor of Nursing,
Assistant Director to the BRN

Profile
Helene Linzau
Tel: 1-707-965-7677
Email: hmlinzau@puc.edu
Office: Davidian Hall 209

Helene Linzau, M.S.N., R.N.

Faculty Since 2009

Director of Off-Campus Ukiah Program,
Assistant Professor of Nursing,
Assistant Director to the BRN

Helene Linzau teaches fundamentals of nursing. She continues to work occasionally at the St. Helena Hospital. She enjoys shopping for her nieces, quilting, taking pictures, and, if she has time, scrap-booking and traveling.


Degrees

A.S., Loma Linda University

1993

B.S. Loma Linda University

1996

A.S.N., Pacific Union College

1999

B.S.N. Pacific Union College

2000

Kevin Little

Kevin Little, R.N., M.S., A.N.P.-B.C.

Assistant Professor of Nursing

Profile
Kevin Little
Tel: 1-707-965-7621
Email: klittle@puc.edu
Office: DH 114F

Kevin Little, R.N., M.S., A.N.P.-B.C.

Faculty Since 2022

Assistant Professor of Nursing


Degrees

UC San Francisco M.S.N & A.N.P

2000

Sarah Livingston

Sarah Livingston, M.S.N., R.N.

Assistant Professor of Nursing

Profile
Sarah Livingston
Tel: 1-707-965-7622
Email: slivingston@puc.edu
Office: DH116

Sarah Livingston, M.S.N., R.N.

Faculty Since 2023

Assistant Professor of Nursing


Degrees

MSN from WGU

2023

BSN from Southwestern Adventist University

2017

Jenna Park

Jenna Park, M.S.N., R.N.

Adjunct Professor of Nursing

Profile
Jenna Park
Tel: 1-707-965-7622
Email: nypark@puc.edu
Office: Davidian Hall

Jenna Park, M.S.N., R.N.

Faculty Since 2020

Adjunct Professor of Nursing

Jenna Park grew up in the Bay Area most of her life and returns to PUC as a nurse educator. She has experience working in multiple skilled nursing rehabilitation facilities as a charge nurse as well as in acute care settings in mostly in the medical surgical unit. She is passionate about the geriatric population, specifically those diagnosed with dementia, and she hopes to continue on the research to further the community and fellow nurses’ knowledge about dementia. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, trying out new cuisine, and planning her next trip to Disneyland.


Degrees

A.S.N., Pacific Union College

2015

B.S.N., Pacific Union College

2017

M.S.N., San Jose State University

2020

Laurie Parson

Laurie Parson, D.N.P., R.N.-B.C., C.N.E.

Professor of Nursing

Profile
Laurie Parson
Tel: 1-707-965-7619
Email: ljparson@puc.edu
Office: Davidian Hall 114C

Laurie Parson, D.N.P., R.N.-B.C., C.N.E.

Faculty Since 2009

Professor of Nursing

Laurie Parson, DNP, RN-BC, Associate Professor, has worked in healthcare for over 25 years starting as a certified nursing assistant. She has experience in medical/surgical acute care, long-term care, and nursing education. She holds ANCC Board Certification as a medical/surgical nurse and as a gerontological nurse and NLN Certification as a Certified Nurse Educator. Some of her favorite pastimes include, hiking, camping, reading, and traveling with family.


Degrees

B.S., Utah State University

1993

B.S.N., Walla Walla College

1996

M.S., Ball State University

2012

D.N.P., Southern Adventist University

2017

Sirisha Penugula

Sirisha Penugula, M.S.N., R.N.

Assistant Professor

Profile
Sirisha Penugula
Tel: 1-909-674-5766
Email: spenugula@puc.edu
Office: DH 109G

Sirisha Penugula, M.S.N., R.N.

Faculty Since 2023

Assistant Professor


Degrees

E D Thomas Higher Secondary School, India

2002

Nicolette Piaubert

Nicolette Piaubert, F.N.P., R.N.

Assistant Professor of Nursing, Student Success Coordinator

Profile
Nicolette Piaubert
Tel: 1-917-602-9927
Email: npiaubert@puc.edu
Office: Davidian Hall 209

Nicolette Piaubert, F.N.P., R.N.

Faculty Since 2022

Assistant Professor of Nursing, Student Success Coordinator

Assistant Professor of Nursing Nicolette Piaubert loves God and lives to serve. Her commitment to service includes a career as a Family Nurse Practitioner, but Nicolette’s impact on her community is widespread. She has been active in serving underprivileged children as the founder and CEO of The Talented Tenth Highlanders Summer Camp, as well as helping others obtain their nursing degrees through her Gab-Nic Excelsior Nursing Tutoring Center, both in Brooklyn, New York.

Nicolette is a published author who is also dedicated to supporting marginalized people to find their voices and make them heard through self-publishing. Her first book, Becoming, was published in 2013 and How to Beat a Rigged School System: 13 Steps to 100% followed in 2020. She is currently working on her third book and maintains an active vlogging presence on Facebook and TikTok.

Nicolette received her BSN from Atlantic Union College and her MSN from Pace University, and her favorite text is Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”


Degrees

B.A., University at Albany, SUNY

2001

B.S.N., Atlantic Union College

2010

M.S.N., Pace University

2020

Christa Rieger

Christa Rieger, M.S.N., R.N.

Assistant Professor of Nursing

Profile
Christa Rieger
Tel: 1-707-965-7609
Email: chrieger@puc.edu
Office: Davidian Hall 209

Christa Rieger, M.S.N., R.N.

Faculty Since 2021

Assistant Professor of Nursing


Degrees

B.S.N., Dominican University of California

2005

M.S.N., Grand Canyon University

2021

Sandra Ringer

Sandra Ringer, M.S.N., R.N.

Assistant Professor of Nursing
Online Director RN-BS, MSN

Profile
Sandra Ringer
Tel: 1-707-965-7623
Email: sringer@puc.edu
Office: Davidian Hall 209

Sandra Ringer, M.S.N., R.N.

Faculty Since 2018

Assistant Professor of Nursing
Online Director RN-BS, MSN

Sandra Ringer, MSN, RN, known as Sandy to most, began her career as a Medical-Surgical nurse in Chattanooga, TN. Her clinical experience includes adult medical-surgical nursing, specializing in oncology, gastroenterology and community health. Sandy worked in home health as an IV nurse for 9 years before switching focus to community health. She worked as an RN and lead RN for a preventative medicine clinic in Pennsylvania. She then transitioned into the coordinator for employee wellness programs, working with a team of health professionals to develop employee wellness programs and health screenings for businesses in the greater Reading, Pennsylvania area. She also worked with a clinic that provided healthcare for patients without insurance at no cost. Her most recent clinical experience was with gastrointestinal patients on a medical-surgical unit.
When not working, Sandy loves to cook, travel, camp, watch HGTV and spend time with her husband, David, and their adult sons, Mark and Jonathan and daughter-in-law, Janelle.
Sandy's desire is to share her passion for the nursing profession and Jesus with her students.


Degrees

2016

B.S.N., Grand Canyon University

1990

A.S.N., Southern Adventist University

Matthew Russell

Matthew Russell, M.S.

Assistant Professor of Emergency Services

Profile
Matthew Russell
Tel: 1-707-965-7032
Email: mrussell@puc.edu
Office: Fisher Hall 158

Matthew Russell, M.S.

Faculty Since 2016

Assistant Professor of Emergency Services


Degrees

B.S., Union College

2014

M.S., Southern Adventist University

2016

Hannah Saravanakumar

Hannah Saravanakumar, M.S.N., R.N.

AS Director,
Associate Professor of Nursing,
Assistant Director to the BRN

Profile
Hannah Saravanakumar
Tel: 1-707-965-7630
Email: hsaravanan@puc.edu
Office: Davidian Hall 209

Hannah Saravanakumar, M.S.N., R.N.

Faculty Since 2016

AS Director,
Associate Professor of Nursing,
Assistant Director to the BRN


Degrees

B.S.N., MG Ramachandra Deemed University

2003

M.S.N., Washington Adventist University

2012

Tamara Tirado

Tamara Tirado, D.N.P., R.N., F.N.P., C.N.E

Professor of Nursing

Profile
Tamara Tirado
Tel: 1-707-965-7625
Email: ttirado@puc.edu
Office: Davidian Hall 209

Tamara Tirado, D.N.P., R.N., F.N.P., C.N.E

Faculty Since 2008

Professor of Nursing

Tamara Tirado has worked in healthcare since 1998, as a Certified Nurses Aid and Registered Nurse in rehab and acute care. She has also been a medical clinic manager, diabetes coordinator, public health nurse at a tribal health clinic, and a family nurse practitioner. She loves music, hiking, biking, scuba diving, traveling, and spending time with family.


Degrees

A.S. Pacific Union College

2000

B.S.N., Pacific Union College

2001

M.S., Sonoma State University

2004

Melissa Toma

Melissa Toma, F.N.P, R.N.

Adjunct Professor of Nursing

Profile
Melissa Toma
Email: mtoma@puc.edu

Melissa Toma, F.N.P, R.N.

Adjunct Professor of Nursing


Debra Wallace

Debra Wallace, M.S.N., R.N, C.N.E.

Director of LVN/Med Tech/EMT-P to RN Off Campus Programs, BRN Assistant Director

Profile
Debra Wallace
Tel: 1-707-965-7627
Email: dwallace@puc.edu
Office: Davidian Hall 116

Debra Wallace, M.S.N., R.N, C.N.E.

Faculty Since 1997

Director of LVN/Med Tech/EMT-P to RN Off Campus Programs, BRN Assistant Director

Debra Wallace has worked in management her entire career as a nurse, her first job as a women’s health clinic coordinator. She has led out in discharge planning, wellness health screenings, and directed a home health care agency. Working in academics was never something that entered her mind early in her career but has become her true passion since being at PUC 25+ years. Debra is the Director of PUC’s Med Tech/LVN to RN programs and loves working with our off-campus, non-traditional students. It is extremely rewarding to help Med Techs/LVNs reach their RN goal while balancing work, family, military, and other life obligations. She loves hunkering down with a good book, watching movies, gardening, interior design, and spending time with family and friends. Her favorite get-away is to Little River Inn in Mendocino.


Degrees

A.S., Walla Walla Community College

1978

B.S., Walla Walla College

1981

MSN, University of Phoenix

2003