Nursing students in scrubs
Nursing, BSN

Faculty

Our talented and competent faculty bring various life experiences and educational backgrounds to the classroom and beyond. 

For complete profiles, please click on the faculty's name.

Program Director

Cowell Hall 409

Dr. Hubbell is the program director for the undergraduate nursing program and has taught in undergraduate and graduate nursing programs at USF since 2017, including courses on evidence-based practice and health assessment. She currently teaches Applied Pathophysiology, and Pharmacology I in the BSN program. Dr. Hubbell's scholarly work has focused on advance care planning and improving end of life care, particularly for homeless and underserved populations.

Education:
  • University of San Francisco, DNP, 2017
  • University of San Francisco, MSN, 2015
  • Johns Hopkins University, BS in Nursing, 2001
  • Smith College, BA in Women's Studies, 1998
Expertise:
  • Nurse Practitioner, Urgent Care
  • Quality Nurse Consultant, Virtual Nursing Team
  • Clinical Nurse, Emergency Department

Full-Time Faculty

Cowell Hall 322

Professor Mark’s history with USF spans 37 years. After graduating from the BSN program in 1987, she enjoyed a 30-year nursing career as a medical surgical staff nurse in a local hospital. She then earned an MSN from UCSF as a geriatric clinical nurse specialist, and when an opportunity opened up to teach at her undergraduate alma mater as a clinical instructor, she jumped at the chance. This sparked a love and passion for teaching nursing, and she has continued to teach at USF for almost 30...

Education:
  • University of San Francisco, DNP/FNP, 2017
  • UC, San Francisco, MSN-Geriatric Clinical Nurse Specialist, 1993
  • University of San Francisco, BSN, 1987
Expertise:
  • Medical-surgical nursing
  • Simulation
  • Geriatric nursing
  • Adult health
  • Immersive learning strategies
Cowell Hall 205

Carlee Balzaretti, PHN, MPH, DNP, FNP-BC, CNL is an associate professor teaching the Applied Assessment & Nursing Fundamentals course to undergraduate students. Prior to this appointment, she taught across the undergraduate nursing curriculum in the Veteran Affairs Nursing Academic Partnership program at the Sacramento campus.

Dr. Balzaretti is currently the recorder for the Faculty Association of the School of Nursing and Health Professions and faculty advisor to the Black Nursing Student...

Education:
  • DNP, University of San Francisco
  • MPH, University of San Francisco
  • Family Nurse Practitioner, Doctor of Nursing Practice, University of San Francisco
  • MSN, University of San Francisco
  • BSN...
Cowell Hall, 302

Angela D. Banks, RN, PhD is a Full Professor and former Chair of the Undergraduate Nursing Department in the School of Nursing and Health Professions. She teaches Pharmacology, Pathophysiology and Pharmacokinetics to undergraduate nursing students. She has been a registered nurse for more than 30 years, and prior to entering academia she worked in the cardiovascular intensive care unit and the emergency department. Her program of research focuses on women's health, health disparities, and...

Education:
  • UC San Francisco, PhD in Philosophy of Nursing, 2005
  • UC Los Angeles, MN in Nursing, 1984
  • University of Illinois, Chicago, BSN, 1980
Expertise:
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Pharmacology and pharmacokinetics
  • Pathophysiology
Cowell Hall 324

Heather’s education includes a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy and Master’s degree in Health Care Systems Leadership. After obtaining a Nursing License in 2006 Heather worked for 2 years in maternal child health before transitioning to a Level One Trauma center where she has been serving the public for 16 years.

Serving vulnerable populations in public health has provided Heather with multiple opportunities for growth. Public health patients in a diverse urban environment provide unique...

Education:
  • University of San Francisco, MSN in Healthcare Systems Leadership, 2006
  • University of Colorado at Boulder, BA in Philosophy, 1997
Expertise:
  • BLS; ACLSEP; ENPC/TNCC
  • Disaster preparation and management
  • Labor organizing and contract bargaining

Dr. Kelley Booth, DNP, MPH, FNP-C, is a full-time faculty member in the School of Nursing and Health Professions at the University of San Francisco. A Family Nurse Practitioner, her clinical career has spanned orthopedic surgery, pain management, family medicine, and public health, with a focus on caring for patients with complex and geriatric health needs.

Teaching has long been her passion, and she is dedicated to creating supportive, engaging learning environments where students feel...

Education:
  • University of San Francisco, Doctor of Nursing Practice, 2017
  • University of San Francisco, Master of Public Health, 2015
  • Arizona State University, BSN in Nursing, 2011
Expertise:
  • Orthopedics
  • Pain management
  • Family nurse practitioner
  • Health science & nursing educator 
  • Public health
Cowell Hall 208

Dr. Chaudhary obtained a Doctor in Nursing Practice degree from USF. She currently teaches Evidence-Based Inquiry and Informatics in the BSN department during the fall and spring semesters and graduate level courses in the summer. She focuses on didactic and clinical preparation of pre- and post- licensure nursing students. Dr. Chaudhary is also a Nurse Practitioner with experience in integrative primary care.

Education:
  • University of San Francisco, DNP, 2017
  • University of San Francisco, MSN, 2015
  • California State University, Long Beach, BSN, 2008
Expertise:
  • Preventative health
  • Primary care
  • Evidence based practice
Cowell Hall, 408

Professor Shauntel Cobb-Porter is a dedicated registered nurse with over 15 years of experience. She was born and raised in Oakland, CA where she developed a passion for helping others. Professor Shaun’s career began in medical office clinics, where she provided preventative treatment and health education to disadvantaged populations. She worked to address the needs of her community, advocating for access to quality care and resources. She transitioned to healthcare leadership, which gave her...

Cowell Hall 326

Debra Conroy-McCue is an associate professor at the University of San Francisco School of Nursing and Health Professions. With over 40 years of adult critical care bedside nursing experience, her passion for education has been a constant thread throughout her professional career. She joined the University in 2004 and has continued to live her personal vision: To inspire and teach fellow nurses, nursing students, patients, families, and communities to care for self and others: mind, body, and...

Education:
  • University of San Francisco, Doctorate in Nursing, Practice Nursing, 2014
  • San Francisco State University, MS in Nursing, 2007
  • San Francisco State University, Clinical Nurse Specialist, 2007
  • Cali...
Expertise:
  • Adult critical care nursing
  • Adult medical surgical nursing
Cowell Hall 209

Dr. Cox is a dually board-certified adult nurse practitioner and adult psychiatric nurse practitioner, and certified public health nurse. Her specialty interests and NP work are in psychiatric mental health, addiction medicine, behavioral and community health of vulnerable populations, advocacy, and psychiatric consultation. She brings her clinical experience, interests, and enthusiasm for community and mental health to her teaching, service, clinical work, and volunteerism. Her focus is on...

Education:
  • USF, DNP, Family Nurse Practitioner Program, 2010
  • University of California, San Francisco, MSN, Adult and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Program, 1998
  • Brown University, Providence, RI, BA in...
Expertise:
  • Behavioral Health-Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing
  • Public Health, Community Health Nursing of Vulnerable Populations
  • Cognitive-Behavioral Modalities & Motivational Approaches
  • Psychiatric and Substance Use Disorders Management
Sacramento, Suite 360
Education:
  • University of San Francisco, MSN, 2019
Expertise:
  • Women's health
Cowell Hall 325

Mary Lou De Natale has expertise in community mental health and telehealth case management with the underserved in the community and their partners / families. For the past twenty nine years, she has been involved in the bachelors, masters, and DNP programs (committee member of doctoral dissertations in the School of Education and School of Nursing and Health Professions - DNP projects). Her professional and personal mission, clinical practice, and research revolve around health care advocacy...

Education:
  • Post-Doctoral Academic Program of Study, Social and Behavioral Health-Health Policy
  • University of San Francisco, EdD, 1989
  • San Jose State University, MSN, 1978
  • University of San Francisco, BSN...
Expertise:
  • Community and mental health nursing
  • Maternal-child nursing and pediatric

Dr. John Hurley loves to teach and has been teaching in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at USF for over eight years. He has thirty-seven years of experience as a clinical nurse, fifteen as nursing staff development and eight years of pediatric simulation teaching experience. He created and implemented a program for developing, nurturing, and sustaining the interior life of the nurse.

Education:
  • DNP. Samuel Merritt University, Oakland, CA
  • MSN, Sonoma State University, Rohnert Park, CA
  • Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA
  • BSN...
Cowell Hall 307

Dr. Ann Lawani received her PhD in nursing from the University of San Diego. Her unique professional background includes small business accounting, clinical nursing practice and leadership. She is a practicing registered nurse; her clinical experience entails adult cardio-pulmonary, stroke, Cystic Fibrosis and orthopedic patient populations across multiple health care settings, including acute care and hospice facilities. A scholar and life-long learner, Dr. Lawani’s area of research includes...

Education:
  • PhD in Nursing, University of San Diego
  • Graduate Certificate, Leadership and Administration in Hospice and Palliative Care, University of Maryland, Baltimore
  • Master of Science in Nursing-Clinical...
Expertise:
  • Palliative Care and Healthcare Utilization
  • Hospice and End-of-Life Transitions
Cowell Hall 306

Lisa is a proud triple USF Don earning her BSN, MSN and DNP from USF SONHP. She has over 38 years of healthcare experience in clinical, education, and leadership. She is active in the USF Alumni Association and is an active member of many nursing organizations. She was instrumental in establishing simulation at SONHP and has spoken locally, regionally, and nationally on simulation. Lisa was the Director of the Clinical Performance and Simulation Centers and was instrumental in implementing...

Education:
  • University of San Francisco, SONHP, DNP, 2015
  • University of San Francisco, SONHP, MSN, 2008
  • University of San Francisco, SONHP, BSN, 1983
Expertise:
  • Simulation
  • Telehealth
  • Homecare

Part-Time Faculty

Lynda entered nursing because of her passion for experiencing diverse cultures and her interest in global health. Through summer internships during her BSN program — first with Crossroads Africa and then in Harlan, Kentucky — she gained experience serving communities with rich histories and cultures. She found her calling.

Early in her career, she worked with the International Rescue Committee in Thailand, assisting Cambodian refugees, a life-changing experience. At the San Francisco Unified...

Education:
  • Johns Hopkins University, MPH in International Health, 1980
  • Columbia University, BSN in Nursing, 1977
Expertise:
  • Adolescent immunizations 
  • Oral health and impact on systemic health
  • Global health opportunities for nurses

Breanna Esche, BSN, RN, PHN, CEN, is an Adjunct Professor at the University of San Francisco’s School of Nursing and Health Professions. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from USF in 2022 and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree with a focus as a Family Nurse Practitioner.

With clinical experience spanning emergency nursing, home health, geriatrics, medical-surgical care, and public health, Breanna is committed to advancing high-quality, compassionate care...

Education:
  • University of San Francisco, Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Expertise:
  • Emergency nursing
  • Home health
  • Geriatrics
  • Medical-surgical care
  • Public health

Koleana McGuire is adjunct faculty, serving as a clinical instructor for the University of San Francisco’s School of Nursing and Health Professions. Ms. McGuire’s primary role as a clinical nurse at Stanford Health Care focuses on her specialty in Cardiology and vascular surgery.

Education:
  • San Francisco State University, Bachelor of Science in Nursing
  • University of Hawai’i, Manoa, Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Rehabilitation
  • City College of San Francisco, Associate Degree...
Expertise:
  • Cardiology
  • Vascular surgery
  • Advanced medical surgical nursing

Mary Joann Mette has over 35 years of Nursing experience, ranging from Critical Care Nursing to Leadership positions as Chief Nursing Officer for 15 years for a large California Healthcare System.
 

Education:
  • University of San Francisco, DNP
  • Columbia University, MPH
  • Mt St Mary's College, BSN
Expertise:
  • Leadership
  • Critical care administration

Surbhi T. Singh, MSN, NP-C, PHN, CCRN, CNRN, is an accomplished nurse, clinician, and educator with more than a decade of experience in critical care. She currently serves as a Clinical Nurse IV in the Neuroscience ICU at Stanford Health Care, where she provides advanced care for neurocritical and neurosurgical patients, mentors nursing staff, and contributes to unit-based committees promoting excellence in practice.

Singh began her nursing career at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in...

Education:
  • West Coast University, Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner,
  • West Coast University, Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Expertise:
  • Neurosciences ICU
  • Medicine ICU
  • Surgical ICU
  • Cardiovascular ICU
  • Trauma ICU

Faculty Emeritus

Dr. Elizabeth Cooper is an experienced clinical systems management expert. Her work focused on quality and safety education for nursing. Dr. Cooper has also contributed to the nursing education by submitting for publication a number of her research projects and investigations.

Dr. Cooper received her master’s in nursing and doctor in nurse practitioner degrees at the University of San Francisco. Dr. Copper’s research interests are in the areas of nursing education, assessment surveys, patient...

Education:
  • RN Diploma, Abbott-Northwestern School of Nursing
  • BS, College of St. Francis
  • MSN, University of San Francisco
  • DNP, University of San Francisco
Expertise:
  • Clinical Systems Management
  • Cardiovascular Intensive Care
  • Adult Health
  • Professional Development

Dr. Gregory DeBourg taught at the University of San Francisco School of Nursing and Health Professions from 1993 - 2019. Dr. DeBourg started as an adjunct faculty and, in 1998, became a full-time professor in the School of Nursing and Health Professions. Dr. DeBourgh taught NURS 370 - Medical-Surgical Nursing I: Management of Comprehensive Adult Patient Care, a course emphasizing synthesis and application of knowledge. In 2014 Dr. BeBourgh shared during an interview why he flipped his entire...

Education:
  • AS, College of Marin
  • BS, University of California at San Francisco
  • MS, University of California at San Francisco
  • EdD, University of San Francisco
Expertise:
  • Patient safety and quality systems
  • Interprofessional collaborative practice
  • International consultation
  • Professional development and performance improvement consultation
  • Clinical, classroom, and online instruction
  • Multimedia instructional...

Susan Prion, EdD, RN, CNE, CHSE is the associate dean of and a professor in the nursing department. She holds baccalaureate degrees in biology and chemistry from Muskingum College and a BS in nursing from Case Western Reserve University. She has a master’s degree in nursing from the University of California San Francisco and an MEd in instructional technology from San Jose State University. Professor Prion also holds a doctorate in curriculum and instruction.

She is actively engaged in...

Education:
  • BS, Muskingum College, New Concord, Ohio
  • BS Nursing, Case Wester Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
  • MS Nursing, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
  • MEd...
Expertise:
  • Simulation
  • Instructional technology
  • Multimedia