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Ana Donlan, RNCurrent Position: Neonatal Nurse, Novant Health
Education: BSN, University of Connecticut Ana was born in Santiago, Chile. She grew up in Chile and Venezuela before immigrating to the United States. She has lived in New Jersey, Florida, Texas, Ohio, Michigan, and Connecticut and now resides in Leland North Carolina. Ana obtained her degree in Bachelors of Science in Nursing from University of Connecticut. For 30 years, Ana worked in the NICU of the John Dempsey Hospital for the State of Connecticut; she enjoyed working with Spanish-speaking families and aided in English-Spanish translation and instruction. Ana recently came back from retirement to work for Novant Health to support COVID-19 vaccine implementation and to work in their Nursing float pool in the Wilmington, NC area.
Ana is the mother of four children. She enjoys traveling globally for leisure and for medical-based programs. She has traveled to four continents, most recently Asia (India) to support medical programs in smaller communities. Ana has two dogs Petey and Halley. In her free time, Ana trains dogs for therapeutic, water work and agility certifications. |
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Asiah Odongo Bakari, RNCurrent Position: NNETS Program administrator, Nakasero Hospital, Kamapla, Uganda.
Education: Diploma in Nursing from Clive Irvine College of Nursing and Bachelors in Public Administration and Management from Victoria University. Currently pursuing Masters in Healthcare Management from Strathmore University. “After my high school education, I took most of my life at home with parents and siblings helping out with family and community activities (born in Kenya, Kakamega county, sixth born in a family of eight) . It is during this time that I developed desire for caring service. This spurred my effort to seek professional nursing training whereas most of my family members opted for educational careers. I joined Clive Irvine school of nursing and obtained diploma in CHN. This enabled me join Kenya health fraternity workforce as licensed nurse and secured engagements in various mission-run facilities. I was privileged to work in a low marginalized community where female genital mutilation (FGM) was done on every woman. FGM resulted in difficult births and consequent loss of babies due to lack of good roads to the health facilities. I developed a great passion to support them through the entire process and fight against FGM. As a young adult professional I pursued both personal and career excellence. I was motivated to pursue multinational and diverse assignments which landed me work placement out of Kenya. While executing services for my employers, I have continued to pursue career-advancement aiming for graduate status and even higher levels of knowledge and skills.
I am married and blessed with a daughter and son. I enjoy life, love tranquil environments, cooking, good company and the privilege of upholding my prophesied spirituality.” |
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Cheryl Riley, DNP, APRN, NNP-BCCurrent Position: Clinical Professor and Coordinator of the Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Program at the Louise Herrington School of Nursing, Baylor University. Dr. Riley teaches in the DNP core and neonatal specific courses.
Education: Dr. Riley received her BSN in 1994 and her MSN/NNP in 2003 from Baylor University and her DNP from Creighton University in 2012. Cheryl's research interests focus on improving neonatal mortality rates and increasing nurse capacity globally. She has implemented many projects in Hyderabad, India and surrounding villages on Helping Babies Breathe, delayed cord clamping, breast feeding and skin to skin care. APGAR scoring, the Pad Project and Cycle beads for child spacing to name a few. In 2014 she was awarded the DNP Excellence Award. In 2017 she was awarded the D Magazine Nursing Excellent Award, the Baylor University Outstanding Faculty Award, and the Academy of Neonatal Nursing Excellence in Neonatal Practice.
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Dickson Tumusiine, MBBSCurrent Position: NNETS Program Lead in Kampala, Uganda
Education: MBchB, Mmed Paed & Child Health He has been practicing for 10 years as a Pediatrician. He has extensive working experience across Africa. He has previously worked as a specialist Pediatrician for 2 years in Southern Africa ( Lesotho, Maseru) at Queen Mamohato Memorial Hospital, the national referral hospital for Lesotho. He has also trained health workers in Uganda in helping babies breath (HBB) resuscitation program as well as essential newborn care.
The NNETS program was initiated by Dr. Dickson who made the initial commitment to start a neonatal training program to formalize and improve the training of neonatal nurses in Kampala, Uganda. He is dedicated to changing the trajectory of healthcare in Africa and the NNETS program is an attempt in that direction. |
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Dorcus Nalubega, BSM, RNCurrent Position: Coordinator, NNETS Program. NICU supervisor, Nakasero Hospital, Kampala, Uganda
Education: Diploma in Midwifery from Mulago School of Nursing, Degree in Midwifery – Agha Khan University, Kampala, Uganda. A passionate and dedicated nurse with over fifteen years of healthcare experience in a variety of medical settings especially in the neonatal unit. She says – “My greatest passion is to bring healing to babies who have health complications. In 2007 I graduated with Diploma in Midwifery from Mulago School of Nursing and Midwifery. I practiced for a year in an NGO and I worked as a midwife. I joined Nakasero Hospital in 2009, where I am working at present. In 2014, I was promoted to a NICU supervisor. In 2021, I earned a degree in midwifery at the Aga Khan University, Kampala, Uganda.
I am thrilled by this opportunity for neonatal training offered by NNETS and the opportunity for coordinating the program in Kampala, Uganda! Doing such work has been one of my goals for nearly a decade, so it is fulfilling to me both personally and professionally to finally get to do it. I am looking forward to receiving and working with the visiting faculty in Uganda. My other interests include; reading, singing, making friends and spending time with family. |
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Dorothy Vittner, PhD, RN, CHPECurrent Position: Assistant Professor of Nursing, Fairfield University, Marion Peckham Egan School of Nursing & Health Studies. Neonatal Nurse at UCONN Health.
Education: Ph.D. in Nursing, University of Connecticut Dorothy Vittner has a background of 30 years in Neonatal/Perinatal nursing with more than 20 years research experience that has focused on the care of high-risk infants and their families with a particular focus on infant brain development, neurobehavioral functioning, and the Newborn Individualized Developmental Care and Assessment Program (NIDCAP). She has been a strong leader in this program and works as a Senior NIDCAP Trainer, and vice-President of the NIDCAP Federation International (NFI), as well as on the BOD for the NFI. She has provided consultation and evaluations of hospital systems nationally and internationally, in addition to training multidisciplinary health professionals on infant behavior and development to improve outcomes for hospitalized infants hospitalized. Dorothy is an international expert that has lectured all over the world on infant neurodevelopment, translating theory into practice, and implementing NIDCAP and family-centered care strategies. Dorothy has also published many research articles, book chapters on infant behavior and development. She has a passion to enhance developing relationships at all levels and integrates reflective strategies into practice in the academic and clinical settings.
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Jan Ciemier, BSN, RNCurrent Position: Neonatal Nurse at UCONN Health
Education: BSN, University of Connecticut “After graduating from the University of Connecticut School of Nursing in 1982 I began my career as a nurse at UCONN Health/Connecticut Children’s Medical Center in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Also during this time I supported the nursing needs of a little boy who was vent dependent and Gtube fed in his home. Once a week we would go to school so he could interact with his peers. I was with him for 4 years until he passed away at the age of 8. After 40 years of a rewarding career, I recently retired, although I have chosen to stay on as a per diem at UCONN NICU. A unique and rewarding experience was when I traveled to India with Dr. Hussain in 2017 to teach the “Helping Babies Breathe” program. I am looking forward to getting to know our “sisters” in Uganda in October. In my free time I enjoy practicing yoga. I’ve been grateful to travel to Peru, Bali, Mexico and the Grand Canyon on group yoga retreats. Currently, my husband and I are renovating a 1902 historical home in North Carolina. Other interests include hiking with my dog Marty, reading, gardening, and spending time with my family – my 3 children and 4 beautiful grandchildren.”
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Joan Esper Kuhnly, DNP, APRN, NNP-BC, IBCLC, CNECurrent Position: Associate Professor, Westfield State University; Adjunct Faculty, University of Connecticut
Education: MSN, University of Connecticut, DNP, University of Connecticut "I’m thrilled to be part of the NNETS faculty! After my initial Baccalaureate education at University of Vermont, I earned my M.S. in Neonatal/Perinatal Nursing at University of Connecticut and then later my Doctorate in Nursing Practice there as well. I have worked clinically as a Surgical ICU Nurse, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse, and Clinical Nurse Specialist and Board-Certified Lactation Consultant. I have continued to work clinically while teaching. I teach all topics involved in perinatal care in the classroom and clinical settings along with research and transition to practice topics. I have embraced simulation as a teaching methodology as well. My research expertise is in lactation with late preterm infants and simulation pedagogy in nursing education. I have taught students abroad in S. Africa and Guatemala. I am a firm believer in supporting students in their education with active learning techniques, opportunities, and service learning while being realistic and approachable.
I live in Granby, CT where my husband, Scott and I have raised 5 children, the youngest being 21. Thank you for inviting me to assist in your learning journey!" |
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Karen McGuiness, APRN, MSN, NNP-BCCurrent Position: Neonatal Nurse Practitioner at Connecticut Children’s Hospital. Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) Instructor, S.T.A.B.L.E. Instructor
Education: Undergraduate - Bellevue Nursing School, Perinatal Masters in Nursing - Columbia University. Neonatal Certification - New York Hospital/Cornell Medical Center Karen has been a registered nurse for 45 years and a neonatal nurse practitioner for 30 years.
Educated in New York, Undergraduate from Bellevue Nursing School and Perinatal Masters in Nursing from Columbia University. Her neonatal certification is from New York Hospital/Cornell Medical Center. She has worked in the NICU at Lenox Hill Hospital in NYC, Yale New Haven Hospital and Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth, including five years as a member of the air transport team. Training in the Helping Babies Breath program 15 years ago, seeded her aspiration to serve as an educator for maternal child health globally. Mother of 6 adult children, Karen now has time for herb gardening and beekeeping, her favorite ways to rejuvenate! |
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Kathryn Miller, RNCurrent Position: Coordinator, NNETS Program, Neonatal Nurse, UCONN Health
Education: St. Francis College of Nursing, Hartford, Connecticut. “I’ve been a NICU RN for 40 years at UConn Health. I love providing direct patient care. I retired from my staff position in October of 2021 but continue to work per diem. In 2009 I had the life changing opportunity to travel to Hyderabad India to help the nurses at the NICE Foundation. I returned five times after that first trip. It is such an amazing honor to meet, learn from, and work with nurses from different parts of the world. I am looking forward to meeting and working with the nurses in Uganda.
Recently, as a grandmother, I was able to watch the wonderful work done by neonatal nurses when my grandson was born premature at 34 weeks gestation and required a NICU stay. My happiest moments are spent with my 3 daughters and my 2 grandchildren." |
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Maureen Gaspar, RN, BSN, MS, CLC, Current Position: S.T.A.B.L.E. and NP certified, Neonatal Nurse, UCONN Health.
Education: BSN, Niagara University, MSN, University of Connecticut. “I decided to become a nurse when I took a licensed practical nursing course my senior year of high school and completed it the following year. I continued on to receive my BSN from Niagara University in 1981 and my MS from the University of Connecticut in 1989. Much of this time I spent working as a float nurse while I continued my schooling, working on pediatric, adult and geriatric units, and in ICUs, regular and long-term units. In 1986, I had the opportunity to work in the NICU at the University of Connecticut and chose to stay here for the next 36 years and counting. I love the challenge of all the nonverbal communication that is necessary to care for these infants as well as caring for the whole family unit, assisting them in reading their baby’s signals and bonding with their baby. While I was working on my masters I had a chance to go to Haiti as coursework for a cross-cultural nursing program. I learned so much from this program about the caring in the nursing role that is universal, regardless of the amount of resources."
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Naveed Hussain, MBBS, DCH, FAAPCurrent Position: Director NNETS Program, Director of Neonatal Research, Neonatologist, Connecticut Children’s; Professor of Pediatrics, UCONN School of Medicine.
Education: MBBS, DCH, Osmania University, Hyderabad, India, Pediatric Residency, University of Connecticut, Neonatal-Perinatal Fellowship, University of Connecticut. “I have been an academic neonatologist at the University of Connecticut, USA, since 1994. I am the Global Health Education Director for the Connecticut Children’s Center for Global Health and a board member of the non-profit MERU (Medical Education Resources-Unlimited). I have been involved in Global Health-related activities since 2008.
Having trained as a physician in Hyderabad, India, and worked as a House Officer in the UK before migrating to the US, I have had the opportunity to work in various health care systems and practice in both high resource and low resource countries. Until recently, my global health activities were chiefly in India in partnership with the NICE Foundation in Hyderabad, Telangana. My work in Uganda started in 2019 and is mainly focused on skill and capacity building for advanced neonatal care. My work has centered on neonatal care at Nakasero Hospital, St. Francis Nsambya and Mengo Hospitals. I love to travel and experience various countries, cultures and cuisines." |
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Sharon Casavant, PhD, RNCurrent Position: Assistant professor, UCONN School of Nursing, Storrs, CT.
Education: BSN, University of Connecticut, MSN, University of Connecticut, Ph.D. in Nursing, University of Connecticut. Sharon is funded by the National Institutes of Health, and her research focuses on epigenetic alterations, such as gene expression and telomere length, in preterm infants that result from repeated painful procedures and may negatively influence neurodevelopment. She is currently broadening her research focus, investigating heritability of racial stress between parents and preterm infants via telomere length. As such, her long-term research interests involve the development of a comprehensive understanding of the interactions between genes and environment in Black mother-preterm infant dyads.
Her enthusiasm for nursing science is grounded not only upon scientific research but also in teaching and mentoring. She hopes to impart that our knowledge of the living world is not a static list of facts to memorize but is made up of very crucial and intricate elements that keep us functional. As a teacher, she encourages future nurse scientists, health care providers, and policymakers to be excited, engaged, and motivated to learn more. Committed to serving the nursing community both nationally and internationally, she serves as a research committee member for the National Association of Neonatal Nurses and the International Society of Nurses in Genetics. |
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Sheron Wagner, DNP APRN, NNP-BCCurrent Position: Baylor University School of Nursing, Clinical Professor. Parkland Health & Hospital Systems, Dallas Texas’ Millennium Neonatology, Texoma Texas
Education: DNP Univ. of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama., MSN Univ. of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama.’ BSN Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida “I have been in nursing since 1985 and I have had a variety of work experience. I have taught pediatric nursing at Brenau University and North Georgia College and State University in Atlanta, GA. I have worked clinically as a NNP since 2010 and I joined Baylor University Louise Herrington School of Nursing in 2021 as a Clinical Instructor, specializing in Neonatology teach students through lecture and simulation. Finally, I am involved in my local community.
Aside from spending time with my family, spends time doing outreach by teaching newborn stabilization to small community health facilities and also teach common neonatal procedures in simulations lab for nurse practitioners, Fellow and Attending physicians. I am certified STABLE and NRP instructor as well as Helping Babies Breathe (HBB) trainer. I am currently involved in global health initiatives in The Gambia with a focus on newborn respiratory distress management. I was a member of “Jamaica Yes” which is a charitable organization that provides school meals for underserved children in Jamaica.” |
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Terese M Donovan, MS, RN, NCC-ECurrent Position: Retired (Last worked at UCONN Health)
Education: BS Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA. MS - University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT. “I was commissioned as an officer in the Navy Nurse Corps in November 1974 and served at the Naval Regional Medical Center in Philadelphia, PA. My work in the newborn nursery piqued my interest in neonatal intensive care and I subsequently worked as a NICU staff nurse at Georgetown University Hospital, the National Naval Medical Center, and Primary Children’s Medical Center. After completing my Master’s degree, I was employed as a Perinatal Clinical Nurse Specialist in Eugene, Oregon. Upon moving back to the east coast, I accepted a position as Neonatal Clinical Specialist at UConn Health and held that position for 27 years. I was certified as a neonatal practitioner in 1991, although I remained dedicated to the CNS role. I was one of the first NRP instructors nationally, taught by national faculty member Dr John Raye. As CNS, my primary commitment was to developing high standards of practice for our nursing staff and to be their advocate. I also spent 5 years working in UConn Health’s Staff Development Department and 9 years as a clinical instructor/teaching assistant in the University of Connecticut School of Medicine. I have been fully retired since 2020. i was privileged to travel to Hyderabad, India in 2015 with Dr. Hussain to as a faculty and team member assisting with establishment of a neonatal hypothermia program. I maintain connection with health care through my membership on the Institutional Review Boards for both UConn Health and The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine. I feel privileged to share my knowledge as part of this endeavor.”
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