Health Sciences Faculty

Rebecca Zolotor currently serves as the dean and vice president for the School of Health Sciences, previously serving as the Associate Dean for over a decade. Her career in higher education includes faculty and department chair positions nationally and abroad. Prior professional experience includes key management positions in the pharmaceutical industry, bench research, coordination of research trials, and pharmacy practice in hospitals, pharmacies, and insurance companies. Zolotor’s area of expertise is new program development, integration of health industry trends and standards, and interdepartmental operations and project coordination. 

She serves as a textbook and multimedia reviewer for several major publishing companies and is a peer reviewer for medical journals. Additionally, Zolotor is a Peer Corps Reviewer for the Higher Learning Commission. Zolotor holds a Lean Green Belt certificate as well as certificates in Teaching English as a Foreign Language and Teaching Business English, and has a courtesy appointment in the Department of Pharmacy Practice at Purdue University.

Education: PharmD, Nova Southeastern University; MS, University of Connecticut; BA, Emory University

Certifications: Registered Pharmacist, Lean Green Belt certification, Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) Certification

Gina Quesinberry supports the academic department chairs, program chairs, and dean in the day-to-day operations of the School of Health Sciences, helping to ensure the school’s overall goals and missions are aligned with and supportive of the Purdue Global strategic missions and goals. She contributes to the overall success of the school through positive, collaborative relationships with peers and external departments, working synergistically on special projects with colleagues throughout Purdue Global, our vendor partners, and the extended Purdue University family. Committed to fostering academic excellence and student success, Quesinberry has been a member of the Center for Teaching and Learning Advisory Board, the Purdue Global Village Steering Committee, the Assessment Advisory Committee, the Virtual Reality Steering Committee, Chairperson for the Doctoral Education Benefit Committee. Additionally, Quesinberry was co-chair of the Purdue Global Awards Committee which was responsible for the development of the Purdue G.L.O.B.A.L. Distinction Awards.

After starting her career at the Janet P. Lewis Child Development Center in 1996, Quesinberry later joined Strayer University, Grand Canyon University, and Purdue Global as an adjunct faculty member and assistant chair. She has a diverse teaching portfolio and has experience working with individuals and families facing housing instability, people with disabilities, and adolescents receiving psychiatric care.

Education: MA, East Tennessee State University; Certificate in Web Application Development, Capella University

Certifications: Six Sigma White Belt Certification, RYT200

Honors and Achievements: 2015 Great Place Kaplan Way Leadership Award Finalist (Kaplan University), 2009 Arts and Health Sciences Administrator Award (Kaplan University), 2009 Provost’s Circle Designation for Excellence in Instruction (Strayer University)

Nancy Szwydek is an assistant dean at Purdue Global. She oversees compliance within the School of Health Sciences and manages and monitors programmatic accreditation processes and documentation for multiple programs. Szwydek has previously served as the academic program chair for the medical billing and coding, associate of health science, health information management, and health informatics programs. Szwydek spearheaded the approval of the American Health Information Management Association Professional Certificate Approval Program (PCAP) for the billing and coding program, accreditation for the Bachelor of Health Information Management (BSHIM) program, and the Health Information Management and Systems Society (HIMSS) Approved Education Partner (AEP) designation for the master of health informatics and health information management programs.

Before working in education, Szwydek worked as a registered nurse for over 30 years. She serves as an item and module writer for electrocardiography, phlebotomy, and medical assisting exams through the National Healthcareer Association. She also serves as an accreditation peer reviewer for the Commission of Accreditation for Allied Health Programs (CAAHEP) and Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB) and was elected to the MAERB board in 2019, where she served as a Co-Chair for two years.

Education: MPH, BHS, and AAS, Kaplan University (now Purdue Global); Nursing Diploma, Maryland General Hospital School of Nursing

Certifications:  Registered Nurse (RN); Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA); Registered Medical Assistant (RMA); Certified Rhythm Analysis Technician (CRAT); and Clinical Medical Assistant Certificate (CMAC).     

Publications: Chief Editor for Kaplan’s Medical Assistant Exam Strategies, Practice, & Review RN; RHIA; CRAT; RMA; CMAC

Honors and Achievements: School of Health Sciences Leadership Award (Kaplan University). Purdue University Global Accomplished Learner Award, additional excellence awards

Memberships: American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA); American Medical Technologists (AMT); American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA); Health Informatics and Management Systems Society (HIMSS)

Lanie Wright is responsible for student-related operations activities such as handling escalations, issues, and concerns. To strengthen student retention and satisfaction, she also identifies and implements service improvement strategies. Prior to her career in higher education, Wright spent 17 years in the financial sector including roles in accounting, financial analysis, management, and operations. Since 2007 she has also served in various academic positions including adjunct faculty, course lead and faculty mentor, faculty developer, and faculty payroll analyst.

Education: EJD, Concord Law School (now Purdue Global Law School); MBA, Park University; BS, William Jewel College

Zeynep Behjet serves as the academic department chair for the Health Informatics program and the doctoral consultant for the Doctor of Health Science students. In this role, Behjet guides doctoral students through applied projects, fostering practical experience in healthcare. Her mentorship enables students to apply their learning to real-world challenges, thereby enhancing their ability to drive improvements in healthcare through innovative uses of technology.

Her professional interests center around utilizing clinical informatics to enhance quality improvement and patient safety. Behjet is deeply committed to improving healthcare outcomes through the strategic integration of technology and data analysis, demonstrating a steadfast dedication to advancing the field of medicine. Her work influences educational strategies and curriculums and contributes significantly to the broader discourse on patient care and safety.

Education: MD, University of Tikrit College of Medicine; MEd in Health Education, Plymouth State University; MS in Health Informatics, Purdue Global

Publications: Nakip, Ali; Mario Cruz; Jordie Martin; Juhee Patel; Neil Alessio; Steve Montoya; John Ngo; and Zeynep Behjet. "Implementing a New Patient Flow Management System at the Addiction and Substance Abuse Program (ASAP)." (2023). https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/hsc_qips/84

Certifications: Graduate Certificate in Eating Disorders

Memberships: Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS); The American Medical Informatics Association (AMIA); The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)

Research Interests: Utilizing clinical informatics for quality improvement and patient safety, telemedicine, electronic health records use and physician burnout, and data analytics.

David Feuz is the academic department chair at Purdue Global for the Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Bachelor of Science in Health and Wellness programs. Feuz previously served as an adjunct professor at Purdue Global, a private nutrition consultant, and an instructor and program developer for various universities and private educational institutions. Feuz is also the co-founder and director of a nutrition education and consulting company that facilitates a community for recent graduates and nutrition professionals seeking certification support, professional networking, continuing education, and business development mentorship. As a U.S. Coast Guard veteran, he is passionate about helping military students maximize their education and successfully position themselves for a career in nutrition, health, and wellness or advance their current military career.  

Education: MS, Maryland University of Integrative Health; BA, Elizabethtown College

Certifications: Certified Nutrition Specialist® (CNS®); Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist (LDN); Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition® (BCHN®)     

Memberships: American Nutrition Association (ANA); National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP)

Christopher Gallucci is the academic department chair for the public health and health education and promotion programs. Prior to this position, he was an adjunct professor at Purdue Global and managed the division of Community Health and Performance Management within his county health department in Florida. During that time, Gallucci had oversight over ten public health programs and led efforts to attain accreditation through the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB). Before his career in Florida, Gallucci was certified by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) as an environmental health specialist for Hays County, TX. As an Army veteran having served with the 101st Airborne, Gallucci hopes to leverage his experience to help military students get the most out of their education.    

Education:  DHSc, Nova Southeastern University; MPH, University of Florida; BSc, Quinnipiac University; Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Palm Beach State College; MSA Arabic, Defense Language Institute

Certifications: CPH, LSSYB, TCEQ, FEMA ICS, OSHA, NASM-CPT, ARDMS-OB/GYN & AB

Memberships:  NACCHO, ASPPH

Karen Getman began her career at Purdue Global as the Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management (BSHIM) Program Chair. She currently serves as Academic Department Chair, overseeing the BSHIM and Medical Billing & Coding (MBC) certificate programs. Prior to joining Purdue Global, Getman started her academic career as a faculty member at Mohawk Valley Community College, eventually becoming a Health Information Technology (HIT) Program Coordinator and attaining the rank of Associate Professor. During this time, she played a vital role in revitalizing the Health Information Technology program, transforming it into a fully online program.

Besides her academic achievements, Getman also brings significant industry experience. She has worked as a Health Information Management (HIM) Manager in long-term care and family clinic settings, where she successfully oversaw daily Health Information operations, implemented best practices, and ensured compliance with regulatory standards. Early in her career, she had the unique opportunity of starting up a HIM department for a new Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC). She developed and implemented policies and procedures, researched and purchased essential equipment, and eventually managed both the skilled nursing and assisted living units. Her expertise in HIM operations and her ability to establish efficient processes were instrumental in the successful launch of the HIM department

Education: MS Instructional Technology, Fort Hays State University; BPS Health Information Management, SUNY Polytechnic

Certifications: Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA)        

Honors and Achievements: 2022 NYHIMA: Educator’s Award; 2022 MVCC: Excellence in Teaching Award; 2022-present: co-Education Director for NYHIMA; 2023-present: Advisory Board, Ultimate Medical Academy; 2023-present: Advisory Board, Indian Hills CC

Memberships: American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA); Healthcare Information & Management Systems Society (HIMSS) and New York Health Information Management Association (NYHIMA)

Research Interests: Digital health, Information Technology, academic administrative processes,  mentorship, and effective leadership.

Stefanie Jones is the academic department chair for the master of health care administration, bachelor of science in health care administration, medical office administration certificate, and graduate telehealth micro-credential programs. Previously, Jones served as the department chair for a public university, where she led the undergraduate and graduate health administration programs and taught as an associate professor in both the traditional and online settings. Jones founded a health care consulting firm, served as the deputy director of health regulation for a state government agency, and led both for-profit and nonprofit health care organizations. Jones has authored several textbooks, articles, and white papers, and she has acted as a reviewer for a professional journal and an editorial advisory board member for a publishing company.

Education:  DHA, Medical University of South Carolina; MHA, University of South Carolina at Columbia; BA, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill              

Publications: Several white papers and peer reviewed articles, and four books: Competency-Based Care & Facility Assessments: A Compliance Guide for F726 and F838; The Long-Term Care Compliance Toolkit; Long-Term Care Quality Measures: A Guide to Data Analysis, Performance Improvement, and Public Reporting; The Theft Prevention Guide for Senior Living              

Memberships: American College of Healthcare Executives, Association of University Programs in Health Administration, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., HCPro Billers Association and PPS Alert - Advisory Board Member, Journal of Quality in Health Care & Economics – Editorial Board Member 

Research Interests: Health care operations, policy, and quality

Danielle Scheetz is the academic department chair for the Medical Assistant Certificate and Bachelor of Science in Health Science programs. Before this role, she served as the department chair and practicum coordinator for the medical assistant and medical office management programs at the Cedar Rapids and Cedar Falls locations of the School of Health Sciences (formerly Kaplan University). Scheetz has been extensively involved with the medical assistant program since 2009, starting as an adjunct professor and teaching various courses. She also volunteers as an accreditation site surveyor for the Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB) and the Commission on Accreditation for Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Before her academic career, she owned and operated a chiropractic office.           

Education: DC, Palmer College of Chiropractic; BA, Grand View University

Certifications: CCMA(NHA)         

Honors and Achievements: SME for McGraw Hill 2021-Present

SME for National Health Career Association (NHA) 2021-Present

Board member, National Health Career Association (NHA) 2022-Present

Board member, Ultimate Medical Academy 2024-Present

Wesley Benton teaches various undergraduate classes for the School of Health Sciences and has been a faculty member at Purdue Global since 2008. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in distance higher education, having taught in both online and on-campus formats in institutions since 2004. As an educator, Benton specializes in leveraging technology to assist students in learning complex material and is known for his ability to create a supportive learning environment where both novice and experienced adult students thrive and learn.

Education: DC, Logan University; MA; MSEd

Honors and Achievements: Distinguished FT Adjunct, 2012 Excellence in Teaching Award (Davenport University), additional teaching awards

Jennifer Claire has worked with the School of Health Sciences since early 2007. She teaches undergraduate courses in health care administration, but previously taught in the medical office administration and medical assisting programs. Claire has been an active member of numerous committees throughout Purdue Global, including the Curriculum Committee, IRB, Faculty Senate, Academic Appeals Committee, and the Innovation and Learning Committee. She has also served as a Portfolio Evaluator and Faculty Advisor for student clubs. Prior to Purdue Global, she taught health science and medical assisting at various colleges and schools. She began her career as a nursing assistant, followed by medical assistant, RN, and then office manager at various medical practices. Claire is working on a Patient Advocate Certification.              

Education: MS Law, Kaplan University; MSHS, Touro University; MSPH, Trident University International; BS Psychology, Chapman University; BS Sociology, Trinity University

Publications: The Secrets of a Nigh Nigh

The mind body connection

Exam Study Methods for the Online Student: Here is What Really Works!

Developing a Cohesive Course with Effective Student Learning Outcomes

Miracle, Upon Miracle. Turning cancer tragedy into triumph

Certifications: Post-bachelor paralegal certification; Graduate certificate in law, Certified Alternative Health Practitioner, Certified Allied Health Instructor (CAHI) Registered Medical Assistant (RMA)

Honors and Achievements: Faculty Scholarship Award, Purdue Global 2019; 2013, 2011 Outstanding Faculty Award (Kaplan University); Graduation speaker Chapman University and Cero Coso Community College. Proceeds from Claire's book, The Secrets of a Nigh Nigh were used to create a scholarship fund for single moms returning to school.    

Memberships: HCCA (Health Care Compliance Association); American Medical Technologist Society; Online Learning Consortium; Society for Information Technology and Teacher Education; Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE); National Teachers Association; International Association of Administrative Professionals; American Association of University Women

Research Interests: Effective teaching methods, ethics, bioethics, leadership styles, DEI, naturopathic medicine, integrative oncology

Sean Craig teaches a variety of undergraduate courses in the School of Health Sciences, assists with curriculum development, and works passionately with students to provide a path forward in their pursuit of a health-science-focused career. Craig joined Purdue Global as a part-time faculty member and later transitioned into a full-time member. Prior to working in higher education, he managed and grew a team of nutrition professionals that provided virtual counseling for clients across the country. Additionally, through his work as a registered dietitian and certified personal trainer, Craig has a decade of professional experience working with diverse populations in a health and wellness capacity.          

Education: MS, Saint Elizabeth University; BS, Mansfield University of Pennsylvania          

Certifications: Registered and licensed dietitian               

Honors and Achievements: Recipient of White House Healthy Campus Certificate

Memberships: National Nutrition Academy and Local Nutrition Associations

Research Interests: Rapport building and long-term client outcomes in an outpatient counseling setting, sports nutrition in adolescent populations

Kim Dunn teaches various undergraduate courses in the health care administration and medical assisting program at Purdue Global over 15 years ago. In addition to teaching, Dunn works in the medical field, where she has over 30 years of experience in a number of positions and sub-specialty practices. Currently, she serves as a consultant for a large regional health information exchange as well as a member of the readmission coalition for her community.              

Education: MBA/MHA, Pfeiffer University; MS in Psychology with a concentration in Addictions, Purdue University Global      

Publications: Phlebotomy Skills for the Nurse

Certifications: Professional Coder (CPC), Certified Professional in Healthcare Risk Management, Applied Behavior Analysis

Memberships: American Academy of Professional Coders, American Association of Medical Assistants, American Medical Technology, Medical Group Management Association

Research Interests: Improving patient education and coordination of care in the post-acute setting

Christopher Gransberry teaches several graduate courses in the School of Health Sciences at Purdue Global. Gransberry began his career with the university as an adjunct faculty member and transitioned to course leader, then full-time faculty where he specializes in health information governance, healthcare technology, health informatics, and healthcare operations management. His industry expertise includes electronic health record (EHR) implementation, change management, and utilization in support of key healthcare goals, objectives, and deliverables during the deployment of an EHR software application using a comprehensive set of strategies and project management. Gransberry has led numerous research studies and authored articles, policy briefs, and position papers. He is a trained instructional designer and has developed academic courses at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels.        

Education: PhD, Northcentral University; PMHOM, Nebraska Methodist College; MHI, Louisiana Tech University; BGS, Southern University at New Orleans; AGS, Delgado Community College

Publications: A Quantitative Study to Explore the Relationship Between Organizational Leadership and Employee Innovation

How Emotional Intelligence Promote Leadership and Management Practices

Current Industry Trends and Future Career Outlook in Health Informatics

Certifications: Certified Healthcare Technology Specialist: Implementation Manager (CHTS-IM); Certified Associate in Healthcare Information and Management Systems (CAHIMS); Executive Leadership (NSLS-EL) Certification; Certified Federal Program/Project Management (FAC-P/PM) Professional; Certification in Effective Online Teaching Practices (ACUE)         

Memberships: American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA); The National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS); Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS)

Research Interests: Electronic health record modernization; Social determinants of health; Health science workforce and leadership development

Shelly Johnsen has over 30 years of experience in Health Information Management and has held many different leadership positions, as well as serving as a Joint Commission accreditation specialist and a subject matter expert in electronic health records (EHRs). Johnsen teaches undergraduate courses in the BS Health Information Management program at Purdue Global. She began her teaching career at the University in 2013 as a part-time adjunct and became a full-time university faculty member in August 2018. Johnsen also serves on the Learning and Leadership Community Advisory Board, GEL Committee, BSHIM/MBC Advisory Committee, and the Ultimate Medical Academy – Medical Billing and Coding Advisory Board. In addition to teaching, she also does outreach for medical coding students as a tutor/mentor. Johnsen’s involvement with AHIMA includes serving on the RHIT Certification Exam Development Committee. She also volunteers as the Education Liaison for the Michigan Health Information Management Association.    


Education: MBA, Tiffin University; BHS, Ferris State University

Certifications: Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT)

Memberships: American Health Information Management Association, Michigan Health Information Management Association

Todd Kane is a full-time faculty member in the School of Health Sciences at Purdue Global, where he teaches undergraduate courses in health care finance, quality improvement, and health care management. Kane’s experience in business, human resources, health care, and health care administration spans more than 20 years. During this time, he served as president and chief executive officer of a multi-million dollar private national health care recruitment, human resources, and outsourcing firm for more than a decade, as vice president of a publicly traded health care staffing and outsourcing firm, and in various leadership positions including chief operating officer, regional vice president, and regional director.

Education: MEd, MBA, BBA, Northcentral University; MSIT, Kaplan University (now Purdue Global)

Jericho Leftwich began his career with Purdue Global in 2021 as an adjunct faculty and became a full-time faculty member in 2022 for the School of Health Sciences. Leftwich is a board-certified Doctor of Natural Medicine, Holistic Health Practitioner, Master Herbalist, Homeopathic Practitioner, and Usui Reiki Master/Teacher who maintains a private holistic health care practice. Leftwich is also a public health practitioner with focus areas in infectious diseases, program management, and system building using the Collective Impact Model. Prior to establishing his private practice, he served as the Regional HIV/STD Program Manager for the Texas Department of State Health Services and has worked as a Contract & Compliance Officer for the City of Houston Health Department.   

Education: MPH, Kaplan University; BS, Chowan University          

Certifications: Board Certified Doctor of Natural Medicine, Board Certified Holistic Health Practitioner, Certified Homeopathic Practitioner, Certified Master Herbalist, Certified Reiki Master/Teacher,  Certified Traditional Naturopath            

Memberships: Board Member, American Association of Natural Wellness Practitioner (AANWP)

Research Interests: Metaphysical science, herbal medicine, meditation and health, mindfulness-based stress reduction, conscious living, public health practices

Sandra Masten teaches various graduate courses in the Masters of Health Information Management Program and Health Informatics programs, as well as undergraduate courses in the Health Information Management BS program. Previously, Masten has worked as a health information management department director for various health care organizations.      

Education: Doctor of Health Sciences, A.T. Still University, Mesa, AZ; MS Health Services Administration, University of Central Florida; BS Health Information Management, University of Central Florida; Licensed Practical Nurse, Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences, Orlando, FL            

Publications: "Acknowledgement for Fourth Edition Review:  Sanderson, Susan, “Computers in the Medical Office.” McGraw-Hill, 2007.

The Blending of Health Information and Health Informatics.  Blog Post.  July 11, 2022 Purdue Global University

Certifications: Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA), Billing & Coding Specialist (BCSC), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Certified Professional in Healthcare Information and Management Systems (CPHIMS)

Honors and Achievements: Community service hours tutoring young adults seeking GED

Memberships: Member of National (AHIMA), State (NCAHIMA) and Local Health Information Management Associations. Member of National and State Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS)

Research Interests: Global health

Holly Parker teaches several courses in the School of Health Sciences at Purdue Global. She began her career with the university as an adjunct faculty member and soon transitioned to full-time faculty and course leader. She has served on the Academic Appeals Committee and the Faculty Senate as well as the Science GEL Committee. She has significant experience revising courses and working with the curriculum team to ensure the classes she works with are relevant and up to date in terms of current industry trends. In addition, Parker has experience managing the office of a medical clinic as well as owning a company responsible for creating electronic health records. She is also a certified integrative health and nutrition coach, working one-on-one with individuals to help them improve their health and wellness holistically.

Education: MA, Missouri State University; BS, Missouri State University; BS, Kaplan University

Certifications: Medical Billing and Coding Certificate (Kaplan University); Medical Records Transcription Certificate; Integrative Nutrition Certificate; Stress Management Certificate              

Honors and Achievements: 2016 Spirit of Excellent Award (Kaplan University); 2014 Outstanding Full Time Faculty (Kaplan University)             

Memberships: National Wellness Institute; American Holistic Health Association, American Medical Certification Association Certificate

Research Interests: Food security in economically insecure populations, end-of-life and Hospice care, the emerging use of psychedelic plant medicine to aid in the management of anxiety, depression, PTSD, end-of-life anxiety, memory issues and neurogenesis

Michael Snell is a faculty member in the bachelor’s degree in health care administration program at Purdue Global. He specializes in health care administration, health care policy and economics, and operational analysis and quality improvement. With more than 20 years of managerial health care experience, Snell has worked for a variety of private, nonprofit, and government health care entities, including the Washington State Medical Quality Assurance Commission. He was appointed and re-appointed to the Commission by the governor of Washington. Snell served in this role for 6 years, during which he helped establish the policies and procedures for the practice of health care in the state.

Education: DBA, MBA, University of Phoenix; EJD, Concord University; MCSS, MCPM, Villanova University

Leslie Young teaches a wide range of nutrition courses, assists with course curriculum development, and serves on various University committees such as the Library Committee and the General Education Literacy (GEL) Committee. She frequently helps guide students with degree, career, and certification related questions. Young has been teaching college nutrition courses in the traditional and online environments since 2006. She has also worked as a clinical dietitian in both hospital and home healthcare fields and has extensive training in nutrition support methods. Young has authored articles and given presentations on topics relating to:  essential oils, dietary collagen, navigating the nutrition job market and the link between adolescent nutrition habits, weight status & activity levels on adult metabolism.

Education: MS, Winthrop University; BS, Appalachian State University

Certifications: Registered and licensed dietitian

Honors and Achievements: 2015 Kaplan Way Award (Kaplan University); 2005 State Dietitian of the Year

Memberships: Local and national nutrition associations,  American Holistic Health Association

Research Interests: Effect of childhood and adolescent obesity on early development of type 2 diabetes