ANEW Students
Meet our Students
Our Students share their passion for serving rural and underserved communities, and their reasons for working with ANEW
Alli Krause
Clinical Site: United Community Health Center (UCHC) – Green Valley
Hello, my name is Alli. I was born in Tucson, Arizona, and raised in Northern California. After graduating from high school, I returned to Tucson to begin my higher education at Pima
Community College before transferring to the University of Arizona, where I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 2020. Following graduation, I worked as a psychiatric scribe at a level one behavioral health hospital, an experience that solidified my desire to pursue a career as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.I went on to complete the Master’s Entry to the Profession of Nursing (MEPN) program at the University of Arizona in 2023 and was subsequently accepted into the Doctor of Nursing
Practice (DNP) program with a focus in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Practice. While completing my doctoral coursework, I have worked as a behavioral health nurse in an outpatient rural clinic, where I developed a strong commitment to serving underserved and vulnerable populations.Through my work with interprofessional healthcare teams, I have gained valuable clinical experience that has strengthened my behavioral health knowledge and supported patient
engagement in mental health treatment. I firmly believe that access to high-quality mental healthcare is a fundamental right for all individuals. As a future DNP-PMHNP, I aspire to work
with pediatric, adolescent, and young adult populations to improve mental health outcomes and promote health equity.Outside of my academic and professional pursuits, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, caring for my pets, exercising, practicing self-care, and attending concerts.
These experiences have reinforced my dedication to advancing accessible, patient-centered mental healthcare and to making a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals and
communities I serve.
Andrea P. Alvarez
Clinical Site: Desert Senita, Arizona City
My commitment to healthcare was forged early through years of volunteer work with hospitalized children, where I learned that healing begins with presence, advocacy, and human connection. Those experiences shaped my values and made nursing not just a career choice, but a calling.
I was raised in Ascension, Chihuahua, Mexico, a rural community where limited access to healthcare exposed the realities of inequity firsthand. Watching families navigate illness with minimal resources instilled in me a deep respect for prevention, education, and the power of nurses to change health outcomes, especially in underserved and rural populations.
After relocating to El Paso, Texas, I pursued higher education rooted in service and community impact. I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Education in 2016 and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2019 from the University of Texas at El Paso. For the past 7 years, I have practiced as a registered nurse in labor and delivery, postpartum care, post-anesthesia care unit (PACU), ophthalmic surgery, and patient education, developing a broad clinical foundation and a patient-centered approach to care. My journey has led me through the communities of Tucson and Phoenix, Arizona, as I supported my husband’s medical training. This experience has deepened my compassion, adaptability, and reaffirmed my dedication as a patient advocate.
As an ANEW Scholar and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Family Nurse Practitioner student at the University of Arizona, I am honored to serve the Desert Senita community in Arizona City. My mission is to deliver evidence-based, compassionate care while advancing prevention, access, and health equity for rural and underserved communities.
Angelina Castrillo
Clinical Site: El Rio
I am a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) student at the University of Arizona with a professional and academic focus on improving health outcomes in rural and underserved communities. I currently practice as a cardiovascular operating room nurse, where I have developed strong clinical judgment, leadership skills, and an appreciation for team-based and high-acuity care.
As a single mother and registered nurse, I bring a deep understanding of the social, economic, and access-related challenges that influence health across the lifespan. These experiences have strengthened my commitment to addressing health disparities, particularly in rural populations where limited resources, provider shortages, and barriers to care, significantly impact patient outcomes.
My academic interests include evidence-based practice, quality improvement, patient participation, and systems-level leadership aimed at improving access to mental health and primary care services in rural settings. Upon completion of my DNP, I plan to practice as a psychiatric nurse practitioner, with the goal of expanding culturally competent, accessible mental health care to rural and underserved populations throughout Arizona.
Ashley Ruiz
Clinical Site: Marana Health Center
Hi. My name is Ashley Ruiz, and I am a Tucson Native. I graduated in December of 2020 from U of A with my DNP-FNP. I have been working as an FNP for the last 5 years in the Tucson community and am adjunct faculty at U of A in the BSN program. I am currently in the Psych Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) certificate program at U of A, as an ANEW scholar with graduation expected in December of 2026. I am currently completing my clinicals at Marana Health Center. My desire to serve the underserved and rural population in Tucson came from my almost 20-year nursing career, spending most of my career working in the ER. Constantly seeing the disparities in our community and especially in mental health has driven me to this new career path.
When not in school or working, I enjoy spending time with my incredible family and friends as well as my 4 Bengal cats.
Brandy Arellano
Clinical Site: Chiricahua Community Health Center
My name is Brandy Arellano, and I am currently enrolled in the Post-Master’s Family Nurse Practitioner program. I am a Certified Nurse-Midwife proudly serving a rural and underserved community for the past several years. I was fortunate enough to have been selected to complete my clinical rotations at Chiricahua Community Health Center, which is located in the same community I currently serve.
I was raised in an underserved, resource-limited environment. My father immigrated to the United States in his thirties as a refugee, leaving behind everything familiar. He faced significant challenges in adapting to a new country, fulfilling parental responsibilities, and achieving financial stability. Our family experienced many hardships. Health and wellness were often secondary concerns. When we sought healthcare, the experiences were suboptimal and disheartening.
For many years, I felt a sense of embarrassment about my upbringing and attempted to separate it from my identity. However, over time, I have come to recognize that these experiences have profoundly shaped my character and cultivated a deep sense of empathy. I understand firsthand that access to healthcare and the trust and safety patients feel within healthcare settings are essential human needs.
My personal experience inspires my commitment to my patients. I firmly believe that all individuals deserve access to high-quality healthcare, regardless of their geographic location, socioeconomic status, or their medical or mental condition. Healthcare providers hold a unique responsibility to facilitate positive change, and through completing this program, my goal is to contribute meaningfully to the improvement of healthcare for all people, especially those who are under-served.
Calvin Vijandre
Clinical Site: United Community Health Center - Freeport
My name is Calvin Vijandre, I am a registered nurse from the Tucson South area, with five years’ experience in MedSurg and PCU, currently working in a MedSurg intensive care unit. I am in my third year of doctoral studies at the University of Arizona to become a family nurse practitioner. I seek to bring fair and equal treatment to all individuals, especially in healthcare. I believe in the inherent human rights of every individual regardless of race, background, social standing, and financial circumstance. My commitment to healthcare provision in underserved communities is driven by these various factors, including my faith in God, compassion, equality, and love. These factors constantly impact my life as an individual, father, spouse, nurse and future family nurse practitioner. These experiences shape my perspective and reconfigure my choices in delivering care. Through this program, I am gaining proficiency in conscientious individualized practical approaches in caring for the underserved population. Overall, I am excited and committed in extending my services to the rural population.
Danielle Chellman
Clinical Site: El Rio
I am honored to be a recipient of the ANEW Scholarship and am currently enrolled in the PharmD/DNP dual-degree program at the University of Arizona. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Nutritional Sciences in 2019, my master’s in nursing in 2023, and my Doctor of Pharmacy degree in 2024, all from the University of Arizona. My clinical experience includes pharmacy rotations in rural communities across Arizona, and I currently work as a registered nurse on a Medical-Surgical unit in Tucson while also practicing as a pharmacist in a retail pharmacy setting. In addition, I have volunteered with refugee populations within Arizona, and these experiences deepened my understanding of the barriers faced by underserved communities.
My passion for healthcare equity is also shaped by personal experience, as my family in Mexico has faced significant challenges regarding access to care which unfortunately led to poor healthcare outcomes. These experiences have strengthened my commitment to serving rural and underserved populations. I look forward to using my Family Nurse Practitioner degree to provide compassionate, person-centered care, and to support medically underserved communities to help address health disparities across Arizona.
Emily Head
Clinical Site: El Rio
Emily Head is an emergency department nurse in Tucson with a decade of service to the local community. She began her healthcare career as an EMT with University of Arizona Emergency Medical Services after earning her EMT license while still in high school. She now practices in pediatric and trauma emergency care, where she precepts nurses transitioning into pediatric emergency settings and serves on pediatric-focused hospital committees to improve patient outcomes.
A proud alumna of the University of Arizona College of Nursing, Emily has returned to pursue her Doctor of Nursing Practice as a Family Nurse Practitioner. A former Arizona Nursing Inclusive Excellence (ANIE) Scholar and current Advanced Nursing Education Workforce (ANEW) Scholar, she is committed to advancing health equity and expanding access to high-quality care in underserved communities, with a particular focus on pediatrics and women’s health. Outside of nursing, Emily enjoys traveling, watching sports, attending Taylor Swift concerts, and spending time with her dogs.
Jaqueline A. Oregel
Clinical Site: El Rio Health
My name is Jaqueline Oregel. I am Hispanic and currently live in Tucson, Arizona. I lived in a small town in Sonora, Mexico, until I was 18. Living in this town was one of the factors that drove me to dedicate my life to healthcare. People living in this area had limited access to healthcare. There was only one hospital in town with the essential equipment when someone became ill. For medical emergencies, patients had to be transferred to another city, a 1- to 4-hour ambulance ride away, to access proper health care, depending on the situation. Growing up in this town helped me realize that every person deserves equal and high-quality care to improve their health outcomes, despite social determinants of health. Therefore, my passion to become a doctor grew. However, my path to medical school changed, and I decided to attend Nursing School. This was due to personal experiences that gave me insight into the power nurses have in patient care. When I was a kid, I was hospitalized several times, and my dad was also hospitalized several times. Observing nurses and their role in a patient’s recovery from illness made me realize that I wanted to be that person. Be the person who helps patients and their families through the scariest, most challenging moments of a disease process. As nurses, we have the power to heal by being compassionate, emotionally supportive of patients and their families, and by delivering a sense of trust and safety. Thus, I decided to become a Registered Nurse.
Working as a registered nurse and being the daughter of Spanish-speaking parents has enabled me to provide high-quality care to Spanish-speaking patients. Many patients speak only Spanish, and I have witnessed the struggles they face when accessing healthcare. One of the most common, yet impactful, is the language barrier. Patients with limited English proficiency face challenges adhering to medical care due to difficulty understanding treatment instructions, difficulty communicating effectively with their providers, and delayed care, which leads to poorer health outcomes. Being Hispanic and working in healthcare has allowed me to care and advocate for Spanish-speaking patients. I believe that every patient deserves to be heard and treated in their native language.
I am very excited to complete my clinicals at El Rio Health and help underserved populations receive the care they deserve. As a Hispanic, ANEW scholar at El Rio, and future midwife, I look forward to helping women from rural and underserved areas receive high-quality care throughout pregnancy, labor, delivery, and the postpartum period. Focusing on the patient as a whole and not just physical symptoms. Advocating for their entire needs. I am excited to provide care to women and their families with integrity and respect, and to form trusting relationships with them.
Kellie Mattia
Clinical Site: El Rio
My name is Kellie Mattia and I am a Doctor of Nursing Practice–Family Nurse Practitioner student completing my clinical rotation at El Rio Health. I have worked with adult geriatrics, acute care on a medical-surgical unit, and home care settings, which has given me a broad perspective on patient needs across different stages of health and illness. These experiences have shaped my approach to care, with a strong focus on listening with compassion, building trust with the patient, and meeting patients where they are. My goal is to work with underserved populations and make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families who may otherwise have limited access to care.
Kerri L. Spaulding
Clinical Site: Desert Senita
A commitment to improving healthcare access in rural, underserved communities has shaped my academic endeavors and professional goals. This dedication was shaped by lived experiences in a rural community where access to care was limited and often dependent on a single family nurse practitioner. Geographic isolation, limited specialty care, transportation barriers, and socioeconomic challenges often determined whether individuals could receive the care they needed. Witnessing this model of care deepened my understanding of the vital role advanced practice nurses have in rural healthcare and inspired my resolve to serve in a similar role in my future practice.
My academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, which cultivated a passion for preventive care and an appreciation for the role of movement and nutrition in improving health outcomes. Later, I completed my Master of Science – Entry to the Profession of Nursing (MEPN) degree at the University of Arizona, integrating my background in preventive care with the art and science of nursing practice to better serve patients across the continuum of care. These experiences reinforced my belief that meaningful, holistic healthcare lies at the intersection of prevention, improving access, empowerment, and compassionate evidence-based practice.
As an ANEW scholar at Desert Senita Community Health Center, I aim to build meaningful relationships within the community, advance my clinical competencies, and identify opportunities to improve access and continuity of care. Additionally, I strive to identify community-specific gaps in preventive services and chronic disease management, and to explore how collaborative partnerships can bridge these gaps and lessen the impact of systemic disparities. I look forward to building lasting partnerships, advancing healthcare equity, and providing high-quality, holistic care within the community.
Lauren Melcher
Clinical Site: El Rio
I am grateful for the incredible opportunity that the ANEW grant and scholarship has provided me during my clinical year at El Rio. At the University of Arizona, I am in the family nurse practitioner DNP program and am part of the Rural Health Professions program (RHPP) and the Arizona Area Health Education Center (AHEC) Scholars program. Through these programs, I have spent several years working with and learning from underserved communities and in rural parts of Arizona, building knowledge on the unique challenges that face our state, where I hope to practice as a primary care provider in the future.
When I was in middle school, I lost a grandparent to a heart attack because emergency personnel could not find their house in a rural part of Arizona. I know what it is like to lose a loved one due to a lack of access to care, and I hope I can provide care in some of the gaps that exist. Recently, I have worked in a cardiothoracic inpatient unit, and as a pediatric research nurse, and plan to use my experiences to care for patients across the lifespan.
During nursing school at the University of Arizona, I took an elective course called MILAGRO where interdisciplinary groups of health professions students learned about border health and worked with asylum seeking populations. My experiences with individuals and families at Casa Alitas, who travelled from around the world and many of whom endured unimaginable adversity, solidified my commitment to working with communities that lack access, representation, and often, support. This course led me to the RHPP, AHEC, and ANEW programs, where I am continuing to learn more about interdisciplinary healthcare work in rural settings, how to deliver primary care in diverse communities, and how to implement projects that support these communities.
Mayka Cyr
Clinical Site: Desert Senita
My name is Mayka Cyr and I am a current FNP student at the University of Arizona. I am currently doing my clinical rotations at Desert Senita in Ajo, AZ. I got my nursing degree from Norwich University. Prior to that, I was a CNA at the University of Vermont medical center (UVMMC) in the intensive care unit for two years while I was in nursing school, which was where I discovered my passion for preventative/rural medicine. I immigrated to the United States from Bolivia. In Bolivia, I saw firsthand how limited access to healthcare can profoundly affect individuals and families, especially in rural communities. Those early experiences shaped my passion for serving underserved populations and pursuing a career as a nurse practitioner. I am committed to completing my clinical training in rural and underserved settings, where the need for compassionate, high-quality care is greatest. Through this scholarship, I hope to build a career dedicated to improving access to care, strengthening community trust, and making a lasting impact in rural communities throughout my professional journey, and I plan to serve underserved communities for the entirety of my career.
Natalie Hartley
Clinical Site: Marana Health Center
I am an RN with over 15 years of experience, grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow across diverse clinical settings. My background includes neuroscience, ENT, and emergency care, and I am currently working in an outpatient pain management clinic. I strive to make a meaningful difference in patients’ lives by supporting those with chronic pain stemming from spine issues, joint problems, and cancer.
I was born in the United Kingdom and have been fortunate to live in the Middle East and the Philippines. These experiences have broadened my perspective and reinforced my belief in the importance of accessible healthcare and resources for rural communities. I am continually motivated to understand the challenges these communities face and to contribute to practical solutions that can improve health outcomes.
My career has taken me to the Philippines, the United Kingdom, and the United States. This journey has given me a varied view of healthcare systems and cultural nuances, which I hope to bring to my studies and to future collaborations in the academic community .
I yearn to share what I have learned and to contribute to the growth and development of the next generation of healthcare professionals. I approach this next chapter with gratitude, curiosity, and a commitment to continuous learning.
Olivia Chavez
Clinical Site: Marana Health Center – East, Marana Health Center – Wilmot Family
From a young age, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in healthcare, and I have dedicated my adult life to serving others through my nursing profession. Growing up in a small mining town in rural Arizona helped shape my passion for rural health and provided firsthand insight into the barriers many underserved communities face. As a Native American and future nurse practitioner, I am passionate about working with Indigenous communities to help bridge Western medicine with traditional healing practices in a culturally respectful way.
With over 21 years of nursing experience, I bring a diverse clinical background, proven leadership, and a lifelong commitment to patient-centered care. I earned both my ADN and BSN from New Mexico State University and have practiced in a variety of healthcare settings, including intensive care, emergency medicine, home health, and clinic nursing. During my time in clinic practice, I served as Clinical Lead for a Family Practice Residency Program, where I supported resident education, guided clinical operations, and fostered a collaborative learning environment focused on high-quality care delivery.
Throughout my career, I have embraced opportunities that strengthen interprofessional collaboration, improve patient outcomes, and promote professional growth. I am dedicated to rural health by expanding access to patient-centered, high-quality care for underserved communities, integrating food sovereignty into healthcare as a foundation for wellness, and building meaningful, culturally responsive partnerships within the communities I will serve. As an ANEW scholarship recipient, I am supported in my continued education and in meeting my goal of providing holistic care that honors culture, community, and health equity.
Taylor Black-Hagaman
Clinical Site: Chiricahua Community Health Center
Growing up in rural Tennessee exposed me to some of the difficulties of rural healthcare, such as traveling 30 minutes to an hour to see a specialist or to a hospital you could trust. My love for rural healthcare grew in college. I obtained my Bachelor of Science in Nursing from East Tennessee State University, where I was privileged to complete my final clinical rotation in a rural emergency department that had 10 beds and 2 nurses. This hospital taught me how to work with what I had while providing the best possible care to patients, because that may be the only healthcare they receive. After graduation, I began my practice as a registered nurse in the ICU of a level 1 trauma center, where we cared for critically ill patients from across rural Appalachia. Here, I began to recognize a pattern: my patients from more rural areas tended to be in worse health due to social determinants of health.
I now live in rural Arizona and work in a critical access emergency department, putting to use the skills I learned from rural Appalachia. Daily, I see the consequences of limited access to healthcare, high food costs, limited transportation, poor or no insurance coverage, and fear of medical bills. I have seen patients leave the emergency department against medical advice with life-threatening illnesses because they could not afford the healthcare costs. I truly believe healthcare is a human right, and I will continue to work towards achieving health equity in our rural communities.
As a first-generation college student, I am honored and privileged to not only be a student at the University of Arizona, but also to pursue a terminal degree in nursing as a DNP-FNP student. It has been a blessing in my life to be selected as both an AzAHEC and an ANEW scholar, equipping me to fight for health equity in our rural and medically underserved populations.
Theresa Malone
Clinical Site: Chiricahua Community Health Center
Hello! My name is Theresa Malone, and I am a Registered Nurse with nearly nine years of RN experience and eight years of prior experience as a Certified Nursing Assistant. Throughout my career, I have developed a diverse clinical skill set across multiple specialties, including the Emergency Department, Step-Down ICU, Trauma, Interventional Radiology, Mother & Baby, House Supervision, Travel Nursing, and Home Health. As a Sierra Vista native, I am honored to return to serve my community. I am passionate about continuous learning and professional growth, as evidenced by my varied clinical background, and I embrace opportunities to expand my expertise. I am excited to begin working with Chiricahua Clinics throughout the ANEW program.
Victoria Burton
Clinical Site: MomDoc – Queen Creek, Banner Ironwood Medical Center
Hi! My name is Victoria Burton, and I am a labor and delivery nurse and nurse midwife student committed to equitable patient centered care for birthing families. Through my clinical work I advocate for patient autonomy informed consent and respectful maternity care. I am pursuing nurse midwifery to improve maternal outcomes and expand access to care in communities affected by maternity care deserts. My work is grounded in education advocacy and a deep commitment to ensuring every patient feels informed supported and empowered during labor and birth.