Hi my name is Aaron and I'm a 2024 Gonzaga grad originally from Tacoma, WA. I currently live in Seattle working at UWMC on a Complex Med/Surg floor! I love football and basketball (especially after becoming a Zag), either playing or watching as well as trying new places to eat!

My name is Abbie Johnson and I’m from Eagle River, Alaska. I’ve been in the NICU for a year now and I’m loving it! In my free time I love going for walks with my dog, puzzling, and spending time with loved ones.

I’m Allie Henderson,  a Functional Medicine provider, gut health specialist, and passionate advocate for women’s wellness. I’ve been a nurse for 15 years and a Family Nurse Practitioner for the past 8. I blend the best of conventional and functional medicine to uncover the root causes of chronic gut and hormonal issues.

I help motivated women to overcome constipation, bloating, and stubborn weight gain, without restrictive diets or medications, so they can finally enjoy daily bowel movements, lasting energy, and feel confident in their bodies again. Through advanced lab testing, personalized care, and my signature Happy Gut Protocol, I guide women toward lasting transformation and true vitality.

As someone who’s walked this journey myself, I also believe deeply in empowering the next generation of nurses and nurse practitioners. I want them to know that it’s absolutely possible to follow their dreams, think outside the box, and create a life and career filled with purpose, impact, and joy.

Alexandra Giffin, M.A. is a higher education professional with a strong foundation in psychology, organizational leadership, and student success. She currently serves as the Undergraduate Nursing Academic Advisor at Gonzaga University, where she supports over 180 students through holistic academic advising.

Alex earned her Bachelor of Science in Applied Psychology from Montana State University and her Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership from Gonzaga University. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies, with research interests in equity in higher education, institutional culture, and staff development. Her career has included curriculum planning, assessment coordination, and faculty/staff training across multiple academic units, including Washington State University's Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine.

Amanda Shafer RNC-OB, mom of 4 testosterone feeders and provider of daily sarcasm. I’m a seasoned nurse of just over 18yrs with a strong passion for patient and nurse advocacy. 

Amy is a recent graduate of SCC. During nursing school, she served as a nurse tech in both postpartum and labor & delivery, and completed her capstone in the CICU before starting her career on a Progressive Care Unit. After realizing OB is her one true love, Amy made the switch back to postpartum about three months ago. Prior to making the career shift to nursing, Amy has a background in entertainment (casting and a brief acting stint). When she’s not at the hospital, she’s probably hanging out with her husband, Joel, and their three kiddos, or teaching group fitness at a studio she co-owns on the north side of Spokane.

My name is Angela Parker and I am 50 years old. Nursing is my second career, but was always my first love. I have been a nurse for 8 years with 4 of them as a night shift Mother Baby RN. I was also a Charge RN. I currently work as Pre-op/PACU nurse in one of the highest ranked Ambulatory Surgery Centers in the country. I currently reside in Ft Worth, Texas with my husband, 2 children, and 2 dog kids. I love spending time at the lake, reading, and making memories with people I love.

Hey, I’m Ani! I’m in my final year of nursing school at Gonzaga, and I’m so excited to graduate in May 2026. I love trying new foods, working out, spending time outdoors, and exploring the world with my favorite people!

Ashley Collins, BSN, RN, is a recently graduated Registered Nurse who brings over a decade of experience in healthcare as a Certified Nursing Assistant. Her hands-on work in acute care settings laid a strong foundation for her transition into nursing, fulfilling a dream she’s had since the age of four, driven by a deep passion for healing and a holistic approach to wellness, helping others become their healthiest, most empowered selves.

Ashley is a strong advocate for patient education and believes in working as a team to support individuals in taking charge of their own health. With plans to pursue her Nurse Practitioner license, Ashley is committed to continuing her education and expanding her ability to serve others with compassion and expertise.

Outside of her professional life, Ashley has celebrated 20 years with her high school sweetheart. She’s a proud mom to two amazing kids, Isabella and Abram. A nature and adventure enthusiast, she finds peace in the forest, and by the water, she finds joy in travel and out door activities, and fulfillment in family time and cooking. and baking. She lives by the belief that it’s never too late to go after your dreams.

Professional biography 
I am Ashley Gonzalez Medrano, a dedicated and compassionate Nurse Practitioner with a strong background in nursing and a deep commitment to providing quality care in the field of complex pain management and addiction medicine. With over a decade of experience in nursing, I've spent the last seven years making a positive impact in the lives of individuals struggling with pain and addiction.

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Professional Journey
My journey into healthcare began at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington, where I pursued my undergraduate studies. After completing my master's degree in Nursing as a Nurse Practitioner at Grand Canyon University, I transitioned to the field of addiction medicine. I found my calling in this area because I'm deeply passionate about supporting and empowering individuals who often face a lack of resources and understanding in their journey towards recovery. I then ventured into pain management where many of my opiate use disorder patients described their introduction into narcotics. 

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Patient-Centered Approach
I believe in empowering my patients by involving them in their care decisions and tailoring treatment plans to their unique needs. I'm a certified buprenorphine prescriber with seven years of experience, and I've worked in various settings, including chronic pain management, detox, outpatient MAT services, rehab, and residential facilities, serving male and female populations aged 18 and older.

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Personal Touch
Outside of my work, I find joy in reading, staying active through workouts, and cherishing precious moments with my family. I'm a proud mother of two, an 8-year-old son, and a 3-year-old daughter. My lifelong mission has always been to make a positive difference in the lives of others, a mission I wholeheartedly pursue in my role as a Nurse Practitioner.
I'm here to support my patients in improving their quality life and during their path to recovery. I am deeply committed to their well-being and success.
 

My name is Aysia Ramos and I am from Kapolei, Hawai’i. I recently graduated from Gonzaga University’s nursing program in Spring 2025 and will be working in Seattle. I am the youngest and only girl of 3 kids, along with a spoiled dog named Precious. I enjoy hiking, music, and spending quality time with friends and family. My goals are to inspire people and be the best nurse that I can be!

My name is Bella Hanna, and I was born and raised in Juneau, Alaska. I currently attend the Gonzaga University nursing program and am expecting to graduate in May of 2025! I can’t wait to be a nurse and work in this amazing field.

Brittany Slegers is a wife, mom of three little humans, and dog mom to two rambunctious border collies, but she is also a nurse! Her journey as a nurse has taken her from Neuro, to surgical prep and recovery, to transfer center, to Gonzaga University and it was NOTHING she expected, but everything she needed. An expert in multitasking and organization, she loves to learn about new things and channels her inner Nancy Drew when it comes to investigating things, benefiting her as a nurse and a problem solver. In any sliver of free time she has between working, leading life group, coaching her kids’ sports teams, etc, she loves to be outside in the sunshine, getting a pedicure, or riding her Peloton bike. 

Hey my name is Cade Riddle, I am 19 years old and currently a nursing student. I am a funny person who is here to go with the flow and have fun even if it gets stressful.

My name is Caitlin Lintoco, and I am a rising senior at Gonzaga University! I am a first-generation student from a big, loving Filipino-American family rooted in the Bay Area. Some of my favorite things include seafood, pretty sunsets, and 90’s sitcoms. Some of my least favorite things include vegetables, which my fellow nursing friends love to make fun of me for, since healthcare professionals should (ideally) be healthy themselves. I’m excited to tackle this final year of nursing school with the support of all the people who have helped me get this far!

Callie has been at the bedside for almost 19 years and as a nurse since 2011. She started in a level 1 trauma center ED. She made her way back to L&D and has been there ever since with the exception of trying NICU for a year. Since finishing her BSN, she’s applied to a master’s program to pursue her dream of midwifery. She and her husband have three kids that keep them young and heart and busy as ever. When Callie is not working, you’ll find her getting together with family or friends, riding a bike to nowhere at gym in cda, or planning the next diy project she is dreaming of. Birth work is her passion and has been for as long as she can remember. Her dream is that as a provider, she will be able to offer patients low-intervention birth care within the safety net of the hospital. She has the honor of speaking at her BSN commencement and will start her grad program in Fall 2025!

Cassandra Firemark lives in the suburbs of Los Angeles, and nursing would have been a midlife career change, and is now studying epidemiology. She is an intrepid domestic and international traveler, voracious reader, and lifelong student whether she is in or out of school, and she has a BA in French, an MBA, and an MA in Spiritual Psychology. She is married and has a household that is never dull and includes three children, three cats, and two dogs. She is obsessed with the book, show, and movie Wicked, as well as one particular shade of purple best described as orchid.

Hi my name is Chandy Thorn! I’ve been in the NICU for 5 years & I love it! When I’m not working I love to do anything crafty, such as photography, painting banners, & embroidering names on baby sweaters. I also am so thankful for my pets, I have a chiweenie named Jersey and 2 lynx point Siamese kitties named Mossi & Scotto! 

Hi! My name is Chloe Burley and I am a new grad Postpartum nurse who was born and raised in Spokane. I graduated a year ago and have been grateful to work in the best unit in the hospital (totally not biased!). I have a huge, fluffy, adorable Newfy with my boyfriend and we love to take him on adventures in our free time. I also love hanging out with my friends, my family, and traveling. I love being a nurse and am learning more every day with my incredible coworkers by my side. I am lucky enough to be in the best and most trustworthy profession and can’t wait to tell you more about my experience!

Christina Peterson is an RN with varied background, working long- term care, Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, spent 3 years overseas in Australia and Papúa New Guinea with a medical ship, and most recently Medical- Oncology.

Passionate about health, wellness and wholeness, she loves to champion nurses to feel their best in order to do their best caring for patients. 

Whether you are in nursing school, rolling onto the floor as a newbie or veteran nurse, tune in, there’s something for you! 😊

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www.melaleuca.com/christinapeterson

Healthcare worker, writer, photographer, and outdoor enthusiast, Christopher is now working toward a nursing degree at Spokane Community College. When he is not studying, he enjoys paddleboarding in the summers, cross-country skiing in the winters, and enjoying the company of his cat and two dogs. A lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest, he is obligatorily fond of rain, coffee, and craft beer.

A labor and delivery RN, born in Congo and lived in Uganda and now I call Spokane WA my home. I went to whitworth university for my undergrad and WSU for my nursing. When I’m not at the bedside helping my patients, you’ll catch me either traveling, reading or painting for fun.

Corey is a Pediatric ER nurse, legal nurse consultant, and nurse advocate with over a decade of experience at the bedside. She’s a former adult ER and trauma RN who’s worked in county, non-profit, and for-profit hospitals. Her advocacy has included serving on multiple bargaining teams, organizing a successful nursing strike, and working on legislation to improve staffing, safety, and accountability in healthcare. She’s also helped build internal systems to track regulatory complaints and strengthen contract protections for nurses. Corey is focused on the realities of emergency care and speaks directly about what it takes to protect your license, your coworkers, and your patients in a system that often fails all three. Outside of work, she’s also a supermom to four young kids; balancing advocacy, bedside care, and parenting without sugarcoating any of it.

Hi! My name is Daphne Roberts, and I am a newly graduated RN from the Bay Area, California. I called Washington State my home for four wonderful years of college, and am thrilled to be starting my career in Phoenix, Arizona. Outside of work, I’m happiest spending time outdoors with loved ones, sitting in a lake, picnicking, painting, and baking. 

David was born in Delaware and lived in 8 states before calling Spokane, Wa home. After graduating from Central Valley High School, (Go Bears!) he joined the military and served US Navy FMF Corpsman (Go Navy, beat Army!) Completing a combat tour to Iraq and a MEU(SOC) deployment to South East Asia (and marrying his high school sweetheart Sam), they were stationed to Naval Hospital Naples, Italy where he fell in love with the field of Nursing (and pasta). Completing an AS degree from a distance campus program of the University of Maryland, (go Terrapins!)  his journey towards nursing began. Leaving the Navy after serving 10 years, they moved back home and bought an old house in Millwood.

Working at Steady Flow Growler House while completing prerequisites at EWU, (go Eagles!) Sam and David subsequently bought the bar which recently celebrated it’s 10 year anniversary. (Go Flow!) After completing the Nursing program at the Spokane campus of WSU (go Cougs!) David got his first nursing job in the Cardiac Transplant floor of Sacred Heart. Forged by the fires of adult floor nursing, he transferred to the PICU, which he still claims is the best job that he’s ever had.

After completing his CCRN-P certification, David is now working on his Masters in Nursing Education, trying to not be suffocated to death at BJJ, working the bar, and with every other available second, spending time with Sam and their new son Henry in a home filled with 2 dogs, 3 cats, and a roomba named Gus.

Hey hey! I’m Deanna Robertson, a small-town girl born and raised in Greensburg, Kentucky. I’m proud of my hometown, where everyone’s got your back!

A little bit about me: I’m married with 3 grown children and 3 grandbabies who light up my world. I also have 2 dogs that keep life fun. Currently, I’m in my 7th quarter of nursing school at Galen College of Nursing in Louisville, Kentucky, and I’m set to graduate in September 2025!

I’ve always had a passion for caring for others, and before diving into nursing school, I worked as a medical assistant since 2018. I also spent some time working in geriatric psych prior to starting nursing school at 40 years old — yes, you read that right! I turned 42 this year.

One piece of advice I want to share: a failed exam or class doesn’t define you! Never give up. If I can do it, you can too! I’m excited to take you along on this journey with me!

Elizabeth Jenkins has been a registered nurse for 12 years. After she became a wife and  mother, she  returned to school to obtain her BSN, and later her MSN-Ed. Currently, she is the Success and Wellness Coordinator for undergrad nursing students.  

Hey hey hey everyone! I’m Gabe, thanks for stopping by to read the bio of lil ol' me! I’m a current Nursing student at Gonzaga University set to graduate in May of 2025, from the unbearably hot or wonderfully cold Spokane WA! I hope you enjoy this podcast; Eric works really hard to make each and every episode, so I hope our passion comes through to you, dear listener! See y’all around!

Garret has been in Emergency Medicine for the last 14 years. He started his career in EMS as an Emergency Medical Technician working primary 911 and inter facility transport. After a couple years of EMS he got his teaching credentials and became the lead instructor of an EMT course at a post secondary educational facility. Garret went on to become a registered nurse in graduating with his BSN in 2018. Looking for new graduate programs closer to his wife’s family, the decision was made to move to San Antonio Texas and work at a Level 1 Trauma center in the adult emergency department. Quickly he realized that his passions for emergency medicine were better suited elsewhere and after a year he transitioned to the Pediatric Emergency Department at a Level 3 pediatric trauma center. After 3 years of work in the pediatric emergency department he was promoted to the trauma program manager and later the Director of Trauma Services. He continues his work and passion of caring for critically injured children from southwest Texas and beyond.