CANDIDATE BIOGRAPHIES / ELECTION 2010-2011
 
POSITION: PRESIDENT (VOTE 1 PERSON)

M. Patricia B. Quigley, RN, PhD
Associate Professor
Rhode Island College School of Nursing

Patricia Quigley has been an active member of Delta Upsilon Chapter-at-Large serving in the past positions of Convention Delegate, Faculty Counselor (two terms), President Elect, and currently as President of our chapter. “Serving Delta Upsilon Chapter-at-Large has provided an opportunity to develop professional leadership skills and contribute to a dynamic organization of professional nurses with scholarly interests. As President, I learned the potential of the Chapter to engage students and all members in a collaborative effort to achieve improved health for the people of RI through research and community service projects. If elected, I would strive to continue to meet this goal through working closely with members of the Board of Directors and all members of the Chapter. Thank you for this opportunity.” Patricia is also an active member of the American Nurse’s Association, Rhode Island State Nurse’s Association, and Eastern Nursing Research Society, as well as a volunteer for the American Heart Association. Patricia was a co-presenter of a poster at the March 2009 meeting of the eastern Nursing research Society titled “Integrating Simulation into a nursing Curriculum: Faculty Perspective.”
 
POSITION: SECRETARY (VOTE 1 PERSON)

Marie Wilkes, RN, MS
Assistant Professor
Rhode Island College School of Nursing

Marie has been a member of Delta Upsilon Chapter-at-Large since 2001. Marie is also actively involved with the American Cancer Society participating in numerous fund raising activities, is a community speaker for the American Heart Association and AARP, and is a Congestive Heart Failure Support Educator. “I have been a member of Sigma theta Tau Delta Upsilon Chapter-at Large since 2001. Recently moving back to Rhode Island, I am eager to reestablish my professional affiliations and relationships in my home state. I also look forward to working with my colleagues and other professionals in this dedicated chapter of STTI. I appreciate your consideration and look forward to serving as your chapter secretary.”

POSITION- FACULTY COUNSELOR- UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND (VOTE 1 PERSON)

Wylie Dassie, RN, MS
Assistant Clinical Professor
University of Rhode Island College of Nursing

Wylie has been an active member of Delta Upsilon Chapter-at-Large in the position of Faculty Counselor at URI for the past two years. Wylie is also active in the American Association of University Professors, Fellowship of Christian Nurses, Black on Black Crime Prevention Task Force, Synergism: Financial Intelligence, and is volunteer for The March of Dimes as well as an American Heart Association BLS and Heartsaver First Aid Instructor. “I would like to continue personal and professional growth in a challenging position with Sigma Theta Tau and to assist the organization and university community in any way possible.”


 
POSITION- GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE

Alison Rosario, RN, BSN
Staff Nurse
Rhode Island Hospital

Alison graduated from Rhode Island College School of Nursing in January 2010. While studying at RIC, Alison was involved in the Student Nurses Association, serving as treasurer, and was a member of the Student Advisory Committee regularly meeting with the Dean to discuss current student issues and ideas for future programming and events to enhance student experience in the School of Nursing. Alison is also a volunteer for Sister’s Overcoming Abusive Relationships (SOAR) task force. “I would like to join the Governance Committee of Delta Upsilon Chapter-at-Large to become more involved with the organization, improve my leadership skills, continue learning, stay informed and serve my chapter.”

Michele Siskind, RN, MS
Assistant Professor
Rhode Island College School of Nursing

Michele has been a member of STTI since 1987 and has recently served the chapter as Chairperson of the Leadership Succession Committee. “Serving on the Leadership Succession Committee for Delta Upsilon Chapter-at-Large has been a rewarding experience, allowing me to become involved in the nursing profession on a broader level and has motivated me to continue to be actively involved in our local chapter. I appreciate the opportunity to serve our chapter.”
 
POSITION- LEADERSHIP SUCCESSION COMMITTEE (VOTE 1 PERSON)

Mary Jean Croft, RN, BSN, CNOR
Staff Nurse
Fatima Hospital

Mary Jean is currently pursuing her Master’s of Science in Nursing at Rhode Island College with an anticipated graduation date of May, 2010. Mary Jean is currently involved with the American Nurse’s Association, Association of Operating Room Nurse’s, Rhode Island State Nurse’s Association, National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists, the St. Joseph’s Hospital School of Nursing Alumni Association. Mary jean is currently conducting research in prewarming ambulatory surgery patient’s to prevent postoperative hypothermia. “I have been a member of STTI since 1993 and wish to become an active member of the organization and serve on the Leadership Succession Committee.”

Kimberly Lavigne, RN, BSN
Staff Nurse
Kent County Hospital

Kimberly graduated with a Baccalaureate degree from Rhode Island College School of Nursing in January 2010. She was selected by the School of Nursing faculty to receive the Academic Excellence Award at the graduation ceremony. While studying at RIC, Kimberly was involved in the Student Nurses Association and the RIC RN Committee. As a member of this committee Kimberly worked closely with faculty to discuss issues related to RN’s returning to school to receive their BSN degree. Kimberly is currently a staff nurse in the Intensive care Unit and Emergency Department at Kent County hospital and “would like to join the Leadership Succession Committee in order to become a proactive member of Sigma Theta Tau.”

Cynthia Ruggiero, RN, BSN
Staff Nurse
The Miriam Hospital

Cynthia graduated from Rhode Island College in 2005 and has been a member of Sigma Theta tau Delta Upsilon Chapter-at-Large since that time. Cynthia is currently involved in a research project at the Miriam Hospital related to falls of hospitalized patients and has been a speaker on Stroke Prevention for the public. “I believe that nursing as a profession is a very powerful entity. Not all nurses understand the importance of our roles in the health care system. In being active in nursing organizations, evidence based research, and education, we can further the knowledge of the importance of nurses and their roles in health care. I want to be a part of Sigma theta Tau as I feel it is an important nursing organization to not only belong to, but to be involved in.”

Jennifer Sloan
Staff Nurse
Roger Williams Medical Center

Jennifer graduated with a baccalaureate degree from Rhode Island College School of Nursing in January 2009. Jennifer is an active member of the American Nurses Association. “I would like to join the Leadership Succession Committee to be more involved and learn more about Sigma Theta Tau.”