Prior to joining Arizona College in 2024, Kelly served as the Director of Learning Assistance at Miami University Regionals where she provided leadership for student success and first year experience courses, developmental course curriculum and faculty, placement testing, the tutoring and mentoring program, TRIO Upward Bound, TRIO Student Support Services, and many student success initiatives. Before serving in a leadership role at Miami University Regionals, Kelly was a mathematics instructor and academic advisor. All of Kelly’s previous roles were guided by her passion for providing equitable access to higher education and fostering student success.
As Dean of General Education, Kelly oversees the general education courses and faculty, and works with the rest of the Cincinnati team to help students achieve success in their journey to becoming a nurse.
Education: M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction, University of Cincinnati | B.S. in Computer Science, University of Cincinnati | B.Ed. in Secondary Education, Mathematics
Dr. Elizabeth Hager is the Dean of Nursing for the Cincinnati campus at Arizona College of Nursing. Dr. Hager brings over 25 years of nursing experience, including 16 years dedicated to nursing education. With a strong commitment to advancing the nursing profession, Dr. Hager leads initiatives that enhance student learning and foster academic excellence.
Before joining Arizona College, Dr. Hager served in various capacities, including Associate Dean of Nursing, BSN Program Director, Assistant Professor, and Clinical Instructor where she significantly contributed to program growth and student success. Her leadership has been instrumental in achieving increased student success and NCLEX Pass Rates.
Education: DNP Northern Kentucky University | MSN in Nursing Education from Indiana Wesleyan University
Jaresha Moore joined Arizona College of Nursing in 2025, bringing over 19 years of experience in business development, sales, marketing, admissions and enrollment management, and leadership training. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and a Master of Business Administration (MBA).
As a Certified Maxwell Leadership Coach, Jaresha has a proven track record of driving growth through strategic partnerships and innovative solutions. Passionate about student empowerment, she fosters collaboration and success, aligning with Arizona College of Nursing’s mission to prepare exceptional healthcare professionals.
Education: M.B.A., Liberty University | B.S. in Business Management, Indiana Wesleyan University
Rieko joined Arizona College of Nursing in April 2025 and comes with 16 years of experience in higher education. Prior to joining Arizona College of Nursing, Rieko was a Campus Director for schools in California and Arizona where she oversaw both operational and academic verticals.
Rieko is a proud first-generation Japanese/Korean American and grew up in Anaheim, CA. She grew up in and around her parents’ dojo that her family owned for nearly 50 years, earned her black belt, and taught youth karate classes.
“My college experience was not a traditional path – I ended up on academic probation and eventually was terminated from two different community colleges because I would not show up to class/do the work. I did not know what I wanted to do with my life, so the classes had very little interest for me. So, instead, I went to work. I worked as a server, as a temp for random office jobs, a healthcare union rep and then landed a job as a receptionist for a career college in Palm Springs, CA. That is where I learned about the amazing opportunities that career focused colleges provide to students and their communities.
My path has taught me that no matter where you are in life right now, that does not have to be your end story.
You want to do something different? You can.
You want to change your trajectory in life? You can. You just need to be ready.”
Education: MA in Communication – Southern New Hampshire University | BS in Communication – Purdue University Global
Marni Montgomery-Blake came to Arizona College of Nursing, Las Vegas in April 2017. Her experience as an administrative assistant and her background in education lend themselves well to the college environment. Her prior experience includes teaching kindergarten and music, working as the testing/assessment specialist for a K-12 school district, and serving as the Program Officer for another nursing program at a state university.
As Academic Records Manager at Arizona College of Nursing, Marni hires, trains, and leads the Academic Records Coordinators on the Las Vegas campus. The Academic Records team registers students for classes, monitors final grades, and maintains student records. They assist students who want to transfer campuses or leave or return to school. They help with New Student Orientation and Core progression. They also track and monitor a variety of school and student data for reporting purposes.
Education: BA in Elementary Education, Idaho State University
Michelle Palaroan came to Arizona College of Nursing, Las Vegas in April 2022 after two decades at the University of Phoenix. As an academic affairs leader, her background possesses a breadth of expertise in overseeing all aspects of academic direction and instructional leadership via strategic planning, faculty development, and overall compliance to ensure academic delivery excellence.
Education: BS, Pre-Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno | MA, Minnesota State University, Mankato | Doctor of Education, University of Phoenix
Shawn Higgins came to Arizona College of Nursing in 2021 with 14 years of experience in nursing education and 23 years of leadership experience. Shawn Higgins earned her Master’s of Science in Nursing from the University of Phoenix and her PhD from Capella University where she was drawn to understanding the “why” and the “how” behind education. Her degree specialty is specific to Leadership in Higher Education.
Shawn Higgins’ nursing background prior to education includes long-term care, rehabilitation services (stroke and TBI), home health, hospice, and basic med-surg. Her nursing education experience spans the country, having worked in the private sector for schools in Ohio, Florida, Arizona, and Nevada. She and her husband have eight children between them and will be welcoming their fifth grandchild in the spring of 2022. She is looking forward to a long and happy relationship with her new Arizona College of Nursing family.
Education: PhD in Education – Capella University | BSN, MSN, Nursing – University of Phoenix
BBA in Business Administration, Brandman University
Kiersten Garcia came to Arizona College of Nursing, Las Vegas in June 2017 with over 15 years of higher education experience. Kiersten most recently served as Director of Financial Aid, focusing her efforts on college affordability. In her current role as Executive Director of Enrollment Services, Kiersten manages a team of admissions and financial aid advisors focusing on quality student experiences and maintaining a positive campus culture.
Education: BBA in Business Administration, Brandman University
Catherine Chege came to Arizona College of Nursing with 17 years of higher education experience. Her specialties include: admissions, student services, student life, veteran benefits, registrar services, financial aid, and leadership development. Cat was drawn to Arizona College because of the opportunity to contribute to campus operations for a fairly new campus.
Education: Ph.D. (c ), Leadership and Change, Antioch University | M.B.A. Keller Graduate School of Management | M.H.R. M. Keller Graduate School of Management | B.S. Communications. Pensacola Christian College
Education: DNP, Post University | MSN, Athabasca University | MBA Louisiana State University | BSN, Memorial University