Greetings! My name is Sarah Knight and I serve as Academic Records Manager for the Southfield Campus. I come to Arizona College with more than 17 years of experience in higher education including roles in admissions, financial and academic advising as well as leadership roles in student and career services. I am a proud alumna of Michigan State University where I earned my bachelor’s degree. I also hold a master’s degree from the University of Phoenix.
I consider myself to be a strategic minded, data-driven individual who has a passion for serving as a resource for colleagues and students. I am solutions-oriented and consistently strive to find ways to align campus and organizational goals to meet the needs of our students. I have a particular passion and interest in retention and enjoy finding creative solutions to help students overcome challenges and barriers. My goal is to help make the Southfield campus the premier destination for those wishing to fulfill their dreams of becoming a nurse.
Education: B.A., Bachelor of Arts in English, Minor in Psychology, MSU | M.S., University of Phoenix in Mental Health Counseling
Kelli is a lifelong Detroiter and educator. She has been an English teacher in the Detroit Public School system as well as Edison Schools and Cornerstone Schools. She has served as Director of Enrollment and Student Services at Oakland Community College and Vice President of Enrollment and Marketing at Miller College in Battle Creek, MI. Currently, she teaches English Literature and Research Writing at Wayne County Community College and is Dean of Education at the Arizona College of Nursing. Ms. Van Buren has a passion for her community and for young people as proven by her participation on the Board of Directors for Mosaic Youth Theater of Detroit, Matrix Human Services, and the Chandler Park Academy.
Education: Doctor of Philosophy – PhD, Qualitative Research and Statistics, Wayne State University | Master’s Degree, Organizational Leadership – Wayne State University | Bachelor’s Degree, Secondary English Education – Kentucky State University
Dr. Gillespie is joining Arizona College Southfield Campus. Twanda is a Detroit Native, wife, and mother of three girls. She has worked in nursing for 18 years specializing in critical care and emergency nursing. Most recently, she has served as professor and Director of Nursing Services for Madonna University’s Accelerated BSN program. Twanda received her BSN in 2005 and MSN in 2012 from the University of Detroit Mercy. She recently completed her Doctor of Nursing Practice in Spring of 2023.
Education: MSN, Nursing Education/ Clinical Nurse Specialist, University of Detroit Mercy
Lisa Cantlebary came to Arizona College of Nursing – Tampa in 2021 after serving as the Dean of Academic Affairs in Indiana and Ohio. Lisa has over 28 years of experience in the education field. In the past, she has served as a computer science instructor and high school teacher and has also held the position of Program Coordinator of the Office Administration Program. She earned her Master of Education degree from Ashland University. Lisa also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science and secondary education from Ohio Dominican University.
Education: M.Ed., Ashland University | B.S. in Computer Science, Ohio Dominican University
Cam Felismino came to Arizona College of Nursing – Tampa 2022. Accomplished professional with 20+ years’ experience in managing and executing academic and student develop programs. Proven track record overseeing all facets of student success and implementing cost-effective and innovative initiatives to reach utmost levels of student and faculty satisfaction. Adept at building world-class performing teams and establishing a solutions-driven culture across departments.
Education: Doctor of Philosophy – PhD, Nursing Education, Walden University (current) | MSN, Public Health, Xavier University
Tara Augustine came to Arizona College of Nursing in June 2019 as Director of Campus Operations to open the Tampa Campus. With over 15 years in higher education management, she has led multi-department and multi-site operations for both domestic and international universities. As the Senior Executive Director of Enrollment Services, Augustine manages the daily administrative operations of the Admissions and Financial Aid Departments for both the Tampa and Sarasota Campus.
Education: MBA, Strayer University | BBA in Management, Strayer University
Clare Owen, Ph.D., RN, CNE was appointed Dean of Nursing at Arizona College, Sarasota, in January 2024. A native of Wales in the United Kingdom, Dr. Owen came to the U.S.A in 1992 as a Travel Nurse. After working in critical care units all over the country, Dr. Owen settled in Miami, eventually attending Barry University and completing a Master’s degree and Ph.D. She began her academic career as a professor in the UG nursing program at Barry University in 2009, moving up to Assistant Program Director in 2014. Dr. Owen was the recipient of the Melba Cather award for Excellence in Education from the Lambda Chi chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International. Prior to joining the Arizona College family, Dr. Owen served as the Associate Dean of the College of Nursing at St. Petersburg College, Florida, for five years.
Dr. Owen has presented at both state and national conferences on a number of topics including strategies for increasing the diversity of the nursing profession, designing and implementing a holistic admissions process, the experience of older nurses returning to formal education to complete a bachelor’s degree, and recruiting the next generation of nurses.
Education: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Nursing – Barry University | Masters of Science in Nursing (Ed) – Barry University | Bachelors of Science – University of Phoenix
Dr. Denise Rolle (she/her/hers) came to Arizona College of Nursing – Sarasota in 2023. Denise has over 14 years of experience in the postsecondary education field. In the past, Denise has served in instructional and leadership positions at Ultimate Medical Academy, Southeastern College, Concorde Career Institute, and Keiser University. Denise is looking forward to forging a rewarding relationship with her Arizona College of Nursing staff, faculty, and students.
Education: Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration, Northeastern University | M.Ed. in Teaching, Learning, and Assessments, National Louis University | B.S. in Biomedical Sciences, University of South Florida | B.S. in Microbiology, University of South Florida
Juan Bula brings over 25 years of experience to Arizona College of Nursing. He has held various academic leadership roles supporting student and faculty success, demonstrating a strong commitment to creating positive learning environments and mentorship. His work has contributed to program development, accreditation processes, and innovative teaching strategies.
Outside of work, he enjoys traveling, being near the water, exploring local Florida culture, and quality time with his family.
Education: General Business Administration & Management, DeSales University | General Business Administration & Management, Western Governors University
Prior to joining Arizona College, Leanne has been a nurse for over thirty years, including 24 years as a Nurse Practitioner with a primary focus on adult/geriatric population. Recently, she has served in corporate healthcare leadership roles, building her experience with establishing new locations and operations. Additionally, Leanne has over 16 years of experience as an adjunct nursing instructor.
In Leanne’s free time, she enjoys exercising, cooking, and spending time with her husband and family. She and her husband have three children between them along with three grandchildren.
Education: Doctorate in Nursing Practice, Carlow University | Masters of Science in Nursing, UNC at Greensboro | Bachelors of Science in Nursing, Waynesburg University