Dr. Amanda Bell is a seasoned healthcare executive, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, and academic leader with over 15 years of experience. Passionate about nursing education, Dr. Bell is dedicated to shaping the next generation of nurses by fostering critical thinking, clinical excellence, empathy, and resilience.
Early in her career as a nurse, she witnessed the profound impact that strong leadership has on patient outcomes and healthcare environments. This experience inspired a commitment to not only improving healthcare systems through operational excellence but also empowering future nurses through education.
With a background that bridges clinical practice, leadership, and process improvement, Amanda leverages expertise in Lean methodologies to drive efficiency and quality in healthcare. Through teaching and mentorship, she strives to instill a deep sense of purpose and leadership in nursing students, ensuring they are equipped to excel as both caregivers and change agents in healthcare.
Education: Doctor of Nursing Practice, Grand Canyon University | Master of Science, Nursing, Saint Joseph University | Bachelor of Science, Nursing, Saint Joseph University
Tamara Mitchell-Davis joins Arizona College of Nursing – Hartford with over a decade of experience in higher education, leadership, and family and community engagement. Before joining the college, she served as Assistant Director in the Hartford Public School System, where she supervised a team of more than 35 staff members and led initiatives to enhance family engagement and strengthen community partnerships. She was instrumental in coordinating professional development programs for staff, fostering collaboration, and implementing strategies aligned with organizational goals.
As a seasoned professional and adjunct professor, Tamara has taught business courses and first-year experience classes in diverse settings, including in-person, online, and within the Department of Corrections.
As Dean of General Education, Tamara is dedicated to the success of students and is eager to ensure they receive the most from the General Education program at Arizona College of Nursing. She is excited to bring her dedication and expertise to the college as a passionate advocate for education and a champion for student success.
Education: Master of Business Administration, University of Phoenix | Bachelor of Science in Business Management, University of Phoenix | Associate of Arts, Liberal Arts, Capital Community College
Theresa Tuttle came to Arizona College of Nursing – Chesapeake in 2024 as the Dean of General Education. Her background includes a Master of Arts degree in Clinical/Community Psychology from Norfolk State University, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology/Sociology from the University of Virginia at Wise. She has more than 23 years experience working in higher education.
Education: Master of Arts in Clinical/Community Psychology, Norfolk State University | Bachelor of Science in Psychology/Sociology from the University of Virginia at Wise
Prior to joining Arizona College in 2022, Dr. DeFinis served as the Campus Director at Carrington College, Boise Campus. Dr. DeFinis has been working with children, athletes, coaches, teams, leaders, and organizations for over twenty years while consistently leveraging optimal performance strategies into success stories. He has a diversified background with extensive experience in education, nonprofit leadership, law enforcement, and behavior analysis. Dr. DeFinis has also served on the Board of Directors for several organizations that promote literacy initiatives, workforce development solutions, and educational opportunities. Dr. DeFinis believes in a student centric approach to operations where service excellence is the primary focus.
As Senior Campus President, Dr. DeFinis oversees the day-to-day operational execution and outcomes for the campus academic team.
Education: Ed.D. in Organizational Behavior and Leadership, Argosy University
Prior to joining Arizona College of Nursing in 2023, Alyssa served in academic and registrar operations for Adtalem Global Education driving continuous process improvements where she incorporated initiatives to increase efficiency and streamlined operations for the organization. Moreover, she has served as a Student Success Advisor where she assessed students’ unique needs while helping them reach their full potential through actionable paths steps. She is also a veteran of the United States Navy where she was commended and awarded for her exceptional leadership during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Alyssa has a diversified background with extensive experience in higher education and business operations and is committed to student success.
As Academic Records Manager, Alyssa provides data support to campus leadership and assists with the logistical guidance of student movement through the BSN program.
Education: Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration/ Educational Leadership, Liberty University | M.Ed. in Teaching and Learning, Liberty University | B.S in Interdisciplinary Studies, Maranatha University
Kim Jensen joined Arizona College of Nursing in 2022, bringing nearly 20 years of experience in higher education leadership. In her current role as Assistant Campus President, she leads academics, facilities, and student success, ensuring a student-centered and excellence-focused academic environment.
Kim holds a Master of Science in Management & Leadership from Western Governors University and a Bachelor of Business Administration from American InterContinental University. She is passionate about student success, organizational culture, and leadership development, striving to create an empowering and innovative campus experience.
Education: Master of Science, Management & Leadership, Western Governors University | B.B.A., Business Administration and Management, American InterContinental University
Katie was born in South Africa and pursued her studies in Education Management at the North-West University and the University of South Africa. She also holds an MBA from Independence University in Salt Lake City, UT. Over her 28-year career in education management, Katie has worked across various educational levels, from elementary to high school, including remedial English education. She has also held positions such as Dean of Education at CollegeAmerica, Director of Education at IBMC College in Fort Collins, and Campus President for IBMC College in Greeley, CO.
Katie is known for her leadership style that emphasizes teamwork and collaboration. She encourages staff and faculty to work together to align with our institution’s mission and vision. Her approachability, professionalism, and fairness have been key to fostering better working relationships, enhancing student satisfaction, and improving academic outcomes. Katie is dedicated to making everyone feel welcome and valued, regardless of their background.
As the Dean of General Education, Katie oversees faculty and students in the general education courses of our BSN program.
Education: M.Ed. in Education Management, University of South Africa | M.B.A., Independence University
Dr. Kathryn Palermo is an accomplished nursing educator, researcher, and leader. With over 15 years of experience in healthcare and nursing education, she is dedicated to fostering academic excellence, clinical competency, and student success.
Prior to this role, she served as the BSN Program Director at Colorado Christian University, where she played a pivotal role in enhancing student outcomes, including a 15% increase in NCLEX pass rate. Her expertise spans medical-surgical, orthopedic, neurological, and geriatric nursing.
Dr. Palermo has contributed to nursing scholarship, publishing in respected nursing journals on topics including new graduate nurse turnover and strategies to improve retention and transition to practice, reflection in nursing practice, Highly Reliable Organizations (HROs), and virtual reality in nursing simulation.
She has presented at national and regional conferences on innovative nursing education strategies and serves on multiple professional boards, including the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society and the Colorado Early Colleges Healthcare Pathways Advisory Board.
As the Dean of Nursing she will provide strategic leadership, support faculty development, and promote research and partnerships within the Front Range community.
Education: Doctor of Nursing Practice, University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences | MSN Leadership and Management, Western Governors University | BSN, University of Colorado
Shawntel Toliver joined Arizona College of Nursing in 2023 bringing more than Thirteen years of experience in Higher Education to the team. Shawntel previously served in a role Assistant Director of Admissions where her focus was on delivering exceptional student service and positive educational outcomes.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and is passionate about student success, organizational culture and providing mentorship to her on-campus team. Shawntel serves as Executive Director of Enrollment Services for the Aurora campus.
Education: BA, Business Administration
With more than 15 years of experience in higher education and a decade dedicated to nursing education, Dr. Watkins has a strong foundation in academic leadership and student success initiatives. She has held key leadership roles including Vice President of Academic Affairs, Vice President of Teaching and Learning, and Dean of General Education—each position strengthening her commitment to supporting both students and faculty in meaningful ways.
In her current role as Dean of General Education, Dr. Watkins focuses on empowering the entire campus community by fostering collaborative, student-centered strategies that help both learners and educators thrive.
Education: PsyD in Human and Organizational Psychology, Touro University Worldwide | M.A. in Education, University of Phoenix | B.S. in Psychology, University of Utah