Bachelor of Science in Nursing: RN/ADN to BSN Program

April McGrath DNP, RN, NPD-BC, CENP is currently the Director of Clinical Education and Student Nurse Programs and Program Director for the Graduate Nurse Residency Program at Waterbury Hospital. In addition to her work as an adjunct professor at Charter Oak State College, she serves on the Board of Directors for the Connecticut Center for Nursing Workforce and multiple academic advisory boards throughout Connecticut. April has worked in nursing education and professional development since 2015 and is a strong believer in lifelong learning. She is a second-career nurse with a BA in Visual and Performing Arts from Fairfield University, an ADN from Gateway Community College, and an MSN in Education from Sacred Heart University. She earned her DNP from Salve Regina University in 2023 with a dissertation focused on enhanced leadership development in a graduate nurse residency program.

Dr. Catherine Leary is a dynamic nurse educator and healthcare leader with over three decades of clinical, academic, and administrative experience. As a Doctor of Nursing Practice and Certified Nurse Educator, Dr. Leary has dedicated her career to advancing nursing education, clinical excellence, and student success. Recently serving as the Academic Division Director of Nursing at CT State Community College, Capital, she provides strategic leadership for a team of 40+ faculty and staff, overseeing accreditation compliance, program development, budget management, and student outcomes. Her leadership has driven innovation in curriculum design, simulation integration, and academic policy reform. Dr. Leary also serves as adjunct faculty at Arizona College of Nursing in East Hartford, CT. A passionate educator, Dr. Leary has taught and advised hundreds of nursing students at the associate, and baccalaureate levels. She has held clinical teaching appointments at Quinnipiac University, University of Saint Joseph, where she also contributed to academic research as a graduate assistant. Her scholarly work includes a peer-reviewed publication in Nursing Education Perspectives on retrieval practice in nursing education and multiple conference presentations. Her DNP project explored the impact of a Clinical Competency Bootcamp on new graduate nurses’ readiness and transition to practice—underscoring her commitment to workforce development and nursing excellence. Dr. Leary’s clinical background spans transplant coordination, respiratory therapy, medical-surgical nursing, and professional development roles in hospitals and community settings. She is a long-standing advocate for inclusive education and community service, having led the first volunteer study abroad trip for nursing students through Remote Area Medical. Her contributions have been recognized with numerous leadership roles on institutional and statewide committees, including Chair of the CT-Community College Program Committee, and recipient of the Nightingale Award for Excellence in Nursing (2018). She is an active member of the American Nurses Association, Organization for Associate Degree Nursing, National League for Nursing, and Sigma Theta Tau. Dr. Leary holds a DNP from the University of Connecticut, an MSN in Nursing Education from the University of Hartford, a BSN from the University of Connecticut, and degrees in Respiratory Therapy from Manchester Community College and Berkshire Community College. With a deep belief in lifelong learning, workforce readiness, and evidence-based teaching, Dr. Leary continues to shape the future of nursing through academic leadership, mentorship, and advocacy.

Dawn Bunting received her nursing degree from St. Mary’s Hospital School of Nursing in Waterbury, CT, a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Central Connecticut State University, Master’s Degree in Science in Nursing Administration, and her Doctorate in Education from the University of Hartford. Her doctoral thesis focused on Social Supports that Foster Academic Success for Single Parent Associate Degree Nurses. Dr. Bunting has over 45 years’ experience, which encompasses 20 years of critical care nursing, medical-surgical nursing, rehabilitation nursing, and nursing management at The Hospital of Central CT and Hospital for Special Care, both in New Britain, CT, as well as Home Health Nursing. Dr. Bunting joined Capital Community College in 1998, serving as adjunct faculty, nursing tutor, and senior level professor in Medical-Surgical courses, with over 20 years’ experience in teaching pediatrics and medical-oncology nursing. She most recently retired as Division Director of Capital Community College’s Associate in Science nursing program in June 2022. Dr. Bunting has also served as adjunct professor at Quinnipiac University, Ona Wilcox School of Nursing and is a currently, an adjunct professor at University of Hartford teaching in the RN to BSN program and the MSN program. Additionally, she serves as a member of the CT Center for Nursing Workforce Board of Directors.

Deirdre is an accomplished nurse leader with almost 20 years of experience. 18 years of Deirdre's career were in acute care hospital settings in CT and NY in the areas of cardiac, medicine, infectious disease, sickle cell, addiction, hospice, and intensive care. Deirdre currently has the honor and privilege of serving as the Executive Director for AccentCare Hospice and Palliative Care of CT, overseeing the business development, business operations, clinical operations, patient experience, community outreach, and veteran partnerships. Deirdre graduated from the University of CT with a BSN in 2003 and from University of Phoenix with a MSN and MHA in 2012. She is also certified as a nurse manager and leader through the American Organization of Nurse Leaders.

My nursing career began 37 years ago, as a high school graduate from a practical nursing program. I worked as an LPN through the completion of my BSN program. My clinical background includes med-surg, maternal-child, high-risk OB, case-management, disease management, and leadership positions within the healthcare insurance industry. I have been a nurse educator for over 10 years, teaching in LPN and RN programs. I received a BSN from Adelphi University in NY, an MSN., Ed from University of Phoenix, and a DNP from Chamberlain University. A fun-fact: I have been training in martial arts for 17 years and am a 3rd degree black belt in Tang Soo Do karate. I also enjoy cardio-kickboxing and running.

Ellen Duell is a Clinical Nurse Specialist and ARPN with a background in critical care, nursing education and wound, ostomy and continence nursing. She has experience in process improvement, program development, providing consultation services related to complex patient care management issues and the application of evidence-based, best practices to advance the practice of nursing at the bedside and across the healthcare system. She has been a member of the hospital Institutional Review Board for 10 years. Ellen holds a BSN degree from Saint Anselm College and a MSN as a Clinical Nurse Specialist from University of Connecticut and is certified as a Clinical Nurse Specialist and Wound Ostomy Continence Nurse. She is also adjunct faculty at University of Hartford. She was the 2009 recipient of the Nightingale Award and the 2016 New England Region WOC Nurse of the Year Award.

Jessica Gabriele started her nursing career as a graduate of St. Vincent’s College, Bridgeport CT, with ASN. Jessica continued her career from there and now holds a DNP in Healthcare Systems Leadership. Currently working as the Director of Surgical Services at a community hospital in CT with 21 plus years of nursing experience. Possesses 15 plus years of leadership experience providing and supporting delivery of exceptional care to a variety of service lines resulting in optimal patient and staff outcomes. Expertise highlights include redesign and restructuring of service areas allowing for optimization of service lines, Management over a variety of service lines to include Neuro, Orthopedics, Medical-Surgical, Pre-procedural & surgical care, Increasing patient satisfaction scores, and staff engagement. Special skill sets include Financially conscious & informed, critical thinking, transformation leadership, problem-solving, and change agent/catalyst. Fun Fact: Dr. Gabriele is the parent of a son and three stepdaughters. Her oldest daughter is a very successful hairdresser owning her salon, the second oldest is studying to be a radiology tech and the youngest is in her last year of Middle school. Her son is an aspiring Firefighter and completing a High school internship to be a firefighter just like his stepdad (now there are lives to worry about every time the scanner goes off). The truth be told the fur babies, two Morkie brothers rule the house.

Kathy Murphy received her nursing degree from St. Mary’s Hospital School of Nursing in Waterbury, Ct and her Associate Degree in Science from Mattatuck Community College, Bachelor’s Degree in Science from Southern Connecticut State University, Master’s Degree in Science in Nursing from the University of Hartford, and her Doctorate in Education from the University of Hartford. The topic for her doctoral thesis was the Confidence of New Nurse Graduates in the Application of Environmental Health in the Nursing Process. Dr. Murphy has a vast experience in pediatric nursing, working in pediatrics at Yale-New Haven Hospital, Waterbury Hospital, and St. Mary’s Hospital in Waterbury, Ct, as well as a Public Health Nurse for the City of Waterbury. She has considerable experience in OB nursing having worked in the Family Birthing Center of Waterbury Hospital providing care to new families and teaching OB clinical experiences for several nursing programs in Connecticut, including Yale University, Gateway Community College, and the University of Connecticut. Dr. Murphy is the Director of the RN/BSN program at Charter Oak State College. She was previously a Professor of Nursing at Naugatuck Valley Community College (NVCC), an adjunct faculty at Charter Oak State College and at the University of Hartford where she teaches courses on environmental health and climate change. Dr. Murphy has several publications on environmental health and climate change and has presented at many conferences on these topics. She is an active member of the Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments, co-chair of the Education Forum, a member of the Steering Committee and one of the editors of the recently published second and now third edition of the free online e-text Environmental Health in Nursing. Dr. Murphy received the Charlotte Brody Award in 2022 from Healthcare Without Harm for her work promoting and protecting environmental health.

As the developer and inaugural director of the Charter Oak State College RN/ADN to BSN Program, Dr. Linda Perfetto initiated and led the plan for this innovative approach to seamless academic progression of associate degree RNs, based upon her doctoral research. Building on the strong foundation of their associate nursing education, students in the Charter Oak program fully demonstrate the AACN essentials for entry level professional practice at program completion. Guided by strong practice partnerships, the faculty work with students throughout the program to build capstone projects in response to real world practice challenges. Dr. Perfetto entered academe in 2000 following a rewarding clinical career in perioperative nursing as a staff nurse, clinical specialist and educator, and advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). Her entire career has been based upon a strong motivation to mentor and inspire the next generation of nurses.

I have been a nurse at Yale New Haven Hospital since 1988. My nursing career began on an adult renal-medical unit where I worked for 20 years as a preceptor, charge nurse and Assistant Patient Service Manager. During this time I enjoyed the balance of working and raising a family. My career path changed when I was invited to join Operations Support and develop/implement Transforming Patient Care. For the past 7 years I have served as the Patient Service Manager on an adult Progressive Pulmonary unit. I received a BSN from Salve Regina College and Mount Saint Mary College and a MSN degree from Walden University. I am a graduate of Yale School of Management in Executive Education and hold a Certification in Nursing Leadership and Management through AONE. Throughout my career, I worked in the Emergency Department, administered home antibiotic therapy, substituted as a school nurse, and was an adjunct professor for Nursing Leadership at Sacred Heart University. My husband Rich and I have been married for 30 years. Our greatest achievement has been the birth of boy/girl twins, now 23, and a 20 year old daughter. They are pursing pharmacy, social work and Spanish education. We are also extremely fortunate share our home with my 92 year old father.

Nicole Williams is an expert clinician who started her nursing career by obtaining her Associate degree in Nursing from Naugatuck Valley Community College. She then pursued a Bachelor’s in Nursing Science from Western Connecticut State University and her Master’s degree in Nursing Education from University of Hartford. She has specialized in critical care nursing and maintains certification from the American Association of Critical Care Nurses, as well as certification from the National League of Nursing, as a Certified Nurse Educator. Nicole is entering her third year as an educator with the CT State Community College Nursing Program and has experience in clinical, laboratory, simulation and on-line instruction.

Paul Fontanez received an AA in liberal Arts from Nassau Community college in 1997, a BSN from New York University in 2001, an MBA from Post University in 2012, an MSN from University of Hartford in 2021 and a Master of Arts in Theological Studies in From Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary in 2022. He has worked in Management for over 10 years at Yale New Haven Hospital. In critical care (CTICU/PACU) for over 25 years both in NY and CT. Holds a certification in Peri-Anesthesia Nursing. Has been teaching for over 13 years working for CT State Community College – Gateway.

My career at Yale New Haven started in 2003 as a business associate/unit secretary and then a student nurse assistant prior to graduation. I have been a nurse at Yale New Haven Hospital since 2005 when I began my nursing career on an adult renal-medical unit where I worked for five years as a preceptor and charge nurse. For the past 10 years, I have been the Assistant Patient Service Manager on an Adult Progressive Pulmonary unit. I received a BSN from the University of Connecticut and a MSN degree from Walden University. My husband Mike and I have been married for 12 years. Our greatest achievements have been the birth of our three sons, AJ who is 10, Jacob who is 6, and Marco who is 5. We also have our dog Bella who is now 14.

Sheila is a creative, visionary, and success driven professional with experience in higher education leadership, teaching, curriculum development, and program evaluation. A proactive and passionate leader with strong management, interpersonal, and communication skills who brings a team approach to problem solving, achieving organizational goals, and developing key partnerships to meet regional workforce needs. She has long-standing experience with adult learners and diverse populations. Significant accomplishments include the establishment of associate degree programs in nursing, surgical technology and culinary, and the development of innovative initiatives in collaboration with local partners that advance educational opportunities for New Haven residents such as the Health Careers Academy Pathway (HCAP). Sheila graduated with a BSN from Mount Saint Mary College in 1981, MSN from University of Hartford in 2002, and a EdD in nursing education from Southern CT State University in 2019. She has been a member of the nursing profession for over 40 years. She began her career in nursing in New Orleans, Louisiana as a staff RN in the CCU at Tulane Medical Center. She was employed as a staff nurse/charge nurse/nurse manager in critical care in Massachusetts, New York, Ohio, and Connecticut. In addition, she also worked part-time in a cardiology practice performing cardiac stress testing and served as a consultant for the CT Department of Higher Education and grant reviewer for Health, Resources & Services Administration (HRSA). Sheila’s experience in education includes positions in acute care nursing staff development, adjunct faculty at Quinnipiac University in the Diagnostic Imaging Department, full-time faculty and Program Director of a Practical Nurse Program, and Division Director of Allied Health and Nursing at Gateway Community College. She is the founding nursing director of the associate degree nursing program at Gateway and enjoyed 20 years leading and growing this program. Sheila firmly believes that you need to be actively involved in local and statewide initiatives to be informed, affect change, and stand out as a leader for the nursing profession. Throughout her career, she held numerous leadership positions in local and statewide committees and organizations and is very involved in initiatives that promote healthcareers to high school students. Sheila published several articles in peer reviewed journals and her research interests are focused on the concept of learning especially as it relates English Language Learners, bridging the gaps between academia and practice, and academic practice partnerships. On a personal level, she is married, has two daughters (both of whom are nurses), one grandchild, two sisters, and two brothers. Sheila is very excited and honored to be an adjunct faculty member of the Charter Oak State College RN to BSN nursing program.

Dr. Stephanie Knutson is an accomplished nurse leader and educator with over 20 years of experience in diverse educational settings advocating for nurses, children and families. As the School Health Administrator and Education Consultant for School Nursing and School Health for the Connecticut State Department of Education, she provides state-wide educational leadership and facilitate policy development in the areas of school health, public/community health, students’ physical and mental health, health education and nursing in general. Her deep understanding of the role of health in individual student achievement, closing the achievement gap and promoting health to maximize educational opportunities, lends to her evaluation of school health services within educational institutions in Connecticut, where she creates and provide opportunities for professional development and enhancement of school nurses, health educators and school health programs.

Ms. Marquis is an experienced and compassionate nursing professional dedicated to fostering the next generation of healthcare providers. With a Master of Science as an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and twenty-nine years of clinical experience, Tammy brings both a deep knowledge of nursing practice and a passion for education to the classroom. Tammy has clinical experience in a variety of healthcare settings, including medical-surgical, telemetry, ICU, Hospitalist, Pain Management APRN and Primary Care APRN. She is the Director of Health Services at a private high school, where she manages staff and daily duties as well as diagnosing students accordingly. This diverse background enables Ms. Marquis to offer real-world insights and valuable practical skills to nursing students, helping them bridge the gap between theory and practice. As professor at Naugatuck Valley Community College's nursing program, her passion for nursing and dedication to educating students was evident in every component of her teaching, online and on-ground. She demonstrated remarkable skills in the classroom, laboratory, and clinical settings, creating engaging and supportive learning environments. Her ability to connect with each student and inspire their interest in nursing made a significant impact on their academic success. Outside of teaching, Ms. Marquis is involved in The Prevention Council in her community and continuously seeks opportunities for professional growth and advancement.