Valerie earned a Doctorate of Philosophy in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Miami. She is board certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Valerie is dedicated to the advancement of the Nursing profession, which is reflected in her work in educational, clinical, and research arenas.

Valerie has had the opportunity to hold several adjunct and clinical faculty positions at academic institutions. She is passionate about providing learners with resources that foster nurse leadership and engagement. Additionally, she has experience with curriculum development, course creation, and evaluation methods.

Clinically, Valerie has worked in both the hospital and outpatient settings, as a nurse and nurse practitioner. She values practices that reflect patient care and those that hold patients’ health and well-being at their core. Valerie has experience using both quantitative and qualitative research methods. Her research interests include violence prevention, implementation science and evidence-based practice. She has authored numerous publications and presentations and is honored to have been recognized on a national level for her work as a White House “It’s On Us” Champion of Change. Further she is honored to have been inducted into Sigma Theta Tau and named a Jonas Nurse Scholar.

Currently she lives in Tampa, Florida and enjoys exploring new waterways by boat, paddle boarding, and taking walks on the beach.