Alumni biographies
Andrea Raincrow-Chisholm, MN, RN
Endoscopy Manager, Gastroenterology Associates
(BSN '92)
After completing her BSN at Saint Martin's University, Andrea
earned her MN at the University of Washington in 2009. Ms.
Raincrow-Chisholm has many reasons she enjoyed her time at Saint
Martin's. "The curriculum offered was flexible enough to allow
me to work and raise my family. The program educators were not
only excellent but supportive and accessible in assisting me to
achieve my academic goals. Finally, the learning environment
appealed to me; small classroom sizes, lively discussions with
colleagues and aesthetically and spiritually pleasing
surroundings."
Theresa Stabnow, BSN, RN
Clinical Manager, Gastroenterology Associates
(BSN '99)
Theresa Stabnow is a Clinical Manager with Gastroenterology
Associates in Olympia, WA. What she enjoyed most about her time
in the program was the benefit of small class sizes and getting
to know teachers and fellow students on a personal level.
Furthermore, a diverse student body gave Theresa more
perspective into other cultures. She had the opportunity to be a
nursing supervisor and then clinical manager for a GI practice.
"Nursing leadership classes at Saint Martin's clearly helped me
as I learned and continued to grow in these roles." She also
comments: "You never stop learning. SMU provides an educational
experience that allows you to expand your knowledge and ways of
thinking that will enhance you as a person and in your
career."
Jacqueline Johnson, MPA, RN
Practice Administrator, Gastroenterology Associates
(BSN '96)
Jackie is currently the Practice Administrator with
Gastroenterology Associates in Olympia, WA. Being a nurse prior
to going into administration was a huge benefit. Ms. Johnson
feels she has a better understanding of patients and what they
go through, as well as a better understanding of the health care
system, procedures, and treatments. This combined experience
allows her to be a better administrator. Jackie and fellow SMU
alumni Andrea Raincrow-Chisholm and Theresa Stabnow all work at
Gastroenterology Associates. They did not attend classes
together at Saint Martin's University. Jackie and Andrea first
crossed paths while working at Providence St. Peter Hospital in
the Intensive Care Unit. All three attribute their interest in
life-long learning, leadership in their community, and ability
to move from the patient's side to administrative roles in their
jobs to the strong foundation from Saint Martin's University.
Lynn Okita, MSN, ARNP
Private Practitioner, Adult Primary Care
(BSN '93)
After obtaining her BSN from Saint Martin's, Ms. Okita earned
a MSN degree from Pacific Lutheran University and in '07 she
completed the nurse practitioner program at Duke University.
Lynn opened her own private practice in June 2011 in Olympia. At
the time, she decided: "I'm 54 years old. If I'm going into
business for myself, now is the time." Lynn's nurse practitioner
experience prior to starting her own practice included working
in primary care at Madigan Army Medical Center and in a group
practice in Olympia.
Chuck Cumiskey, RN,MBA
Nurse Supervisor, Madigan Army Medical Center
(BSN '97)
After earning his BSN degree at Saint Martin's, Mr. Cumiskey
graduated from the University of Washington-Tacoma with his MBA.
He worked for ten years for the Washington State Nursing Care
Quality Assurance Commission serving as "an advocate for
patients and citizens." He was responsible for issues related to
licensing and the practice of registered nurses. He worked with
nurses to discuss practice standards and helped them analyze
systems that lead to practice breakdown. Chuck is now a nurse
supervisor at Madigan Army Medical Center and serves in the Army
Reserves.
Rae Simpson, RN, MSN
Director of Behavioral Health Services
Providence Southwest Washington Region
(BSN '96, MSN SMU)
Ms. Simpson earned both her BSN and MSN degrees at Saint
Martin's. She was one of the eight graduates of Saint Martin's
policy MSN program - a group of alumni referred to as the
'fabulous eight.' "I liked Saint Martin's. It was small and
everyone supported each other. We got to know each other really
well." In addition, all three of her children have enrolled at
SMU. One daughter graduated in 2012 as a theater major and is
enrolled at The Evergreen State College in the Master's in
Teaching program. Rae's other daughter plans to apply to medical
school and become an oncologist. Her son plans to apply to
dental school and become an orthodontist.
Diane Hamilton, RN, MN
Clinical Manager, Providence Centralia Hospital
(BSN '91)
After obtaining her BSN from SMU in 1991, Diane earned her MN
degree from the University of Washington and has been with the
Providence health care system for thirty years. At one point in
her career, she directly managed up to 200 nursing staff. Her
willingness to learn on-the-job and ability to put knowledge
into practice were skills she cultivated through her Saint
Martin's educational experience. The SMU value system really
helped Ms. Hamilton work in the Critical Care Unit with families
who had a wide array of spiritual beliefs and values. She feels
that her experience at a faith-based university and course work
related to ethics in nursing allowed her to address family needs
in a compassionate, caring and respectful manner. "My daughter
is an SMU engineering student so I think that says a lot about
my SMU recommendation!"
Kathy Kinderman, PhC, MN, RN
Associate Professor, Linfield College
(BSN '99)
After graduating from Saint Martin's University, Kathy earned
a MN degree from Washington State University with a focus on
nursing education. She immediately was hired at Linfield College
where she recently received tenure and promotion to an associate
professor. Kathy's passion for education is also demonstrated by
her enrollment in a Ph.D. program in education at Capella
University. She has almost completed her dissertation and
expects to have her degree soon. Kathy's son also graduated from
Saint Martin's University with a degree in music and he has been
successful in pursuing a professional singing career.