About Us

Pat Woodbery, BSN, MSN, ARNP

Director of Nursing   

I joined Valencia in 1978. Since that time, I have served in many capacities including Professor of Nursing, Assistant Nursing Program Director, Interim Nursing Program Director and currently as Director of Nursing.

My nursing career includes:

• Instructor Medical College of Virginia, Richmond, VA
• RN St. Mary’s Hospital, Richmond, VA
• Assistant Head Nurse Medical ICU Shands Teaching Hospital, Gainesville, FL
• RN, CCU University of Virginia Medical Center, Charlottesville, VA
• RN, Pediatrics Richmond Memorial Hospital, Richmond, VA

On a personal note, I am married to Bob Woodbery. We have one daughter and one grandson.  I love to dance, race walk, play bunco, and quilt.  I escape to the North Carolina Smoky Mountains as often as possible to walk the trails and relax in the cool mountain breeze with a favorite book!

Anita Andrews Kovalsky, RN, M.N.Ed.

Assistant Director of Nursing

GRADUATE

1978-1981 University of Pittsburgh

M.N.Ed, Nursing - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 1981

UNDERGRADUATE

1973-1977 Carlow College

BSN, Nursing - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 1977

After graduating from Carlow College (now Carlow University) in 1977, I began working at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC)-Presbyterian University Hospital as a staff nurse in the Coronary Care/Cardiovascular Surgical Special Care/Cardiac Transplant/Cardiac Step-Down Units.  While there, I began working on my Master’s Degree in Nursing Education.  I was promoted to Nurse Manager of the Cardiac Step-Down Unit in 1980. 

In 1983, I began working at UPMC as a relief Critical Care Division Nursing Supervisor, and also taught nursing as an adjunct medical-surgical Clinical Instructor at the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC), South Campus. In addition to that, I also worked part-time in the Transitional Care Cardiac Unit, as well as on the med-surg units, at Forbes Regional Health Center in Monroeville, PA.

In 1988, I was appointed to a full-time Associate Nursing Professor position at CCAC Boyce Campus, during which I taught medical-surgical and fundamentals of nursing.  During my last five years at CCAC (1996-2001), I served as Nursing Department Chairperson at the Boyce Campus, until relocating with my family to Orlando in 2001.

I began teaching as a full-time Nursing Professor at Valencia Community College in August of 2001, primarily in the Foundations of Nursing (now Nursing 1) course.  Additionally, I have also taught Health & Physical Assessment, Pharmacology, Patient Care Management/Practicum, as well as in the Advanced Track (LPN, Respiratory Therapist, Paramedic to RN) Nursing courses.  I was appointed to the position of Assistant Nursing Program Director in May 2006.

I have two daughters, both of whom were transplanted to Florida. One is a graduate of the University of Central Florida, who previously worked in Public Relations and Marketing at the Orlando Sentinel, and now works in a similar capacity for the UCF Alumni Association. My other daughter is attending the University of Florida majoring in agricultural economics. My husband is an electrical engineering manager, currently working in the medical field with patient monitoring systems. We are empty-nesters except for our beloved dachshund, Marcel.

Ruby Alvarez, RN, MSN

Professor of Nursing

Prior to joining Valencia in 2006, I worked at/with the following institutions:  Florida Hospital Orlando, Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences, Travel Nursing, Scott and White Hospital of Temple, Texas, and Heart Hospital of Austin, Texas.

I have been married for thirteen years with a five year old son.

Ann Boulware Biggars

Professor of Nursing

Diploma in Nursing- Gaston Memorial Hospital School of Nursing ; BSN University of NC at Charlotte; MS in Health Services Administration from University of St. Francis

Prior to joining Valencia in 2001, I was Director of Nursing for HCA Westlake Hospital in Longwood, Florida and HCA Riverpark Hospital in Huntington, West Virginia.  I was also Director of Psychiatric Nursing in Winter Park Hospital, in Winter Park, Florida.  Presently I am enrolled in an MSN program at Nova Southeastern University.

I have 3 grown children and 2 grandchildren.

Sophia Brown-Wilson

Professor of Nursing

I received my Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1993 at Florida International University.  Since that time I had the pleasure of working in:

CCU (Cardiac Critical Unit)

Telemetry

Medical Surgical

Home Health

Long Term Care

Assisted living

Along with the above work, I have spent the last 10 years teaching within the medical field

In May of 2008 I received my Master’s in Nursing with a focus in Nursing Education from the University of South Florida.  It is my goal to motivate students and as,  John C. Maxwell (1989) stated “My life shall touch a dozen lives before this day is done, leave countless marks of good or ill, E’er set the evening sun This, the wish I always wish …. May my life help other lives it touches by the way.”

Judith Y. Clark, MSN, Medical-Surgical Nursing

Professor of Nursing

I have been with Valencia since 2002.  Prior to joining Valencia I was a Nurse Clinician at Orlando Regional Health Systems-Lucerne in the Progressive Care Unit.  For 13 years I was a Charge Nurse at Lucerne Medical Center in the Progressive Care Unit, and a Staff Nurse at Lucerne Hospital in the Surgical Unit. 

I am married with one daughter.  I'm a graduate of Grady Memorial Hospital School of Nursing, received a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Florida Southern College, and a Master of Nursing degree from University of Phoenix.

Barbara Fickley, RN, MSN, CS

Professor of Nursing

Before joining Valencia in 2004, I had over 30 years of experience in my specialty field of Psychiatric Nursing. 

I am devoted to my family and friends and 'head over heels' for our family pets.

Debra Ann Figueroa, RN, MSN

Professor of Nursing

I began my nursing career in Long Island, New York as an ADN in 1989. I moved to Florida in 1991. My past nursing experience includes Medical/Surgical, Post-Open Heart, Endoscopy, and Nurse Management. Believe it or not, I have wanted to be a nurse since I was 5 years old and do not regret it.

I have wanted to teach at Valencia Community College since I moved to Florida and decided to fulfill the educational requirement in order to teach at Valencia. I completed my Master of Science degree in Nursing Leadership and Education in 2006. In 2006, my dream of teaching at Valencia became a reality and here I am today. I started out teaching as an Adjunct Clinical Instructor and I am now a full-time Professor of Nursing. To those of you who think that you can’t do something…you can, it’s just a matter of how badly you want it.

On a personal level, I have three wonderful sons, an adorable black Cocker Spaniel named Misty, and a wonderful family. I love the fact that my parents taught me how to speak Spanish as a child and I now reap the benefits of being truly bi-lingual. I love the Florida weather and truly enjoy spending my free time with my family and friends. I love to travel and plan to visit Spain, Australia, Brazil, and Thailand one day.

Susie Forehand, RN, BSN, MSN, M Ed

Professor of Nursing

I joined the Valencia team in 1982.  I was a Staff Nurse at Orlando Regional Medical Center for 10 years as an LPN and RN in medical surgical nursing specializing in Critical Care, Emergency Care, Burn Care, and Oncology.   I volunteered for Hospice of Central Florida for 10 years.

My education includes the following:

• Volusia County Community College (1965) - LPN
• Valencia Community College (1975) – ADN
• Florida Technological University (1980) – M.Ed
• University South Florida (1978) – BSN
• University South Florida (1980) – MSN

I have a baby doggie named Oreo.

MaryAnn Gagen, ARNP

Professor of Nursing

I have earned an AA and AS in Nursing at Valencia Community College and have been an RN since 1994. I hold both a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Science degree in Nursing from University of Central Florida.  I am an ARNP with a specialization in Family Practice, as well as Maternal Child.  I have been teaching at Valencia Community College since 1999.

Personally, I have been in Florida since 1977.  I have two children, 5 granddaughters, and another grandchild on the way. Hail from TEXAS!  My husband Marty is in real estate.  I absolutely love teaching, especially the beginning students.  I enjoy singing in the choir; scrapbooking; and sewing.  My goal is to become computer competent... maybe become a “wire-head”+.

Diane M. Gómez, RN, MSN/Cardiovascular Medicine

Professor of Nursing

I have been with Valencia since 2004, when joining the team as an adjunct instructor.  Prior to my Valencia days I had been a clinical instructor/educator in the hospital setting.

I am married to a pastry chef where we live in St. Cloud with our 2 cats.

Carol Griffin, ARNP, MSN

Professor of Nursing

I graduated from St. Francis School of Nursing in Columbus, Ohio with a diploma in nursing. After my children were in school, I earned my BSN from the University of Central Florida and my MSN from University of Florida. My major in grad school was adult health and my minor was nursing education. I returned to U of F for post-masters course and clinical work to become a nurse practitioner.

After many years as manager and clinician in the Florida Hospital Employee Clinic, I joined the wonderful teaching faculty in the nursing program at Valencia Community College in 2004. I have been passionate about my nursing career since I started as a hospital volunteer at age 14! I love teaching all aspects of nursing, especially the psychosocial aspects of illness.

I am blessed with a son and daughter and two charming grandsons. I am a charter member of the Central Florida Advanced Nurse Practice Council and an active volunteer for the Interfaith Hospitality Network, a service for homeless families.

Cathie Hansen, RN, MSN

Professor of Nursing

I began my career in 1995 at Orlando Regional as a Nurse, practicing in the Operating Room.  While working in this area, I was given the opportunity to partake in many different specialities regarding the human body, such as: Cardiac, Neurology, Vascular, Orthopedic, Gastrointestinal, Endocrine, Urinary, Reproductive, Ophthalmic, Respiratory and IV Therapy.  I started precepting in surgery and really enjoyed teaching so I decided to get my Masters in Nursing to be able to teach at the college level.  I have been with Valencia since the Fall of 2003.

On a personal note, I am married and have two children.  

Leann Hudson, RN, MS, AS, RT

Professor of Nursing

I began my career as a respiratory therapist working at Baptist Medical Center in Jacksonville.  I worked for many years in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit, Pediatric Intensive Care, and Neonatal Intensive Care.  After years of working as a respiratory therapist, I decided to change career path to become a nurse.  My nursing career began in 1994 at Osceola Regional Medical Center as a staff nurse on the Progressive Care Unit and Coronary Care Unit.  Other hospitals I have worked at include Florida Hospital in the Medical/Surgical Intensive Care Unit, and Progressive Care Unit.  I have been with Valencia Community College since 2003.

I am married and have two children.

Kimberly G. Laughman, RN, BSN, MSN, ARNP

Professor of Nursing

I began working as a registered nurse in 1981 and have worked in various areas in the field to include medical surgical, IV therapy, endoscopy, home health, oncology/hematology and ambulatory surgical care. I began my nursing career after graduating from an ADN program in Jacksonville, Florida and continued my education with a Bachelor of Science in Professional Arts from St. Joseph’s College in Windham, Maine. I obtained my BSN, MSN and ARNP at the University of Central Florida.  While in graduate school, I was given the opportunity to work as an adjunct clinical instructor for Valencia. It was this opportunity that changed my career course as I discovered a great love for working with nursing students and leading them in to the career that I so love!

The greatest thing about being a nurse is by far the opportunities that this career has made available to me. Nursing has given me countless opportunities to learn and experience new challenges and fields of practice. By far the greatest opportunity afforded to me in my nursing and teaching career has been the opportunity to connect with people in a meaningful way. One thing I have learned is this-- however big or small the task at hand, attitude is everything.

One of the greatest attractions about being a Floridian for me is the availability of year round outdoor activities in the warm weather. I enjoy spending my leisure time with my family enjoying outdoor activities and traveling around the state. There is always something to see or do in the great state of Florida. Having lived in Connecticut and other Northeastern climates, I would prefer sand between my toes any day to snow and ice beneath my feet.

Mary Ann Alexander-Magalee, RN, MSN, CNOR, BC

Professor of Nursing

I joined Valencia Community College in October 2007 as Professor of Nursing. My Nursing specialization is in surgical services- operating room, where I functioned in various roles including staff, charge and management. I also have a specialization in Nursing Informatics, including roles such as staff, consultant, vendor implementations and development. I hold National certifications in both areas and continue to work in those areas in the community.

I earned my AS in Nursing from Luzerne Co. Community College in Nanticoke, PA,
BSN from the University of Phoenix and MSN from the University of Colorado, Boulder.

On a personal level, I am married and have 4 dogs and reside in Kissimmee/St. Cloud.

June Mair, RN, MSN

Professor of Nursing

I joined Valencia in 1991 as an adjunct clinical instructor and joined the full-time nursing faculty in 2001.   Prior to Valencia I was an Oncology Certified Nurse, providing patient care in the oncology unit in a large urban hospital.  Before specializing in oncology I worked with the medical and surgical unit at the same hospital.  I earned a Master of Sciences Nursing degree and Clinical Specialist degree from University of Florida, an Associate of Science degree in Nursing at Valencia Community College, and a Bachelor of Sciences degree in Health Sciences at Florida International University. 

On a personal note, I am widowed and a mother of two grown children, both of whom are married.  I have four grandaughters and one grandson.  I enjoy traveling overseas, reading, gardening, and listening to classical or religious music.  I have a passion for teaching and am thrilled every time I meet a former student who asks "Do you remember me?" and announces his/her accomplishment in the workplace or academically. 

I am actively involved in community services, assisting in feeding the homeless at the Coalition for the Homeless several times per year, presenting Health talks to church groups, and participating in the annual Teach-In of elementary school students sponsored by the Orange County Public School System. 

Manny Ramos, RN, MSN

Professor of Nursing

I attended the University of the Philippines, trained at the Philippine General Hospital and earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing in 1991. I worked in the Medical Surgical Unit and in the Adult Intensive Care Unit. In 1995, I migrated to the United States to work as a nurse.

I worked in Orlando and Winter Park, Florida for five years in the Long Term Health Care industry. Starting off as a staff nurse, I worked my way up to become the Unit Manager, Infection Control Coordinator, Staff Development, then an Assistant Director of Nurses.  I joined South Seminole Hospital in 2001 and worked as a staff nurse in the Medical Surgical Unit. I still work there as an Administrative Nursing Supervisor once in a while during the weekend.  I earned my Master of Science in Nursing in 2002 and worked with Seminole Community College as a Clinical instructor.  I joined Valencia Community College in 2004 as a full time Nursing Faculty.

Sherrie Smith, RN, MSN

Professor of Nursing

I graduated from the University of Florida with my BSN.  I received my MSN from Regis University in Denver, Colorado.

My nursing career has been focused in obstetrics and includes newborn and neonatal intensive care.  Additionally, I have always been involved in patient education programs such as prepared childbirth and prenatal breastfeeding.  I am a Certified Lactation Consultant.

I joined Valencia in 2003 as a part of the Pathways Into Nursing grant. While working with the grant I joined the nursing program as adjunct faculty.  Since 2006, I have had the pleasure of working with the students of Valencia as full time nursing faculty.

Personally, I have roots here in Central Florida having graduated high school here and with my parents and brother (and his family) still living here.  I have been married to my husband Dan for 16 years and we have two awesome sons Daniel & Dylan.  We love to travel, and enjoy doing anything outdoors- especially going to the beach! 

Linda Speranza, RN, ARNP, PhD, MSN, MEd, BSN

Professor of Nursing

i graduated with a BSN from Florida State University, have a Masters in Nursing and I am a Family Nurse Practitioner, Completing the program at the University of South Florida. I also hold a Masters in Education and a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction with a speciality in Motivation from University of Central Florida.

I have taught in all courses throughout Valencia's nursing curriculum and have enjoyed serving our college and community for a number of years.

Susan Stone, RN, MSN

Professor of Nursing

I worked in Community Health and in the Operating Room in Colorado, Florida (at Florida Hospital, Arizona).  Some of my many nursing areas include:  community health, offices, schools, operating rooms and of course the hospital setting.  I worked in Pediatric, General Practice and OB-GYN office practices in Florida.  I also worked at Florida Hospital on the Float Team in many nursing roles and units, as the first school nurse in Seminole County (yes, I am that old!), at the University of Central Florida in the Student Health Center and have volunteered at Health Care for the Homeless health center.  I joined Valencia in 1978 as an adjunct and was awarded tenure in 1997.   I have taught many of Valencia's courses but presently serve as Coordinator to Nursing 1 and want to welcome all students to Valencia's Nursing Program.

I have taught in Valencia's Nursing program for many years.  I'm a graduate of Ohio State University (GO BUCKS!) with a Bachelor of Sciences degree in Nursing and a Master of Sciences degree in Nursing from University of Florida (GO GATORS!).

On a personal note, I have four children, three grandchildren and have lived in Central Florida with my husband (a physician) since 1968.   I am active in the nursing community as member and past president of District 8 Florida Nurses Association, Sigma Theta Tau, and am a sustaining member to the National Student Nurses Association and the Florida Student Nurses Association. I am a founding Member of BETA, a center for unwed mothers and a founding member and Board Member to the Health Care Center for Homeless. I am active on many Valencia Community College committees.  In addition, I am the co-advisor to Valencia Nursing Student Association with Leann Hudson and Kim Laughman. 

Lisa Ann Wiese, RN, BSN, MSN

Professor of Nursing

I earned my BSN and MSN from the University of Virginia.

Prior to joining Valencia's nursing faculty in 2005, I was a Nursing Educator at St. Mary’s Hospital, West Palm Beach, FL.  I also served as Educator at Southwest FL Regional Hospital, Ft. Myers, FL and a “Travel Nurse” with specialty in critical care units for two years. (I highly recommend this as a great way to  see the U.S.  if you are single). I currently teach Valencia nursing students virtually from Boca Raton and I enjoy meeting students in the cyberspace environment.

On a personal note, I have two children 10 and 14 and my husband is Dr. Kurt Wiese.  We love to snow ski, and I am a WV Mountaineer fan!

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