Health & Medicine
Health & Medicine
Susana Barroso
School of Nursing
Hello! I am a first-generation Latina college graduate, originally from Miami, Florida. I am a nurse, an educator, mother, daughter, and cat lady. I graduated nursing school in 1990 and obtained my PhD in 2016. Nursing is my calling. When I am in scrubs, I am most at home in a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Teaching is my passion. I love being an educator and mentor. I love teaching at the nursing school and helping students navigate the challenges they face in the classroom and during their clinical rotations. My office has an unlimited supply of candy, aromatherapy, coloring books and crayons (all great stress relievers)! I believe part of my purpose is to pass the Nightingale lamp to future generations and inspire them (YOU!) to change the world. I am new to Chapel Hill and North Carolina and spend my free time discovering all NC has to offer!
Kandyce Brennan
School of Nursing
As a proud first-generation college graduate from this exceptional institution, I earned my BA in Biology with a minor in Folklore (Go Heels!). Eventually, my passion shifted to nursing and reproductive care, leading me to acquire a BSN from Duke University School of Nursing and later, a masters in midwifery and a doctorate from Frontier Nursing University. My academic pursuits are rooted in improving access to prenatal care, advocating for culturally sensitive healthcare, and addressing social determinants of health. While originally from Brevard County, Florida, North Carolina has been my home for over 15 years, offering the beautiful mountains, beaches, and local delicacies like Bojangles. My involvement in the community extends to volunteering and supporting local small businesses, so if you bump into me and my family around town, please don’t hesitate to say “hey”!
Marco Castro
School of Nursing
Moving upstate on my own for the first time as a first-generation college student, it would never have dawned on me that nursing would be in my future. Overcoming the loss of my abuelita and a break for several years temping in NYC to help support my family – far cry from the Biology degree I started years before – I made it back upstate and walked in commencement and celebrated my Bachelor of Arts in English Literature with my family two years later. Having little interest in teaching English but still wanting to help people and remembering an old classmate suggesting nursing, I took prerequisites at community college while working full time. I still remember the day my mother called me at work and told me my ABSN program admission had come in the mail and – tears of joy in my eyes – the rest is history. My career at Binghamton saw me through my start as a new grad in oncology and my Master of Science in Community Health Nursing and Nursing Education after which my journey led me to the moderate climate and rich, beautiful contrast between the mountains and coast here in North Carolina and a position in critical care. Since then, my focus has shifted to psychiatric-mental health nursing. I currently supervise nursing students as faculty at the School of Nursing and work at the bedside on an inpatient psychiatry unit. I enjoy reading, creating fiber arts projects, and hiking. Excited to be here to support mentees and help them meet their goals and succeed.
LaTonia Clark Chalmers
School of Nursing
Hello, and I am grateful that you are here at Carolina! I was born and raised in a small, rural NC community (with no traffic lights to this day), and I am a first generation college graduate from a socioeconomically disadvantaged background and have lived experience with complex childhood trauma. I understand first hand what it means to leave everything familiar to embrace learning opportunities that can literally instill hope, ignite passion and curiosity, and change the trajectory of possibilities. I am a Carolina alum x 2 (Bachelor of Arts in history and Bachelor of Science in Nursing), earned a masters in nursing (specialty – psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner), completed a fellowship in Integrative Health and Healing Therapies, and earned a doctorate of nursing practice (in transcultural nursing leadership). I teach in the School of Nursing and love nurturing the personal and professional growth of students. My family, friends, and faith keep me grounded, strong, sane, and smiling.
Catherine Crawford
School of Nursing
I am a former Labor and Delivery nurse now working as clinical and course faculty to help guide the next generation of nurses. I became a nurse later in life as a returning student after years of working in others areas and raising a family. My passion is high-risk obstetrical care, rural health nursing, healthcare leadership, and worker emotional support. As a recent graduate of UNC from the graduate school, I relied on the support of faculty mentors without whom I may not have persevered through the difficult times. I would love to stand alongside anyone who needs a supportive hand! Seeking Non-Nursing Mentees* I welcome Pre-nursing and Nursing students to contact me for an informational meeting about nursing and the School of Nursing at Carolina.
Suja Davis
School of Nursing
I am an Associate professor working at the SON for the past 17 years. I have mentored numerous students in the past with clinical experience, getting job after graduation, mentored their honors project as well as supported them to publish their honors work. Additionally, as as course coordinator of 4 courses, I held regular meetings with students who were behind with courseworks, and offered study tips which helped them to be successful in the program. I intend to bring these experiences to the carolina mentorship program.
Dane Emmerling
Department of Health Behavior
Hello. Advising is one of my favorite parts of being a professor and I would be excited to chat with you about your professional journey even if I am not your Covenant mentor. I grew up in Eastern North Carolina and had my horizons significantly expanded through coming to college (down the road at NC State). I have explored many career interests being a Biochem and Literature majors in college, doing global health work in Cambodia, Ghana, and Honduras for a season, and finally becoming a teaching professor in Health Behavior. I know that choosing a path can take time, many experiences, and good mentorship. I have been so lucky (and continue to be) with all the folks who mentor me and so would be delighted to be on the team of folks supporting you.
Stephanie Fisher
School of Nursing
New Bern, NC, holds a special place in my heart as it is my hometown. My educational journey led me to East Carolina University, where I earned my BSN in 1995 and my MSN in 2007; then returned to school to earn my DNP in 2020 at The University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to hold various leadership positions at both the state and local levels, gaining diverse experiences in different areas of nursing; however, my passion lies in public health nursing because I firmly believe that “Public health is everywhere.” On a personal note, I am proud to have a Carolina Alum daughter. I indulge in reading, dancing, and cherishing moments with my friends in my leisure time. Striving for excellence, I aim to make a difference in others’ lives, the community, and populations.
Zachary Yukio Kerr
Associate Professor, Director of I-WERQ
Department of Exercise and Sport Science
My mentors were important in helping me thrive (and survive) school as I figured out what I wanted to do with my life, while juggling how to “make sense” of all these different identities that were and are important to me (first generation college student, 4th generation Japanese-American, gay/queer). I wanted to serve Carolina Covenant as a Mentor to help “pay it forward” in being an advocate for student success, health, and well-being. I was born and raised in Hawai’i, but school and work have allowed me to get to UNC via stops in Seattle, Columbus (OH), and Indianapolis. My area of study is sports-related injury epidemiology and prevention, and that has led me to work with national youth sport organizations, the NCAA, and the NFL. Last, although I’m very proud of my research, my previous work as accredited press with the Eurovision Song Contest holds just as much fond memories.
Rhonda Lanning
School of Nursing
I am a first-generation college graduate who completed UG studies on a Pell grant after dropping out of high school. I managed to push through incredible obstacles to achieving my education. I am a nurse-midwife and lactation consultant and have been teaching at UNC for 16 years. I LOVE working with students! In addition, I am the program director for Birth Partners, the volunteer doula program at UNC Health, that provides free doula support to individuals and families who would otherwise not have access to this care.
Johna Mihalik
Department of Exercise and Sport Science
My name is Johna Register-Mihalik and I was born and raised in a small town in Alabama (Slocomb – we have amazing tomatoes). I grew up on a farm! I live in Durham with my husband, two kiddos, and our dog – Callie. I love to play piano, to read (memoirs and biographies are my favorite), to be out in nature, and all things music and sports. I went to undergrad at the University of Alabama and earned a degree in Athletic Training/Sports Medicine. My first college class was 1/3 the size of my entire home-town and I remember the feeling of that first day! I did all of my graduate work here at UNC-Chapel Hill focusing on traumatic brain injuries and ways we could help prevent, manage and care for these injuries across the lifespan and across different sports and in the military. I am a faculty member in Exercise and Sport Science and I love to learn from our students and all students across campus. Collaboration is my favorite part of our campus! I am happy to help support and walk alongside in any way needed for students on this journey at UNC-CH!
John Min
Assistant Clinical Professor
School of Medicine
I have been in clinical medicine at UNC Health for 15 years. During that time, I have taught at the UNC SOM for 14 years both in preclinical phases, and in clinical phases. I have routinely had premedical students shadow in the office with me, and have mentored medical students and residents from UNC. I have felt a pull to help and support all students who are underresourced especially, and have committed to a local underresourced school in Durham for the last 7 years.
Kristin Ondrak
Teaching Assistant Professor
Department of Exercise and Sport Science
I am a Teaching Assistant Professor in the Department of Exercise and Sport Science. My primary responsibilities are teaching Anatomy and Human Physiology and occasionally Exercise Physiology. I’m from a small town in central PA and have also lived in Seattle, Denver and Phoenix. I am eager to support students, share my experiences and assist in career planning as a mentor.
Krystal Pendergraft-Horne
School of Nursing
*Accepting non-nursing students only.*
Hello everyone, I am Dr. Krystal Pendergraft-Horne. I have been a Registered Nurse for over 14 years. I am a Family Nurse Practitioner and I practiced in a rural primary care setting caring for patients across the lifespan for 3 ½ years. I recently completed my Doctorate in Nursing Practice with a concentration in Leadership. I am also a Mental Health First Aid Instructor. My nursing expertise is critical care as I was an ED nurse for 10 years. I am a true adrenaline junkie! I have been teaching in the undergraduate program at in the SON since 2021.I also teach an Interprofessional Diabetes Elective with the School of Pharmacy. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my partner and our 2 children. My son plays football, and my daughter is a dancer and gymnast. My son is an autoimmune warrior, and he lives with juvenile idiopathic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and irritable bowel disease. His strength and perseverance amaze me! My children are my proudest accomplishments!I love watching mindless television shows and cuddling with my 2 cats and toy poodle. I have recently started boxing and kickboxing classes as a hobby for strength and conditioning and overall health and wellness. I am from a rural area, in Goldsboro. I have lived in North Carolina my entire life. I live across from a beautiful farm and I love the quiet vibe of my home. To me, Chapel Hill is a big city! I am also a first generation college student. I have a very small family and appreciate networking and building relationships with others. I look forward to meeting you!
Griselda Portillo
Research Technician
Adams School of Dentistry
I am first generation born in the United States, my parents are originally from central America. I am the first in my family to go to college (at Appalachian State University), enjoy playing with my dogs, traveling and playing the piano! I like gardening, making tamales, drinking Cheerwine (from Salisbury, NC), and reading a good book. I do research in skeletal muscle tissue engineering at the UNC dental school. I love cell biology and I enjoy observing cells under the microscope, so I am happy I get to that every day.
Ron Strauss
Adams School of Dentistry
I was born in New York City to parents who were refugees from Nazi Germany. As first in our family to go to college, I know how challenging it can be to juggle family expectations and the stresses of being a student. For me, I worked to support myself while going to Queens College of the City University of New York. After completing a bachelor’s degree in Biology, I attended the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine on a scholarship. While a dental student, I began to study Sociology and soon found myself in a masters and PhD program in Sociology with funding from the National Institute of Health. I am a faculty member in 3 schools at UNC: Dentistry, Medicine and Public Health. At Carolina I serve as full-time faculty at the Adams School of Dentistry. As a clinician, I work on an interdisciplinary health team taking care of children with cleft lip, cleft palate and other facial and cranial differences. My research has been on the social and psychological implications of stigma and discrimination and I have worked on facial differences and on HIV/AIDS. I teach a large class called the HIV/AIDS Course and hope some of our Covenant students will take the course (PUBH 420). I am married to a Family Medicine physician faculty member at UNC and we have 2 terrific daughters and 3 grand-daughters. My spirit is helped by daily hiking, yoga and a love for cooking.
Lee Stoner
Department of Exercise and Sport Science
I am originally from England, though moved to the U.S for graduate school (University of Georgia), then on to New Zealand for 9.5 years, and then back to the U.S in 2016. I am a first-generation college graduate who strongly believes in the importance of positive role models and mentors. At different stages of my journey, I can name select people who’ve been instrumental in my development. At UNC I direct the Cardiometabolic Lab, and the best part of my job is the graduate and undergraduate students I mentor.
Melanie Studer
Assistant Professor, Director of Undergraduate Studies
Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health
I grew up in a small town in Michigan, the child of two public school educators. I was good in math and science and knew I wanted to pursue a service-oriented career, so off I went to college as a pre-med biology major. During my junior year, I began to question if medical school was the right path for me – is this story starting to sound familiar to any of you? So, rather than jumping in, I decided to pursue a job in health care after graduation to explore my options. It was during this time that I learned about the field of public health. With the support of great mentors, I’ve had a diverse career working in public health and I would welcome the opportunity to connect with students interested in exploring this exciting field!
Jana Thompson
Director of PharmD Recruitment
Eshelman School of Pharmacy
I am a native Wisconsinite, who lived in both Texas and Virginia over the span of 10 years, but now call North Carolina home. I currently serve as the Director of PharmD Recruitment for the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy. My passion centers on access to education for all students. I have worked in the enrollment management space for almost two decades, and I am committed to helping students realize their dreams. I look forward to serving as an advocate and cheerleader to guide students along their path to success.
Daniel Winecoff
Medical Student
School of Medicine
I am from Salisbury, NC and have been a student in the Triangle since 2015. With support from the Covenant, I double majored in Biology and Music at UNC (Class of 2019). In my gap years before medical school, I earned a Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences from the Duke University School of Medicine, and I worked as an Emergency Department Technician at Duke University Hospital. I am currently in my 3rd year of medical school at UNC doing clinical rotations, and I am most interested in pursuing Anesthesiology as my career specialty. I am very busy with clinical work now, but I always have time for my friends and students of the Carolina Covenant. Whether students need advice on the journey to medical school and medicine, the transition to UNC from high school or community college, gearing up for a second degree after UNC, or general life beyond being a student, I’ll be happy to offer what I can. Outside of being a medical student, I love hiking different trails around the triangle, playing a good video game, or grabbing a drink with friends. If you’re reading this as a new UNC student, welcome to UNC and the Carolina Covenant!
Cara Winstead
School of Nursing
I grew up in rural, eastern North Carolina and have always called North Carolina home. I understand what it feels like to grow up in a farming community and go to college in a larger city. I have been a nurse for 41 years. I have always enjoyed teaching and became a Clinical Instructor at the School of Nursing in 2015. It is rewarding to introduce students to the nursing profession. I enjoy working with students and I always find myself learning from them. I want to help them succeed. I like to encourage students and think it is vital to their success. There were times I struggled in nursing school and early in my career. Thankfully I received support and encouragement from others. So I would love to do the same for students as a mentor in the Carolina Covenant program.