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Cheretta Gibson 11/27/2023 10:20:21
PanelistCheretta Gibson is a native Baltimorean. Ms. Gibson has over 25 years in the medical field. Her healthcare experience consists of CNA, nurse technician, and physical therapy tech roles. Ms. Gibson completed the expedited RN to BSN program at Coppin State University in 2015, and her current specialties are as an RN in inpatient hospice, medical-surgical, outpatient dialysis, school health, adjunct clinical instructor, and urgent care. She is also a certified Case Manager Delegating Nurse for school health and juvenile services. Gibson is one of the first cohorts in Coppin State University's BSN to DNP program. Her scholarly project title is "The exploration of Nonadherence in Hemodialysis in African American Men."
Rashaan Ballard
PanelistBorn and raised in the city of Baltimore, MD, Rashaan is a dynamic professional with a unique blend of expertise in the art and science of nursing. Holding a Bachelor of Science in Physics from Morgan State University and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Coppin State University, Rashaan has bridged the realms of science and healthcare. On the brink of completing the Doctor of Nursing Practice (BSN to DNP) program at Coppin State University, Rashaan is poised to emerge as a Doctorly prepared Family Nurse Practitioner in May 2024, equipped with a wealth of clinical and leadership experience across diverse healthcare settings. With a rich background encompassing roles in oncology, urgent care, emergency medicine, and intensive care, Rashaan brings a multifaceted perspective to the table.
A dedicated member of esteemed professional organizations such as DNP’s of Color, The American Association of Nurse Practitioners, American Nurses Association, and Maryland Nurses Association, Rashaan is deeply committed to advancing the nursing profession and advocating for patient-centered care. Beyond the clinical realm, Rashaan serves as member of the Health and Nursing Ministry at New Psalmist Baptist Church and oversees the Training Department for the Southern Maryland Region of Patient First, where he plays a pivotal role in ensuring the highest standards of training and development across 12 urgent care centers. In his research endeavors, Rashaan focuses on understanding African-American male primary care-seeking behaviors, aiming to address disparities and improve healthcare outcomes within this demographic. With his unwavering dedication and diverse skill set, Rashaan aspires to make a profound impact both within the healthcare community and beyond.
Angela Cooper
PanelistMy name is Angela Cooper, a current BSN to DNP student of Coppin State University. My academic background includes a BA in Psychology from the University of Maryland, a MBA from the University of Maryland, BSN from Coppin State University, and I am in my final semester of a dual degree program obtaining my DNP and FNP from Coppin State University.
I am healthcare professional with over fifteen years of experience with a focus on delivering quality-driven and equitable healthcare servicing the greater Baltimore region. I have both clinical and managerial experience in Nursing, specifically in critical care and neuroscience, along with leadership experience focused in population health and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
Through my experience, I am able to narrow in on improvement opportunities seen from both perspectives. I demonstrate the ability to analyze, problem- solve, and communicate effectively while collaborating with other leaders internally and externally to establish innovative programs and interventions through the development of strong bonds and relationships. I come with experience designing, developing, and implementing methods to improve healthcare delivery to patients in a complex, regulated system so often described by others.
Tiffiny Sumpter
PanelistTiffiny Sumpter is a Baltimore native with over two decades of experience in healthcare. She has embarked on a nursing journey that began as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in 2003, specializing in gerontology. A commitment to academic excellence and service guided her throughout her extensive career, leading to her obtaining a BSN in 2018 from Coppin State University.
Tiffiny is dedicated to caring for individuals in underserved communities, and her contributions extend outside of the clinical practice to nursing leadership and community engagement. Serving in various leadership roles - Secretary and Treasurer for esteemed nursing organizations Chi Eta Phi's Gamma Alpha Beta Chapter and the Maryland Association of Nursing Students/NSNA CSU Chapter exemplifies her dedication to fostering professional growth and collaboration with other nursing professionals. She is also active in other professional organizations like the DNPs of Color, the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, the American Nurses Association, and the Maryland Nurses Association. Moreover, her past involvement with initiatives like the Lewis Hall Stroke Prevention Committee underscores her commitment to community health and education, with recognition through awards such as the prestigious Mary Mahoney Award for promoting diversity and inclusion within the nursing profession.
Tiffiny is currently pursuing a DNP- FNP degree at Coppin State University. Her DNP scholarly project focuses on safeguarding seniors who are at risk for falls by integrating innovative technological solutions, such as video monitoring, into long-term care settings. By implementing proactive measures to prevent falls through advanced surveillance and early intervention strategies, she aims to enhance the safety and well-being of elderly individuals in the communities. This project reflects her ongoing commitment to leveraging evidence-based practices and technology to address critical healthcare challenges while advocating for excellence in nursing practice and patient care. Tiffiny believes she was called to duty for the health of the nation and lives by a Martin Luther King quote every day, "If I can help somebody as I pass along if I can cheer somebody with a word or a song, if I can show somebody he's traveling wrong, then my living will not be in vain."
Robyn Terrell
PanelistRobyn Terrell is a native of Baltimore, Maryland, and the eldest girl of four children. As such,
she often spent time with her elders, and later became a resource to the family for caregiving as they
aged. She graduated from Western High School in Baltimore at age 16. Her passion for caregiving was
strong. She attended and graduated from the Helene Fuld School of Nursing Program with honors, in
2007.
Initially employed as a medical-surgical nurse with MedStar Union Memorial Hospital, she began
working simultaneously as a Case Manager and Delegating Nurse for United Cerebral Palsy and later
began working as a part-time nurse for Patient First Urgent Care Centers. She was moved by the phrase
“blossom where you are,” so she became a Clinical Ladder III nurse at Union Memorial Hospital. In this
role, she served as the charge nurse for the stroke unit in addition to serving as the charge nurse on the
evolving medical-surgical floor. She served on MedStar’s corporate Nursing Practice Council before
accepting a position as a Clinical Research Nurse at the National Institutes of Health.
Shortly after, she accepted the position as Director of Medical Support for Patient First at their
Rockville location, where she currently leads a team of 40 medical staff. Now as a candidate for the
doctoral degree in the Coppin State University inaugural BSN to DNP program, she is focused on her DNP
Scholarly Project, “Early Pregnancy Educational Experiences of African-American Women About Iron,
Folic Acid, B12, and Vitamin D.”
Michael Williams, DNP, FNP-BC
ModeratorMichael Williams (He/Him/His) is a board-certified Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN).
As a bilingual (English, Spanish) APRN who has specialized in Internal Medicine, he has had the opportunity to provide care for a culturally diverse and medically complex patient population for over four years at a Federally Qualified Health Center (FHQC). He has a great deal of experience in caring for patients from various socioe-conomic levels and communities.
Michael credits his love for medicine to growing up in New York City and to his parents, who are from Panama. His upbringing exposed him to many of the healthcare challenges and obstacles to care first-hand. Being of Panamanian descent allowed him to see the importance of understanding culture and its impact on delivering care. These experiences led to seeking and ultimately obtaining a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing ‘09 and Master’s of Science in Nursing‘16 at the University of Tampa. While developing his clinical practice as a provider, he has focused on his development as an educator in the nursing profession as well. Michael served as a clinical instructor at Yale University for three years and is currently teaching at Texas State University. Along with teaching, Michael recognizes the importance of obtaining advanced education and as a first-generation college graduate himself, he initiated an endowment scholarship for first-generation college students at his alma mater.
Michael believes community care is essential to the advancement of society. The philosophy that guides his practice is to provide the highest level of care through meaningful and collaborative relationships with patients and all members of the community. Community engagement is important and he actively participates in various events; i.e. panelist on health- related topics, 5k runs, health fair, etc. He has also authored peer-reviewed poems related to social issues in the community. Michael firmly believes improving healthcare outcomes begins with educating and empowering the community that he serves.