National Council
Council Members
Driving Progress
The Council provides the dean with expertise, advice, and useful critique about the College’s programs, mission, and direction. They meet twice yearly and College of Nursing and Health Professions students often have an opportunity to meet these important decision makers.
Dean, College of Nursing and Health Professions, Valparaiso University
Clinical Associate Professor of Health Professions, Valparaiso University
Elizabeth Gmitter, Ph.D., PT, MS, is a visionary academic leader known for advancing healthcare education through strategic expansion, innovative program development, and workforce-driven partnerships. She currently serves as Dean of the College of Nursing and Health Professions (CONHP) at Valparaiso University, where she leads a comprehensive portfolio of undergraduate and graduate programs dedicated to preparing values-based healthcare practitioners and leaders.
Dr. Gmitter’s appointment marks a pivotal moment in the College’s evolution, coinciding with the launch of a transformational campaign to build a state-of-the-art health professions facility. Under her leadership, Valpo is designing an academic home shaped by cutting-edge simulation, immersive technologies, interprofessional learning, values-based leadership development, and expanded research and clinical training opportunities. This investment will position Valpo as a regional anchor and national leader in health professions education.
Before joining Valparaiso University, Dr. Gmitter served as Dean of Health Sciences and Career Programs at Malcolm X College in Chicago, one of the nation’s most comprehensive urban healthcare education hubs. There, she oversaw 20+ certificate and degree programs, including 12 with specialized accreditation, and led major initiatives in program expansion, accreditation compliance, strategic planning, and academic innovation. Her leadership included launching the City of Chicago’s first public Physical Therapist Assistant Program, strengthening program accreditation across allied health disciplines, and scaling multiple high-impact learning pathways.
A prominent workforce development strategist, Dr. Gmitter has secured over $7 million in federal and state grants, including $2.4 million in HRSA funding to develop healthcare apprenticeships and more than $4 million to expand equitable workforce pathways in behavioral health, clinical research, and emerging allied health professions. Her work has produced nationally recognized apprenticeship models, innovative stackable credential pathways, and partnerships with major healthcare systems, universities, and community organizations.
Throughout her career, Dr. Gmitter has been deeply committed to equity-minded workforce development, student success, and values-based leadership. She has led efforts to integrate data-driven advising, strengthen retention and completion, and create wrap-around student supports that expand access and improve outcomes for diverse learners. Her leadership ethos emphasizes purpose, belonging, academic rigor, and preparing graduates to serve with competence, compassion, and integrity.
As Dean at Valpo, Dr. Gmitter is guiding the College’s new five-year strategic plan, anchored in three pillars—Enrollment (Widen the Welcome), Momentum (Sustain Progress), and Excellence (Elevate Outcomes)—that chart a bold pathway for academic innovation, recruitment growth, interdisciplinary collaboration, and institutional distinction. She collaborates closely with faculty, clinical partners, and industry leaders to meet urgent workforce needs across Northwest Indiana and beyond.
A licensed physical therapist with a strong background in curriculum design, accreditation, assessment, and clinical education, Dr. Gmitter previously served as a faculty member, program founder, and associate dean before transitioning into senior academic leadership. She is recognized for her ability to cultivate strong teams, drive complex institutional initiatives, strengthen donor and alumni relationships, and articulate a compelling vision for the future of healthcare education.
Dr. Gmitter holds a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instructions with a Health Professions, a Master of Science in Physical Therapy, and a Bachelor of Science in Education with a concentration in Sports Medicine. She is an active contributor to accreditation bodies, state workforce boards, and higher education collaborative networks, and is dedicated to advancing excellence across the full continuum of nursing and health professions education.
Senior Manager – R1 RCM
Madelyn Bienz is a healthcare leader specializing in Revenue Cycle Management with a background in operational excellence and strategic partnership.
Madelyn currently serves as a Customer Partners Senior Manager at R1:RCM, where she acts as the primary contact for client leadership on end-to-end revenue cycle escalations and queries. Her career at R1 includes roles focused on improving facility performance and patient experience by standardizing workflows.
Key experience includes:
- Driving KPI and SLA achievements through cross-functional partnership.
- Managing the financial counselors program focusing on Medicaid screenings and applications.
- Implementing and tracking denial mitigation measures.
- Supporting pre-service and registration teams across twenty facilities increase insurance verification, pre-certification capture, and point of service cash.
Manager of Community Relations – Henry Ford Health
Lem Cartman is a healthcare strategist and community leader committed to strengthening health systems through collaboration and partnership. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Care Leadership (2023) and a Master of Health Administration (2024) from Valparaiso University. During his studies, he was selected as an AHEC Scholar in Northwest Indiana, where he trained in interprofessional approaches to care and community health needs. He later expanded this work at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago, supporting initiatives designed to address social determinants of health through coordinated, system-level efforts.
Lem’s global and community-centered perspective was shaped further through two competitive national programs. He became the first Valparaiso student ever selected for the Caravan for Democracy leadership fellowship, where he studied trauma, conflict, and community resilience in the Middle East. As a Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholar, he completed public health and community development work in Costa Rica and Nicaragua. Following these international experiences, Lem joined Rush University Medical Center, where he helped develop a hospital-based trauma therapy program serving individuals affected by community violence and trauma on Chicago’s West Side.
After graduate school, Lem was selected for the highly competitive Healthcare Administration Fellowship at Henry Ford Health, a distinction earned by only 3-4% of graduates nationally. This opportunity brought him to Detroit in 2024, where he now serves as the Manager of Community Relations & Corporate Government Affairs. In this role, he helps align one of Michigan’s largest health systems with neighborhood priorities, community organizations, and cross-sector partners. Across all his work, Lem remains committed to building meaningful relationships that strengthen community health and improve the systems that serve them.
Physician · South Bend Clinic
Robert Clausen graduated from Valparaiso University in 1969 in the premedical program with a B.S. in Biology and Chemistry. Following completion of his medical education at Kasturba Medical College in Manipal, South India, he pursued further study in Internal Medicine and Clinical Immunology at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. After moving to South Bend, Indiana, he founded the Allergy & Clinical Immunology Department at the South Bend Clinic. For more than thirty years, he provided much of the primary and specialty outpatient care for people with immune dysregulation, including individuals infected and affected with HIV disease in North Central Indiana. In addition to medical practice, he was a member of the faculty at the University of Notre Dame in the Department of Biological Sciences and at the Indiana University School of Medicine – South Bend.
After retirement from clinical practice, Dr. Clausen focused his attention in the non-profit realm. This includes such organizations as the Lutheran Volunteer Corps, AIDS Ministries/AIDS Assist of North Indiana, and the local NPR station. He has also previously served on the President’s Advisory Council of Valparaiso University. A vocal and instrumental musician, he serves his community of faith at Christ the King Lutheran Church in a number of capacities. He is happiest with his daughter in Cleveland, his family of origin in Germany, and his adopted home in India.
Vice President, Chief Nursing Officer – Shirley Ryan Ability Lab
BIO COMING SOON!
Professor Emeritus – Valparaiso University
Cynthia Felton’s nursing journey began in second grade, inspired by the Cherry Ames nursing stories. After earning her nursing degree from Valparaiso University, she gained extensive bedside experience in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit at IU Hospital before earning her MSN from Indiana University and transitioning into nursing education.
Cynthia began teaching critical care nurses and providing hospital-based continuing education before moving into academic nursing, where she taught critical care and leadership. She later returned to her alma mater as a clinical instructor, where her experiences across different educational settings deepened her understanding of the diverse backgrounds students bring to their education and how those differences shape the way they learn.
In 2006, Cynthia established CONHP’s clinical coordinator role, helping shape and strengthen the clinical education experience for nursing students. She developed an extensive network of clinical partnerships across Northern Indiana, Chicago, Indianapolis and surrounding states, building connections and securing exceptional placements that provided students with valuable, real-world learning opportunities. She also developed an educational model for clinical instructors, enhancing the preparation and support of those who guide students in clinical settings.
Since retiring in 2022, Cynthia has remained an enthusiastic Valpo athletics fan and a dedicated supporter of CONHP, continuing to share her knowledge and mentor others. Her service on the National Council is a natural extension of her lifelong commitment to nursing education and the college that shaped her career. She looks forward to continuing to support CONHP’s students, faculty and future through her involvement with the Council.
Dean Emeritus and Professor Emeritus of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences Indiana University
Dr. Thomas F. Fisher is currently a consultant to institutions of higher education, serves as an expert witness, and is a TherapyEd Instructor and Tutor for the NBCOT Exam for OTs and OTAs. He also has a private practice as a case manager; certified through the Commission for Case Manager Certification .
After practicing full-time as an occupational therapist for 18 years in multiple areas: mental health, acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, post-acute care, manufacturing, early intervention and school systems with clients throughout the lifespan, he transitioned to academia. In his academic tenure, he held academic and administrative appointments at Eastern Kentucky University, University of Kentucky, Indiana University Indianapolis and Indiana University South Bend.
Because of his passion for working with clients, he continued to practice part-time in the summers for another 15 years in home health, outpatient, SNFs, or Inpatient Rehabilitation Facilities, in addition to having private practice in case management. Dr. Fisher retired in July of 2022 as Dean Emeritus and Professor Emeritus Sciences of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences from Indiana University.
Dr. Fisher earned his BS in Occupational Therapy from Indiana University School of Medicine, an MS in Educational Psychology from Purdue University, a post-masters Educational Specialist degree (EdS) in Educational & Counseling Psychology and a PhD in Educational Psychology. Both his post-masters and doctorate are from the University of Kentucky.
He has authored over 50 refereed journal articles, abstracts, book chapters and manuscripts. He had funding for his lines of research which includes work and industry practice, health policy, higher education and case management. He is well-recognized locally, nationally, and internationally as an occupational therapy practitioner, case manager, educator, and scholar.
Currently, he is active with the Case Management Society of America (CMSA), the oldest, and largest professional case management organization in the USA. He serves on two significant committees within the CMSA. In fact, in the late 1990s, he was invited to develop the standards of practice for case management. He was, one of only two non-RN engaged in this task force. The other non-RN was a social worker. He became a certified case manager (CCM) in 1994. In 2023, he was invited to be a contributor of a significant publication with CMSA and the Center for Case Management- The Case Manager Guide.
Dr. Fisher’s service to the profession of occupational therapy is substantial. Some of the national committees include the Roster of Accreditation Evaluators for the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE), the Commission on Education, the American Occupational Therapy Association’s (AOTA) Political Action Committee, and served on the AOTA Board of Directors twice. He served as Vice President of AOTA from 1998-2001. He was inducted into the AOTA Roster of Fellows in 1994. In 2016, he was the recipient of the AOTA Award of Merit; this is the highest award AOTA bestows to an occupational therapist. Finally, during the 2017 AOTA Centennial Celebration in Philadelphia, Dr. Fisher was recognized as one of the 100 Most Influential People in Occupational Therapy in its first 100 years as a profession. These 100 people included the 7 founders of OT. When not engaged in activities related to OT, neurorehabilitation and case management, Dr. Fisher enjoys watching IU football and basketball, the Indiana Pacers and Indianapolis Colts, working in the yard, walking the family dog, reading, and spending time with family and friends. He and his wife, Debbie, have five children and five grandchildren. He and his wife live in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Project Manager – Chicagoland Healthcare
April Harrington has been leading workforce development nonprofits and collaborative initiatives in Chicago for over a decade. She currently serves as the Managing Director of the Chicagoland Healthcare Workforce Collaborative, a role she has held since late 2020. Under her leadership, the Collaborative has developed grant-funded training programs, conducted research, hosted youth-focused events, and created a peer learning space to drive innovative solutions to shared healthcare workforce challenges.
April holds a BA in International Development Studies from York University in Toronto, Canada, and was a 2019 fellow of the Chicagoland Workforce Leadership Academy. She is deeply committed to advancing workforce equity, developing worker-centered solutions, and helping individuals find joy and fulfillment in their careers.
Health Strategist – Booz Allen Hamilton
Daniella Herdman is a dedicated population health strategist, serving as a healthcare consultant with Booz Allen Hamilton. Ms. Herdman supports the firm’s work with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on alternative payment models. Her background includes work in public health conducting disease surveillance and outbreak investigation. Additionally, in support of one of the nation’s earliest and largest Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) models, Ms. Herdman provided support to more than 250 physicians and C-suite/senior healthcare executives on transforming their medical practices into value-based care models.
Ms. Herdman graduated from Valparaiso in 2005, with a B.S. in Biology and Chemistry. After graduating, she served in the Lutheran Volunteer Corps with Healthcare for the Homeless. That experience fueled her desire to pursue a master’s degree in Public Health from The George Washington University. Daniella lives in New Market, MD with her husband, Phil, and two children, Anelise and Camden.
Partner, J2Jacobson Consulting, LLC
Jill brings over 35 years of healthcare experience to the National Council with a focus on community health, including nearly 25 years of Hospice and Home Health leadership in over 35 states. After serving in the Chief Compliance Officer role and as VP of Operations for a large national hospice provider for over ten years, Jill expanded her executive experience by serving as President of a national home and center-based ABA therapy operation for children on the Autism Spectrum and subsequently as Chief Growth Officer and Chief Compliance Officer for one of the largest national ABA companies in the U.S. Currently, Jill works in a consultative role helping autism providers, owners, operators, and financial sponsors realize their investment thesis through streamlining operations, scaling business, and supporting M&A activity. With family nearby, Jill enjoys the Florida lifestyle when not traveling for work.
Author
BIO COMING SOON!
Pediatric Surgeon · Captain, Medical Corps, United States Navy
Dr. Kapfer earned her B.S. from Valparaiso University in 1991 and her M.D. from Yale University in 1995. Following a surgical internship at Naval Medical Center San Diego, she trained and served as a Naval Flight Surgeon in Manama, Bahrain, and Okinawa, Japan. Dr. Kapfer returned to complete her General Surgery Residency in 2003. She proceeded into Pediatric Surgery, completing a research fellowship at Women and Children’s Hospital of Buffalo, NY, and a clinical fellowship at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, MO. Since 2006, Dr. Kapfer has managed a robust academic practice at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, VA. She serves as Division Chief for Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery and has held several leadership positions related to patient safety and humanitarian assistance. Dr. Kapfer is dual board certified in General and Pediatric Surgery. She is Assistant Professor of Surgery at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Washington, DC. She is a fellow in the American College of Surgeons and a specialty fellow in the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Orthopedic Surgeon · Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute
Dr. Thomas Kay is a specialty-trained orthopedic surgeon who offers joint replacement surgery as well as the diagnosis and treatment for injuries and conditions of the elbow and shoulder. Dr. Kay joined Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute in 1994. In his practice, he provides the highest level of specialized care to help his patients return to their previous level of activity.
Dr. Kay received his Bachelor of Science degree in biology from the University of Illinois in Urbana, Illinois. He attended medical school at The University of Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago, Illinois. There, he went on to complete an internship in general surgery and a residency in orthopedic surgery.
Dr. Kay is certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and serves as the team physician for Portage High School.
Clinical Faculty, School of Nursing, National Louis University
Bryan Manalo is a nurse leader and educator with more than a decade of experience in pediatric and oncology care. He currently serves as Clinical Faculty in the School of Nursing at National Louis University, where he supports the development of future nurses through clinical instruction, mentorship, and practice-based education.
Bryan is also completing his Doctor of Nursing Practice in Transformative Leadership: Systems at Rush University. He earned his Master of Business Administration from National Louis University in 2016 and his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Valparaiso University in 2011. He is a Registered Nurse and a Certified Pediatric Nurse, bringing a strong blend of clinical expertise, leadership experience, and academic preparation to his role.
Prior to joining academia, Bryan served as a Clinical Nurse Manager at Rush University System for Health – MD Anderson Cancer Center, where he led operations, supported frontline teams, and implemented quality improvement initiatives in oncology care. His earlier clinical experience includes work in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Lurie Children’s Hospital, along with roles across ambulatory and specialty care settings.
Bryan is an Illinois Organization of Nurse Leaders (IONL) Fellow and a Sigma Theta Tau Global Academy Scholar. He remains actively engaged in advancing nursing practice through leadership, education, and service.
Community engagement is a core part of his professional identity. He serves as a camp nurse with the Shining Stars Foundation, supporting children with cancer and their families. He has participated in international surgical missions with Operation Smile and supports the American Cancer Society, including involvement in Walk and Roll Chicago. His work has been recognized on Good Day Chicago during Nurse’s Week.
Bryan is an active member of Sigma Theta Tau International, the Illinois Organization of Nurse Leaders, the American Organization for Nursing Leadership, the Oncology Nursing Society, and the American Nurses Association. His professional interests include clinical education, nurse mentorship, systems leadership, and preparing the next generation of nurses to deliver high-quality, compassionate care.
Preparedness Analyst – Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO)
Justin McClain is an Analyst on the Preparedness Team at the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO), a national nonprofit dedicated to supporting state and territorial public health agencies and furthering the development of public health nationwide. In his role, Justin drives initiatives across ASTHO’s preparedness portfolio by developing capacity-building resources and providing technical assistance designed to strengthen preparedness initiatives at the state and national levels. He also coordinates ASTHO’s annual preparedness meeting that brings together leaders from state, territorial, and federal health agencies, and supports the management of two peer networks that foster collaboration and knowledge sharing across jurisdictions. Before joining ASTHO, Justin worked in state and local public health in Illinois and on the Communications and Partnerships Team at Pandemic Action Network, where he supported global health security and pandemic preparedness efforts.
Justin graduated from Valparaiso University in 2021 with his Bachelor of Science in Public Health. He then traded one VU for another VU and went on to earn a Master of Public Health from Vanderbilt University. Driven by his belief that a resilient public health system is built through collaboration, evidence-driven planning, and a steadfast commitment to the community, Justin previously served as a National Reviewer for NACCHO’s Project Public Health Ready and on the Community Health Improvement Plan Writing Team for the Healthy Nashville Leadership Council.
BIO COMING SOON!
BIO COMING SOON!
Lung Transplant Nurse Practitioner University of Chicago Medical Center
Penny Viater practices as a Lung Transplant Nurse Practitioner at the University of Chicago Medical Center. She has served in various roles in transplant since 1997 including Kidney Transplant Nurse Coordinator, Research Nurse Coordinator, Procurement Nurse for Heart and Lung Transplant and Organ Recovery Coordinator. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1992 from Valparaiso University, and in 2005 earned her MSN, Adult Nurse Practitioner from Loyola University Neihoff School of Nursing. She is a member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and has presented on a number of topics regarding transplant care, Cystic Fibrosis, smoking cessation, education and related issues. She also serves on the adjunct faculty at Loyola University, Resurrection, University of Illinois and Governors State University. Penny and her husband, Mike, are proud parents of Tawny, Andrew, Joshua, and Elizabeth.
Retired – Chief Executive Officer • HealthLinc, Inc.
Beth Wrobel retired as the CEO of HealthLinc, Inc., a FQHC in Northern Indiana at the end of 2023. During her 22 years at HealthLinc she moved the organization from a free medical clinic to a FQHC providing a health care home to all life cycles, prenatal to seniors, with integrated medical, dental, optometry and behavioral health services at 12 locations with over 500 employees. During her tenure HealthLinc achieved HRSA’a Healthcare Quality Leader Gold status making them in the top 10% of FQHCs in the nation. HealthLinc is a center for educating the future health care workers including a dental and medical assisting program, an accredited Nurse Practitioner Residency, a practicum center for nursing, dental and medical students, and a Family Medicine Residency Program. Innovation is the core value at HealthLinc, including clinical trials, remote patient monitoring, quality improvement initiatives and value based contracts. All of this was accomplished while remaining fiscally strong by leveraging federal, state, local, foundation funding along with patient fees.
Beth served on the NACHC Board as the Region 5 representative for four years. She served on various boards including the Indiana Primary Health Care Association, State of Indiana Graduate Medical Education, Ivy Tech Valparaiso/Michigan City Campus, the Indiana Cancer Consortium and Managed Health Services. She was named the 2014 Not-for-Profit CEO of the Year by the Northwest Indiana Business Quarterly Magazine, the Outstanding Agency Professional by the Porter County United Way and the 2017 Valparaiso Chamber Leader of the year. Beth holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Valparaiso University. She is also a graduate of the J&J/UCLA Health Care Executive Program. She has given numerous presentations to national and state organizations including directly to the staff HRSA’s Bureau of Primary Health Care and Health Workforce.
She continues to support other health centers with her knowledge and passion for health centers as the way health care should be delivered.