Nursing Staff & Faculty
Dr. Cheryle Levitt
Associate Dean, Professor
College of Health, Liberal Arts & Sciences (Virtual, RN-to-BS and MS in Nursing programs)
215-687-4716
Cheryle Levitt is the Associate Dean and a Professor in the online RN-to-BSN and MS
in Nursing programs. Online nursing education has been her passion for over 25 years,
ad she is dedicated to high-quality learning, innovation, and student success. She
earned her BSN from Temple U, MSN from Villanova U, and PhD from Duquesne U. Dr. Levitt
joined Delhi’s faculty in 2008 when the RN-BSN online program began, has developed
and taught many courses in both BSN and MS in Nursing programs, and co-developed the
MS in Nursing Education program. She was the recipient of the Chancellor’s Award for
Faculty Service in 2015.
Dr. Levitt has been a nurse for40+ years, with many years of clinical experience in
pediatrics, neonatal ICU, and community health. Research interests are in maternal-child
health, online pedagogy, technology in learning, program assessment, and she has received
grants and conducted funded research. Dr. Levitt has published, presented at numerous
international and national conferences, is an accreditation site visitor, and reviews
manuscripts for numerous nursing and healthcare journals.
Prelicensure Nursing Program
Heather Brown, BSN, RN
Assistant Professor
College of Health, Liberal Arts & Sciences
brownha@delhi.edu
607-746-4412
Heather Brown has been teaching at SUNY Delhi since Fall 2025. She is currently matriculated
in the MSN in Nursing Education program at SUNY Delhi, planning to graduate in December
2026. She earned her BSN from Russell Sage College in 2016. She is currently an assistant
professor teaching first year skills lab and clinical, as well as the LPN to RN bridge
course, with a focus on helping students learn fundamental skills while developing
critical thinking and clinical judgement. Her clinical experience includes the Pediatric
ICU, Apheresis, Pediatric and Adult Outpatient infusions, and Oncology Nurse Navigation.
She has also taught in the hospital setting, leading unit-based education classes,
and instructing BLS and PALS. She is passionate about promoting nursing student mental
health and well-being to build resiliency and help prevent burnout.
Prof. Cecilia DeCotes MS, RN, CNE
Assistant Dean/Professor
College of Health, Liberal Arts & Sciences
607-746-4464
Cecilia DeCotes is an alumna from both SUNY Sullivan and SUNY Delhi, where she first
received her Associates in Applies Science in nursing in 2000 and worked primarily
as an RN in a dialysis center. She later completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing
in 2013 and Master of Science in Nurse Education in 2017 at SUNY Delhi. Mrs. DeCotes
started teaching pre-licensure nursing students in 2017 at SUNY Sullivan and later
transferred to SUNY Delhi in Fall 2018. She has instructed Medical-Surgical, Lab,
and clinical courses for four years at SUNY Delhi before taking on her current position
as the Assistant Dean of the pre-licensure nursing program. Mrs. DeCotes enjoys spending
time outdoors, visiting family and friends, and traveling.
Prof. Brigid Finn-Maguire MS, RN
Professor of Nursing
College of Health, Liberal Arts & Sciences
607-746-4471
Brigid has been a member of the SUNY Delhi Nursing faculty since 1997. Her nursing
education started at Utica College of Syracuse University where she obtained her BSN.
She then completed her Master’s degree in Community Health Nursing from SUNY Binghamton
in 1991. Prior to coming to SUNY Delhi Brigid worked as a Clinical Nurse specialist
in the Binghamton, and then the Capital District area of New York. Currently her
specialty in teaching includes Maternal Newborn nursing, teaching both the lecture
and clinical Maternity portion of the SUNY Delhi Nursing curriculum. She also teaches
general nursing principles in both the 1st year and 2nd year practicum lab courses.
Brigid is a long-time resident of Delaware County, residing in Walton NY. She enjoys
her work here at SUNY Delhi, teaching alongside a group of amazing dedicated faculty
and staff. Ultimately it is Brigid’s work with the students that has kept her dedicated
to SUNY Delhi, knowing that she is educating future nurses that are bound to change
the world.
Prof. Jennifer Gerster MS, RN
Assistant Professor
College of Health, Liberal Arts & Sciences
607-746-4809
Jennifer Gerster, MSN, RN, is an Assistant Professor in the Nursing Program at SUNY Delhi, where she has been teaching since 2017. She also works at Oneonta Specialty Services, a department of the Bassett Healthcare Network, in the Ambulatory Care Unit. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing Education from SUNY Delhi and brings valuable clinical experience in medical-surgical and perioperative nursing to her role. Professor Gerster teaches medical-surgical nursing and nursing laboratory courses and serves as the coordinator of Simulation Center activities. Her teaching focuses on promoting patient safety and the development of clinical judgment, with an emphasis on bridging theory to practice. She is dedicated to preparing nursing students for the complexities of real-world healthcare through engaging, evidence-based, and experiential learning approaches.
Maja Krzyston MSN, RN
Program Director, Nursing
College of Health, Liberal Arts & Sciences
607-746-4485
Maja Krzyston is the Program Director of the Associate Degree Nursing program at SUNY Delhi. She earned an MSN in Nursing Education from SUNY Poly and an MSN in Nursing Administration from SUNY Delhi. With extensive clinical experience in medical-surgical nursing, staff development, and clinical education, she teaches both fundamental and contemporary nursing courses. She leads the program with a focus on patient safety, clinical judgment, health equity, advocacy, and social justice to prepare nurses for the demands of today’s healthcare environment.
Prof. Valerie H. Maddalone, MS, FNP-C, BSN, RN
Assistant Professor
College of Health, Liberal Arts & Sciences
607-746-4487
Valerie Maddalone has been teaching at SUNY Delhi since Fall 2018. She received her BSN from Binghamton University in 2010 and MSN as a Family Nurse Practitioner from Binghamton University in 2013. She most recently completed her MSN in Nursing Education at SUNY Delhi in 2022. She is currently teaching in-person Nursing I and Nursing II courses at SUNY Delhi and nursing clinical courses on campus and in regional long-term and acute care settings. Mrs. Maddalone also works as a family nurse practitioner at Bassett Healthcare as the clinician in the Cancer Treatment Center. She focuses primarily in cancer screening, treatment and cancer survivorship. In her spare time, Mrs. Maddalone enjoys travelling and spending time with her two young children and family.
Grace Martin, MSN, RN
Assistant Professor
607-746-4466
Grace Martin has been a part of the Nursing Program at SUNY Delhi since Fall 2022.
She earned her MSN in Nursing Education from SUNY Delhi and has a wide variety of
clinical experience, including as an inpatient float nurse, in occupational health
nursing, and as a BLS instructor. She currently teaches freshmen level Lab class,
Student Success, and works with students on skills development in the open lab. Grace
is passionate about helping students develop nursing skills while also connecting
their classroom learning to real life patient care.
Kelley J. Quarino
Practicum Assistant
College of Health, Liberal Arts & Sciences
607-746-4819
Kelley Quarino has been an Instructional Support Technician at SUNY Delhi since 2015.
She came to Delhi with over 12 years’ experience in the financial sector, managing
operations and staff for over 15 different locations for a financial institution.
She works between both the Pre-Licensure and BSN/MSN programs, assisting the on-ground
faculty in the nursing labs and the online practicum coordinators with student’s health
and preceptor requirements. She is also a registered New York State notary public.
BSN program
Prof. Rebecca Norman-Eck
Professor
College of Health, Liberal Arts & Sciences (Virtual, RN-to-BSN Program)
607-746-4816
Professor Eck earned a BA in Psychology from Western Connecticut State University,
a BSN from the University of South Carolina, and an MSN from Duke University. Joining
SUNY Delhi in 2010, she was formerly faculty at Midlands Technical College in Columbia,
SC for over 10 years and remains there as a clinical adjunct.
Professor Eck has extensive nursing experience in high-risk antepartum obstetrics,
forensics, psychiatry, and many years as a nurse educator. Her scholarship expertise
includes forensic nursing and educational best practice interventions for transitioning
nursing students to the online learning environment, and is an international speaker
in forensic nursing and a national speaker on nursing education topics.
Richelle Johnson, DNP, RN, CNEcl
Dr. Richelle Johnson is a full-time faculty member teaching in the RN-to-BSN program.
Dr. Johnson earned her Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) diploma in 2008 and an Associate
Degree in Nursing (ADN) from Alexandria Technical and Community College in 2012, her
Master of Science in Nursing (Leadership & Management Track) from the University of
Mary in 2019, and her Doctor of Nursing Practice (Leadership Track) from the University
of North Dakota in 2024. She is also certified as a Certified Academic Clinical Nurse
Educator (CNEcl).
Dr. Johnson began her nursing career in long-term care and geriatrics, and in medical-surgical
and float nursing roles. She advanced into positions across family practice, internal
medicine, pediatrics, and women’s health, while also adding administrative leadership
responsibilities as a staff nurse and clinical supervisor.
Her academic career includes teaching across a wide range of undergraduate and graduate
nursing and health sciences courses. Dr. Johnson is actively involved in professional
nursing organizations and is committed to advancing the nursing profession through
leadership, education, and advocacy. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes supporting
working nurses in achieving their educational goals, strengthening professional identity,
and promoting evidence-based, patient-centered care. Her scholarly interests include
nursing education, workforce development, patient safety, and the integration of informatics
and emerging technologies in healthcare.
Nicole Myatt, MSN, RN
Professor Nicole Myatt started her career as an LPN in 2008 at Harrisburg Area Community College in Lancaster, PA. She became an RN in 2011, completed a BSN in 2013 at Millerville University and an MSN in nursing education in 2021 at Drexel University. She is currently working towards a doctorate in education. Prof. Myatt is a surgical and critical care nurse with over 18 years of experience in academic medical centers. She has worked in education since 2015 as a clinical instructor, simulation specialist, and course coordinator for BSN programs. Her research interests include: Universal Design for Learning, resilience training, mindfulness, retention and attrition.
Prof. Professor Elizabeth Pratt
Associate Professor
College of Health, Liberal Arts & Sciences (Virtual, RN-to-BSN Program)
607-746-4804
Elizabeth Pratt earned a BSN from Grambling State University in 1993 and an MSN from
Walden University in 2007. Professor Pratt joined SUNY Delhi in 2009 after serving
as a faculty member at Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia, AR for over 9 years.
Professor Pratt has many years of experience in obstetrical and neonatal nursing, camp nursing, and as a nurse educator. Her certifications include Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) through the National League for Nursing (since 2013) and Registered Nurse Certified-OB (Inpatient Obstetric Nurse) through the National Certification Corporation (since 1995). Professional memberships include American Nurses Association, National League for Nursing, and Sigma International including the Chi Tau at-Large Chapter founded at SUNY Delhi. She is a national speaker on nursing education topics, a contributing author for numerous texts and NCLEX review guides, and has served as a panel member for the National Council States Boards of Nursing RN Item Writing for the NCLEX exam.
Marjorie Lalor Reilly, MSN, BA, RN, CNE
Associate Professor
Marjorie Lalor Reilly has joined the full-time faculty after serving as an adjunct
instructor in the RN-to-BSN program for several years. Her teaching experience includes
epidemiology, healthcare ethics, pathophysiology, teaching and learning in nursing,
leadership and management, and student orientation within the RN-to-BSN program.
Professor Reilly earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Philosophy
from SUNY Potsdam, Associate Degree in Nursing from Columbia-Greene Community College
and later completed both her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science
in Nursing Education at SUNY Delhi. She is a Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) through
the National League for Nursing.
Prior to joining SUNY Delhi full time, Professor Reilly spent 15 years teaching nursing
at Columbia-Greene Community College. She has a particular interest in online teaching,
instructional technology, and the thoughtful integration of artificial intelligence
to support student engagement and learning.
Professor Reilly participates in curriculum development, assessment, accreditation
activities, and multiple faculty service roles within the nursing program. She is
committed to creating supportive and engaging learning environments that encourage
critical thinking, lifelong learning, and caring, compassionate nursing practice.
Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, cycling, gardening, reading, and spending time
with family.
MS in Nursing
Beth Boyd, DNP, MSN, RN, CNE
Associate Professor
Online Faculty
Dr. Beth Boyd is a Professor of Nursing teaching in both the MS in Nursing Administration
track and RN-to-BSN and program. She received her doctoral degree from Quinnipiac
University (Leadership Track), MSN from the University of Hartford (Education Track),
BSN from Fairfield University and is a Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) through the
National League of Nursing (NLN).
Dr. Boyd has extensive experience as an Administrative Manager/Educator in acute care,
has been a Director of Simulation, and years of experience teaching both on campus
and online. She has published on multiple topics of leadership and education, and
has given presentations and poster exhibitions. Dr. Boyd has received the Jane E.
Murdock CT Life-Long Learning Excellence in Nursing Award and the Nightingale Award
for Excellence in Nursing. She is a member of the Connecticut Honor Guard of Nursing.
Dr. Boyd is passionate about the profession of nursing!
Dr. Barbara Ann D’Anna
Professor
College of Health, Liberal Arts & Sciences (Virtual, RN-to-BSN and MS in Nursing Programs)
843-836-1160
Dr. D’Anna has been full-time faculty since 2009 teaching in the RN-BSN and MS Administration
programs. Her degrees are from Wagner College (BSN), The Catholic University of America
(MSN), and Regent University (DSL). Dr. D’Anna has been a nurse for over 40 years.
Her clinical background is in the care of adults with a specialty in peri-operative
nursing to include first assisting. In addition to faculty, she has held the position
of clinician, consultant, and nurse executive. Her research interests include adaptive
and maladaptive perfectionism as it relates to leadership and the perceptions of leadership
roles and competencies.
Dr. Kirsty Digger
Professor
College of Health, Liberal Arts & Sciences (Virtual, MS in Nursing Programs)
607-746-4817
Dr. Kirsty Digger has been teaching for the SUNY system for 20 years, the last 12
of those at SUNY Delhi. She earned her Doctorate in Nursing Science from the Sage
Colleges in Albany in 2012. Dr. Digger teaches with the graduate nursing program,
preparing students for roles in nursing education. In addition to her teaching, Dr.
Digger is a family nurse practitioner who works in the urgent care setting. Research
interests focus on integrating technology into nursing education. She has been the
recipient of several grants for technology-based research, and has presented on this
topic at numerous nursing and education conferences across the United States. When
not teaching or seeing patients, Dr. Digger spends her time on numerous outdoor pursuits
in the mountains of Colorado.
Dr. Jamie Murphy
Professor
College of Health, Liberal Arts & Sciences (Virtual, MS in Nursing Programs)
607-746-4808
Dr. Murphy is a Professor in the School of Nursing teaching in the Nursing Education
track of the MS program. Her academic focus includes Development of the Nurse Educator
Role, Global Health, and Rural Health. She earned her master’s degree in nursing education
from SUNY Poly and her PhD in Rural Nursing from Binghamton University. She has an
extensive background in the areas of nursing education, community and population health,
psychiatric nursing and has held ANCC certification in Psychiatric Nursing.
In addition to being an Open SUNY fellow, Dr. Murphy authored an open textbook, Transitions
to Professional Nursing Practice, and is currently being used in one of Delhi’s online
RN-to-BSN courses. She is the recipient of the 2021 MERLOT Classics Award for Exemplary
Online Learning Resources, holds a certificate in Creative Commons licensing, and
is the open education resource liaison for SUNY Delhi’s Nursing programs. Research
interests include qualitative research on rural college students, investigation of
the learning gains with open textbooks, the use of 3D video technology in online education,
student and faculty perspectives of teaching and learning during the pandemic and
heart failure readmission in the home health setting. She has presented her research
at national conferences and SUNY webinars.
Jennifer Reyes, EdD, MSN/Ed, RN, CPN, CNE, CHSE
Assistant Professor
Dr. Reyes has over a decade of experience in higher education and 20 years of clinical
nursing practice. She holds a BSN from the University of South Florida, an MSN from
the University of Phoenix, and a Doctor of Education (EdD) from the University of
St. Augustine for Health Sciences. With her doctoral studies being primarily online,
Dr. Reyes leverages her personal experience as a distance learner to foster an engaging,
empathetic, and supportive environment for her online students.
Her diverse clinical background includes adult neuro-trauma and neuroprogressive care,
pediatrics including hematology/oncology, and neonatal intensive care (NICU). Dr.
Reyes has taught in CNA, LPN, ADN, BSN, RN-BSN, and MSN programs in face-to-face,
hybrid and asynchronous online modalities.
Dr. Reyes is a Certified Pediatric Nurse, Certified Nurse Educator, and Certified
Healthcare Simulation Educator. She is a contributing textbook author, with her primary
research interests focused on nurse educator mentoring, onboarding infrastructure,
and nursing workforce development.
At home, she resides with her husband, a fellow registered nurse, and their two children.
She can be found in the summers as a camp nurse in the mountains.
Dr. Nancy Winters
Professor
College of Health, Liberal Arts & Sciences (Virtual, RN-to-BSN and MS in Nursing Programs)
607-746-4813
Dr. Winters has been teaching at SUNY Delhi since Fall 2016. She received her PhD
in Nursing Education from Adelphi University in 2012. She has been a Registered Nurse
for 20+ years and holds certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner. Dr. Winters
has been nominated for the Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence in Teaching and for
Excellence in Scholarship. Nancy’s overall teaching philosophy is based on the belief
that learning needs to be student-centered and that facilitators of learning must
show true presence. Of utmost importance to Dr. Winters is the facilitation of activities
which are student-centered and promote a learning environment which is both structured
and conductive to learning.