News

Malina Campos – Assistant Professor, Interim Director of Nursing Education, Ambria College of Nursing

Malina Campos MSN, APRN, FNP-C joins Judson University as an Assistant Professor and the Interim Director of Nursing Education.  She graduated from Ambria College of Nursing’s LPN program in December 2010 and received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree from Chamberlain University in 2013.  As a registered nurse, she has worked in a variety of settings including in sub-acute, long-term care, memory care, and pediatrics.  In 2019, she graduated from Chamberlain University with a Master of Science in Nursing degree along with certification as a family nurse practitioner (FNP).  As an FNP, she has practiced in internal medicine, weight loss, and pediatrics.  With her passion for teaching, she became an adjunct nursing instructor in 2016 and transitioned to full-time in 2021.  She can teach a variety of nursing courses but has a special place in her heart for pediatric nursing education.  She is also a mom to a four-year-old and a one-year-old who keep her very busy!

Susan Cimino – Assistant Professor, Ambria College of Nursing

Susan Cimino is an Assistant Professor of Nursing Education at Ambria College of Nursing at Judson University, a role she has embraced since 2021. With over nine years of trauma and critical care experience at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis, IN, Susan brings a wealth of practical knowledge to the academic setting. In 2024, Susan was awarded the Nurse Educator Grant by the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE), highlighting her dedication to exemplary nursing education. She holds a Master of Science in Nursing Education (MSN-Ed) from Western Governors University, earned in 2020, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Marian University, completed in 2015. Passionate about community service, Susan volunteers with Exodus World Relief, providing crucial transition assistance for immigrant families. Committed to ongoing professional development, she is preparing to sit for the Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) and Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) exams before the end of the year. Susan is dedicated to creating a supportive educational environment that nurtures the growth of competent and compassionate nurses, blending her extensive clinical experience with academic excellence.

Christi Gillman – Assistant Professor, Chair of the Exercise and Sport Science Department

Christi Gillman, Exercise and Sport Science Department Chair and Associate Professor in Health & Human Performance and Biological Sciences joins Judson’s full-time faculty with fourteen years of adjunct experience from various colleges and universities, including Judson. Christi earned her B.S. degree in Exercise Science & Kinesiology with an emphasis in Cardiac Rehabilitation from Elmhurst College, a M.A. degree from National-Louis University in Education with an emphasis in Biological Sciences, an EMT certification/license from College of DuPage, and has been a certified personal trainer and business owner with various fitness endorsements for over 20 years. With a diverse background in exercise physiology, sports medicine, anatomy physiology, emergency medicine, fitness, and various leadership roles, Christi is thrilled to bring her experience and passion for health and fitness to Judson University. Throughout her career, Christi has been dedicated to fostering an environment where students can thrive, not only academically but also spiritually and physically.

Andrea Kilroy – Associate Professor, Simulation/Lab Coordinator, Ambria College of Nursing 

Andrea Kilroy MSN, RNC-MNN, LCCE Associate Professor, Master of Nursing Education is from Rockford, IL. Andrea Kilroy also serves as laboratory manager. She received her Master of Nursing Education from Western Governors University and Baccalaureate degree from Concordia University Wisconsin. She specializes in Maternity and Newborn education. She also teaches students entering their first nursing course (Foundations of Nursing).

Dr. Malwina Kuczynska – Professor, Chair of the Nursing Program, Ambria College of Nursing

Dr. Malwina Kuczynska, Professor, joins Judson University as the Chair of the Nursing Program of Ambria College of Nursing. Kuczynska earned her Doctor of Medicine degree from Poznan University of Medical Sciences in Poland and has been teaching Anatomy & Physiology, Pharmacology, and Pathophysiology to medical students and nurses at the PN, AASN, and advanced practice levels for over 14 years. During her time at Ambria, she has partnered closely with external community groups such as the Cook County Department of Health, Exodus World Service, and the Gold Foundation for Humanism in Medicine to implement a strong culture of professional accountability, ethics, and service within the student body. She is eager to integrate nursing into Judson University’s program offerings and looks forward to advancing the collective mission of shaping students to become responsible, service-oriented citizens, who’s work in the world serves as an exemplar of God’s love.

Steve Lane – Assistant Professor, Business Department 

Steve Lane has been involved in higher education for the past 15 years and previously worked as the Chair of Accounting & Finance at Concordia University in St. Paul, MN. Prior to higher education, Steve worked as an investment research analyst for two different life insurance companies, worked in corporate finance and worked in public accounting for a variety of CPA firms. Steve earned his MBA in Finance from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, and his BS in Accounting from Northern Michigan University. Steve is also a licensed, active Certified Public Accountant.

Carolyn Mistal – Assistant Professor, Clinical Coordinator, Ambria College of Nursing

Carolyn Mistal, Assistant Professor and Administrative Clinical Coordinator has 8 years of critical care nursing experience. Holding an acute/critical care nursing certification (CCRN), she is dedicated to pursuing continuing education to maintain her skillset and is committed to lifelong learning. She received her MSN Nurse Educator from Chamberlain University and has taught at Ambria College of Nursing at Judson University ever since. She is committed to bridging the gap between academia and clinical practice. Through a focus on humanitarianism, safety, and evidence-based practice, she strives to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to have a fulfilling professional career and enhance safety in healthcare.

Margaret Neish – Instructor, Ambria College of Nursing

Margaret (Margie) Neish is an instructor for the new Ambria College of Nursing at Judson University. She graduated in the first Bachelor of Science class at Iowa Wesleyan College in 1976. Having worked in many different states, facilities and roles, she completed her Master of  Science in Nursing with an educational emphasis in 2011. Before relocating to Illinois, she taught part-time for 3 years and then 8 years full-time for Northern Arizona University. During her tenure at Northern Arizona, she achieved the rank of Associate Professor of Nursing. As a member of the American Nurses Association a poster presentation on the transition from academia to practice was accepted at the annual ANA meeting in Arizona and the University of New Mexico. Being a member of AWHONN, Margie is an advocate for women’s health and providing care to all. She is excited to be a part of Judson University and assisting in developing the new Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Monsurat Ogunleye – Instructor, Ambria College of Nursing

Monsurat Ogunleye joined Ambria College of Nursing  in August of 2021. She worked as a Staff Nurse at Evanston Hospital from 2002-2021 with clinical experience in Medical-Tele, Cardiac, Stroke, ICU Step down Units. Monsurat has been a preceptor, mentor and Resource Person. Her MSN degree is from Grand Canyon University.

Dr. Eileen Pirela – Professor, Medical Review Officer, Ambria College of Nursing

Dr. Eileen Pirela is a Full-time Professor at Ambria College of Nursing. She teaches Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, and Pathophysiology. Eileen also serves as the Medical Review Officer of the College. She values combined knowledge with empathy and tries to build on this as students start their journey in the nursing field. Eileen worked as a medical doctor specializing in Pathology before transitioning to academia, which has kept her immersed and engaged for the past 12 years, the last 10 with Ambria College of Nursing. She and her husband are empty nesters but are fur parents to a 9 y/o pug and a 2 y/o German Shepherd who has yet to learn to bark. Eileen loves to travel – her travel buddy is her sister since they both enjoy diving into the foodie scene and just living and learning about life.

Cynthia Rayford – Instructor, Ambria College of Nursing

Cynthia Rayford, MSN, RN-BC, Nursing Instructor, Adult Medical Surgical Practical Nurse (PN) Program, is from Northwest suburbs of Lake County near Gurnee, Illinois. Instructor Rayford is a Nursing Instructor for NUR 103 Adult Medical Surgical Didactic, Lab, Clinical, and Simulation. Instructor Rayford also teaches NUR 112 Foundations of Nursing Clinicals and Simulations for RNs and PNs. She received her Master of Education in Nursing from the University of Phoenix and her Bachelor of Nursing from Loyola University of Chicago. During her career she’s been actively involved in mentoring diverse students into becoming an RN or LPN.