Simmons University’s School of Nursing welcomed two new faculty members this Fall, with expertise in clinical simulation and gerontology.
“Please join me in welcoming our two new tenure-track faculty members to the School of Nursing,” says School of Nursing Dean Heather Shlosser. “One brings a wealth of expertise to our Simulation Center, where she will work closely with faculty and students to enhance learning experiences. The other joins us with extensive knowledge and deep passion for adult and senior care, enriching our school of nursing's focus in these critical areas. We are thrilled to have both on board and look forward to the impact they will make!”
KatherineMarie Conover, Associate Professor and Clinical Simulation Educator
Dr. KatherineMarie Conover focuses on the power of nursing assessment to gather data and the effects of resiliency on lifelong wellbeing. She loves to facilitate students to gently push past what is comfortable in simulation to help them reach their fullest potential. She is dedicated to helping students grow into the role of a baccalaureate prepared registered nurse.
In 2022, Conover was recognized for her exemplary work as a faculty of nursing at Curry College School of Nursing with the DAISY award. In 2010 she was recognized as the first Distinguished Young Alumni Award from the University of Massachusetts Amherst College of Nursing. She has earned Certified Nurse Educator (2021) and Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator (2022). She was a leader in simulation pedagogy and curriculum, as well as the project manager of the Curry College Nursing Simulation Program.
When she isn’t teaching, you’ll find her crafting objects of utility and beauty. Stop by her office and she will offer you tea and conversation.
Katherine Ladetto, Assistant Professor
Dr. Katherine Ladetto joins Simmons after recently completing her PhD at Boston College Connell School of Nursing with her dissertation on multilevel factors associated with intent to leave in US nursing home nurses. She is a dually certified adult and gerontological nurse practitioner. Her extensive career spans many different health care settings, but for the last 13 years her devotion is to long-term care, including nursing home, assisted living, and independent living settings. Her passion is to improve nursing home staff and resident outcomes. Her excellence in clinical care and research drive pairs nicely with her desire to teach nursing students.
She is a proud recipient of The International Association for Human Caring Lynne Wagner and Watson Student Awards, Sigma Theta Tau Alpha Chi Chapter Mary Pekarski Memorial Award, Eastern Nursing Research Association Student Conference Scholarship, Gerontology Society of America Carol Schutz Student Travel Award, Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association Foundation Research Award, New England Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association Scholarship, Boston College Graduate Student Association Research grants, and Boston College Connell School of Nursing PhD fellow scholarship.
“I am delighted to be part of such a warm and highly regarded academic community,” says Ladetto. “I would like to work with schools of nursing to place a focus on continuity of care and care transitions, instead of fracturing care into acute and long-term care. This may provide a more positive view of nursing homes as care centers and increase nurse retention.”