Meet a Few of Our Alumni
Jacquelynn (Schultz) Duquette, MS '84
Nurse Practitioner in Psychiatry, Onondaga Nation Health Services
Clinical Assistant Professor, SUNY Upstate
Area of Research/Specialty: Trauma adapted yoga in child and adolescent psychiatric populations and wellness initiatives for nursing and hospital staff
Recent Accomplishments:
I am presently providing mental health services embedded in Primary Care setting at the Onondaga Nation Health Service Clinic. I am one of a multidisciplinary research team applying trauma adapted yoga in child and adolescent out-patient psychiatric settings. Another focus of the study is bringing trauma adapted yoga on site in the hospital system to promote wellness and resilience in hospital staff and medical student populations. Results are promising and have recently been published in General Psychiatry and AACAP journals. We are expanding the study to assess impact on trauma symptoms and treatment progress as adjunctive treatment.
How did the program position you for success?:
My program experience was positive and inspired my interests in trauma, community mental health services, and a wellness focused approach to nursing care and the healing connection. The professors I interacted with modeled respect, integrity, and challenge. I was well prepared at the start of my career for hospital based nursing and later completed a post-certificate program for Nurse Practitioner Licensure.
Sabrina Sepulveda, MS '11, BSN '02 , CRNP-PMH, PMHNP-BC
Adult Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner/Founder Harborside Behavioral Health, LLC
Area of Research/Specialty: General Adult Psychopharmacology
Recent Accomplishments:
Founder of private practice, Harborside Behavioral Health, LLC in 2019 in St. Mary's County, Maryland.
How did the program position you for success?:
The University of Maryland School of Nursing's Master's degree program in Psychiatric Mental Health has equipped me with the clinical competence to deliver comprehensive, holistic care by integrating advanced therapeutic techniques and evidence-based practices. This foundation ensures I can address the diverse needs of my patients effectively. Additionally, the program's emphasis on leadership development has provided me with the skills necessary to run a successful practice and advocate for legislative changes. This dual focus empowers me to drive positive change in nursing and mental health care, enhancing both patient outcomes and the broader healthcare landscape.
Ciara Smith, DNP '20, BSN '12, PMHNP-BC, CNE
Assistant Professor, UMSON
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Area of Research/Specialty: Mental Health
Recent Accomplishments:
Recently I completed the Nurse Practitioner Entrepreneur Program sponsored by Duke University and Johnson & Johnson.
How did the program position you for success?:
This program positioned me for success by not only helping me be a competent Nurse Practitioner, but also by challenging me to reflect on my own biases so that I can be a better provider: one who is mindful, empathetic, and intentional in every client interaction. Additionally, the support and guidance from my faculty empowered me to grow in confidence, professionalism, and leadership.
Jessica Sullivan, DNP '25, PMHNP-BC
Assistant Professor, UMSON
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Area of Research/Specialty: Adolescent and Adult Outpatient Psychiatry
Recent Accomplishments:
After graduating with my Master's in 2014 and working as an outpatient psychiatric nurse practitioner, I returned to UMSON for my DNP. I graduated with my DNP in May 2025. I joined the faculty at UMSON in 2024 and I teach psychiatric nursing as an Associate Professor in the MSN-E and DNP programs. I continue to work one day a week as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner.
How did the program position you for success?:
I feel very proud to be an alumni and faculty at the UMSON. Throughout my Master's and DNP programs, UMSON supported my academic and professional development.