Veronica “Ronnie” Quattrini, DNP, FNP-BC, MS
Associate Professor and Senior Director, Doctor of Nursing Practice Program
University of Maryland School of Nursing
Quattrini is responsible for the day-to-day operations of UMSON’s DNP program. She also serves as the academic leader overseeing operational aspects of the program, such as admissions, clinical placement and tracking, and simulation.
Quattrini has over 35 years of nursing experience and more than 20 years of experience as a nurse practitioner. She has held several leadership roles throughout her career, including serving as vice president of clinical support and training at ChoiceOne Urgent Care. During her role at ChoiceOne, she was instrumental in developing a clinical partnership between UMSON and ChoiceOne. In 2016, she joined UMSON as an adjunct faculty member, and in 2017, she became an assistant professor in the Department of Family and Community Health. Before joining UMSON, she taught at Thomas Jefferson University and Salisbury University.
Quattrini is active on many committees at UMSON, including the DNP Curriculum Committee, the Advancing Implementation Science Education Leadership workgroup, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education workgroup, and the Interprofessional Education Student Activity subgroup. She is also a member of multiple professional organizations, including the Nurse Practitioner Association of Maryland, where she recently completed a term on the financial board of directors and the executive board as treasurer; the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties; the American Association of Nurse Practitioners; and the American Academy of Emergency Nurse Practitioners.
Sarah Benton, DNP, AC-PNP
Sarah Benton, DNP, AC-PNP, is a board-certified acute care pediatric nurse practitioner. She earned a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from the University of Maryland School of Nursing, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Radford University, and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Virginia Tech. Prior to becoming a nurse practitioner, she was a pediatric bedside nurse for over 16 years, practicing pediatrics throughout impatient HEM/ONC/BMT, urgent and emergent care areas. She served as a senior nurse leader, education and program developer, practicum mentor and preceptor coach for new nurses. She currently works in the pediatric emergency department at The Johns Hopkins Hospital.
Kimberly Bowers, MS, RN, ACNP-BC earned her master’s degree from the University of Maryland School of Nursing. She is a nationally board-certified nurse practitioner with a focus on adult acute care.
Nadia Cheevers, JD, BSN, CPHRM
Nadia Cheevers received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Rochester, and Juris Doctor from the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law with a certificate in Healthcare Law. She has worked clinically in a variety of healthcare settings, including in ICU, acute care, outpatient and clinical research settings. She is currently the Senior Director for Clinical Risk Management for the Maryland Medicine Comprehensive Insurance Program. In her role, Nadia works closely with UMMS hospitals and clinical teams within the Medical System to identify, analyze and mitigate clinical risks.
Stacey M. Conrad, MBA
Stacey’s 20 years in development began at the John Hopkins Wilmer Eye Institute. In 2008, she joined the development and alumni relations team at the University of Maryland School of Nursing and steadily and progressively advanced in her career, culminating in her appointment as associate dean in January 2022. She is particularly proud of her involvement in the cultivation and stewardship of the transformative series of gifts that has created the Conway Scholars Program, and, together with a fabulous team, raising more than $90 million for the School during her tenure.
Stacey has an MBA from UMGC and a BA from Salisbury University. In 2023, she completed UMB’s President’s University Leadership Program. She currently volunteers as a Restorative Justice Facilitator and Trainer at the School of Nursing and is a member of the UMB Middle States Steering Committee.
Outside of UMB, she is a volunteer for Adopt a Boxer Rescue and a board member for the Friends of Patterson Park.
Courtney Hicks, DNP, FNP-C
Courtney Hicks, DNP, FNP-C is a nurse practitioner in the ENT/Plastic Surgery department at the Baltimore VA Medical Center. Prior to her position within the VA, she worked as a nurse practitioner in the Emergency Department at the University of Maryland Medical Center. Her educational background includes a B.S. from the University of Maryland College Park in Community Health Education (2010) and B.S.N. from the University of Maryland School of Nursing (2013).
After working as a bedside nurse at the University of Maryland Medical Center, she went on to extend her education by obtaining her DNP from the University of Maryland School of Nursing (2019).
She has served on several units as well as hospital-wide committees during her career as both a nurse and nurse practitioner. She recently co-authored an article published in the Online Journal of Nursing Informatics regarding telemedicine’s role within the mobile integrated health program to improve access to care during the COVID-19 pandemic. She is passionate about educating NP students and precepting new colleagues. She currently lives in Maryland with her husband and two daughters.
Susan Hindle, MS
Susan Hindle joined UMSON in December 2022 as the Associate Director of the Office of Academic and Career Success. In her role, she assists undergraduate and graduate students with all aspects of career development including resume/CV writing, interview preparation, networking and job search strategies. Susan also oversees all aspects of employer relations and employer partnerships for the School of Nursing.
Susan brings over 20 years of experience counseling/coaching individuals in various stages of their careers including young professionals who are just beginning their career journey to non-traditional students embarking on a career change. Susan has led a variety of career workshops on topics including writing effective resumes, curriculum vitae, cover letters, networking, interviewing preparation, and evaluating offers.
Prior to joining UMSON, Susan worked as a career counselor for several higher education institutions including UMBC, The Johns Hopkins University Schools of Counseling & Education, Whiting School of Engineering, and Carey Business School, The University of Maryland A. James Clark School of Engineering, and Howard Community College.
Susan earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Maryland and her master’s degree in clinical counseling from Johns Hopkins University.
Carmel McComiskey, DNP, PPCNP-BC, FAANP, FAAN
Dr. McComiskey is an Associate Chief Clinical Officer and Director of Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants at University of Maryland Medical Center’s Midtown and Downtown campuses, Assistant Professor at the University of Maryland School of Nursing, and Instructor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. She is the co-chair of the Graduate Education and Practice committee of the UM Nursing partnership.
Carmel has worked at UMMC since 1978 where she began her nursing career as a NICU nurse. She is a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner whose practice focuses on Pediatric Surgical care, first managing children with intestinal failure and now, children with bowel and bladder problems. In 2007, she initiated a NP managed Bowel and Bladder Center, where she sees patients with enuresis and/or encopresis.
As director of the advanced practice providers, Carmel has grown the workforce from 65 NPs and PAs in 2008 to over almost 400 in 2025. Integrating the NP/PA into the academic interdisciplinary team has included rigorous onboarding, orientation, and mentoring. She and her leadership team have developed a robust professional advancement model, which has been replicated across the country. Under her leadership, UMMC developed a post graduate nurse practitioner critical care fellowship, which achieved accreditation with distinction in 2019, which was the first accredited program on the east coast. This program will expand to include our PA new grads in 2024.
In addition to serving on numerous committees at UMMC, Carmel is a member of Sigma Theta Tau International, American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), American Nurses’ Association (ANA)and American Academy of Nursing (AAN), Nurse Practitioner Association of Maryland (NPAM), National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP), and the American Pediatric Surgical Nurses Association (APSNA), an organization where she is a charter member, served on its Board of Directors for over 10 years, served as president from 1999-2000 and was the recipient of the APSNA Founder’s award in 2007. Most recently she worked as APSNA’s representative to the ANA to revise the scope and standards of Pediatric Nursing and Advanced Practice Nursing. She volunteered to represent practice as a site evaluator for the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) from 2015-2018. She was inducted as a Fellow in the AANP in 2014 and the AAN in 2015.
Carmel’s professional work includes establishing structures for successful implementation of advanced practice provider models, and integration of advanced practice providers into academic medical models, treating voiding dysfunction, palliative and hospice care, interdisciplinary collaboration, pediatric obesity and pediatric bariatric treatment. She served as the co-investigator on a Phase 3 clinical trial of tolterodine and evaluated the efficacy of timed voiding and pharmacologic treatment of voiding dysfunction. She has given many professional presentations and published articles in many journals, and consulted across the country on APRN leadership and scope of practice. She is an editor of Nursing Care of the Pediatric Surgical Patient (2&3rd Ed), served as the Associate Editor of Bariatric Nursing and Surgical Patient Care from 2010-2013 and served the editorial board of the Journal of Pediatric Surgical Nursing from its inception until 2020.
Joseph Osuagwu, MD,
Joseph Osuagwu, MD, is the founder and medical director of Goodtime Family Care. He is a pediatrician who cares for newborns to patients 21 years of age. Dr. Osuagwu believes in using all the knowledge and tools at his disposal to provide superior service to every patient. Despite having over two decades of pediatric experience, Dr. Osuagwu likes to communicate his medical decision-making in a way that is easy for patients and parents to understand.
Dr. Osuagwu earned his medical degree from University of Nigeria Medical School, and completed his pediatric residency at Howard University Hospital in Washington, D.C. Upon completion, he worked for several years at Union Memorial Hospital in Baltimore.
Dr. Osuagwu founded Goodtime Family Care (formerly Goodtime Pediatrics) in 1999 with the belief that every patient deserves the highest standard of compassionate and culturally competent care. When he is not seeing patients, he enjoys listening to music and spending time with his family.
Stephen Pittman, RN, BS, CPHRM
Stephen Pittman, RN, BS, CPHRM, is a registered nurse by training, holds a Certified Professional Healthcare Risk Manager designation, and a degree in Organizational Management. His 35+ year career has been largely focused in the areas of Healthcare Quality and Risk, the last fifteen of which have been with MMCIP.
Joining the University of Maryland Medical Center in 2010, Steve has served as a Risk Manager for both the Clinical and Property & Casualty teams, rising to the position of Director of Insurance, Underwriting & Non-Clinical Risk in 2019, and Senior Director in 2024.
Alicia Reynolds
Ms. Reynolds is the Senior Director of Claims and Litigation for MMCIP, the captive insurance program and Office of Risk Management for the University of Maryland Medical System. As such she is responsible for the management of all professional and general liability claims of UMMS and its faculty partner, FPI, and she coordinates and oversees the handling by defense counsel of matters in active litigation. With her team of claims professionals, paralegals, and administrative staff, Ms. Reynolds develops, implements, and oversees complex defense strategies, and brings matters to conclusion by way of trial, legal disposition, or resolution. Prior to joining MMCIP, Ms. Reynolds was a trial and litigation attorney at Miles & Stockbridge PC in Baltimore with a primary emphasis on insurance defense, specializing in medical malpractice litigation.
Jamaal “Jay” W. Stafford, Esq.
Jay Stafford's passion for law is evident in his dedication to his clients. With nearly a decade of experience at two major law firms, he brings a wealth of knowledge in complex litigation, particularly in employment law and professional licensing defense.
Jay has established a strong reputation for representing medical professionals in Maryland and Washington, D.C., who face licensing challenges. He understands the profound impact these cases can have on a person’s career and is committed to protecting his clients' licenses and reputations. Whether preparing for a board interview or developing a long-term strategy, Jay provides thorough and effective representation tailored to each client's unique situation.
Beyond licensing defense, Jay also supports employees dealing with workplace issues such as non-compete clauses, employment agreements, and allegations of discrimination or harassment. His ability to break down complex legal matters into understandable solutions empowers his clients to make informed decisions. Jay is committed to achieving the best possible outcomes, and if necessary, he is prepared to advocate for his clients in court.
Jay's legal career began with a clerkship for the Honorable Chief Judge Robert M. Bell (Retired) of the Maryland Supreme Court, followed by a role in the Maryland Attorney General’s Office. His experience continued at DLA Piper, LLP, in Baltimore and Barrasso, Usdin, Kupperman, Freeman & Sarver, LLC, in New Orleans. This diverse background inspired him to establish the Law Firm of J.W. Stafford, LLC, where he focuses on protecting the careers and rights of licensed professionals and employees.
A graduate of the Virginia Military Institute with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Business and a Juris Doctor from the University of Virginia School of Law, Jay has been recognized as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers Magazine and included in the National Black Lawyers Top 100. He is admitted to practice in Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Louisiana, and actively participates in professional organizations such as the Maryland Employment Lawyers Association and the American Association of Nurse Attorneys (TAANA).
Jay Stafford is known for his strategic thinking, clear communication, and unwavering commitment to his clients, making him a reliable advocate for professionals and employees navigating complex legal challenges.
Rhea T. Williams, DNP, FNP-C
Dr. Williams practices at the University of Maryland School of Medicine's Institute of Human Virology with the Thrive Program, where she provides care for individuals living with HIV and other communicable diseases.
Dr. Williams earned her doctorate degree in 2022 from the University of Maryland School of Nursing's DNP-FNP program, along with a Certificate in Teaching in Nursing and Health Professions, and a Mid-Atlantic AETC & HIV: Interprofessional Clinical Pathways Certificate. She holds Bachelor of Science degrees in Nursing and Psychology. She is originally from Barbados, is a veteran of the US Air Force, and is married with two children and 2 dogs. Her hobbies include traveling, hiking, gaming, reading, sketching, and spending time with family and friends.
