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Meet the Faculty

Backus

Debra Backus, Ph.D, RN, CNE, NEA-BC
Professor, Nursing Department Chair
backus@canton.edu

  • Nursing Diploma: St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center School of Nursing, Ogdensburg, NY
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing: SUNY Institute of Technology, Utica, NY
  • Master of Science in Nursing Administration: SUNY Institute of Technology, Utica, NY
  • Doctorate of Philosophy in Nursing: Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, Provo, UT
LaFrance

Peggy LaFrance, Ph.D, RN
Professor, RN-BS Curriculum Coordinator

lafrancep@canton.edu

  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing: SUNY Plattsburg, Plattsburgh, NY
  • Master of Science in Nursing: Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY
  • Doctorate of Philosophy in Education: Walden University, Minneapolis, MN
Caswell

Mary Ann Caswell, DNP, RN
Professor, ADN Curriculum Coordinator

caswelma@canton.edu

  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing: Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN
  • Master of Science in Nursing: Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY
  • Doctorate of Nursing Practice: Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
Simmons

Crystal Simmons MSN, RN, FPMHNP
Assistant Professor, PN Curriculum Coordinator

simmonsc@canton.edu

  • Associate of Applied Science in Nursing: SUNY Canton
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing: University of Phoenix, Phoenix AZ
  • Master of Science in Nursing: SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY
Conklin

John Conklin, Ph.D, MSN, BS, RN
Professor

conklinj@canton.edu

  • Associate of Applied Science in Nursing: SUNY Canton
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing: SUNY Institute of Technology, Utica, NY
  • Master of Science in Nursing in Nursing Education: St. Josephs College of Maine, Standish, ME
  • Doctorate of Philosophy in Education: Walden University, Minneapolis, MN
Holt

Crystal Coy Holt, BS, RN
Instructor, PN Faculty

coyc@canton.edu

  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing: Roberts Wesleyan College, Rochester, NY
Shinn

Patricia Shinn MES, RN
Visiting Associate Professor, ADN Faculty

shinnp@canton.edu

  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing: West Virginia Wesleyan College, Buckhannon, WV
  • Master of Science in Nursing: Russell Sage College, Troy, NY
  • Doctorate of Philosophy in Education Student: Walden University, Minneapolis, Minnesota
McDonald

Pamela McDonald-Tilson, MS, RN
Assistant Professor, ADN Faculty

mcdonaldp@canton.edu

  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing: SUNY Plattsburg, Plattsburgh, NY
  • Master of Science in Education: St. Lawrence University, Canton, NY
  • Master of Science in Nursing:  Walden University, Minneapolis, MN
  • Doctorate of Philosophy in Nursing Student: SUNY Buffalo, Buffalo NY
Worley

Brenda Worley, MS, RN, CEN
Visiting Associate Professor, ADN Faculty

worleyb@canton.edu

  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing: Murray State University, Murray, KY
  • Master of Science in Nursing: Murray State University, Murray, KY
  • Doctorate of Education Student: Northcentral University, Prescott Valley, AZ
Young

Ryan Young, D.H.A., RN
Assistant Professor, ADN Faculty

youngr@canton.edu

  • Associate of Applied Science in Nursing: SUNY Canton, NY
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing: University of Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ
  • Master of Science in Nursing: University of Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ
  • Doctorate of Health Administration: University of Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ

Nursing Instructional Support Assistant

Kavanagh

Connie Kavanagh RN
kavanaghc@canton.edu

  • Associate of Applied Science in Nursing: Erie Community College, Williamsville, NY
  • Master of Science in Nursing Student: Walden University, Minneapolis, MN

Debra Backus, Ph.D, RN, CNE, NEA-BC
Nursing Chair
Wicks 116
backus@canton.edu