Bellin School of Radiologic Technology alum Jennifer Popp didn’t originally set her sights on a career in radiology. She first attended UW-La Crosse for one semester, hoping to major in physical therapy. However, she decided she didn’t want to wait years to see if she would be accepted into the program.

“During this transitional period, I overheard a conversation about radiology and it piqued my interest,” said Popp. “I decided to look into a two-year radiologic technology certificate program offered near my hometown of Brillion, Wis. — at the Bellin School of Radiologic Technology.”

Popp began her studies in fall 1993 and remembers her time in the program fondly.

“The Bellin Hospital-based program was definitely the right choice for me,” said Popp. “It gave me and my classmates a lot of opportunities as students. When short-staffed, we could take advantage of many different opportunities. The radiologists were awesome and always wanted to teach us and explain why. It was a different time, of course. We took call over night, which molded a lot of us into great techs. We had to think independently early in the game and built a solid relationship as a team.”

Popp graduated in August 1995. While studying for her boards, she worked at the local grocery store. After passing her boards, she was hired part time in October 1995 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Green Bay, and then transitioned to a full-time position in X-ray at Bellin Hospital in December 1995. She passed her mammography boards in 1997. And the rest is history – a long history with Bellin.

She first started working a P.M. rotation and worked her way up to team facilitator in 2010. After eight years in that position, she was promoted to team leader in March 2018. In that role, Popp oversees radiology, mobile mammography, CAT scan, ultrasound and nuclear medicine.

When asked what her favorite part of her job is, her reply was simple. “The people I work with. It would be very difficult to leave. We have such a solid group of techs who get along really well. We are like family.”

Speaking of family, Popp has been married to her husband, Jason, for 24 years and has two daughters, Karissa, 20, and Brianna, 18. In keeping with the family tradition, Karissa transferred into the Bellin nursing program and Brianna plans to do the same after completing two years at St. Norbert College.

Popp applauds the work of fellow alum and former coworker Dr. Mark Bake, who is now dean of allied health sciences at Bellin College.

“Mark does a phenomenal job. He has put his heart and soul into the program and has accomplished so much,” said Popp. “The students get such great opportunities to see the different disciplines for longer periods of time and it really gives them the chance to work in a variety of capacities immediately following graduation.”

Her advice to radiologic technology students: “Remember that you’re on a three-year interview when you are in clinicals. The staff is watching, and they know what you can and cannot do. Get involved, step outside of your comfort zone and take all of the advice you can get. Each technologist does things differently, so remember that the goal is to get the best image possible.”

Great advice, Jennifer!

To support Bellin College students, Popp also joined the newly formed Just$10 Giving Club. As a member, she donates $10 per month toward the Bellin College Annual Fund.

“It’s easy and such a small donation that you don’t even notice it,” said Popp. “College is expensive, there are so many students who can benefit and it’s an opportunity to give back to a school who gave so much to me.”

For more information about the Just$10 Giving Club, visit https://www.bellincollege.edu/support/just10-giving-club/.

Lauren Harvey, left, and Caroline Wagner.

Caroline Wagner Lauren Harvey represented Bellin College on Oct. 31-Nov. 2 at the National Student Nurses’ Association MidYear Convention in Chicago, Illinois. Lauren Harvey, BSN class of 2020, is the STAT editor for the Wisconsin Student Nurses’ Association and Caroline Wagner, BSN class of 2020, serves as president.

They attended the convention with several other WSNA board members. They heard from numerous leaders and nursing speaking panels and networked with about 450 nursing students from around the nation. Wagner also was elected to serve on the NSNA Council of State Presidents Planning Committee as the Northern Region representative. This role gives her the chance to continue networking with other state presidents as well as plan the Council of State Presidents (COSP) meeting with three other regional committee members at NSNA’s annual convention in April in Orlando, Florida. 

Wagner and Harvey also joined together with a few other nursing students from around the nation to make a campaign to recruit more members to join NSNA. They got creative with a nursing diagnosis to encourage people to join NSNA to be eligible to receive scholarships. Their poster won second place.

James Boddy, Class of 2018 and 2020

From the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to the military to Bellin College, James Boddy’s journey to become a family nurse practitioner has been a unique one. Born and raised in Iron Mountain, Mich., James originally attended Michigan Tech and earned a bachelor’s degree in exercise science. After working for more than a year as a personal trainer, he decided he needed a change and joined the U.S. Army in 2010.

Boddy served as an active duty medic for over three years at both Fort Bliss in Texas and Fort Stewart in Georgia. This was the first step toward his ultimate goal of becoming a physician’s assistant. He was assigned to a cavalry scout squadron in the 3rd Infantry Division, in which he trained alongside the scouts in wartime exercises and movements, while also providing medical care to soldiers in his unit.

“Medics receive a civilian EMT certification, but also learn critical care skills geared toward common wartime injuries like gunshot wounds and amputations,” said Boddy. “We worked remotely with a lot of autonomy and had to improvise often. We learned to treat injuries without the ideal tools and how to really think outside the box.”

Following active duty, he worked as a financial planner and transitioned to the Army Reserve for another six years. He knew his true calling was the medical field, so he moved to Wisconsin in 2016 to complete his BSN as a junior transfer student at Bellin College.

“My experience as a medic definitely helped me when it came to critical care and medications, but I was never a CNA, so I had to work harder to gain those basic nursing skills in a hospital setting,” said Boddy.

Boddy graduated from Bellin College with his BSN in May 2018 and now works as a part-time RN at Wisconsin Veterans Home at King in Waupaca, Wis. There, he spends his time in a role caring for patients and managing other healthcare workers on the floor. He is also enrolled as a full-time student in the FNP program at Bellin College and will graduate in May 2020.

“I would like to work in the Veterans Affairs system or in orthopedics, preferably in a warm climate like the southwest,” said Boddy. “I can appreciate the struggles that are unique to veterans. It’s not easy to experience the things we have experienced during our time in the military, and I hope to be a great asset to fellow vets.”

His advice to those looking to make a career change or pursue another degree: “Stop thinking about it and do it,” said Boddy. “Have a plan and, if you are passionate about it, pursue it.”

Karen Sanchez, Class of 1997, was selected as the recipient of this year’s Bellin College Distinguished Alumni Award. Fellow alumna Donna Radcliff nominated Sanchez, describing her as “a compassionate and experienced family nurse practitioner and nursing leader with a demonstrated history of making a difference in the lives of the patients and communities she serves.”

“For me, winning this award is more profound than recognizing my personal accomplishments,” said Sanchez. “I am thankful Bellin College supports the kind of work I have done to be worthy of this award. I am proud that my alma mater supports the work of for the marginalized and underserved groups I have advocated for so passionately.”

After graduating from Bellin College in 1997, Karen worked in multiple inpatient and outpatient settings — including positions at employee and student health clinics, an obstetrics clinic, a Hispanic clinic and Green Bay Correctional Institution — delivering high-quality, cost-effective nursing care in the way the experienced nursing faculty taught her at Bellin College.

“The program was rigorous with long clinical hours that prepared me to start as a nurse in many settings,” said Sanchez. “The most valuable skill I gained was therapeutic communication. I remember the course in great detail. We analyzed our conversations with a volunteer patient and learned to really listen. History taking as an FNP is the most important diagnostic tool, and motivating patients in self management of their conditions requires proficiency in listening and speaking.”

Karen excelled in her nursing career and went on to earn an MSN from Concordia University in 2007, becoming a family nurse practitioner. After graduation, she began offering the first office visits, along with Dr. Riquelme, at Bellin Health Clinica Hispana.

In December of 2009, she transitioned to a nurse practitioner role at Outreach Healthcare. There, she served the homeless population until August 2018, while also working at all N.E.W. Community Clinic sites. In August 2018, she left the healthcare for the homeless program and served at the Northeast Wisconsin Technical College and downtown N.E.W. Community Clinic sites. Karen is highly skilled in community health nursing, the Spanish language, and consistently demonstrates strong nursing leadership by partnering with educational organizations and community group efforts, and acts as a preceptor for emerging nurse leaders.

“Karen is an advocate for the poor and the vulnerable and has made significant improvements by implementing the patient-centered medical home model in the Outreach Healthcare Clinic for the patients and populations in her care,” said Radcliff.

Examples of Karen’s commitment to nursing care excellence are numerous. She provided primary healthcare that helps patients avoid costly hospital stays and ER visits. She handled case management of medical needs, housing, job search and community resources, which reflects holistic patient centered care.

And, as a seasoned FNP, she used the nursing process and makes referrals for substance abuse treatment and mental health services, ensuring behavioral health care needs are met.

“Karen works with patients and populations in some of the most challenging of circumstances,” said Radcliff. “Her compassionate respect of each patient and their families who are often homeless, suffering from mental illness, addiction and numerous co-morbidities requires the very highest integrity, and she demonstrates this value consistently as she serves her patients in this practice setting.”

In 2015, Karen applied for and was nominated to be on the Brown County Board of Health. She went on to enter a competitive selection process to participate in a 12-month leadership program with the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. She was selected, along with 11 other NPs from across the country, and completed the program in fall 2017. 

Karen was recently selected as director of student health for University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and will be leaving N.E.W. Community Clinic this September.

“As a nurse practitioner, I have been impacted the health of our community as a primary care provider,” said Sanchez. “The most rewarding aspect is learning about the lives of patients. Some have amazing stories about life around the globe. It’s humbling that patients have trusted me to share their life stories. I value that trust.”

When asked what advice she would give to nursing students today, Karen has simple, but impactful advice.

“Be passionate about what you do as a nurse,” said Sanchez. “Know the value of nursing and do not be timid about speaking up for the nursing field. When you become a seasoned nurse, continue to encourage other nurses.”

Well said. Congratulations, Karen!

NOTE: Karen Sanchez will be honored at this year’s Alumni Homecoming on Sept. 12, held at the Green Bay Botanical Garden in Green Bay. For more information, or to register, see the Alumni Events page.

How does Karen Sanchez exemplify the Mission and Values of Bellin College?

» Commitment to lifelong learning — After earning her BSN at Bellin, Karen went on to earn a graduate degree in Nursing, is board certified, and she participates in annual nursing conferences to ensure excellence in nursing care. She is a sought-after nurse expert, serving as a preceptor to emerging nurse leaders and sharing her insights with fellow clinicians and community leaders to improve patient care delivery and reduce the costs of health care.
» Leadership — Karen has served as a community leader and advocate for the patients and populations she serves in Green Bay and Brown County. She is a strong nursing leader who has made significant improvements in the patient-centered medical home model of care; reducing hospital and ER admissions
and improving the health and well-being of her patients. She is a frequent guest lecturer, fostering a learning community for emerging nurses and health care professionals committed to improving healthcare practices.
» Integrity — Karen works with patients and populations in some of the most challenging of circumstances. Her compassionate respect of each patient and their families who are often homeless, suffering from mental illness, addiction and numerous co-morbidities requires the very highest integrity, and she demonstrates this value consistently as she serves her patients in this practice setting.
» Community — Karen’s nursing expertise as a Community Health FNP serving the poor and the vulnerable demonstrates her commitment to her community. Her partnership with educational organizations, health care delivery systems and grassroots organizations has resulted in improvements in healthcare delivery for the Green Bay and Brown County communities.
» Caring — Karen empowers her patients by caring for them in a holistic manner. She applies the nursing process in her professional life and works collaboratively in a patient-centered way. Her patients and the community benefit from Karen’s deeply compassionate care with patients and populations who are often
overlooked or marginalized. I marvel at her tireless advocacy for her patients.
» Excellence — Karen has demonstrated her excellence in nursing by ensuring evidence-based practice and she is a tireless researcher and problem solver. She exhibits this value daily as she cares for patients, measuring the clinical outcomes to ensure prevention of disease, and manages existing disease in partnership with her patients, keeping up to date with needed interventions and improving the health and well-being of her community.

— Donna L. Radcliff
MSN, RN, CPHIMS

Max and Nellie Soda

A long-standing tradition at Bellin College has been members from the same family attending the school. Whether it’s generational with students attending the same school as a parent or grandparent, or siblings attending together or right after each other, there are many instances of this throughout the years. This spring, Bellin College was home to several sets of siblings. These pairs of siblings have come forward to share their story. They all come from various backgrounds, but all have one thing in common — the desire to help people.

Nellie and Max Soda

Nellie and Max Soda are originally from Princeton, Wisconsin, in Green Lake County. Growing up on a farm with a family of six, their mother’s background as a nurse had an influence on her children.

Nellie Soda found the sonography field with a little help from older brother Max. It was a high school sports injury Max received that sparked an interest in that type of healthcare for Nellie.

Max was a sophomore in high school when he needed an ultrasound on his kidney after coming down on another player’s knee wrong at football practice. Seeing the technology during the ultrasound was intriguing to Nellie, who was a sixth-grader at the time.

“I always wanted to be in healthcare, but I didn’t know which one to do,” she said. “So I liked the technology of sonography because I didn’t really want to do nursing. I’d heard enough war stories from mom, so I didn’t want to do that part. I wanted to do something a little bit different that would still
be useful.”

Their mom being an OB nurse at ThedaCare Medical Center-Berlin was a factor in Max’s choice to join the 15-month nursing program. He came to the college in January and will be graduating in October 2020. Max began his healthcare pursuits at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse with a degree in biology before following in his sister’s footsteps and coming to Bellin College.

“Based on the prior education that I had to build off of, the accelerated program seemed like the best route, because you can get in and get out, start making money and get on with life,” he said. “But also that it’s in-person, unlike other accelerated programs. I learn better in person versus an online program.”

While in different programs and different career paths, they still find time to get together as part of a family; church and Sam’s Club being favorite outings. Currently, three Soda siblings are in the Green Bay area. Another brother is studying at UW-Green Bay.

Future plans for the pair are still somewhat up in the air. Max thinks he’d enjoy working in an operating room or an emergency room or doing wound care and maybe eventually becoming a traveling nurse. Nellie is still waiting to find out what parts of sonography she enjoys most or even possibly obtaining more education in the future. Depending on the circumstances she’d like to move back home to the Princeton area.

Erin and Shannon McCauley

Erin McCauley, left, and Shannon McCaulley study in the atrium at Bellin College.

Sisters Erin and Shannon McCauley both graduated in May 2019, from the nursing program, however, they didn’t come in on the same path. They both found themselves at UW-La Crosse before coming into Bellin College. Erin came to the college as a junior transfer student and Shannon as a 15-month student.

Being in school together wasn’t new for the sisters since they overlapped about two years while at UWL, however, they haven’t lived together since they were in high school. While at Bellin College they only had maternity class together.

“It’s been really nice because we’ve had overlap with all of our classes, so studying together and learning from each other,” Erin said.

Shannon echoed those thoughts. “Since she’s in the JTO option she’s taken the classes before me, so if I have questions she’s really good at helping me or clarifying certain disease processes,” she said. “So she helps me a lot if I’m unsure of information, so that’s been nice.”

Both sisters knew they wanted to be in healthcare in some capacity, but were unsure in which direction they would go.

“Seeing our family and friends and their interactions with the nurses just cemented the fact that I should be a nurse,” Erin said.

Shannon has always been interested in healthcare and nursing. She says the catalyst was watching a friend’s family member going through heart failure and seeing how the nurses handled the family. Observing how nurses explained the information to them in terms they could understand really solidified her decision to go into nursing.

“I knew I wanted to be in healthcare,” Shannon said. “I didn’t know exactly in what way. I thought maybe radiation therapy originally, and then I shadowed and was like ‘nope, I want more hands-on care.’ And just from talking to family members and seeing how much of an impact nurses have, I just knew that was probably where I was headed.”

As for the future, Erin recently accepted a job on the Neuro Floor at Meriter Hospital in Madison. She eventually would like to continue her education with EMT courses and more.

Shannon recently accepted a job at Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center in Milwaukee on a Medical Surgical Telemetry Unit, but ultimately her goal is to “be someone that helps people in a time of need and provides that relief and comfort when they’re going through a terrible time, and who people respect and can go to if they’re having questions or
concerns.”

Brayden and Brock Maroszek

Brock, left, and Brayden Maroszek

Brayden and Brock Maroszek of Suamico were both in the BSN traditional program this spring. Being in the same track but on a two-year delay, Brayden graduated in May 2019 while Brock is class of 2021, has helped them continue the bond they forged while growing up.

“I really enjoy seeing him around and it is fun to see him improve. We also are able to help one another like a tutor would,” Brayden said.

Brayden always knew he wanted to go into the medical field.

“When I was in eighth grade I was diagnosed with epilepsy and in the following year had to have brain surgery,” he said. “As a result, I spent a lot of time at Froedtert Hospital and got to see what nurses did. I also wanted to give back after everything other people did for me.”

Brock had a little hesitation when he decided to join the nursing field because he is male, but he now says “it’s where I should be.” One way he looks to make a difference could be by working with male patients. On one of his first clinical experiences, he was able to bring an older male patient out of his shell a little bit and was able to connect with him about sports.

“I went in there and started talking to him and you could tell he didn’t want to engage with other people,” he said. “So basically I went out of my way and I saw on his board he had all football and sports stuff. So I asked him about the Badgers game and he just got a big smile on his face, like nobody had talked to him about that before. That was one of my really good moments in clinical.”

Adrenaline and excitement also attracted Brock to healthcare.

“I always wanted to do something kind of exciting and where I wouldn’t regret all the work I did,” Brock said. “Where I don’t sit in an office every day.”

Aside from the classroom, Brayden found hands-on training most useful.

“My favorite memories from Bellin College are spending time with my classmates and the disaster simulations,” Brayden said. “I really enjoyed being both the patient and the nurse. I feel those sims were great training for both people involved in the situation such as active shooters and how to operate in a hospital when there are large amounts of
patients arriving.”

Brayden graduated from Bellin College on May 18, 2019. His future goals include working at Aspirus Wausau Hospital and, down the line, getting his master’s degree and becoming a nurse practitioner.

Brock’s biggest dream is to be a nurse on a flight team or to one day work in Hawaii. Beyond that, becoming a nurse practitioner, nurse educator or nurse anesthetist are also on his radar.

Dr. Eric Chaconas has been named the new Doctor of Science in Physical Therapy program director at Bellin College. The college recently expanded its offerings in collaboration with Evidence in Motion to include post-graduate physical therapy programs.

“It’s an absolute honor to join such a high-performing team,” Chaconas said. “The people that make up this program, Bellin College, Evidence in Motion and Bellin Health are the reason I pursued this position.  Everyone I have interacted with is intrinsically driven to provide a premier post-professional educational experience for physical therapists.” 

The DScPT degree program expands on the knowledge, skills, and abilities obtained from the fellowship certificate with an emphasis on research, educational leadership and advanced practice. Students may choose to complete only the fellowship component or may choose to continue to complete the DScPT degree. Successful completion of an orthopaedic manual physical therapy fellowship is required to complete the DScPT program.

“Our profession really needs a program like this to meet the growing demand for teaching and research faculty in the physical therapy profession,” Chaconas said. “We need more physical therapists trained at the Fellowship and Doctor of Science level to advance research and teach in our physical therapy programs throughout the United States.”

Chaconas practiced physical therapy while continuing his education to become a doctor of physical therapy. He has taught at many levels, most recently as an associate professor at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences.  

“Bellin College is truly a center of excellence, partnered with one of the highest performing health systems in the United States in Bellin Health and then Evidence in Motion which is the premier educational company in the physical therapy profession,” he said. “This DScPT program is in the perfect position to bring together the absolute best from the clinical, educational and research aspects of our industry.”

GREEN BAY — Bellin College is seeking nominations for the 2019 Distinguished Alumni Award. Nominees will have graduated from any Bellin College or Bellin Hospital program and will be considered based on their professional accomplishments, community service, contributions to the health care profession, and how they exemplify the mission and values of Bellin College. Nominations will be accepted until 4 p.m. July 31. All nominations will be reviewed by a committee and the award will be presented at the 2019 Alumni Homecoming event on Sept. 12 at the Green Bay Botanical Garden.

To nominate a Bellin College alumni, please complete the Bellin College Distinguished Alumni Nomination Form or print, complete and mail the printable nomination form to the Bellin College Development office, 3201 Eaton Road, Green Bay, WI 54311 to alumni@bellincollege.edu.

Past winners of the award include Dr. Mark Bake in 2018, Donna Zelazoski in 2017, Sally Karioth in 2016, Lori Fayas in 2015, and Peggy Gauthier was the first recipient in 2014.

Masters of Science in Nursing students presented their scholarly projects May 14, 2019.

Those who presented were a mix of graduating seniors and a few from the class of 2020.

Projects ranged from mandatory influenza vaccinations for employment to various projects on diabetes and pain management.

Faculty advisers work with the students over the course of about nine months. The faculty members who advised the projects this semester were Dr. Lori Kulju, Dr. Mary Rolloff, Dr. Connie Boerst and Dr. Vera Dauffenbach.

The Bellin College Atrium and Health Sciences Resource Center of Bellin College was transformed Thursday, April 18, 2019, into a simulated multi-casualty tornado event. The simulation aimed to give students at Bellin College and the Medical College of Wisconsin-Green Bay a chance to practice skills learned in the classroom and at various clinical sites.

The event is the culmination of multiple departments working together for the past 4-5 months to give students the real-world experience in a controlled environment. Students in the nursing, radiologic sciences and sonography programs and M2 students with Medical College of Wisconsin-Green Bay took part in the event.

“This simulation allows students the opportunity to not prepare for the simulation like they have in the past and to have to come in and not know what role they will have, what kind of patients they will work with and what will need to be done,” said Kathie DeMuth, assistant professor of nursing for Bellin College.

Staff volunteers and students were staged in the Atrium area to recreate all aspects associated with a multi-casualty event. In total, there were 42 “patients” for students to contend with and prioritize, as they would if it were a real-life scenario. These simulated patients also received realistic-looking makeup, or moulage, to increase the legitimacy of his or her injuries.

“Disasters are increasing at local, national, and global levels, as is the need for all nurses and communities to be prepared,” said Kevin Stringer, HSRC technology specialist. “Today’s graduating nurses need strong skills in disaster nursing to manage a variety of disasters in a local to a global context. Nurses can bring unique skill sets to manage emergency situations, including proper assessment, priority recognition, communication, and collaboration skills. Competency in these skills allows nurses to make accurate, life-altering decisions in highly emergent and demanding situations. This realistic, hands-on activity approach allows them to experience a disaster before job placement.”

Students were joined by various healthcare professionals from the area along with the Bellevue Fire and Rescue Department and County Rescue Services. Eight doctors and several nurses were on campus to help guide students in their simulation.

Dr. Brad Burmeister

“The disaster drill is really an exciting event for all of the students,” said Dr. Brad Burmeister, clinical professor with Medical College of Wisconsin-Green Bay and Bellin Health doctor. “This is my second year involved as a faculty member at the Medical College of Wisconsin – Green Bay campus. While the opportunity to hone some clinical skills is certainly present for the disaster, the biggest asset and unique opportunity are to work with other students.

“Oftentimes interprofessional collaboration is difficult to emulate for a student — they often are working and learning sort of independently in the clinic, ER, or in the OR,” he said. “Putting them in charge of a disaster though forces them to work together and communicate. While our group did great with communication, we had a good conversation at the debriefing about how communication could be better in the future.”

Sonography and radiology students also assisted with the simulation drill. The different departments often don’t get a chance to work together, but got their chance during the event.

“Imaging students have worked with the nurses in different aspects before, but not in a disaster situation. We have these objectives for all students. Interprofessional communication is key,” said Christina Smith, radiologic sciences instructor.

The main objectives for participating students are: 

• Appreciate the importance of interprofessional communication
• Demonstrate effective use of knowledge, skills and abilities to safely provide patient care
• Collaboratively and implement interventions based on assessments and priorities
• Identify value of partnerships in provision of quality patient care

Staff usually conducts two simulation events per year — in spring and fall. They can range from a shooting incident, fire and anything in between.

See more photos