Teddy Farias, D.C., MS, MTAA, CCMA
President

Dr. Teddy A. Farias D.C., MS, MTAA, CCMA
San Jacinto College
Dean Health & Natural Sciences
Houston TX
[email protected]
​
I joined NN2 in the spring of 2015.  I had just accepted a deanship in health education at a two-year college.  The knowledge, expertise, and advice from other more experienced healthcare deans was invaluable to my success.  Having support from people who had experienced and were experiencing a lot of the same things that I was encountering helped me to lead with more confidence.  I stay engaged to help shape the future of healthcare education.  I am honored to serve as the President Elect in 2023-2024.

Don Martin, Ed.D, ETL
Past President​

Don Martin, Ed.D., ETL
Pima Community College
Dean, Health Professions
Tucson, AZ
[email protected]

I joined the NN2 Board because I saw an opportunity to give back and make a difference. The NN2 Board provides an excellent opportunity to positively affect change and support the organization as it works to provide networking opportunities and elevate the level of instruction in health sciences, causes that I am passionate about. Being a part of the Board of Directors provides me an opportunity to use my specific knowledge, skills and expertise to really make a difference in the impact of the organization and its future.

Lacie Couzin, Ph.D, RN
Secretary

Lacie M. Couzin, Ph.D., RN
Dean, School of Health Sciences
Dean, School of Public Affairs & Social Services
Ivy Tech Community College
Sellersburg, Indiana
[email protected]
​
My first exposure to NN2 was in 2015 when our VP for Healthcare asked me to attend the annual meeting as a new dean. That meeting provided me with networking opportunities and ideas that I was able to take back to my campus and immediately put to use. I have had the honor of presenting at the annual meeting a few times, and I have served on the board since 2019. So often as healthcare education leaders we are faced with situations and decisions that our fellow faculty simply cannot assist due to lack of context. NN2 provides a vast network of professionals who have the necessary context and experience to help support and troubleshoot your way to success.

Mark Wallenmeyer, MBA, CNMT, RT(N), FSNMMITS
​Treasurer

Mark Wallenmeyer, MBA, CNMT, RT(N), FSNMMITS
Dean of Health Professions
Northwest Arkansas Community College
Bella Vista, AR
[email protected]

I was introduced to NN2 by a former board member.  She was a dean of health professions here in Arkansas.  She told me about the organization and it fit exactly what I was looking for.  Health professions programs in two year colleges face challenges that four year colleges/universities do not.  I attended the my first meeting of NN2 and was hooked.  The networking alone is an invaluable resource.  I went to the first meeting alone… Not knowing what to expect.  When I walked in, I actually knew some people there and felt right at home.  This is a great organization, great leadership and the mission is exactly what we at two year colleges need.  I’m honored to serve this organization and it’s members.  Please let me know how both NN2 and I can help you and your college.

Christy Baily-Byers, MBA, APR
Member at Large

Christy Baily-Byers, MBA, APR
ARC/STSA, Director of Education
Dallas, TX
[email protected]

I first joined NN2 in 2019 after a friend and colleague, who served on the NN2 Board, invited me to the annual conference.  The programming was exceptional, and everyone was incredibly welcoming and focused on supporting one other.  I knew that I wanted to be a part of this positive group – one that shared the same mission of supporting educators to build and strengthen vitally needed healthcare programs in two-year colleges. I joined the NN2 Board in 2021, and look forward to welcoming you as a member.  Let us know how we may support you and your programs!

Kevin Dean, NRP, MBA​
​Member at Large

Kevin Dean, NRP, MBA
Dean of Health & Public Safety
Western Technical College
La Crosse, WI
[email protected]​

I attended my first NN2 conference about five years ago and was truly impressed with the attendees, speakers and general context of the conference. So many 2 year colleges in healthcare have to have such a focus on nursing that it was refreshing to have an organization that included all of the other allied health programs and gave college leadership an opportunity to network with our colleagues across the country. The professional and personal relationships developed at the conference and through NN2 have been priceless and I look forward to attending each year. I now have the opportunity to sit on the Board of Directors for this organization, which allows me to be even more involved and to contribute to the ongoing success of NN2 for years to come. It is my privilege and honor to serve the membership and truly looking forward to the future.

Dani Cook MS, CST

Dani Cook MS, CST
Director-Health Sciences
Wisconsin Technical College System
​Madison, WI
[email protected]

A colleague introduced me to NN2, and I attended my first conference in 2023. The engaging speakers, collaborative environment, and networking opportunities immediately captivated me. It was particularly refreshing to see allied health programs being recognized, as the focus is often predominantly on nursing.  In my role, I provide support and guidance to all health science programs at the 16 technical colleges in Wisconsin, ensuring the quality of each program.
I am deeply passionate about advocating for allied health programs, recognizing their critical role in the healthcare system. I witness firsthand the challenges faced by these programs in two-year colleges, and I am committed to addressing these challenges. NN2 offers a valuable platform to collaborate with others across the country who share this passion and are facing similar challenges. I am honored to serve on the NN2 Board, where I can help build our organization, foster connections, and bring back valuable insights to the state of Wisconsin.

Christopher Metzgar MBA, MS, NRP, NCEE

Christopher Metsgar, MBA, MS, NRP, NCEE
Dean for Academic Success, Health Sciences
St. Philip’s College, San Antonio, Texas
​[email protected]
​
I am excited to introduce myself as a newly elected board member of the National Network of Health Career Programs in Two-Year Colleges (NN2). I first learned about this incredible organization this summer at the CAAHEP Conference, where I was inspired by the commitment to advancing health science education across the United States. I attended my first national conference this September, and it was fantastic networking and professional development.
As a first-generation community college graduate, paramedic, educator, and educational leader, I look forward to collaborating with you to support and enhance health career programs at two-year colleges. Together, we can significantly impact the future of healthcare education and the professionals we prepare for this vital field.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve on this esteemed board!

Dr. Carolyn O'Daniel
Executive Director
Ex-Officio

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