School of Nursing Faculty

Dr. Jackie Harris graduated from Benedictine College in 1998 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. She went on to earn her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Marquette University and completed her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).

Dr. Harris is a founding leader of the Benedictine College nursing program, which she established alongside Dr. Lynne Connelly. Since its inception, she has played a central role in shaping the curriculum, mentoring faculty, and teaching across the program, teaching every nursing student who has graduated from Benedictine. Her leadership as Director reflects a deep commitment to academic excellence, student formation, and the integration of faith and nursing practice.

With more than thirty years of experience as a Registered Nurse, including over twenty years as a nurse practitioner, Dr. Harris brings extensive clinical expertise to her role. Her professional background spans a variety of healthcare settings, including care for vulnerable and underserved populations. She has served at St. Ben’s Clinic for the Homeless and St. Ben’s Community Meal in Milwaukee and Community Care for the Elderly. Her experience also includes work with the Social Welfare Board in St. Joseph, Missouri, Atchison Hospital, and Medicalodge Atchison, where she has contributed to both acute, mental health, and long-term care environments.

Dr. Harris is deeply committed to service and community engagement. Her volunteer work has included full-time service in Milwaukee supporting individuals experiencing homelessness and health concerns, as well as ongoing involvement in her local community. She has currently serves on the Board of Directors for Live Well Live Atchison County.

Dr. Harris and her husband, Dr. David Harris, a 1997 Benedictine College graduate and Professor of Economics at the College, are proud parents of four children. Their family’s strong connection to Benedictine includes a graduate of Benedictine College and a current nursing student, reflecting a shared commitment to education, faith, and service.

Dr. Sarah Gillies earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in 2017 and her Master of Science in Nursing Education (MSN) in 2022 from Missouri Western State University. She completed her Doctor of Nursing Education (DNE) degree at The Ohio State University in 2026.

Dr. Gillies is a Certified Progressive Care Nurse (PCCN) with clinical experience in advanced cardiac care and outpatient surgery. She also has a special interest in palliative and hospice nursing, with a passion for caring for patients and families through serious illness and end-of-life transitions.

Before joining the Benedictine College School of Nursing faculty full-time in 2021, Dr. Gillies served as an adjunct clinical instructor at both Benedictine College and Missouri Western State University. Her teaching focuses on preparing future nurses to provide compassionate, evidence-based care while recognizing the dignity of every person in every stage of life.

As a Catholic nurse educator, Dr. Gillies is committed to integrating faith, professional excellence, and holistic care of the body, mind, and spirit into nursing education. In her free time, Dr. Gillies enjoys reading, walking, and spending time with her dogs and husband, who is also a nurse.

Dr. Kristy Callahan joined Benedictine College’s School of Nursing program as a full-time faculty member Fall of 2022. Kristy Callahan is a native of Atchison, KS, and is deeply devoted to her community and family. In 2014, Kristy obtained her Associate’s Degree in Nursing from Highland Community College. She then furthered her education by receiving her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing Education from Western Governors University in 2020 and 2022. Kristy is currently working on her Doctorate of Nursing Education (DNE) from Ohio State University.

Most of Kristy’s professional background is in Home Health and Hospice, with hospice being a passion of hers. Kristy believes that the work of caring for the patients is a privilege and that teaching future nurse leaders the importance of patient-centered holistic care is a blessing.

Dr. Violet Gomes graduated from Wichita State University in May of 2009 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing. She went on to graduate from Fort Hays State University with her doctorate of Nursing Practice in May 2020. Dr. Gomes has vast nursing experience over the past 14 years she has had experience in Pediatrics, Maternal Infant & Child, Medical/ Surgical Units and Public Health. Dr. Gomes has over 14 years of nursing experience with her recently working as a Nurse Practitioner in public Health at Leavenworth County Health Department. Dr. Gomes teaches NURS 4200 and Foundations Lab and other classes as assigned.

Mrs. Cassie Madden is a second career nurse. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Speech Communication from Emporia State University and worked in sales until deciding to stay home with her children and operate a home daycare. In 2014 Mrs. Madden began her nursing career, combining her new career with her love of children working in postpartum, pediatrics and NICU. She has continued her education working toward her Master of Science in Nursing from Western Governors University.

In her spare time, Mrs. Madden enjoys spending time outside with her family.

Dr. T. Ryan Grove holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Missouri Western State University (2010) and a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from West Texas A&M University (2016). She earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Leadership and Innovations in Healthcare, with a minor in Nursing Education, from the University of Missouri in December 2025.

Dr. Grove began her nursing career in inpatient medical oncology and float pool nursing before transitioning fully into academia and specializing in healthcare simulation. She currently holds dual credentials as a Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator (CHSE) and Certified Healthcare Simulation Operations Specialist (CHSOS).

She has spent many years coordinating and leading simulation programs in nursing education, serving institutions from northwest Missouri to southwest Florida. Dr. Grove currently works in both academia and as an inpatient psychiatric nurse. In addition to her teaching and clinical work, Ryan serves as a content reviewer for the Society for Simulation in Healthcare and enjoys presenting nationally at conferences. Her professional interests includes artificial intelligence in healthcare simulation, leveraging innovative active teaching strategies, and advancing simulation technology to enhance learning outcomes. She enjoys designing simulation experiences that align with course objectives, fostering engagement, and inspiring students to think critically and creatively.

Outside of work, Dr. Grove enjoys spending time with her husband, three children – – one of whom is a current Raven majoring in Astronomy – – and her mother, who is also a psychiatric nurse. She loves the small-town charm of Atchison and looks forward to continuing her research with departmental colleagues and collaborating across disciplines.