This track is available:
This track is for high school students who want to learn more about the profession of nursing and get hands-on experience with tasks that Registered Nurses and other medical professionals perform every day. Join us in this nursing pre college summer program to have some fun while learning about the rewards and challenges of nursing!
Track Instructors
Dr. Sarah Gillies, DNE, MSN, RN, PCCN
Assistant Professor, School of Nursing
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.
Cassie Madden, MSN, RN, PED-BC
Assistant Professor, School of Nursing
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.