Below are the dedicated faculty and staff that manage the St. David's School of Nursing simulation center. Each member of our team brings a wealth of career experience and a unique perspective to sim center operations.
About Us
Carin Suitt, Simulation Lab Manager
Carin Suitt, MS, RRT
Carin Suitt earned an associate and bachelor's degree in respiratory therapy before completing a Master of Science in Curriculum & Instruction with an emphasis on Educational Technology from Kansas State University. She began her respiratory career in 2012, gaining experience in pediatrics, emergency medicine, adult ICU, med/surg, and pulmonary function testing. She also holds a pharmacy technician license and a teaching certificate and has taught health science courses at Hutto High School and Seven Lakes High School. As a member of the Society for Simulation in Healthcare, she is passionate about advancing medical education through technology and hands-on learning.
Email: cab118@txstate.edu
Phone: 512-716-2955
Office: Nursing 225
Lenora Valdez - Clinical Assistant Professor and Standardized Patient Coordinator
Lendora Valdez, MSN, RN, CNE, CHSE, CHSOS
Lenora Valdez earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Arkansas Tech University and a Master of Science in Nursing Education from the University of Phoenix. She is currently a Ph.D. candidate in Liberty University's Nursing Education program. Her nursing experience includes inpatient cardiology, adult med-surgical, acute care, psych, and community nursing. Lenora is passionate about simulation's valuable role in developing learner confidence and safer practices in healthcare. She holds certifications as a Certified Nurse Educator, a Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator, and a Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse. She is also an active member of the Society for Simulation in Healthcare, the International Association of Clinical Simulation, and the Association of Standardized Patient Educators.
Email: lvaldez@txstate.edu
Phone: 512-716-2951
Office: Nursing 227
Ricardo (Rick) Sotomayor - SimLab Information Specialist
Ricardo (Rick) Sotomayor
Mr. Sotomayor is a Medical Simulation Technician, who helps to coordinate simulations, maintain lab equipment, and facilitate learning activities in real-time to assist medical professionals with training and readiness. Rick brings a wide range of experiences from hospital and clinic simulation settings to Hollywood-style make-up and special effects artistry for medical realism, as well as simulator repair and services. He has experience with creating new task trainers to facilitate the needs of educators' lesson plans and has assisted with creating medical prototypes to be presented for field testing. Rick also has 10 years of Military experience, 13 years of Aviation maintenance experience, and a background in Industrial Mechanical Repairs.
Email: yjc21@txstate.edu
Phone: 512-716-2954
Office: Nursing 226
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