About Us

Simulation Superheros

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. 


Lenora Valdez - Clinical Assistant Professor and Standardized Patient Coordinator

Photo of Mrs. Lenora Valdez
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

Photo of Ricardo Sotomayor
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