The DAISY is Melissa - joy and cheerfulness.  I truly appreciate and love her as a colleague, collaborator, motivator, and nurse. The very first day I joined the Online RN to BSN team, Melissa was there to WELCOME me through a chat system - I instantly felt like part of the team and could feel the positive vibe.  I've been there for a year now, and over that year, Melissa has made me feel more than WELCOME - she has made me feel valued and cared about.  

Enough about how she has made 'me' feel - she is an outstanding nurse educator.  She demonstrates absolute dedication to her role in providing nursing education, Compassionate Care, and Excellence.  Demonstrating empathy and support for Galen's online nursing students is a STRENGTH that makes her shine.  No doubt, the way she makes me feel is how she makes every student or colleague feel.  For instance, when we are in meetings together, she advocates for nursing students and colleagues by highlighting their strengths, yet sharing with great compassion and accountability.  If I had to describe her tone/behavior, I would have to say she is a gentle presence that draws others to LISTEN closely, and it's respected.  When I interact with Melissa, I know she will consistently make a personal connection that will make a difference long after we meet. No doubt, this is how her students and other colleagues most likely feel about her.

She is a nurse who contributes to the nursing profession, education, and community.  She makes a real difference through student success, mentoring, research, publishing, lifelong learning, leadership, community service, EBP in teaching, and contributions to Galen.  Melissa is committed, inspiring, and has a positive spirit in all she does.  Just like a DAISY stands for joy and cheerfulness - Melissa's roots run deep in KINDNESS blessings. As a Galen faculty member, Melissa demonstrates enthusiasm for teaching, learning, and nursing in the same way she serves as a role model - she inspires and motivates.  She does this through a calm, joyful, and gentle voice that says, "You've Got This" - without saying it.  I may not be in her classroom to observe her 'live' motivation of students, but I sit in meetings and have been the recipient of her mentoring that demonstrates her excellence in teaching.  Melissa does NOT shy away from innovations and taking risks that will contribute to student success.  No doubt, Melissa has a high track record for helping students succeed.  Just as Melissa guided me in my academic and professional development within the online program, she does the same for students blessed to be in her online classes. As for learning, Melissa and I were excited to learn that we were both in the recent TLA102 course together.  I appreciate her positive attitude, ability to engage in rich discussions, and vast knowledge of teaching and learning practices.

Melissa is not just an educator; she is a nurse. I am always reminded when I speak with her that she is a nurse because she brings comfort and a sense of being cared for everywhere she goes.  How can I call that ENTHUSIASM?  Because of her presence - she smiles all the time - even when I know she may be hurting or struggling - she is STILL smiling - now that is enthusiasm at its finest - putting others before herself.

She INSPIRES because she is consistent in her approach - I truly believe she only has one mood - joyful, one behavior - kind; one emotion - gratitude, and a sense of deep spiritual calm, joy, and contentment.  This inspires others - it is infectious, and others want to join her.  Inspiring another person is all about attitude, actions, and personal characteristics.  Melissa leads others by example (integrity, humility), and they follow - I know - I'm one of them!