Cassie is an excellent instructor who consistently encourages students and helps boost their confidence. She provides constructive criticism in a supportive way that focuses on improvement rather than perfection. She creates a welcoming, safe, and comfortable learning environment and takes the time to clearly explain concepts when clarification is needed. Cassie makes simulations and lab sessions both engaging and enjoyable. Her ability to help each student feel confident in their skills is truly exceptional. Thank you, Cassie.
***
A good educator provides information and holds high standards, but an excellent one poses critical thinking questions and inspires students to excel. Cassie is an excellent educator. She is always willing to help both in and outside of the classroom – whether providing academic information or offering guidance on navigating a new nursing career. Her knowledge and dedication stand out in every classroom experience, while her humility and authenticity make her approachable from day one. Her honest yet thoughtful feedback, paired with her unwavering support, has encouraged a level of confidence I didn’t think possible when I first began this nursing program. My experience has been positively influenced by Cassie’s wisdom, advice, humor, and compassion. I am grateful for every opportunity I had to learn from her.
***
I have worked with Cassie at MSU since 2019. She always puts the students first. She is an amazing co-worker as well. Whenever I have had questions or need assistance, Cassie is always quick to provide me with guidance.
***
With deep admiration and genuine gratitude, I am honored to recognize Cassie for the DAISY Award® for Extraordinary Nurse Educators. Cassie represents the very best of what a nurse educator should be.
She brings energy to our team and students that is both uplifting and contagious. Her passion for the nursing profession is evident in every interaction. Whether Cassie is teaching, mentoring, or caring for an ER patient, she does so with enthusiasm, confidence, competence, and purpose. Cassie bridges the gap between textbook knowledge and real-world practice.
What truly sets Cassie apart is the depth of her academic and clinical experience. Cassie draws from a rich background of past and present practice, seamlessly integrating real-world knowledge and experience into every learning opportunity for students. Students and colleagues alike benefit from her ability to connect theory to practice in meaningful, memorable ways.
***
Cassie is kind-hearted, leads with empathy, patience, and encouragement; thus, creating a safe and supportive environment where students and peers feel valued and empowered to grow.
In the Skills and Simulation Lab, Cassie is simply unmatched. Her dedication to excellence elevates the learning experience and strengthens the confidence and competence of our future nurses.
Cassie’s steadfast commitment to education, professionalism, and compassionate mentorship makes her the ideal recipient of the DAISY Award® for Extraordinary Nurse Educators.
***
Cassie is special because of the way she makes students feel from the moment they walk into the lab. She has a calm, steady presence that immediately creates psychological safety. Students know they are walking into a space where they will be challenged—but never embarrassed. That balance is something they deeply appreciate.
She holds high standards and does not lower the bar. Instead, she helps students rise to meet it. Cassie has a gift for explaining not just how to perform a skill, but why it matters for patient safety and professional integrity. Students respect her expertise because it is clear she has deep clinical knowledge and a strong command of nursing practice, and she teaches from real understanding and experience.
What makes her truly stand out, though, is her approachability. Students feel comfortable asking questions, admitting when they are unsure, and even laughing at their own mistakes. She provides feedback in a way that builds confidence rather than diminishing it. Many students share that she is their favorite lab instructor, not because she is “easy,” but because she is fair, consistent, and genuinely invested in their growth.
Cassie sees potential in her students and helps them see it too. She creates an environment where hard work is expected, learning is meaningful, and students leave feeling more capable than when they arrived. That combination leaves a lasting impact long after lab is over.
***
Cassie displays great leadership, humility, professionalism & experience that she brings to her students @ MSCD to help them be the best RNs they can. She is a joy to work with and stays calm when pressure hits. She is an asset, and we are so lucky to have her!!