Dr. Diana Griffin: A Journey of Resilience and Leadership
Diana Griffin, a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) pursued higher education at WSU Tri-Cities through Walla Walla Community College. She completed her RN-BSN (2012), Master of Nursing (2017), and DNP-PMHNP (2020) degrees.
Dr. Griffin has remained in Walla Walla, where she first taught in the community college nursing program before opening her own psychiatric nurse practitioner practice, Access Mental Health. Now, she’s looking to expand her team and hopes to recruit WSU nursing graduates. Her story exemplifies the power of education in transforming lives.
Rebecca Cardell: Building Nursing Education in Walla Walla
As a former Clinical Associate Professor at WSU’s Intercollegiate College of Nursing, Rebecca Cardell, PhD, PMHNP-BC, played a pivotal role in expanding nursing education in Walla Walla. Carcell worked alongside Marilyn Galusha (then the Walla Walla Community College Nursing Program Director) and Anne Hirsch (former WSU Associate Dean of Academic Affairs) to bring the RN-BSN and Master of Nursing (MN) programs to Walla Walla. This opportunity changed the lives of many students, offering them a pathway to advanced education and career growth.
Vicki (Miles) Haines: Expanding Dermatology Access in Pasco and Walla Walla
A fellow member of the inaugural Walla Walla RN-BSN cohort, Vicki (Miles) Haines went on to complete her MN-FNP and build a thriving career in health care. She is now the owner of Atomic Dermatology and Med Spa, with locations in Pasco and Walla Walla.
For a time, her clinic was the only dermatology option in Walla Walla, and today, it remains the only one accepting new patients. Her dedication to expanding access to dermatologic care has made a significant difference in the community, ensuring that patients receive essential skin health treatments without long wait times or the need to travel far.
Dr. Alison Kirby, Dr. Diana Griffin, Dr. Rebecca Cardell, and Dr. Vicki Haines exemplify the leadership, resilience, and commitment that define WSU nurses. Their impact on education, mental health, and dermatology continues to shape the future of nursing and patient care.
Follow WSU College of Nursing to celebrate more stories of women making a difference in health care: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Threads, BlueSky.
WSU Alumni and Faculty Who Made a Difference
Women’s History Month is a time to recognize the remarkable contributions of women in health care. The WSU College of Nursing has been shaped by many dedicated professionals who have advanced education, expanded health care access, and strengthened communities. Today, we highlight Dr. Alison Kirby, Dr. Diana Griffin, Dr. Rebecca Cardell, and Dr. Vicki (Miles) Haines, four women whose impact continues to shape health care in Washington and beyond.
Dr. Alison Kirby: A Champion for Adolescent Health
Dr. Alison Kirby, a retired pediatrician, was instrumental in creating The Health Center at Lincoln High School in Walla Walla, WA to support at-risk youth with medical and mental health services. Her work, inspired by ACEs research, has expanded to multiple schools, continuing to impact lives.
Dr. Diana Griffin: A Journey of Resilience and Leadership
Diana Griffin, a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) pursued higher education at WSU Tri-Cities through Walla Walla Community College. She completed her RN-BSN (2012), Master of Nursing (2017), and DNP-PMHNP (2020) degrees.
Dr. Griffin has remained in Walla Walla, where she first taught in the community college nursing program before opening her own psychiatric nurse practitioner practice, Access Mental Health. Now, she’s looking to expand her team and hopes to recruit WSU nursing graduates. Her story exemplifies the power of education in transforming lives.
Rebecca Cardell: Building Nursing Education in Walla Walla
As a former Clinical Associate Professor at WSU’s Intercollegiate College of Nursing, Rebecca Cardell, PhD, PMHNP-BC, played a pivotal role in expanding nursing education in Walla Walla. Carcell worked alongside Marilyn Galusha (then the Walla Walla Community College Nursing Program Director) and Anne Hirsch (former WSU Associate Dean of Academic Affairs) to bring the RN-BSN and Master of Nursing (MN) programs to Walla Walla. This opportunity changed the lives of many students, offering them a pathway to advanced education and career growth.
Vicki (Miles) Haines: Expanding Dermatology Access in Pasco and Walla Walla
A fellow member of the inaugural Walla Walla RN-BSN cohort, Vicki (Miles) Haines went on to complete her MN-FNP and build a thriving career in health care. She is now the owner of Atomic Dermatology and Med Spa, with locations in Pasco and Walla Walla.
For a time, her clinic was the only dermatology option in Walla Walla, and today, it remains the only one accepting new patients. Her dedication to expanding access to dermatologic care has made a significant difference in the community, ensuring that patients receive essential skin health treatments without long wait times or the need to travel far.
Dr. Alison Kirby, Dr. Diana Griffin, Dr. Rebecca Cardell, and Dr. Vicki Haines exemplify the leadership, resilience, and commitment that define WSU nurses. Their impact on education, mental health, and dermatology continues to shape the future of nursing and patient care.
Follow WSU College of Nursing to celebrate more stories of women making a difference in health care: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Threads, BlueSky.
