Professional Program in Nursing

Susan Gallagher-Lepak

Associate Professor | Email: gallaghs@uwgb.edu | Phone: (920) 465-2034
Susan Gallagher-Lepak

Education/Credentials:

I received a PhD in Rehabilitation Psychology from the UW - Madison in 1996; MSN received in 1989 from UW -Milwaukee (emphasis on adjustment to chronic illness); BSN from Marquette University in 1983; Current licensure in the state of Wisconsin as a Registered Nurse and Licensed Psychologist; Current Sigma Theta Tau member.

Professional Experience

I am an Associate Professor of Nursing at UW-Green Bay (Assistant Professor 2003-2010) and Rehabilitation Consultant at Laris Rehabilitation LLC. I served as Interim Chair, Professional Program in Nursing and Director of BSN-LINC from 2009-2011. I was a Lecturer at UW - Madison in the past. My clinical practice over the past 20+ years has been in various roles including Case Manager, Psychologist in rehabilitation settings (brain injury. stroke recovery), Transplant Clinical Nurse Specialist, Dialysis Nurse, and Staff Nurse. I have enjoyed all of these professional roles and have gained many unique perspectives about healthcare from wearing many hats.

Teaching Emphasis

Courses that I've taught at UW-Green Bay included: Pharmacology, Healthy Aging, Theoretical Foundations of Nursing, and Global Aspects of Healthcare. I use many different types of teaching strategies in the campus and/or virtual classroom (e.g., small group discussion, lecture, discussion boards) to enhance learning and foster student participation in the learning experience.

Interests

My professional writing and research has focused primarily on quality of life issues and adjustment to chronic illness (e.g., depression in nursing home settings). I have used Mazlow's Hierarchy of Needs Theory in the development of a quality of life instrument that is used in several brain injury settings. Additionally, I have written about clinical issues (e.g., pharmacology in rehabilitation case management, options with chronic renal failure). On a more personal level, I have an active family life with 3 young children. I enjoy biking, gardening, and family activities of all types.