Spotlight: Denise Marie Waller- MSN – NEd, FNP, BSN, RN, PHN
By Denise Waller and Brent Davis
Denise was born in Los Angeles and grew up there with her parents and siblings. Although raised as a Muslim, she became a Christian at age 26. Her family and faith have shaped the values that she brings to AUHS. She is the mother of two children, Shanice Laub who is married and pursuing her doctorate in psychology in Ohio, and a son Tyler Dumas who just finished a program in underwater welding. And, we must mention two grandchildren, Harley and Jaxson.
Denise has been in the nursing field for over 20 years: she started as a CNA – then LVN – then RN – FNP, and I will be in the first Cohort of the AUHS DNP program in the Winter of 2025. She began at AUHS in 2016 as a student in the BSN program, and upon my completion and passing of my NCLEX, was hired as a TA in 2020. She is currently an instructor in both didactic and clinical rotations. AUHS attracted her because she was still new to Christianity and was looking for an institution to achieve her aspirations of a higher education in Nursing and would also help her in her new spiritual journey.: “I read and re-read the institution’s Mission statement and core values, and it resonated within me, and I knew this was where I needed to be. I wholeheartedly believe that things happen for a reason and people are introduced into your life for a reason, too. So, [I accepted an invitation from] Dina … to attend an orientation for the program, after countless denials from other institutions for one reason or another.”
She stayed and subsequently started working for AUHS because she “enjoyed” the rigorous curriculum while concurrently solidifying her relationship with God and her purpose in the field of nursing; God guides her in her nursing career. Also, she wanted to be a part of educating future nurses, giving back, and guiding them in their purpose through God.
Although she enjoys rigorous curriculum, she Ioves spending time with her grandbabies Harley – “Yum Yum” and Jaxson – “Jax.” Also, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, traveling, and riding her bike. (Would that be a Harley like your grandson? Ed.)
“My future dreams and aspirations are to never get too old to learn, to find joy and beauty in all aspects of my life, to watch my family and friends prosper and live long full healthy lives filled with the love of God, and for them to all achieve their dreams, whatever they may be.”
Because of her dreams and determination, representing the values of AUHS, blessed to be a blessing, we shine this month’s spotlight on Denise Waller. Merry Christmas to you and yours!