Creighton University Health Sciences - Phoenix

Congratulations to Meg Nielsen, OTD, an Omaha native and from Creighton School of Pharmacy and Health Professions in Phoenix, who will pursue a postdoctoral fellowship while continuing to grow Rewired in Motion—a dance-based rehabilitation program she developed during her doctoral capstone at Mayo Clinic in Phoenix.

As she begins her career in occupational therapy, Meg says she is most looking forward to building meaningful relationships with patients, learning through mentorship and helping innovation and compassion coexist in rehabilitation care.

She credits her Creighton experience with preparing her both clinically and personally through strong didactic training, fieldwork experiences and an emphasis on compassionate, patient-centered care.

Among her favorite memories at Creighton were working as an anatomy TA under Gianluca Del Rossi, PhD, and reconnecting with peers and faculty while presenting part of her capstone research at the American Occupational Therapy Association Conference.

“I’m leaving prepared and ready to serve others,” Meg says. 👏🎓

“She’s just a phone call or adventure away!”

Flori Witenstein first met fellow Creighton University OTD student Havanah Frampton during one of their first fieldwork rotations in Alaska. Since then, their friendship has blossomed, adventuring and sharing fieldwork placements across the country.

Flori, an Arizona native and Phoenix pathway student, invited Havanah, a Denver pathway student, to spend Thanksgiving with her family at Oak Creek Canyon, complete with a family tradition of polar plunging. “Freezing is bonding!” Flori says.

Throughout occupational therapy school, the two supported each other through the challenges and milestones of their academic journey.

“Being friends with Flori has brought me many filled cups in many different departments ... our friendship is a beautiful example of how Creighton pathway students can connect via fieldwork rotations,” Havanah says.

Earlier this month, both graduated from Creighton’s OTD program—Flori in Phoenix and Havanah in Omaha—cheering each other on across campuses, just as they had throughout their journey together. 💙

Congratulations to Ana Maria Castro, a from Creighton School of Pharmacy and Health Professions in Phoenix, who will begin a PGY1 residency at Banner Boswell Medical Center after graduation!

Originally from Glendale, Ana Maria is looking forward to continuing her education and working toward becoming a licensed clinical pharmacist.

She says one of the most meaningful parts of her experience at Creighton was the support she received from faculty through one-on-one interactions and mentorship. Those relationships helped prepare her for her future and gave her mentors she knows she can continue turning to for advice.

One of Ana Maria’s favorite Creighton memories was spending long study sessions with her classmate Michelle and taking walks around campus during study breaks to get some sunlight. ☀️🌵

On this day, you dropped the title of student and became an alumni, a healthcare professional, a forever Bluejay. Here are moments from commencement 2026 through your eyes, the Class of 2026!

Holding the College of Nursing community, Dr. Naylor’s loved ones and all those impacted by her mentorship and friendship in our thoughts. Her impact on students, colleagues and everyone fortunate enough to learn from her will not be forgotten. 💙

The Creighton community is mourning the unexpected loss of Heather “Hez” Naylor, PhD, BSN’03, a treasured member of our College of Nursing faculty on our Phoenix campus.

For nearly a decade, Dr. Naylor served Creighton as an educator, mentor, leader and scholar, helping shape future nurses while building meaningful connections among students, faculty and staff. A graduate of Creighton’s ABSN program and an experienced nurse practitioner, her scholarly work and expertise in pain management reflected a deep commitment to advancing the nursing profession.

Dr. Naylor was beloved by colleagues and students alike for her warmth, mentorship and unwavering care for others. Recently named a Lenke Nursing Scholar and preparing to become the College of Nursing’s first tenure-track faculty member in Phoenix this fall, she embodied leadership, service and dedication to excellence.

This sudden loss is devastating to our University community and especially to those who knew and loved Dr. Naylor. We extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, colleagues and students as we grieve together and honor her lasting impact.

What if improving workplace culture began with helping everyone feel they truly belong?

Creighton’s programs in leadership, inclusion and belonging equip professionals with practical tools to lead more intentionally. Courses like “Belonging vs. Not Belonging” explore how everyday language and behaviors shape inclusion, while “Identity and Personal Awareness” helps leaders deepen self-awareness and communicate more effectively.

Designed for busy professionals, these flexible courses support meaningful, lasting change within teams and organizations. Creighton alumni receive 15% off these—and most other—lifelong learning programs with code CULifelongAlum.

👉 Explore these programs and learn more at:
https://lifelong.creighton.edu/?query=inclusion&category%5Bid%5D=159974&category%5Bname%5D=Leadership%20%26%20Management

⏳ Time is running out! The June 1 deadline to apply to Creighton’s Doctor of Pharmacy program is almost here.

There’s still time to complete your application — but not for long. Don’t miss your opportunity to join this fall’s class.

➡️ Complete your application today:
https://pharmcas.liaisoncas.com/applicant-ux/ #/deeplink/programSearch

Congratulations to Jade Vella-Wright, DPT, a from Creighton School of Pharmacy and Health Professions in Phoenix, who will begin a sports residency at Texas Children’s Hospital after graduation!

Originally from Melbourne, Jade is looking forward to helping youth athletes stay active and healthy through sports and physical activity, while also hoping to become a clinical instructor or adjunct faculty member one day.

She says her experiences at Creighton prepared her not only to become a skilled and compassionate clinician, but also showed her the importance of humility, advocacy, leadership and lifelong learning.

Some of Jade’s favorite Creighton memories include the December ILAC program and studying anatomy alongside her PT classmates during Semester 1. 👏🎓🐦