Michelle Howard
Saint Charles
Summary
Visionary healthcare simulation leader with over 15 years of progressive experience in simulation-based education, experiential learning, and academic leadership. Passionate about advancing healthcare education and preparing practice-ready graduates through immersive, evidence-based learning. Proven success in designing and managing multi-site simulation centers, developing innovative curricula, and leading teams. Recognized for strategic planning, data-informed decision-making, and faculty development that enhances learner outcomes. Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator (CHSE) with a strong clinical foundation in adult acute care and pediatrics.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
National Director of Simulation and Learning Labs
Joyce University
01.2024 - 11.2025
- Directed national simulation strategy and operations for undergraduate nursing programs.
- Led simulation curriculum integration and immersive technology adoption including virtual simulation and virtual reality.
- Supervised cross-functional teams including simulation program leadership, simulation educators, technologists, and operations staff.
- Developed faculty training and evaluation tools to ensure high-impact learning experiences.
- Led financial oversight of a $3 million-dollar operational budget for experiential learning programs, fostering innovation while maintaining fiscal responsibility, stakeholder confidence, and university priorities.
- Chartered a new Transition to Practice Committee and led research to understand practice readiness of new graduates.
National Simulation Director, Undergraduate & Graduate Nursing
Rasmussen University
02.2020 - 01.2024
- Oversaw 22 simulation programs across six states, managing a $2 million-dollar capital budget.
- Designed and launched 11 new simulation centers across six states.
- Created standardized simulation curricula, faculty development initiatives, and evaluation tools.
- Implemented data-driven quality improvement processes based on learner, faculty, and stakeholder feedback.
Business Development Impact Manager, Nursing Education Solutions Specialist
Laerdal Medical
01.2017 - 02.2020
- Consulted with academic and clinical partners to optimize simulation program operations, long-term financial planning, and strategic outcomes.
- Supported curriculum design and implementation aligned with best practices and industry standards.
- Delivered national presentations on simulation innovation and sustainability.
Director, Allied Health Simulation Center
Ozarks Technical Community College
08.2010 - 01.2017
- Spearheaded the design and launch of a $1.4 million-dollar interprofessional simulation center.
- Secured over $800K in grant funding.
- Co-developed simulation-based curricula for eight Allied Health programs and community partners.
- Trained teaching faculty in simulation pedagogy incorporating industry standards.
- Managed large team and a $300K annual operating budget.
Executive Director
AED Solutions
09.2012 - 08.2014
- Led community-wide AED and CPR education initiative.
- Partnered with emergency services to implement AED registration and dispatch integration.
Registered Nurse, Pediatric Urgent Care & Burn Unit
Mercy Health System
01.1995 - 01.2012
- Delivered acute and urgent care to pediatric and burn patients.
- Developed staff education programs and patient teaching materials.
Nursing Faculty
Practical Nursing Program
08.2005 - 08.2010
- Didactic and clinical faculty focused in pediatrics, medical-surgical, and neurology.
- Initiated community vaccination clinics and service-learning opportunities.
Education
Master of Science in Nursing - Adult Acute Care CNS
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA05-2010
Bachelor of Science in Nursing - undefined
Southwest Baptist University
Springfield, MO01.2008
Certificate - Post-Secondary Education
University of Central Missouri
Warrensburg, MO01.2006
Diploma in Nursing - undefined
St. John's School of Nursing
Springfield, MO01.1995
Undergraduate Studies - undefined
Missouri State University
Springfield, MO01.1993
Skills
- Strategic Leadership in Simulation & Experiential Learning
- Simulation Center Design & Operations
- Curriculum Development & Faculty Training
- Interprofessional Education & Collaboration
- Budget Management & Grant Acquisition
- Program Evaluation & Accreditation Support
- Standardized Patient Program Development
- Educational Technology Integration
Affiliations
- International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning (INACSL)
- Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH)
- Simulation Innovation Resource Center (SIRC)
- Utah Simulation Coalition
- National League for Nursing (Former)
- Lippincott Simulation & EHR Community – Content Contributor (Former)
- Joyce University Technology Advisory Committee (Former)
- Missouri Community College Association (Former)
Presentations & Contributions
- Laerdal SUN Conference, 2012 - 2019: Presented on teaching strategies in simulation, building sustainable programs, and outcome-based evaluation tools.
- Nurse Educator Institute, 2014, 2018: Featured presenter focused on implementing simulation into undergraduate nursing programs.
- Laerdal Mini-SUN Conference, 2014 - 2019: Shared best practices and innovations in simulation pedagogy and interprofessional education.
- Bootcamp for Nurse Educators, 2016, 2019: Facilitated workshops on teaching strategies using simulation standards, moulage, and evaluation metrics.
- Wolters Kluwer (Lippincott), 2013–2015: Content contributor for nursing and healthcare simulation resources.
- Society for Simulation in Healthcare Mentor – 2015
Certification
- RN License – Missouri (Active), Minnesota (Active)
- Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator (CHSE) – Since 2017
- BLS, ACLS, PALS – Previously certified
Research Interests
Transition-to-practice competencies in healthcare education, multimodal experiential learning strategies, and data-driven approaches to improving learner outcomes
Current Project: Designing a Multimodal Simulation Curriculum Integrating Transition-to-Practice Competencies (January 2025 - December 2025)
Community Engagement
- 2Rivers Church, O’Fallon, MO, Community Service Projects
- Project Hope, Nicaragua, International Medical Missions with Nursing Students
- Red Tree Church, Springfield, MO, Community Service Projects
- Second Baptist Church, Springfield, MO, International Missions, Medical Response Team
Timeline
National Director of Simulation and Learning Labs
Joyce University
01.2024 - 11.2025
National Simulation Director, Undergraduate & Graduate Nursing
Rasmussen University
02.2020 - 01.2024
Business Development Impact Manager, Nursing Education Solutions Specialist
Laerdal Medical
01.2017 - 02.2020
Executive Director
AED Solutions
09.2012 - 08.2014
Director, Allied Health Simulation Center
Ozarks Technical Community College
08.2010 - 01.2017
Nursing Faculty
Practical Nursing Program
08.2005 - 08.2010
Registered Nurse, Pediatric Urgent Care & Burn Unit
Mercy Health System
01.1995 - 01.2012
Bachelor of Science in Nursing - undefined
Southwest Baptist University
Certificate - Post-Secondary Education
University of Central Missouri
Diploma in Nursing - undefined
St. John's School of Nursing
Undergraduate Studies - undefined
Missouri State University
Master of Science in Nursing - Adult Acute Care CNS
Liberty University