Please join us in welcoming NNU’s new faculty for the 2023-2024 academic year:
College of Arts & Humanities
Julie Ganske, Assistant Professor of Music
Ganske received a BA in Piano Performance and completed requirements for a degree in Music Theory from Northwest Nazarene College and her Master of Music at Boise State University while teaching piano at NNU. She received a Doctor of Arts in Piano Performance with a secondary emphasis in Music Theory and Composition from the University of Northern Colorado, where she held a doctoral assistantship. Ganske has taught music at European Nazarene College, Dodge City Community College and NNU. She studied piano under Walden Hughes, Del Parkinson, Errol Haun and Mark Ray. She is married to Dr. Karl Ganske, and they have two children, Thaddaeus and Elsbeth. In her free time, Ganske enjoys traveling, hiking, reading in coffee shops and spending time with family.
College of Behavioral & Social Sciences
Alaina Henry, Assistant Professor of Psychology
Henry earned a double BS in Speech Communication and Theology/Biblical Studies from Multnomah University and an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from George Fox University. Henry served as an adjunct professor at NNU before moving into a full-time professorship. Prior to that, she was an adjunct professor at Multnomah University, the Clinical Director of Refuge Counseling, a Trauma Counselor, Family Counselor and she served in numerous ministry roles in churches. She is married to J.D. Henry, and they have three children, Emilyn and twins Bennett and Jameson. Henry enjoys cooking, being outside, traveling, snowboarding, reading and doing anything with her family.
Rachel Neitzey, Assistant Professor of Psychology
Neitzey earned a BS in Behavioral Health from Grand Canyon University and an MA in Clinical Psychology from Regent University. Before coming to NNU, Neitzey spent ten years providing training, instructional design and leadership development in Corporate America. She then spent ten years in the mental health field, including youth residential care, inpatient mental health hospitalization and crisis care. Most recently, she was the Quality Assurance Manager at the Idaho Crisis & Suicide Hotline. Neitzey enjoys hanging out with her dogs, reading and playing tabletop games in her spare time.
College of Nursing
Brennan Carmody, Associate Professor of Nursing
Carmody earned a BS in Exercise Science & Human Biology from the College of Idaho and her BSN from NNU. She also has a Master of Science and Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner from Gonzaga University. Prior to coming to NNU, Carmody worked in family practice, fertility, women’s health and pediatrics. She is married to Shane, and they have two children, Brek and Berkely. She enjoys going on 3-day events with her horse, skiing, mountain biking, CrossFit and traveling.
Amanda Giomi, Professor of Nursing
Giomi earned an AS in Nursing, an AS in Natural Sciences and an AS in Physiology from Santa Rosa Junior College. She also earned an MA in Nursing from Dominican University of California. Over the course of 10 years, she worked as a Staff Nurse in three different hospitals before returning to Santa Rosa Junior College as Nursing Faculty for seven years. Since January 2022, Giomi has served as a Nursing Adjunct professor at NNU.
Julie Helgeson, Assistant Professor of Nursing
Helgeson received her AA from the College of Western Idaho, her BS in Nursing from NNU and is currently working toward her Master of Science in Nursing at NNU. Prior to being hired in the NNU Nursing Department, Helgeson worked as an Oncology Nurse and was an adjunct nursing educator. She loves to teach and nurture future nurses. Helgeson is married to Landon, and they have two kids, Logan and LeAnna. She loves spending time outdoors.
Melanie Nash, Associate Professor of Nursing
Nash earned a BSN from Boise State University, an MSN: Family Nurse Practitioner and a DNP from Gonzaza University. Before coming to NNU, she practiced as an RN at hospitals, medical centers, clinics and health centers for thirty years. Additionally, she served as a clinical faculty and DNP/MSN adjunct faculty at Gonzaga University for thirteen years.
College of Theology & Christian Ministries
Marty Michelson, Professor of Biblical Studies & Pastoral Counseling
Michelson earned a BA in Religion from NNU, an MA in Marriage & Family Therapy from Southern Nazarene University, an MA in Theology from Point Loma Nazarene University, an MA in Religion from Sothern Nazarene University and a Ph.D. in Ancient Jewish History & Literature from the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom. Michelson spent 30 years as faculty at several universities, seminaries and colleges. He pastored in several U.S. states and practiced as a Professionally Licensed Counselor in multiple states. He has also worked for U.S. Government facilities providing mental health assessments and has enjoyed driving semi-tractor-trailers and snow plows on interstates. He is married to Robyn and has three grown children, Nate, Cambree and Kylie. He enjoys being alone or sitting in silence but especially loves being on the water surfing, swimming, kayaking, rafting and paddleboarding.
Center for Professional Development
Laura Crawford, Assistant Professor of Educator Development & K-12 Educational Liaison
Crawford earned a BA in Elementary Education with an emphasis in math and science, and an MA in Education: Curriculum and Instruction from NNU. She worked as an elementary school teacher in the Nampa School District for thirty-five years before joining NNU’s Center for Professional Development as a Professional Development Coordinator in 2019. In 2022 Crawford moved into the role of K-12 Educational Liaison.
Office of Global Connections
Chadwick Pearsall, Assistant Professor & Director of Global Connections
Pearsall has a BA in Philosophy and Political Science from NNU and a Doctor of Arts in Political Science from Idaho State University. Pearsall has served as an adjunct professor at Idaho State University, NNU and College of Eastern Idaho in the departments of history and political science and social sciences. He grew up on NNU’s campus as a staff kid and studied abroad as an NNU student. He’s excited to facilitate NNU’s study abroad program and travel opportunities for current students. Pearsall is a former NNU soccer player and a big Liverpool FC fan.
NNU is excited to welcome each of these individuals as they join a committed group of faculty and staff members dedicated to investing in the academic, spiritual and social growth of NNU students.
