NAMPA, IDAHO – Northwest Nazarene University (NNU) is pleased to welcome 11 new faculty members for the 2026–27 academic year.
Representing disciplines across the University, these faculty members bring experience and expertise in nursing, psychology, music, computer science, biblical studies and theology. Each shares a commitment to investing in students and supporting NNU’s mission to prepare them to become God’s creative and redemptive agents in the world.
Please join NNU in welcoming:
Ana Colunga-Marin | Psychology
Caleb Daniels | Theology and Christian Ministries
Dominic Furiani | Music
Enoch Levandovsky | Computer Science
Ivelisse Valentin-Vera | Theology and Christian Ministries
Jill Cralley | Nursing
James Deming | Nursing
Jo Buhr Cote | Nursing
Julie Barrass | Psychology
Michael Falgout | Theology and Christian Ministries
Sarah LaRochelle | Nursing
College of Arts & Humanities
Michael Falgout, Associate Professor of Biblical Studies
Michael Falgout earned his BA in Bible and Christian Ministry from Point Loma Nazarene University, his MDiv from Nazarene Theological Seminary, his MEd in English Language Arts from Rockhurst University and his Ph.D. in Theology with an emphasis in New Testament Studies from Fuller Theological Seminary. He previously served as assistant professor of biblical literature at Mount Vernon Nazarene University, where he taught Scripture, theology, hermeneutics and New Testament Greek. Michael also brings nearly two decades of pastoral ministry and several years of experience teaching secondary English. His scholarship focuses on New Testament theology, ethics and biblical interpretation. Michael views higher education as an extension of his calling to ministry and hopes to bridge perceived gaps between the church and the academy. At NNU, he is excited to teach biblical languages and engage in interdisciplinary learning. Outside the classroom, he enjoys reading, writing, running, biking, tennis, chess, games and birding.
Ivelisse Valentin-Vera, Associate Director of the ThD Program and Associate Professor of Theology
Ivelisse Valentin-Vera earned her BFA in Visual Communications from the Maryland Institute College of Art, her MDiv from the Evangelical Seminary of Puerto Rico, her DMin from Drew University and her MA in Communications from Universidad del Sagrado Corazón. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Practical Theology at Palm Beach Atlantic University, where her research explores prayer as a decolonial spiritual practice. Ivelisse previously served as assistant professor of preaching and practical theology and director of the Preaching Initiative at Palm Beach Atlantic. Her experience also includes theological education, university chaplaincy, clinical pastoral education and pastoral ministry in Puerto Rico. Her calling centers on accompanying Latino church leaders and pastors through their spiritual and ministerial formation. Her scholarly interests include spiritual formation, preaching, decolonizing theologies and the intersection of art, culture and theology. Ivelisse was drawn to NNU by the opportunity to serve at a denominational institution and by the character of its community. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, traveling, art and movies.
Caleb Daniels, Assistant Professor of Biblical Studies
Caleb Daniels earned his BA in Biblical Studies and Media Communication from Point Loma Nazarene University and his MDiv in Spiritual Formation from Northwest Nazarene University. He is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in New Testament Studies through Nazarene Theological College and the University of Manchester, where his research focuses on the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts. Caleb brings a decade of experience in Christian education, pastoral ministry and spiritual formation. Since 2018, he has taught biblical studies and theology at Greenleaf Friends Academy, where he also served as Bible department head and director of spiritual life. He currently serves as lead pastor at Midtown Church in Garden City and is an ordained elder in the Church of the Nazarene. Having been deeply shaped by his own professors, Caleb is excited to invest in students as part of NNU’s learning community. Outside the classroom, he enjoys film, theater, baseball, basketball and reading.
College of Behavioral and Social Sciences
Julie Barrass, Associate Professor of Psychology and Assistant Director of Clinical Training in the PsyD Program
Julie Barrass earned her BA in General Studies with an emphasis in kinesiology and her MS in Counseling from Northwest Nazarene University, as well as her Ph.D. in Performance Psychology from Grand Canyon University. A licensed clinical professional counselor with nearly two decades of experience, Julie has served as director of NNU Counseling Services, director of athletic mental health and a clinical supervisor for graduate and doctoral students. She has also maintained a private clinical practice since 2012. Her professional expertise includes clinical training and supervision, crisis intervention, collegiate athlete mental health and sport and performance psychology. Julie’s love for working with young adults and helping them achieve their goals inspired her transition from student development into an academic role. She and her husband, Tim, are NNU alumni, and their two adult children also earned bachelor’s degrees from the University. Outside of work, Julie enjoys coffee, sports and spending time at the lake.
College of Nursing
Sarah LaRochelle, Associate Professor of Nursing
Sarah LaRochelle earned her BS in Psychology from Kansas State University, her BS in Nursing from the University of Louisville and her MS in Nursing with an emphasis in executive leadership from Chamberlain University. She brings more than 20 years of nursing experience across cardiovascular care, day surgery, hospice and palliative care, medical-surgical nursing, family practice and oncology. Her leadership experience includes coordinating nursing education and orientation, managing clinical operations and mentoring nursing staff. Most recently, Sarah worked in oncology and palliative care after earning her oncology nursing certification. Inspired by the teachers and mentors she encountered throughout her education and career, Sarah hopes to cultivate the same passion for knowledge in her students. She was drawn to NNU’s Christ-centered, transformational community, which aligns with her values and allows her to work authentically. Outside the classroom, Sarah enjoys fostering kittens, snowmobiling, camping and spending time with her children.
Jo Buhr Cote, Associate Professor of Nursing
Jo Buhr Cote earned her DNP from Boise State University and her MS and BS in Nursing from Oregon Health & Science University. She brings 47 years of nursing experience, including 24 years as a family nurse practitioner providing evidence-based primary care in rural communities. Her career has also included hospice and palliative care, clinical leadership and extensive experience mentoring medical and nursing students. Since 2020, Jo has served NNU’s Graduate Nursing Program as an adjunct professor, visiting clinical instructor and preceptor. Her doctoral research focused on implementing evidence-based asthma care guidelines in rural primary care, reflecting her commitment to improving healthcare access and outcomes. Jo views her new faculty position as the next step in her calling to serve God and prepare compassionate, capable nursing professionals. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, camping, hunting, gardening, sewing and fostering kittens.
James Deming, Associate Professor of Nursing
James Deming earned his BS in Nursing from California State University, Chico, following four years of service as a health services technician, or corpsman, in the United States Coast Guard. He brings more than 20 years of nursing experience spanning acute care, medical-surgical leadership, clinical education and hospital operations. At Adventist Health and Rideout, James advanced from staff nurse and clinical coordinator to hospital-wide educator, nurse manager and nursing director. His work has included developing nurse training programs, leading quality and safety initiatives, opening an intermediate care unit and mentoring new nurses and clinical leaders. James discovered his passion for teaching while serving as a basic life support instructor in the Coast Guard and feels called to influence the nursing profession by investing in students at the beginning of their careers. Drawn to NNU’s Christ-centered mission, he is excited to disciple students as they grow professionally and spiritually. Outside of work, James enjoys spending time outdoors and on the water with his family.
NNU is pleased to welcome these new faculty members to a community committed to investing in the academic, spiritual and social growth of its students.
