Who Are You? Morgan Pastir ’23

In the 26th episode of Who Are You?, alum Morgan Pastir shares how guidance from an advisor helped determine her path from Psychology to healthcare and what a typical day is like in the Accelerated Nursing Program

November 17, 2025

Joel Vanner and Morgan Pastir

Host: Joel Vanner
Guest: Morgan Pastir

00:00 Who is Morgan Pastir?
00:44 What led to decision to study Psychology for first degree?
01:13 What drew you to Quinnipiac?
01:34 What were your courses like and what did you learn in Psychology?
02:04 Figuring out what she wanted to do with her Psychology degree and guidance that helped determine her path
03:58 Pre-Dental Student Organization at Quinnipiac
05:13 What came next after graduating with Psychology degree?
06:00 Decision to join Quinnipiac's Accelerated Nursing Program
07:10 Morgan's experience in the Accelerated Nursing Program
07:55 Typical day in the Accelerated Nursing Program
09:11 What's it like working with standardized patient actors?
10:15 Faculty support throughout the Accelerated Nursing Program
11:39 Clinical Experiences in the Accelerated Nursing Program
12:44 Opportunity to take part in a residency at the VA
13:20 How did what she learn in the Accelerated Nursing Program prepare her for her residency
14:39 Morgan's journey after her residency
16:49 Advice for students unsure of what direction they want to take in the healthcare field
17:52 Importance in shadowing different healthcare providers

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Joy Maini, JD '06, joins Harris Beach Murtha's Trusts and Estates Practice

Joy Maini, JD '06, has joined Harris Beach Murtha's Trusts and Estates Practice Group as Senior Counsel. Joy brings nearly 20 years of experience as an estate planner. She also serves as fiduciary and represents fiduciaries in the administration of complex trusts and estates and develops family succession and business plans. She is based in the firm's Bantam, CT, office.

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2016

Ben Teicher '16 earns PR Daily award

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Alex Leafer ’13 marries Kendall in Utah

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2002

Luretha McClendon Tolson, JD '02, joins Halloran Sage

Halloran Sage is pleased to welcome Luretha McClendon Tolson, JD ‘02. Luretha joins the firm as a Partner and an experienced litigation attorney. Read more on the breadth of Luretha’s practice on her bio page: https://halloransage.com/attorney/luretha-mcclendon-tolson/

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2003

Jeremiah Cottle, JD '03, graduates from National Defense University

I recently graduated from the National Defense University - College of International Security Affairs with a Master of Arts in Strategic Security Studies, Irregular Warfare Concentration. I also received Joint Professional Military Education Phase II Certification. I was one of only a few U.S. civilians to attend among U.S. and foreign military students. The institution is a U.S. Department of Defense senior leadership school where I was nominated and sent by my employer of 18 years, the U.S. Secret Service (USSS). I have returned to the USSS to bring back strategic skills to support the agency's dual mission of national leadership protection and financial crimes investigation. See attached photo of me receiving my degree from University President and USN Vice Admiral Peter T. Garvin. I am a 2003 JD graduate of the Quinnipiac School of Law.

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2006

Bethany Allen ’06 promoted to Chief Advancement Officer

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2015

Erica Kleinbaum '15 opens periodontist practice

I am excited to announce the opening of my new periodontal practice, Dr. Erica Kleinbaum, GUMDOC MA, serving the south shore and south coast of Massachusetts through our Brockton and Taunton office locations. I offer full scope periodontal care and provide services such as extractions, implants, laser periodontal therapy, gum grafting and treatment of periodontal disease. To learn more, please visit www.gumdocma.com for hours and information.

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2006

Holly LaPrade ’06 earns HR scholarship

Holly LaPrade ’06 was recently selected as the recipient of the Andy Thiede HR Certification Scholarship. The scholarship was created by Andrea (Andy) Thiede, a human resources professional from Berlin, CT, with a passion for helping others in the HR field. LaPrade is a human resources manager with the Banton Construction Company.

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Robyn Swanson ’94 earns Award of Excellence

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2001

Tanya Bovée, JD '01, earns Trailblazer Honoree award

Tanya A. Bovée of nationwide employment law firm Jackson Lewis P.C. has been named a Trailblazer Honoree by the Korean American Lawyers Association of Greater New York (KALAGNY). She is a principal in the firm’s Hartford office and has more than 20 years of experience representing management across industries including life sciences, retail, automotive, manufacturing and hospitality.

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2016

Samantha (Fanelli) Castella '16 publishes children's book

Hello! I am Samantha Castella (formerly Fanelli), a QU Class of 2016 graduate, and I'm so excited to announce I wrote a children's book, Minty's Scoop on School! As a mom and pediatric PT, I'm passionate about helping kids grow with confidence, which is why this story is so close to my heart! Minty is a mint chocolate chip ice cream cone who's nervous about her first day of school, afraid she won't fit in - until she discovers that being unique is what makes her so special! I can't wait to share this sweet story about self-acceptance and friendship with you all! You can check out my book on Amazon now at www.amazon.com/dp/B0F27FSYH2 - THANK YOU!

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2012

Elizabeth Scozzari ’12 publishes psychological thriller

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1986

Susan Thomas '86 shares life updates

I have passionately worked in environmental conservation since QC and recently switched to a veterinary diagnostic company. Hubby and I currently live in central MA and have 3 sons (pilot, mechanical engineer and college freshman in environmental science). I have been a leader with BSA for 15 years and enjoy all types of outdoor adventures in my free time. Would LOVE to hear from my fellow Class of '86 "Bobcats"!!!

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2013

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2015

John-Raphael Pichardo, JD '15, selected as Leadership Council on Legal Diversity fellow

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2020, 2019, 2021

Meghan (Donnelly) Aikens-Kinney ’20, MBA ’21, and Connor Aikens-Kinney ’19 marry

Meghan (Donnelly) Aikens-Kinney ’20, MBA ’21, and Connor Aikens-Kinney ’19 were married April 5, 2025, in Prospect, CT, by Justin Kile, professor of industrial engineering and director of the industrial engineering program in the School of Computing & Engineering. The ceremony was attended by several QU alumni.

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2010

Justin Wilcox '10 named to Forbes’ inaugural Best-In-State CPAs 2025 list

Justin Wilcox '10, a partner at Glastonbury-based accounting and advisory firm FML, has been named to Forbes’ inaugural Best-In-State CPAs 2025 list. FML is the only firm in Connecticut to have three CPAs receive this honor. This year’s list identifies 1,000 of the finest CPAs from across all 50 states. Wilcox joined FML straight out of college and in less than 10 years became the youngest partner in the firm. He heads the firm’s cryptocurrency accounting practice, which he founded in 2018. Wilcox oversees U.S. federal and state tax compliance for FML, including U.S. foreign information reporting and financial accounting. He has also done pro bono tax filings and consulting for UConn’s Connecticut Center for Entrepreneurship (CCEI) program for the past seven years and is part of their summer fellowship.

Kimberly Lebel onstage being interviewed at the Global Surgical Conference & Expo

2021

Kimberly Lebel '21 speaks at AORN Global Surgical Conference & Expo

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2018

Stephanie Van Albert '18 earns Emerging Leader Award

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1994

In Memoriam: Deborah Kelley '94

A QC alumni, Deborah Kelley, PT Class of 1994, has passed after a long battle with ovarian cancer. She was a lifelong resident of Portland, ME, and leaves behind 2 young daughters.

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