Nursing Faculty

Nursing Faculty

Elena Soto, MSN, RN, Program Director

elena soto
 

Elena Soto, MSN, RN is a proud Clovis native whose nursing journey began at Clovis Community College, where she graduated from the Nursing Program in 2011. She later earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing Education from Chamberlain College. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree in Population Health Leadership with a Family Nurse Practitioner Certification at New Mexico State University.

Mrs. Soto joined the CCC nursing faculty in Fall 2016 and was appointed Nursing Program Director in July 2024. She has cultivated a deeply rewarding career where her passion for nursing and education intersect. CCC has provided the ideal setting for her professional growth—one where she collaborates with dedicated faculty, staff, and students who continually challenge and inspire her. She remains committed to giving back to the institution that shaped her foundation as a nurse and leader.

Beyond her work preparing future nurses, Mrs. Soto enjoys attending baseball games, playing volleyball, and spending time with her husband and daughters.

She is a member of the National League for Nursing, SSIH, Sigma Theta Tau, and the National Association of Hispanic Nurses, and previously served as Vice Chair of the New Mexico Board of Nursing Lactation Care Providers Advisory Committee.

Her favorite quote—and one she hopes every student carries with them—is:
“I attribute my success to this: I never gave or took any excuse.”
 Florence Nightingale

Andrea Zamora, MSN, RN

 

Andrea Zamora, MSN, RN born and raised in Clovis, New Mexico, began her nursing education at Clovis Community College, completing her Associate of Science in Nursing in 2006. She continued her academic journey by earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from West Texas A&M University in 2016 and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree with a concentration as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at New Mexico State University.

Ms. Zamora joined the CCC nursing faculty in Fall 2017. She finds deep fulfillment in teaching, knowing that the knowledge she shares will influence future nurses, their patients, and the future of healthcare. She values the opportunity to bring her clinical experiences into the classroom and is passionate about helping students learn how to interact meaningfully with patients and families while providing compassionate, high-quality care that leaves lasting impressions.

As part of her teaching philosophy, she encourages students with this guiding reminder:
“Every patient’s story is deeper than what you can see. Listen with curiosity, respond with compassion, and you will never go wrong.”

Her favorite personal quote, which reflects her approach to patient care and education, is by Maya Angelou:
“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

When she is not instructing, Ms. Zamora enjoys cooking and spending time with her family. She teaches Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing and the Endocrine System throughout the program.

Jessica Burgess, BSN, RN

Jessica Burgess, BSN, RN, began her nursing education at Clovis Community College, attending from 2013 to 2015, and later completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Aspen University in 2022. She has 10 years of nursing experience and is now in her first year of teaching.

Mrs. Burgess brings clinical experience in inpatient and outpatient pediatrics, medical-surgical nursing, and postpartum care. At CCC, she teaches Respiratory and Pediatric Nursing. Her professional interests include global health, with a special focus on healthcare needs and disparities in African countries.

She is an active member of the Cannon Spouses Club, where she serves as Vice President Co-Chair, and she received the Daisy Award in April 2021 for excellence in nursing.

A military spouse, she and her family are stationed at Cannon Air Force Base for the second time, giving her strong ties to the local community. Her personal philosophy is rooted in her favorite verse:
“You are the light of the world.” — Matthew 5:14
She believes nursing is an opportunity to bring compassion, integrity, and hope to patients during their most vulnerable moments.

Mrs. Burgess teaches nursing to help students discover their own light—cultivating compassion, service, and excellence so they can positively impact the lives of others.

Martha Campos, MSN, RN

Martha Campos, MSN, RN, has more than 21 years of nursing experience. She spent 12 years as a surgical unit nurse, gaining broad experience across multiple specialties, followed by nearly six years as a middle school nurse with Clovis Municipal Schools. She now serves as a Nurse Educator at Clovis Community College.

At CCC, Mrs. Campos teaches courses at all program levels and instructs in acute care for Semesters 2, 3, and 4. Her current professional interests include strengthening her practice as a nurse educator and staying current with evidence-based teaching and clinical practice. She is a member of the National League for Nurses.

Mrs. Campos serves her community through her Catholic faith. She has deep roots at CCC—after arriving in Clovis with her family due to her husband’s Air Force service, she earned her GED at CCC and later graduated from the Nursing Program in 2004. Her daughter is also a CCC Nursing graduate, which made accepting the opportunity to return as a faculty member even more meaningful.

Her personal philosophy is inspired by Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta:
“Peace begins with a smile.”

Mrs. Campos teaches nursing because she believes in the mission of CCC and feels honored to help shape future nurses. Her experiences with loved ones’ healthcare journeys have reinforced the kind of compassionate nurse she strives to be—and the example she hopes to pass on to her students. She reminds students that nursing requires sacrifice, dedication, and heart: treat every patient as you would want your own family to be treated.

Abigail Gordon, MSN, RN

Abigail Gordon, MSN, RN, earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in 2014 and completed her Master of Science in Nursing with an emphasis in Nursing Education at Eastern New Mexico University in 2024. She has clinical experience in Postpartum Women’s Care, Nursery, and School Nursing. Mrs. Gordon brings four years of clinical practice experience and is now in her fourth year of teaching and clinical instruction.

Her primary teaching areas include Nursing Pharmacology and Level 1 Nursing Skills. She is passionate about student success and enjoys supporting students as they grow in confidence and competence. She also values the ongoing evolution of nursing education, especially the integration of technology and simulation-based learning.

Mrs. Gordon is a member of ANA, INACSL, SSIH, and NLN. She also serves as the faculty advisor for the Student Nurses Association (SNA), encouraging students to engage both on campus and within the community.

Originally from Georgetown, Texas, she has called Clovis, New Mexico, home for the past 11 years. During her MSN program, she published a peer-reviewed article on pharmacogenetics in Spring 2024.

Her teaching philosophy is rooted in perseverance and purpose:
“If someone ever tells you that you cannot do something, put the time, effort, and grit into it to prove them wrong.”

Amy McBride, MSN, RN

Amy McBride, MSN, RN, earned her Master of Science in Nursing Education from Chamberlain University and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Lubbock Christian University. She also holds an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing from Clovis Community College and an Associate of Applied Science as a Physical Therapist Assistant from Colby Community College.

Mrs. McBride has 12 years of nursing experience, with a clinical background in medical–surgical nursing and a special interest in orthopedic surgery. She has spent the last six years teaching. At CCC, she teaches the Neurological System to Semester 1, 2, and 4 students, as well as IV Theory and IV insertion to Semester 3.

Her professional interests include student success and coordinating meaningful, high-quality clinical experiences. She is a member of the American Nurses Association and the New Mexico Nurses Association. She supports community engagement by assisting the Student Nurses Association with events such as the Pregnancy Resource Center 5K, the Suicide Awareness 5K, and Trek for Trash.

Mrs. McBride has lived in the Clovis area for 25 years. She first moved to the community in 2000 to work as a Physical Therapist Assistant at PRMC, and later pursued nursing to expand her ability to help others more deeply.

Her guiding philosophy is:
“Strive for progress, not perfection.”

Sally O'Malley,  BSN, RN

Sally O’Malley, BSN, RN, earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Saint Louis University in 2019 and is currently pursuing her Master of Science in Nursing – Clinical Nurse Leader at SLU, with an expected graduation in Spring 2027.

Mrs. O’Malley brings three years of Level IV NICU experience from St. Louis, Missouri, and 1.5 years of postpartum, nursery, and pediatric nursing experience in Clovis, New Mexico. She began teaching at CCC in Spring 2025. She teaches Semester Three content in renal disease, burns, wound care, and dermatology, as well as Semester Two Physical Assessment and Community Nursing. She also serves as a clinical instructor in long-term care and facilitates School Nurse Preceptor clinicals.

Her professional interests include neonatal developmental care, maternal–infant health, community and population health, and evidence-based practice. She has been a member of the American Association of Critical Care Nurses since 2022 and enjoys serving the community through volunteer work with the Student Nurses Association and local events such as Trek for Trash.

Originally from Belleville, Illinois, she moved to Clovis in 2022 with her husband, who serves at Cannon Air Force Base. Her teaching philosophy is grounded in lifelong learning:
“The more you learn, the less you realize you know.”
She teaches nursing to pass on her passion for a profession that allows nurses to support patients through both their best and most challenging moments.

Kyli Thatcher,  BSN, RN

Kyli Thatcher, BSN, RN, is a proud Clovis native who completed her Associate Degree in Nursing at Clovis Community College and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Eastern New Mexico University. She is currently pursuing her Master of Science in Nursing at ENMU.

Mrs. Thatcher brings 5.5 years of clinical experience in Labor & Delivery, Postpartum, and Nursery care. She joined the CCC nursing faculty in her second year, where she teaches Maternal–Infant Health. Her professional interests include evidence-based practice and the use of simulation in maternity nursing.

She is a member of the Society for Simulation in Healthcare and the National League for Nursing, and she serves the community as an American Red Cross BLS instructor.

Her teaching philosophy centers on preparing students for an ever-evolving healthcare environment by promoting critical thinking, adaptability, and compassionate, evidence-based care. She is passionate about shaping knowledgeable, safe, and empathetic nurses for the future.

Courtney Cathey MSN, RN

Courtney Cathey MSN, RN, holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and a Master of Science in Nursing from Eastern New Mexico University.
With more than a decade of clinical experience in Medical-Surgical and ICU nursing, she brings a strong foundation of acute-care practice to her teaching. Mrs. Cathey has been a nurse since 2009 and began her teaching career in 2018.
At CCC, she teaches Dosage Calculations, Cardiovascular Nursing, and Simulation, with a particular passion for simulation-based teaching and integrating evidence-based practice into the learning environment.
Mrs. Cathey is an active member of the National League for Nursing (NLN) and the International Nursing Association for Simulation and Clinical Learning (INACSL).
A Portales resident for more than 20 years, she and her family are deeply connected to the community. Her husband grew up in Dora and has served with the Portales Fire Department for two decades.
Her teaching philosophy is rooted in purpose and impact:“By guiding and empowering nursing students, I extend my reach far beyond the patients I can care for directly. Each student I support becomes a future nurse who will touch countless lives with their knowledge, empathy, and skill.”
Contact Info

For more information about the Allied Health programs at CCC in Clovis, New Mexico, please contact:

Melissa Ham

Melissa Ham
Division Chair of Allied Health
575.769.4997
HamM@Clovis.edu


jenniferbussey
Jennifer Bussey

Academic Advisor
575.769.4020
jennifer.bussey@clovis.edu

 

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