Bridge & Mentoring Program Fall Lectureship

  • Nov 19, 2026
  • 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm
  • Linda K. Paresky Conference Center
Dr. Judith Cullinane
Dr. Judith Cullinane

The Bridge and Mentoring Program is hosting its annual fall Lectureship, and all are invited to attend.

This year's guest speaker, Dr. Judith Cullinane, will present a lecture titled "SOAR: Building Strength-Based Professional Growth," exploring how to master essential skills that drive personal and professional development. Dr. Cullinane obtained her doctorate degree from Simmons University and was an Adjunct Associate Professor of Nursing Practice from 2006 to 2023. Her distinguished career includes serving as a former president of the NAHN Greater Boston Chapter, earning a Lean Six Sigma Healthcare Black Belt certification, and being recognized as one of the 2016 Worldwide Leaders in Healthcare by the INA (see more below). In her current role as Chief Nursing Officer of the Spaulding Rehabilitation Network, Dr. Cullinane oversees three hospital sites, a skilled nursing facility, 26 clinics, and directs all nursing and case management across Spaulding Hospitals. Her clinical talent, personal dedication, and leadership exemplify excellence in nursing and continue to bring immense value to both patient care and the broader healthcare community.

Refreshments will be served, so please advise us of any allergies and/or dietary restrictions. You may reach out to us directly at [email protected] with any questions or concerns. Register today and join us for an inspiring evening!

RSVP by the November 5 deadline

About Judith Cullinane (PHD, MSN, CAGS, RN, NEA-BC, LSBBH) 

Prior Roles

  • Associate Chief Nursing Officer, Robin & David Jaye Center for Nursing Excellence, Tufts Medical Center, 2016-2023
  • Professional Development Director, Tufts Medical Center and Tufts Children’s Hospital, 2013-2016
  • Adjunct Associate Professor of Nursing Practice, Simmons University, 2006-2023
  • Adjunct Associate Professor, Tufts University, 2014-2023

Professional Titles (past and present)

  • ANCC Commission on Magnet, Nurse Executive Seat (present)
  • Massachusetts Hospital Association, Clinical Issues Advisory Council (present)
  • MGH Institute of Health Professions, School of Nursing Advisory Council member (present)
  • MGB Nursing Quality Leadership Council, Executive Sponsor (present)
  • Tufts Medical Center, Institutional Review Board, Vice Chair
  • Johnson & Johnson Nurse Fellowship, Award Judge
  • The Massachusetts "Greater Boston" Chapter of NAHN, President
  • Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society, Theta at Large Chapter, Board member/President

Publications

  • Journey to equity: Strengthening the profession of nursing, PLos One, Academies Pediatrics, The Journal of Pediatrics, The Journal of Burn Care and Research

Awards/Certifications

  • Louis Lasagna Research Award
  • J. David Naparstek Community Mentor Award,
  • ALPFA Excellence in Community Award
  • 2016 Worldwide Leaders in Healthcare, International Nurses Association
  • NERBNA Nursing Excellence Award in Education and Teaching
  • Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Healthcare Certification

The Dotson Bridge and Mentoring Program

The Dotson Bridge and Mentoring Program serves students from diverse backgrounds in the nursing programs at Simmons University. Through mentorship, tutoring, leadership training, volunteerism, and career counseling, the program has empowered nursing students for over a decade, investing in their success as learners, healthcare professionals, and leaders.