LaDonna Christian

LaDonna L. Christian, PhD, RN, APHN-BC, is a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, nurse educator, and caregiver to her husband, Charles “Chuck” Christian, a prostate cancer survivor. In 2016, LaDonna recognized that Chuck’s frequent nighttime urination—sometimes eight or nine times a night—required medical attention and encouraged him to see his doctor. He was subsequently diagnosed with prostate cancer that had already spread to his ribs, skull, and other areas of his body, with an estimated 150 to 200 tumors. LaDonna has remained an essential source of care, strength, and support throughout his extraordinary cancer journey.

Professionally, LaDonna joined the Department of Nursing at Simmons College 15 years ago as a faculty member in the Dotson Bridge and Mentoring Program and was named the program’s director one year later. She earned her Doctorate in Health Professions Education from Simmons College, her undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan College of Nursing, and her master’s degree in Community Health Nursing from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. She also completed an advanced practice certification in community health nursing and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Health Professions Education.

Her clinical expertise is in public health nursing and environmental health, with a focus on policy and underserved and minority populations. LaDonna spent 17 years in public health working with patients affected by HIV, sexually transmitted infections, and tuberculosis. She began her teaching career at Brockton Hospital School of Nursing and has also taught at South Shore Regional Technical School and Coppin State University School of Nursing in Baltimore, Maryland.
LaDonna and Chuck have been married for 45 years. Together, they have three sons and 11 grandchildren.