Barbara
Bihm
Barbara received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from University
of Southwestern Louisiana. She received a Master’s in Nursing
from Boston College and a Doctorate in nursing from Louisiana
State University. She is currently a consultant for
Congregational Wellness and an Associate Professor of Nursing at
Loyola University. She has several years of nursing practice
experience. Her past employment experiences also includes
Coordinator of the Touro School of Nursing, Department Head for
the Baccalaureate Program at University of Southwestern Louisiana
and Director of Continuing Education at Touro Infirmary.
Barbara is published in several journals and other publications
and has done consultant work for numerous organizations. She has
conducted presentations locally, nationally and
internationally.
Myrna Cassimere
mcassimere@tmcfi.org
Myrna received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing
from Dillard University. She received a Master’s in Nursing from
Louisiana State University Medical Center New Orleans, Education
Specialist certificate, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Education
from LSU Baton Rouge. She received a Graduate Certificate in
Gerontology from the University of New Orleans. She retired as a
Professor of Nursing from Delgado Community College. She is
currently a consultant for Congregational Wellness Division and
is adjunct faculty at the University of Phoenix. Other past
employment experiences includes Instructor of Practical Nursing
for New Orleans Public Schools, Nursing Supervisor at Fountain
Manor Nursing Home and Charge nurse at Riverbend Hospital and CPC
Eastlake Hospital. Myrna also retired from the U. S. Air Force
Ready Reserve a commissioned officer with a rank of Major. Myrna
is the Church nurse for Blessed Francis X. Seelos Catholic
Parish.
 Vanessa
Burks-County - Training Coordinator
vcounty@tmcfi.org
Vanessa received a Bachelor of Arts degree in
Psychology from Dillard University. She holds a diploma in
Christian Ministry and is matriculating at Southern University of
New Orleans in pursuit of a Master’s degree in Social Work. She
is currently the Training Coordinator/Administrative Assistant
for Congregational Wellness. Vanessa was the first person to
implement a private-run program that investigates the alleged
neglect of children for the State of Louisiana in New Orleans.
She also designed and implemented a successful summer program
called K.I.D.S. Theatre for underprivileged children and youth
that has been continually funded by the United Way each summer
since 1996. Vanessa currently teaches at a local ministry school
and conducts praise and worship workshops as well as health and
healing seminars for local church groups.
 Lisa Collins - Administrative Assistant
lcollins@tmcfi.org
Lisa received a Bachelor of Business Administration from Dillard
University. She is a graduate of the Loyola University of New
Orleans Executive Management Development Program. Ms. Collins
has 15 years professional experience in administration of
federal, city and community based programs. She has served on
several boards including the YWCA and VIA. Current volunteer
activities include serving as Director of Walking for Wellness
with the Black Women’s Health Project of Louisiana and
facilitating self-help groups in the A. P. Tureaud Community.
Service with the Visiting Pet Program is her favorite health
ministry. Lisa and her miniature poodle Ana visit hospitals,
nursing homes and rehabilitation facilities for pet assisted
therapy. Honors include selection as a YWCA Role Model and a
Dryades YMCA Achiever in Business and Industry.
 Janice
Boatner Furbush - Nurse Coordinator
jfurbush@tmcfi.org
Janice was a
member of the first graduating class of L. E. Rabouin Vocational
High School Practical Nursing Program in 1969. She received a
diploma in nursing from Touro Infirmary School of Nursing, a
Bachelor of Science in Nursing from William Carey College, and a
Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Southern
Mississippi. She is currently the Nurse Coordinator for
Congregational Wellness. Her employment experience includes
Nurse Consultant for the Louisiana Office of Public Health
Chronic Disease and Nursing Services Continuing Education
Programs. While employed by the Office of Public Health she
developed, implemented and evaluated a Statewide Church-Based
High Blood Pressure Control Program. She is currently a board
member of the Black Women’s Health Imperative Reach 2010: At
the Heart of New Orleans. Janice was inducted as a member of
Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society in 1991. |
