Nursing

Tonia Benham

Staff

Tonia began working at LBCC in 2008 and joined the Nursing Department in September 2010. Tonia worked in the LBCC Human Resources office prior to becoming part of the Nursing Department team, and has a background working in varied administrative positions for the federal government and in the nonprofit industry prior to coming to work at LBCC.  Tonia considers her position here at LBCC an absolute blessing, and is honored to be able to assist LBCC nursing students in reaching their goals however she can.

Heather Peacock

Nurse Administrator

Heather Peacock DNP, RN, RNC-MNN, is an alumni of the LBCC Nursing Program. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Grand Canyon University and her Master of Science in Nursing Informatics from Western Governors University. She received a Doctorate of Nursing Practice through Capella University. She has many years experience in obstetrics, neonates and pediatrics. She currently practices in Labor & Delivery at Sacred Heart Medical Center Riverbend. Heather joined LBCC as faculty in 2020 and became Nurse Administrator in June 2024.

Tashia Abbott

Tashia Abbott MSN, RN, RNC earned her Licensed Practical Nursing Certificate in 2005 and then her Associate Degree in Nursing in 2006, both from Lane Community College. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree in 2021 and her Master of Science in Nursing Education Degree in 2022, both from Grand Canyon University. Tashia has 18 years of nursing experience in a variety of settings, however most of her nursing career has been spent in labor and delivery. Tashia joined LBCC in 2024.

Gwendy Beer

Gwendolyn (Gwendy) Beer, RN, MHI, NC-NE, earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of San Francisco and her Masters in Healthcare Innovation from Arizona State University. She has 34 years of nursing experience most recently as the Director of two Women's Clinics at the University of New Mexico Hospital.  Her other experience includes, medical-surgical, labor and delivery, and outpatient women's health care. Gwendy joined LBCC in the Spring of 2023.

Danielle Drake

Danielle Drake, BSN, RN earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from California Baptist University. Currently practices as an Emergency Department nurse at Salem Health. She joined LBCC in Fall 2022. Currently attending Maryville University in pursuit of a DNP.

Briget Ferguson

Briget Ferguson MSN, RN, CEN earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Oregon Health and Science University in 2007 and her Masters of Science in Nursing Education through Western Governors University in 2022.  She worked in the emergency department for 12 years and also worked in a hospital based education department.  Briget joined LBCC in 2020.

Katie Grotberg

Katie Grotberg, MSN, RN, holds board certifications in both cardiac-vascular and medical surgical nursing. Katie earned her Associate of Science in Nursing degree at Century College. She then went on to obtain her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing Education through Western Governors University. After obtaining her MSN in 2020, she began an adjunct nursing faculty role at Century College. She has a background in cardiac, medical surgical, and mother-baby nursing. She currently practices as a float pool nurse at Sacred Heart Medical Center Riverbend. Katie joined LBCC in 2023.

Emily Middleton

Emily Middleton, MSN, RN, CPN, earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Oregon Health and Science University and a Master of Science in Nursing Education from Western Governors University.  Emily has practiced in a variety of settings including inpatient pediatrics, forensics, public health/home visiting, and teaching at her alma mater OHSU.  Emily is also an American Heart Association certified BLS instructor.  Emily joined LBCC in 2023.

Meagan Riley

Meagan Riley, MSN, RN, graduated from Augusta University in 2016 with her Masters of Science in Nursing and a curricular emphasis on Clinical Nurse Leadership. She worked on the Progressive Care Unit at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center in Corvallis, Oregon before joining the nursing program at LBCC in 2023.  Outside of work, Meagan enjoys reading, playing games, and spending time with her friends, family, and pets.

Emily Rose

Emily Rose MSN, RN earned her Licensed Practical Nursing Certificate in 2005 and then her Associate Degree in Nursing in 2006, both from Chemeketa Community College. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree in 2020 and her Master of Science in Nursing Education Degree in 2021, both from Western Governors University. She has 17 years of nursing experience in a variety of settings, and specializes in oncology and hospice/palliative care. Emily joined LBCC in 2020.

Marcy Shanks

Marcy Shanks, MSEd, MSN, RN entered into nursing practice after earning a Bachelor’s Degree from Oregon Institute of Technology in 1987.  Established her nursing experience in ICU, Med-Surg, and clinic settings. Began part-time at LBCC as a clinical faculty and skills lab instructor in 1996 while continuing to work in acute care. Joined LBCC full-time faculty in 2002 after earning a MS in Health Education from Western Oregon University. In 2013 completed a MS in Nursing from Western Governors University. 

Caitlyn Terrell

Caitlyn Terrell, BS, MSN, RN is an alumni of the LBCC Nursing program, class of 2009. She obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in General Science with a minor in Chemistry from Oregon State University, and her master of science in Nursing Education from Grand Canyon University. Her specialty areas include High Risk Obstetrics, Ambulatory Surgery, Endoscopy and Nursing Informatics. She joined LBCC in 2016.