Practice Makes Purpose is the official podcast of James Madison University’s School of Nursing. Each month, host Caitlin Billman sits down with JMU nursing alumni to share real stories from the field, highlighting the purpose that drives their practice and the impact they’re making in healthcare and beyond.
Are you a JMU Nursing alum with a story to tell or know someone who is? Let us know here: https://forms.office.com/r/W8w831d8sE
In this episode of Practice Makes Purpose, we sit down with RN-BSN Alumni Ayana Brown, whose path into the profession is rooted in resilience and community impact. Hear the story of how her nursing journey took her from the beside to co-owning her own business!
Are you a JMU Nursing Alum with a story to share? Let us know here (https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/DesignPageV2.aspx?origin=NeoPortalPage&subpage=design&id=Izwz6cfK9EKZiVzuPUp5wLC-6RP6V3tFtzfYmWvjr1tUOElSNENaQTM1VkhUOVRQNUhOVVNFTThBNi4u)!
30 Jan 2026
Practice Makes Purpose: Katie Gilbert
In this episode of Practice Makes Purpose, we sit down with Katie Gilbert '21, current BSN to DNP student shares the impact the nursing program had on her and how it prepared her for practice and graduate studies.
Are you a JMU nursing alum with a story to share or know someone who is? Let us know here (https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=Izwz6cfK9EKZiVzuPUp5wLC-6RP6V3tFtzfYmWvjr1tUOElSNENaQTM1VkhUOVRQNUhOVVNFTThBNi4u)!
19 Dec 2025
Practice Makes Purpose - Dr. Jeannie Corey
In this episode of Practice Makes Purpose, we sit down with recently retired JMU Nursing professor Dr. Jeannie Corey to reflect on her career and past eight years at JMU.
Are you a JMU nursing alum with a story to share or know someone who is? Let us know here (https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=Izwz6cfK9EKZiVzuPUp5wLC-6RP6V3tFtzfYmWvjr1tUOElSNENaQTM1VkhUOVRQNUhOVVNFTThBNi4u)!
18 Dec 2025
Practice Makes Purpose: Meet the Host
In this bonus episode of Practice Makes Purpose, we introduce you the host of the podcast, giving you an insight into her life, and sharing the story of how this project came to be.
Are you a JMU nursing alum with a story to share or you know someone who is? Let us know here (https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=Izwz6cfK9EKZiVzuPUp5wLC-6RP6V3tFtzfYmWvjr1tUOElSNENaQTM1VkhUOVRQNUhOVVNFTThBNi4u)!
22 Nov 2025
Gratitude in Practice
This Thanksgiving, we’re sharing what gratitude looks like in the JMU School of Nursing. Hear heartfelt reflections from faculty and staff and my own story of finding gratitude in a season of loss.
Are you a JMU Nursing alum with a story to tell or know someone who is? Let us know here:
Podcast Guest Submission – Fill out form (https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=Izwz6cfK9EKZiVzuPUp5wLC-6RP6V3tFtzfYmWvjr1tUOElSNENaQTM1VkhUOVRQNUhOVVNFTThBNi4u)
20 Nov 2025
Practice Makes Purpose: Leslie Lantz
In this episode of Practice Meets Purpose, we sit down with Leslie Lantz '03, MSN, RN, CNE, RNC-OB: a dedicated nurse educator and researcher with a passion for maternal health and nursing education. Leslie shares her journey from earning her BSN at James Madison University to her current role as a clinical instructor at Virginia Commonwealth University, where she teaches Women’s Health and Pediatrics. We explore her leadership experience in obstetric nursing, her transition into academia, and her involvement in groundbreaking research on maternal mental health and nurse wellbeing. Leslie’s story highlights the importance of lifelong learning, mentorship, and advocating for both patients and nurses.
Are you a JMU Nursing alum with a story to tell or know someone who is? Let us know here:
Podcast Guest Submission – Fill out form (https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=Izwz6cfK9EKZiVzuPUp5wLC-6RP6V3tFtzfYmWvjr1tUOElSNENaQTM1VkhUOVRQNUhOVVNFTThBNi4u)
1 Oct 2025
Practice Makes Purpose: Cameron Von Kannewurff
Episode 1: Cameron von Kannewurff
JMU nursing alum Cameron von Kannewurff '20 shares his journey from paramedic to nurse anesthesiology resident. With a background in critical care and a passion for patient advocacy, Cameron offers insight into the many ways nurses lead in and beyond the hospital.
Are you a JMU Nursing alum with a story to tell or know someone who is? Let us know here:
https://forms.office.com/r/W8w831d8sE (https://forms.office.com/r/W8w831d8sE)
29 Sept 2025
Practice Makes Purpose: What It's All About
Meet your host, Caitlin Billman, and discover how this podcast connects JMU nursing students and alumni through real stories from the field. Each month, we’ll explore how purpose drives practice and how every nurse’s journey can inspire the next.
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