Dr. Veronica Valazza
Daemen recently appointed two key leaders in its nursing and social work departments. Dr. Veronica Valazza, Associate Professor of Nursing, is currently serving as the Interim Nursing Chair. Dr. Amy Trabert joined the university earlier this month as BSW Director and Assistant Professor of Social Work and Sociology.
Valazza began her full-time role with Daemen in August 2017 as Assistant Professor of Nursing. Her expertise in critical care, nursing leadership, and quality improvement enabled her continued growth in the department, and she stepped into the interim role in December 2024 after Martha Kershaw’s departure.
Dr. Amy Trabert
“As interim chair of nursing, Dr. Valazza has the distinct and important responsibility of academic leadership, faculty management and development, accreditation and compliance, student success and advocacy, and strategic planning and program growth,” said Dr. Greg Ford, the founding dean of the Scott Bieler College of Health Professions. “Dr. Valazza brings decades of exceptional clinical leadership experience, unwavering dedication, and a visionary approach to advancing the department and our college. Her expertise, compassion, and collaborative spirit inspire excellence in education and patient care, setting a standard of distinction for all to follow.”
Trabert, a Daemen alum, completed the BASW program in 2017 and the MSW program in 2018. Her first priority in her new role will be expanding course options in the BSW program to better support and attract non-traditional students, including adult learners.
“We are absolutely delighted to welcome Dr. Amy Trabert home to Daemen, as BSW Program Director,” said Dr. Diane Bessel, MSW Program Director and Chair, Social Work and Sociology at Daemen. She embodies our mission as someone who contributes—individually and collectively—to the profession and the world through state-of-the-art practice, scholarship, advocacy, and activism.”