HFC welcomes Dr. Mary Ann Cherenzia: educating tomorrow’s nurses
Dr. Mary Ann Cherenzia heard so many good things about HFC’s renowned nursing program, she had to be a part of it.
She began teaching at HFC during the Fall 2021 semester as an adjunct instructor. This semester, she became a full-time instructor. She is teaching pharmacology and medical-surgical nursing 1 and 2.
“When I started here last fall, I was very impressed by the faculty and students. When a full-time position became available, I seized the opportunity!” said Cherenzia, of Farmington. She is the mother of two adult children, ages 24 and 22, whom she adopted from Bolivia.
Educational background
Born in Southfield, Cherenzia graduated from Ladywood High School – a Catholic all-girls high school – in Livonia. Cherenzia earned two bachelor’s degrees: a degree in biology from Grand Valley State University, and a degree in nursing from Madonna University.
Cherenzia went on to earn her master’s degree in nursing from the University of Detroit Mercy. She earned her doctorate in nursing practice from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Additionally, she earned her Family Nurse Practitioner certificate from the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
Inspired by caregivers
Cherenzia explained what inspired her to making nursing her profession.
“In 1980, my gramma had a stroke while she was living with us,” she recalled. “My gramma was like a second mom to me, so I took this very hard. She was partially paralyzed and immobile. My mom and aunt decided to care for her at home. They inspired me to become a nurse because of the care they provided her for more than 10 years. During that time, I saw a lot of caregivers: nurses, physical therapist, occupational therapists, and nursing assistants. The care they all provided my gramma inspired me to become a nurse.”
Teaching future generations of nurses
Cherenzia has been a nurse since 1994. For the last eight years, she has taught nursing at the college level. Prior to coming to HFC, she taught at Madonna and at Wayne County Community College.
“I love nursing, and I feel very passionate to be able to share my 28 years of knowledge with the future generation of nurses,” said Cherenzia. “I love to teach the lower-level nursing classes. Having students new to the nursing program or to College itself is so rewarding. Watching students perform skills and provide patient care for the first time is a privilege I am grateful to have. I love being able to watch students progress through the program, pass their NCLEX exam and move on in their careers as nurses. It’s rewarding to know I have a little part of the nurses of the future.”