Mary Ann Breen
Associate Professor
Director of AS and Professional Track Nursing Programs
B.S.N., D’Youville College
M.Ed., Rivier College
M.S., Boston University
Phone: (603) 897-8598; E-mail: mbreen@rivier.edu
Specialties
- Pediatric Nursing
- Adolescent/Child Psychiatric Nursing
Background
Mary Ann Breen attributes her interest in nursing to her father, who was a physician. She decided to specialize as a pediatric nurse, a natural choice for an only child who loved being with children. She graduated from D’Youville College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing in 1958 and worked as a pediatric nurse after graduation. She began her teaching career in 1978 as an instructor at St. Joseph School of Practical Nursing. She earned a Master of Education degree with a concentration in Counseling from Rivier in 1982 and was offered a teaching position at the new Associate of Science in Nursing Program at the College. In 1987 she completed the Master of Science degree in Adolescent/Child Psychiatric Nursing in at Boston University.
In 2004, she assumed the role of Director for the AS and Professional Track Nursing programs. She continues to teach Nursing Care of the Child and Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing combining her interest in children with her interest in their emotional health. She has been happy with her choice of nursing and teaching since she began it all in 1958.
Academic Philosophy
"I believe teaching and learning can best occur in a comfortable classroom environment. I try to put the students at ease and allow them to grow at their own pace. Getting the students involved and interested in the material is essential. In the classroom I utilize technology, discussion, and didactic in an attempt to reach the varied learning styles of the students."