Spotlight on Dr. Michelle Paysan-Modina
By Brent Davis and Michelle Paysan-Modina, DNP, APRN, NP-C, PHN
Dr. Michelle Paysan-Modina is our new Executive Dean and Professor of the School of Nursing and Assistant Chief Nurse Administrator of AUHS. Dr. Paysan-Modina was born in the Philippines and is the youngest of five children. She comes from a close-knit family who love to get together, eat together, and pray together. Her parents and siblings are very close to this day. She has also been married for 23 years and is blessed with four children. They love to spend time together, travel to different places, try new food and experiences, and explore different cultures.
Growing up, her father was a stickler for rules: make your bed first thing in the morning, cannot play outside until the room is clean, always show respect to everyone, especially the elders; honesty is the best policy, and in anything and everything you do, give a 100% (or seriously, do not commit to doing it). Her parents always served in their church, made visits to the sick, helped the poor, and served as community leaders in the neighborhood. They emphasized the importance of giving back to the community.
The AUHS mission and philosophy were instrumental in her decision to join the university family: “They do not just make a statement about it, but back it up with action.” Also, out supportive and inspirational owners, Pastor Gregory and Ms. Kim, as well as our academic leaders, Drs. Ryan and Uvero attracted her.
Her other interests are doing yoga every day and a love of travel—to see the world. Currently, she is serving as the President of the Philippine Nurses Association of CA in Orange County and looks forward to collaborating with the AUHS Foundation for community outreach. Her research interests are servant leadership, DEI, mentorship, community health and wellness, and breast cancer screening and early detection.
Finally, she wants to become an inspiration to nursing students and make a difference in their lives which is reason enough to put the spotlight on Dr. Michelle Paysan-Modina.
