Alumni Spotlight: Jonathan Morello   

From a determined nursing assistant in skilled care to a Vice President overseeing population health programs, Jonathan Morello’s journey in healthcare has been shaped by persistence, adaptability, and a passion for improving patient outcomes. As a Galen alumnus, Morello’s career path started at Galen, where he found a solid foundation in nursing that set the stage for his career progression—from earning his LPN to leading innovative healthcare solutions at Centene Corporation. Looking back, he says each step has reinforced his commitment to supporting patients and creating meaningful change in the industry.

My healthcare career began in 2002 as a nursing assistant in skilled care and geriatrics, while completing prerequisite courses for nursing programs. After learning about long waiting lists for ADN and BSN programs, an advisor suggested I pursue a Practical Nursing program, followed by an LPN-RN transition, which had no waiting list. I enrolled at Galen in May 2003, graduated in May 2004, and became a licensed practical nurse after passing the NCLEX-PN. Upon graduating from Galen, I continued my education and earned my ADN in 2006, transitioned to a hospital setting while in my ADN program, and later passed the NCLEX-RN to become a registered nurse.

Over the years, I worked in critical care, earned my BSN in 2008, and shifted to a care coordinator RN role that same year. Over time, I had the opportunity to work as an RN care manager, supporting the individualized health needs of my caseload, and working on interdisciplinary, integrated care plans, with a goal of helping those folks improve their health, maintain or re-gain function, and work on goals that were important to them. In 2013, I earned my Commission for Case Manager Certification (CCM), and joined a new company called Centene Corporation in a Manager of Case Management role.

Today, I serve as the Vice President of Population Health and Clinical Operations, overseeing care management, care coordination, and social drivers of health programs that are telephonic, in person, and/or in the community. One of the things I enjoy about working with my team is creating innovative solutions for individuals with complex health challenges. I have enjoyed a rewarding career improving health outcomes for diverse populations across the lifespan. While working at Centene, I earned a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a concentration in Healthcare Systems Leadership in 2016, and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in 2021.  

Galen prepared me for my nursing career by providing both the knowledge and skills necessary for success, through nursing theory, skills labs, and clinical experiences. Our instructors challenged us to think critically about how we could best serve our patients and achieve optimal outcomes as partners in their care. This foundation has resonated throughout my career in various roles, and continues to influence my practice even today, over 20 years later!

Many professors and instructors left a lasting impact on me. I look back on my time at Galen with fondness, as I believe the experience was foundational and well-prepared me for both my career and further education.

I remember Mr. Steve Hill, our Fundamentals of Nursing instructor, who provided us with a lot of foundational knowledge, preparing us for future nursing courses, and making learning both interesting and enjoyable. Mrs. Nancy Kirk, one of my favorite instructors, taught Adult Medical/Surgical Nursing I and II, as well as Pharmacology for Nursing, and many other aspects of the program. I still recall the mnemonics she taught for pathophysiology! Mr. Timothy Voytilla, who served as both our theory and clinical instructor, emphasized the importance of psychiatric/mental health nursing environments and the power of therapeutic and empowering communication. We were fortunate to visit various behavioral health settings, such as inpatient and dual diagnosis units, to observe different care environments. Finally, I must mention the late Sharon Roberts, our dean of nursing. Sharon was a dynamic leader—tough, but fair—and I always admired her commanding presence, tenacity, and warmth. I feel incredibly fortunate to have had such a positive and impactful experience at Galen.

My advice to new nurses aspiring to reach similar professional positions is to remain open to diverse thoughts and perspectives. I never imagined I would be in the role I hold today. Throughout my career, I discovered numerous opportunities and connected with many individuals who shared their insights and experiences. Today, we have many online platforms that provide opportunities for networking and learning, which didn’t exist in 2003-2004. I also recommend seeking a mentor and building a community of fellow nurses and healthcare professionals, as having a support network and sounding board is invaluable. Additionally, we never know when we may cross paths with colleagues or classmates again, so it’s always beneficial to stay in touch with those we’ve shared experiences with.

I want to express my heartfelt thanks to Galen for featuring me in this Alumni Spotlight! I am truly honored to have been selected by my alma mater, and it fills me with immense gratitude. My aim is to inspire the next generation of nurses, and I hope that by sharing my story, and having others share their stories as well, we can continue to grow and nurture our professional faculty, staff and students. 

Reflecting on Morello’s career, we can see his gratitude for the education, mentorship, and experiences that have shaped his journey. Nursing is more than a profession—it’s a calling that requires continuous learning, resilience, and compassion. To those just beginning their path, we encourage you to embrace every opportunity, build strong relationships, and remain open to unexpected possibilities. We are so proud to be such an integral part of Morello’s story and are glad to be able to share his experience with you. We hope his story inspires others to pursue unique and rewarding health care paths.