Kimberly Ondo

Dr. Kimberly Ondo is a Contributing Faculty member with the College of Health Sciences in the Master of Healthcare Administration Competency Based (CBE) Program at Walden University.

She holds a doctorate in healthcare administration, a master’s in education specializing in instructional technology, and is completing a second master’s in forensic psychology. Her undergraduate work is in geographic information systems and just for fun, she completed a minor in music specializing in operatic performance.

She is a lifelong learner and advocate for empowering others to succeed. Her background in healthcare operations and education allow her to provide a practical application for future leaders in the field. Likewise, her expertise in healthcare policy allows her the opportunity to help individuals and organizations better align with requirements of reform, specifically the complex implications outlined in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

Dr. Ondo has held various leadership roles in healthcare through the United States. Most recently, she was the CEO of a health system operating a rural health clinic, dispensary, skilled nursing facility, assisted living facility, and chemical dependency facility.

She began her healthcare career by living as an undercover nursing home resident at St. Joseph of the Pines Health System in Southern Pines, NC and then writing about her experience in an article entitled, The Last 48 Hours.

Known as the Undercover Professor, she has used creative techniques to investigate the quality of care in healthcare facilities and then used this information to develop sustainable programs in long-term care and further advance the skills of her staff.

For the past decade, Dr. Ondo has served as an online professor where she has been able to continue her quest of investing in others to reach their potential. She has won several awards and is recognized for creating an online community that fosters a student-centered learning environment.

As a professor, her students experience a teaching method that goes beyond the status quo. Students take general information obtained from text and lectures; however, they are then challenged to heighten their knowledge through the practical application of real-life scenarios. The result? According to one student, “This was not your average class; it is unique and should be used to set examples to other educators.”

“I really enjoyed this course and Dr. Ondo was the best professor that I have ever had the pleasure of working with. Her enthusiasm for the class was infectious; she was able to engage all students into the discussions and encourage each of us to think in a whole new light.”

“Professor K made me want to come to class all the time and when I missed it I was truly sad. I have enjoyed being with her. She is vibrant, funny, and she cares a lot about her students.”

Education

PhD, University of Phoenix

MEd, AIU