Piney Woods School Launches The Alumni Exchange!

Topic: Anxiety & PTSD in the Black Community: The Root Cause and Journey Toward Wellness

The Piney Woods School, in collaboration with the Piney Woods School Alumni Association, is proud to present the launch of our Alumni Webinar Series, a new space created especially for our alumni, their friends, co-workers, and family members to connect, learn, and grow together.

We are excited to kick off our very first episode with an exceptional Piney Woods alumna, Dru Blackwell Simmons, Class of 1991, who currently serves as Secretary of The Piney Woods School Alumni Association.

This powerful and timely webinar, “Anxiety & PTSD in the Black Community: The Root Cause and Journey Toward Wellness,” will explore the lived experiences, systemic factors, and pathways toward healing that shape mental wellness in Black communities. This conversation is one that matters, now more than ever.

Meet Our Featured Speaker

Dru Simmons is a dedicated nurse educator with over 16 years of experience in nursing and healthcare education. She holds a Master of Science in Nursing with an emphasis in Nurse Education and specializes in clinical education and nursing theory. Dru currently teaches at Cochise College in Sierra Vista, Arizona, where she mentors aspiring nurses, contributes to curriculum development, and champions civic engagement.

Her work extends beyond the classroom. Dru is deeply passionate about addressing racial disparities in nursing education and advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion. Through innovative teaching methods and evidence-based practices, she continues to lead initiatives that foster inclusive learning environments and empower future nurses to recognize and challenge systemic inequities in healthcare.

A true rising star and scholar in Nurse Education, Dru brings both professional expertise and personal insight to this important conversation.

🎟 This event is FREE and open to alumni, friends, co-workers, and family.

👉 RSVP today using the link below to secure your spot!

[RSVP HERE]

We look forward to welcoming you as we launch this exciting new series and continue building spaces that uplift, educate, and connect our Piney Woods family.