Robert F. DeFinis, Ed.D.

Executive Director of Academic Operations

Ed.D. in Organizational Behavioral and Leadership, Argosy University

Prior to joining Arizona College in 2022, Dr. DeFinis served as the Campus Director at Carrington College, Boise Campus. Dr. DeFinis has been working with children, athletes, coaches, teams, leaders, and organizations for over twenty years while consistently leveraging optimal performance strategies into success stories. He has a diversified background with extensive experience in education, nonprofit leadership, law enforcement, and behavior analysis. Dr. DeFinis has also served on the Board of Directors for several organizations that promote literacy initiatives, workforce development solutions, and educational opportunities. Dr. DeFinis believes in a student centric approach to operations where service excellence is the primary focus.

As Executive Director of Campus Operations, Dr. DeFinis oversees the day-to-day operational execution and outcomes for the campus academic team.

Kevin T. Gore

Executive Director of Enrollment Services

Bachelors of Arts, Spanish – Bethune-Cookman University

Kevin T. Gore came to Arizona College of Nursing – Falls Church in 2021 after serving as the Director of Admissions at Maryland University of Integrative Health. Prior to that position, he spent almost a decade as the Director of Admissions at Chamberlain University. He is a higher education leader with over 12 years of expertise in recruitment and marketing, dedicated to achieving institutional goals and delivering a superior customer service experience.

As the Executive Director of Enrollment Services, Kevin oversees the establishment, implementation, and monitoring of standards in the administrative departments including, admissions, financial aid and student facing services such as admission coordinator and front desk.

Melissa L. Weir, PhD, RN, CNE, CPEN, CEN

Dean of Nursing

PhD in Nursing Education, University of Northern Colorado

MS in Nursing Education, Hampton University

BSN, Howard University

Prior to joining Arizona College in 2022, Dr. Weir served in various academic roles in baccalaureate, associate degree, traditional, and accelerated nursing programs. She has been Assistant Professor and Interim Chairperson of an undergraduate nursing program. Dr. Weir was recognized by students as ‘Best Classroom Teacher’ multiple consecutive years while at Howard University. She is a Certified Nurse Educator who excels in mentoring faculty members and modeling best teaching strategies to facilitate student success. She enjoys leading teams to exceed regulatory and accreditation standards.

As Dean of Nursing, Dr. Weir oversees operationalizing the curriculum and ensures the college’s vision, mission, and values are foundational elements in guiding decision making and actions.

Laura V. O’Reilly, MLS

Dean of General Education

B.A. English, Gwynedd Mercy University

Master’s Library Science, North Carolina Central University

Laura O’Reilly helps people achieve their dreams. Her career focuses on teaching students, and mentoring faculty. Laura’s love of learning, and teaching led her to librarianship to support researchers access reliable information and deliver their findings in a compelling, scholarly manner. She served as a library director and as Dean of Faculty. Currently, as Dean of General Education, she facilitates the success of students and faculty at Arizona College of Nursing, as they pursue their dreams.

LaNell Coates

BSN Program Manager

Mrs. LaNell Coates joins the Arizona College of Nursing team with vast experience in educational leadership and delivery. She has previously served as program manager, program lead, curriculum and advisory board chair, curriculum designer and developer and general education instructor at institutions such as the Department of Employment Services in the Office of Apprenticeships, Latin American Youth Center in Washington D.C., and Medtech Institute and Colleges.

Mrs. Coates brings to her new position administrative, curriculum design and classroom experience. Some of her most recent accomplishments include cowriting a medical billing and coding educational program and achieving accreditation status in the process. Mrs. Coates holds degrees in Health Care Administration and Allied Health Sciences. She is also actively pursuing her Doctorate of Traditional Naturopathy.

When Mrs. Coates is not learning or helping students reach their goals, she is creating and selling jewelry from her boutique.