Melisa Smasal

Biography

Melisa began her simulation career with the Texas A&M Simulation & Immersive Learning Center in 2022 as a Standardized Patient (SP) Coordinator, supporting simulation events for internal and external customers. In this role, she collaborated closely with standardized patients to create safe, structured learning experiences for students while learning and applying the Association of Standardized Patient Educators (ASPE) Standards of Best Practice in Simulation.

Over the past two years, she has expanded her expertise through training with ASPE, International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning (INACSL), and Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH), and by attending a professional healthcare simulation conference at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

Melisa now serves as the Standardized Patient Program Manager, overseeing the SP program across five sites. In this role, she ensures standardization and adherence to accreditation standards, transitioning from coordinating daily activities and schedules to leading program-wide operations.

In addition to my work in simulation, I am a registered nurse and have been licensed and practicing since 2007.

Favorite Quote: "Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin."- St. Teresa of Calcutta