Plymouth, Indiana—The Leighton School of Nursing will host a community panel discussion focused on the challenges and opportunities facing rural healthcare. This event will bring together healthcare leaders, nurses, partners, students, alumni, and community members to discuss the future of rural healthcare in Northern Indiana.
This panel will create space for an open discussion about the unique healthcare needs of rural communities. Panelists will share their experiences working in rural healthcare settings, discuss efforts to improve access to care, and explore ways healthcare organizations, educators, and communities can work together to strengthen healthcare across the region.
Healthcare professionals from local hospital systems, clinical partners, and nursing leaders will participate in the discussion alongside prospective students, alumni, and community members interested in rural health.
The event also highlights the Leighton School of Nursing’s commitment to preparing nurses who serve rural communities through education, partnership, and leadership.
“This panel event is about bringing people together to talk openly about rural healthcare,” said Victoria Cavallaro, RN, MSN, director of nursing. “Our goal is to connect healthcare leaders, community members, and future nurses while exploring how we can work together to improve healthcare in rural areas.”
Three experienced healthcare leaders will serve as featured panelists.
Susan Bettcher-Spangler, RN, has been a registered nurse for more than 30 years. She began her career as a pediatric intensive care nurse, building a strong foundation in clinical excellence, critical thinking, and patient-and-family-centered care. She later transitioned into healthcare leadership, including managing a hospice in a rural setting, an experience that deepened her commitment to compassionate, community-based care. Over the past 20 years, Bettcher-Spangler has held several executive leadership roles within a critical access hospital in Northern Indiana, where she currently serves as the vice president of nursing and operations. She also serves as adjunct faculty for Marian University’s Ancilla College.
Through thoughtful leadership and strategic planning, Spangler has helped guide the hospital through significant growth and transformational change while addressing healthcare workforce shortages, improving access to essential services, and strengthening community partnerships.
Linda Webb, RN, MBA, has been a registered nurse for 43 years and currently serves as chief nursing officer at Pulaski Memorial Hospital in Winamac, Indiana, a nonprofit critical access hospital. Webb holds a bachelor of science in nursing from Indiana University, a master of business administration from Indiana Wesleyan University, and is board-certified as an ANCC nurse executive, advanced.
She is an active member of numerous professional organizations, including the Indiana Organization of Nursing Leaders, the American Organization of Nursing Leaders, the American Nurses Association, the Indiana Nurses Association, the Indiana Rural Health Association, and Sigma Theta Tau. Webb has also previously chaired the West Central Patient Safety Coalition in Indiana and currently serves on the Indiana Hospital Association’s Council on Patient Safety and Quality. Her career reflects a deep commitment to advancing quality, safety, and patient-centered care in rural healthcare environments.
Julie Manns, RN, BSN, MSN, is a registered nurse with more than 20 years of experience in diverse clinical and leadership roles. She began her nursing career in 2002 after earning her associate degree in nursing from Bethel College, later completing her bachelor of science in nursing in 2017 and a master of science in nursing with a focus in nursing education in 2019.
Manns spent more than 13 years working in intensive care and emergency nursing before specializing in IV therapy and PICC line placements for 14 years. She also brings a decade of experience in case management and currently serves patients across Marshall and St. Joseph counties. Over her 25-year tenure with Trinity Health, Manns has developed a reputation for compassionate care, strong clinical expertise, and dedication to improving patient outcomes. As a nurse educator and mentor, she is committed to supporting and encouraging the next generation of nurses.
In addition to the panel discussion, attendees will learn more about the Leighton School of Nursing’s programs, partnerships, and impact on rural healthcare across the region.
Community members interested in rural healthcare are encouraged to attend.
Event Details
Date: Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Time: 5 p.m.
Location: 20097 9B Rd. Plymouth, Indiana
For more information about the event and to sign up for the event, visit: https://www.marian.edu/plymouth/campus-life/rural-nursing-event