Faculty practice provides faculty members with the opportunity to be engaged in their area of expertise. As leaders of exemplary, innovative, and culturally proficient faculty engagement, faculty members fulfill the mission of the UA Capstone College of Nursing’s Faculty Practice Committee. The Faculty Practice Committee strives to increase the visibility of the school of nursing by spotlighting the practice of faculty members as they practice in community agencies. Practice sites are diverse and represent the expertise and background preparation of faculty engaged in faculty practice. Faculty “spotlights” are updated multiple times annually to showcase the exceptional work of faculty practice members. Be sure to return to this webpage in the future to learn about the practice of other faculty members!
Tonya Shanahan, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC
I am an associate professor in the graduate nursing program where I teach in both the NP and DNP tracks. I also mentor a faculty member focused on obesity medicine and serve on college committees.
In my faculty practice, I specialize in obesity medicine, providing care within a wellness and weight loss clinic.
I work with a wide range of patients, from those who are just starting to struggle with weight to others dealing with severe obesity. Each person comes with their own story, often facing challenges tied to self-image, emotional health, or chronic conditions.
My typical day in faculty practice I’m coaching and advocating for patients as they work toward lasting lifestyle changes. With personalized support and evidence-based tools, my goal is to help them improve not just their weight, but their overall health, confidence, and quality of life.
Keeping my obesity medicine certification helps me stay up to date with the latest research and treatment strategies. It’s a way to ensure my patients get informed, compassionate care backed by the most current science.
My passion in wellness and weight loss is helping people make lasting, meaningful changes through coaching, personalized nutrition, and fitness plans.
I plan to shift my scholarship toward obesity medicine, beginning with a focus on the stigma often associated with weight loss clinics.
The FDA approval of GLP-1 medications has transformed obesity care.
My faculty practice in obesity medicine supports the mission of the Faculty Practice Committee by delivering evidence-based, patient-centered care, mentoring colleagues, and integrating current research to advance clinical excellence and academic leadership.