College of Health, Psychology and Social Care staff

Dr William Van Gordon
Dr William Van Gordon
Associate Professor in Contemplative Psychology

Associate Professor in Contemplative Psychology, Dr William Van Gordon is a Chartered Psychologist and international expert in the research and practice of meditation and mindfulness.

Faith Vargasf
Lecturer in Pre-Qualifying Adult Nursing

As a lecturer in Adult Nursing, Faith is involved in delivering Stage 2 of the undergraduate Adult Nursing programme. This involves teaching clinical skills, supporting students as a personal tutor and helping to prepare students for Stage 3 of their course

Rita standing at a lectern in a classroom
Rita Varnam
Lecturer in Pre-qualifying Healthcare (Child Nursing)

After nursing for 38 years, Rita moved to an education role in 2004. Now semi-retired, Rita works part-time at the university and also within clinical practice.

Heather Venables
Senior Lecturer (Medical Ultrasound)

Heather Venables is a Senior Lecturer in Diagnostic Imaging at the University of Derby. She has a long-term interest in ultrasound technology and point-of-care ultrasound applications. Heather is an accreditor for the UK Consortium for Accreditation of Sonographic Practice (CASE) and represents the British Medical Ultrasound Society on CASE Council.   

Dr Katia Vione
Senior Lecturer in Forensic Psychology

Lecturer in Psychology Dr Katia Vione joined the University of Derby in April 2017, having previously worked as a lecturer in Brazil and as a teaching assistant at Cardiff University.

Sharon Walker in a grey and purple graduation hat and gown
Dr Sharon Walker
Programme Leader

Sharon Walker is a Programme Leader in the College of Health, Psychology and Social Care. She's also a supervisor for students on the Independent Studies module

Louise Wallace
Lecturer in Forensic Psychology

Debbie Watkinson standing next to a computer showing a screen about assessing patients, smiling
Debbie Watkinson
Senior Lecturer in Nursing

Debbie Watkinson is a qualified nurse and registered midwife and programme lead for student experience and a senior lecturer in pre-qualifying health care at the St Helena site in Chesterfield.

Sharan Watson
Postgraduate Lecturer

Sharan is a nurse, non medical prescriber and postgraduate lecturer at the University of Derby. Her areas of specialist knowledge and skills are palliative and end of life care and advanced communication skills.

Charlie Whiffin
Dr Charlie Whiffin
Associate Professor in Nursing

Charlie's specialist interest area is the impact of acquired brain injury on the family. Charlie is currently examining the potential for storytelling techniques to improve family well-being and adjustment. Charlie is also investigating the role of non-medical providers in the provision of safe effective neurosurgical care in low-and middle-income countries.