Joella Tabaka joined Olivet's full-time faculty in 2017. She serves as director of the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program, within the School of Nursing.
In her career as an educator, Professor Tabaka has taught courses in obstetrics, pediatrics, pharmacology, transcultural nursing and mental health. She worked as a nurse in obstetrics, pediatrics, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), home health and school nursing, as well as a surgical nurse in the operating room before choosing to become a professional educator.
She is a member of NLN (National League of Nurses), ANA (American Nurses Association), AWHONN (Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses), and INACSL (International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning).
"I am proud of the work we do, and the difference we make in every student we touch. Working at Olivet allows me to share my faith with the students, both in action and words."
Professor Tabaka and her husband, Russ, married in 1995. They are the parents of six children and have nine grandchildren. As a couple they love to travel and enjoy riding their motorcycles. For relaxation, she enjoys painting with oils in the traditional Norwegian Rosemaling style which follows her Scandinavian background.
Two Bible verses guide her professional and personal life:
"Seek God's will in all that you do and He will direct your path" (Proverbs 3:6).
"Do not worry about anything: instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done" (Philippians 4:6).