Meet the FNP/PMHNP Program Director

Dr. Austin McCaslin serves as the director of the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs at Goodwin University, where she is committed to creating an educational environment where every student can thrive. As both a nurse practitioner and educator, Dr. McCaslin believes that with hard work, curiosity, and the right support, students can transform their goals into meaningful careers that improve lives and strengthen communities.

A graduate of Goodwin’s associate degree in Nursing program, Dr. McCaslin values the diverse experiences and perspectives that Goodwin students bring to the classroom. She is passionate about fostering a learning culture that empowers nurse practitioners to lead with skill, compassion, and a deep commitment to patient-centered care.

In addition to her role at Goodwin, Dr. McCaslin is a board-certified family nurse practitioner (FNP) and is currently completing her certification as a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP). She is the co-founder of a primary care practice in Middletown, Connecticut, where she provides integrated physical and mental health services to patients across the lifespan.

Since joining Goodwin University’s faculty in 2022, Dr. McCaslin has focused on building student-centered curriculum, promoting clinical readiness, and supporting initiatives that help students succeed in certification and in practice. She believes that nurse practitioners are uniquely positioned to improve healthcare through their clinical experience, patient advocacy, and community engagement.

Dr. McCaslin holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from Sacred Heart University, a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Emory University, an associate in Nursing from Goodwin University, and is currently pursuing her PMHNP certification through Spring Arbor University. She is honored to support the next generation of Goodwin nurse practitioner leaders who will care deeply, think critically, and make a difference in every community they serve.