Former Barnes-Jewish College graduate brings 17 years of experience to the role.
Barnes-Jewish College Goldfarb School of Nursing has appointed Sarah Perez, DNP, CRNA, as the new assistant program director of its nationally ranked Nurse Anesthesia Program. She officially begins her new position on Sept. 1.
The appointment comes as Goldfarb’s Nurse Anesthesia Program continues to be recognized among the best in the nation, currently tied for 11th place in U.S. News & World Report’s most recent ranking of Best Anesthesia Schools. The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)–Nurse Anesthesia program at Goldfarb is a highly competitive full-time, 36-month doctoral program designed to prepare nurses for certification as CRNAs. It is offered in close academic and clinical partnership with the WashU Medicine Department of Anesthesiology. While nurse anesthesia has a long history at the College dating back to Helen Lamb-Powell, the CRNA program was pioneered in 2004 by our current dean Bernadette Henrichs, PhD, CRNA, FAANA, FAAN.
Perez has been an assistant professor and scheduling coordinator for Goldfarb’s Nurse Anesthesia Program for 14 years while also serving as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist with the Department of Anesthesiology for 17 years.
In her new role, Perez will provide leadership in programmatic evaluation, curriculum development, and teaching innovation, along with faculty and student mentorship.
“Dr. Perez has led the way with innovations in teaching, says Brian Torres, DNP, CRNA, associate professor and director of the Nurse Anesthesia Program. “Her steadfast commitment and pursuit of the most effective teaching strategies will continue to position our program at the forefront of nurse anesthesia education. As a leader, Sarah brings a laser focus on student success and operational efficiency.“
Perez says one of the most rewarding aspects of her career has been teaching and mentoring students. “What I enjoy most about teaching is being a part of the students’ educational journey throughout all steps of the process,” she explains. “Watching them mature and grow into their full potential, while making a lasting impact on their lives and the care they provide as CRNAs is so rewarding!”
Perez’s educational journey began at Washington University in St. Louis, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in biology. She went on to receive a master’s entry to nursing practice from DePaul University, followed by a Master of Science in Nursing in anesthesia from Barnes-Jewish College, and later earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice from Chatham University.
“Sarah Perez was one of the most outstanding students in our SRNA training program, and has continued to model excellence as a CRNA, an educator, and a leader in the WashU Medicine Department of Anesthesiology,” said Michael S. Avidan, MBBCh, FCA SA, Dr. Seymour and Rose T. Brown Professor and head of the Department of Anesthesiology. “Her elevation in our educational leadership team will further strengthen our SRNA program, and will contribute meaningfully to the ongoing growth and success of our department.”
Outside of work, Perez leads a full family life with her three children—Maddie, 16; Gabbie, 14; and William, 6. She spends much of her time supporting them at dance competitions, soccer and basketball games, as well as coaching youth soccer alongside her father, who still coaches at age 71.