Mandi L Cafasso , DNP

Mandi Cafasso is an Associate Professor at the University of Cincinnati, where she teaches courses preparing post masters and BSN students to become leaders in healthcare through the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree.

Mandi has focused her career on educating advanced practice nurses about Ohio law and rule and has served as a guest lecturer on this topic for a number of national, regional and local organizations and facilities. She is actively involved in a number of professional organizations both for clinical growth and as an advocate for the APRN role. 

In addition to her advocacy work and clinical expertise, she has served as a primary investigator for a drug trial, worked on numerous quality improvement committees and enjoys opportunities to volunteer in the community

BSN: University of Cincinnati Cincinnati, Ohio, 2002 (Nursing)

MSN: University of Cincinnati Cincinnati, Ohio, 2005 (Pediatric Nursing- Primary Care)

Doctor of Nursing Practice: Otterbein University Columbus, Ohio, 2015

Mandi has an interest in health policy and grassroots advocacy for APRN practice. She is involved in a number of professional organizations for this cause.

Clinical interests and expertise in pediatric endcrinology and diabetes care with special interest in treatment of precocious puberty and obesity. Also spends time working with professional organizations on grassroots advocacy related to Endocrine health policy issues.  

She also would like to work towards increasing cultural competency and heathcare equity for members of the LGBTQIA community. 

01-2007 -07-31-2022 Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner- Endocrinology/ Diabetes, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center,

01-2017 - Adjunct Instructor, College of Nursing- Post Graduate , University of Cincinnati,

01-2018 - Instructor Adjunct- represented, College of Nursing- Post- Graduate, University of Cincinnati,

07-2005 -01-2007 Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner- Liver/Small Bowel Transplant, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center,

08-2002 -07-2005 Registered Nurse, Pediatric Nurse- Inpatient Liver/Small Bowel and Airway population, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center,

06-2018 -08-2024 Assistant Professor, College of Nursing, Univeristy of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio

08-2024 - Associate Professor, College of Nursing, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati

Published Abstracts

Jennings, C., Barcikowski, M. & Rose, SR (2009. ) Efficacy of 3-Month Depot GnRH Agonist in Control of Inappropriate Puberty .[Abstract]Journal of Pediatric Nursing, 24 (3 ) ,233Co-Author

Efficacy of 3-Month Depot GnRH Agonist in Control of Inappropriate Puberty

Peer Reviewed Publications

Howell, J., Cafasso, M., Backeljauw, P. (2011. ) Superior mesenteric artery syndrome as a presentation of Graves disease in adolescence. Diabetology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, , 18 (3 ) ,

Cafasso, M., Elder, D. A., Blum, S., Weis,T., Hornung, L., Khoury, J., Stenger, . Rose, S.R. (2015. ) Treatment of central precocious puberty using GnRH agonists.The Journal for Nurse Practitioners, , 11 (7 ) ,686-694 More Information

Cafasso, M (2019. ) Patient Advocacy: A Primer on Influencing Healthcare Delivery for Endocrine Patients.Journal Pediatric Nursing, , 45 (March-April ) ,83 -84

Patient Advocacy: A Primer for Influencing Healthcare Delivery for Endocrine Patients

McDowell, M., Cafasso, M., Harris, L. (2023. ) Mental health patients’ perspective on the use of telepsychiatry services. Telemedicine and e-Health, , P-33

Merriweather, C., Cafasso, M. (2023. ) Identifying Concerns and Solutions: Efforts to Improve Nurse Retention. Journal of Pediatric Nursing, , 71 ,143-144

Ruehlmann, H., Cafasso, M, and Varney, S. (2024. ) Acuity-Based Assignments: Implementing a Workload Tool to Influence Nurse Satisfaction and Nurse Turnover .Computer, Informatics Nursing, ,

Hazelrig, C., Cafasso, M. (2024. ) Grandfamilies: Do we know their risks? .The Journal for Nurse Practitioners, ,

Troxel, B. Cafasso, M. Mailyn, J. (2023. ) Developing a clinical practice guideline for lactations support in the pediatric primary care setting. .Journal of Pediatric Healthcare, ,

Karcher, S., Cafasso, M., Humphries, S. (2022. ) Use of online education modules to improve workload scores through accurate charting .Journal of Nursing Quality, ,

Maier, S., Cafasso, M., Dandoy, C. (2022. ) Status post pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplant: Preparing caregivers for discharge .Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, ,

Invited Publications

Cafasso, M. (2019. ) Patient Advocacy: A Primer on Influencing Healthcare Delivery for Endocrine Patients. .Journal Pediatric Nursing, 45 ,83 -84 More Information

Other Publications

Troxel, B., Cafasso, M, and Maylyn, J. (2023. ) Developing a Clinical Practice Guideline for Lactation Support in the Pediatric Primary Care Setting .Journal for Pediatric Nurses,

Book Chapter

Cafasso, Mandi L. (2020 ) Management of Endocrine Disorders Primary Care Pediatrics for the Nurse Practitioner .(pp. 657-675).New York, Springer (Author)

Invited Presentations

Mandi Cafasso (05-2018. ) Grassroots Advocacy: A Necessary Skill in Nursing .Pediatric Endocrine Nurse Society , Bonita Springs, FL. Conference. . Level:National

Mandi Cafasso (03-2018. ) Incrementalism: Beginning a Successful Path to Full Practice Authority .National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners, Chicago, IL. Conference. . Level:National

Mandi Cafasso (04-2017. ) Klinefelter Syndrome: A near miss in a child with congenital hypothyroidism .Pediatric Endocrine Nurse Society, Minneapolis, MN. Conference. . Level:National

Mandi Cafasso (05-2018. ) Ohio Law Update .Ohio Chapter National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners, Columbus, Ohio. Conference. . Level:State

Mandi Cafasso (03-2017. ) Law and Rule for the School Nurse .Ohio Department of Health, Reynoldsburg, Ohio. Professional Meeting. . Level:State

Cafasso, M., Miller, K & Pfister, MP (01-2019. ) APP Advocacy: Beyond the Bedside .Hospital, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. Other Institution. . Level:Local

Cafasso, M. (04-2023. ) Nurses and Health Policy: Why We Need to Be Involved. .Pediatric Endocrinology Nursing Society, San Antonion, TX. Level:International

Riley, A & Cafasso, M. (02-2019. ) Catching up with the times: The state of pediatric obesity and impact of technology based tools .Hospital, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. Other Institution. .

Cafasso, M., Tyson, R., Rollins, S. (2024. ) Labor and Sex Trafficking Overview for Healthcare Professionals .Ohio Association of Advanced Practice Nurses Annual Conference, Columbus, OH. Level:State

Cafasso, M (02-2019. ) APRN Advocacy: Beyond the Bedside .Conference, Cincinnati, OH. Professional Meeting. .

Cafasso, M. (2024. ) Labor and Sex Trafficking Overview for Healthcare Professionals .Kroger Health, Virtual. Level:National

Cafasso, M. (03-2019. ) Precocious puberty .Webinar, Conference. .

Cafasso, M. (2024. ) Labor and Sex Trafficking Overview for Healthcare Professionals .St. Vincent de Paul , Cincinnati, OH. Level:Local

Cafasso, M. (04-2019. ) The Politics that Influence Pediatric Endocrine Care .Hotel, Long Beach, CA. Conference. .

Cafasso, M. (05-2019. ) APRN Advocacy: Beyond the Bedside .University, Athens, Ohio. Conference. .

Cafasso, M. & Harding, K. (06-2021. ) Ohio Law Update .Virtual Webinar, Conference. . Level:State

Cafasso, M. (10-2021. ) Pediatric Endocrine Rapid Fire Session .Conference, Columbus, Ohio. Conference. .

Cafasso, M. (01-2022. ) Pediatric Endocrine Topics .Conference, Louisville, KY. Conference. .

Cafasso, M. & Miller, K. (10-2020. ) Category A: Laws and Rules for APRNs 2020 .Virtual, Cincinnati, Ohio. Other Institution. .

Cafasso, M. (2023. ) Nurses and Health Policy: Why We Need to Be Involved .Pediatric Endocrine Society, San Antonio, Texas. Level:International

Cafasso, M. (03-08-2024. ) Labor and Sex Trafficking Overview for Healthcare Professionals .OAAPN Northwest Regional Conference, Bowling Green, Ohio. Level:Regional

Poster Presentations

Mandi Cafasso, Susan Rose, Tammy Weis, Lindsey Hornung, Jane Khoury, Peggy Stenger, Deborah Elder (06-2012. ) Clinical Efficacy of Three Month Depot GnRH Agonist in Suppression of Central Puberty .Pediatric Endocrine Society, Houston, TX. . Level:National

Mandi Cafasso, Susan Rose, Cindy Jennings, Samantha Blum (04-2009. ) Efficacy of Three Month Depot GnRH Agonist in the Control of Inappropriate Puberty .Pediatric Endocrine Nurse Society, Newport, Rhode Island. . Conference. . Level:National

Cafasso, M., Harding, K. (2022. ) Development of an Online Community and Resource to Foster Faculty-Student Engagement and Success .DNP National Conference, Tampa, FL. . . Level:National

Elliott, T., Cafasso, M., Wrona, S. and Albrecht, J. (03-14-2024. ) Increasing the Feasibility and Sustainability of Kangaroo Care for Premature Infants in the NICU .NAPNAP’s 45th National Conference on Pediatric Health Care, Denver, Colorado. . Level:National

Maier, S. Cafasso, M., and Dandoy, C. (2022. ) Status Post Pediatric Hematopoietic Stem Cel Transplant: Preparing Caregivers for Discharge .American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, Salt Lake, Utah. . Level:National

Jones, A., Cafasso, M. and Owens, E. (2025. ) Development of a Multifaceted Handwashing Education Plan for Kindergarten Students .Annual Ohio State University Advanced Practice Providers Conference, Columbus, OH. . Level:State

Shelpin, L. & Cafasso, M. (2025. ) (Under Review. ) Assessing the changes of resilience and stress levels of parents of children affected by adverse childhood experiences: An evidence based practice project .American Public Health Association 2025 Annual Meeting and Expo, Washington, DC. . Level:National

Garcia, D. Cafasso, M. (2025. ) A Structured Process for Initiating and Documenting Advanced Care Planning Discussions in Adolescent and Young Adult Stem Cell Transplant Patients .Tandem Meetings: Transplantation and Cellular Therapy Meetings of ASTCT, Honolulu, HI. . Level:National

Maina, M. Cafasso, M (2024. ) Motivational Interviewing as a Catalyst for Weight Loss and Lifestyle Changes Among African American Women .DNPs of Color 4th Annual Conference, Philadelphia, PA. . Level:National

Event Organized

Doctoral Showcase Other 04-10-2024 virtual Level:College

Doctoral Showcase Other 04-15-2025 Virtual Level:Local

03-2019 OAAPN Amazing APRN

2021 Advanced Practice Provider Spotlight Honoree Level:Department Type:Recognition

2023 Child Advocate of the Year National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners- Ohio Chapter Status:Recipient Level:State Type:Recognition

11-2024 Loretta C Ford Distinguished Nurse Practitioner Award The Loretta C. Ford Distinguished Nurse Practitioner Award recognizes a member for outstanding contributions to expansion or improvement of pediatric health care, and/or advancement of the profession of pediatric-focused APRNs at the state, national, or international level; awarded annually. The nominee must be a current NAPNAP member. This award is NAPNAP’s highest honor. National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners Status:Nomination Level:National Type:Recognition

Taylor Foley (Doctoral ) Committee Member Status:Completed 2019

Christina Busick (Doctoral ) Committee Member Status:Completed 2019

Temitayo Olagbemi (Doctoral ) Chair Status:Completed

Mallory Widecan (Doctoral ) Chair Status:Completed

Rachel Weber (Doctoral ) Chair Status:Completed

Tina Arstingstall (Doctoral ) Chair Status:Completed

Jennifer Murphy (Doctoral ) Committee Member Status:Completed

Kelsey Byrne (Doctoral ) Chair Status:Completed 12-01-2021

Stephanie Smith (Doctoral ) Chair Status:Completed 05-02-2022

Stephanie Maier (Doctoral ) Chair Status:Completed 05-02-2022

Grizel Baja-Bello (Doctoral ) Chair Status:Completed 05-2022

Suzanne Karcher (Doctoral ) Chair Status:Completed 05-2022

Meagan Blackwell (Doctoral ) Chair Status:Completed

Talia Elliott (Doctoral ) Chair Status:Completed 12-2023

April Stephens (Doctoral ) Committee Member

Ashleigh Horrell (Doctoral ) Chair Status:Completed 12-2022

Cassandra Hazelrig (Doctoral ) Chair Status:Completed 12-2022

Misty McDowell (Doctoral ) Chair Status:Completed 12-2022

Siobhan Tellez (Doctoral ) Chair Status:Completed

Carly Taylor (Doctoral ) Chair Status:Completed 01-2024

Ciara Merriweather (Doctoral ) Chair Status:Completed

Tatiana Degraffenreid (Doctoral ) Chair Status:Completed 08-2023

Hannah Ruelhmann (Doctoral ) Chair Status:Completed 08-2024

Ashley Walters (Doctoral ) Chair Status:Completed 08-2023

Brittany Troxel (Doctoral ) Chair Status:Completed 12-2023

Loren Rawls (Doctoral ) Chair Status:In Progress

Matt Miller (Doctoral ) Chair Status:In Progress

Deborah Meissner (Doctoral ) Chair Status:In Progress

Lakin Shelpin (Doctoral ) Chair Status:In Progress

Sierra Stepp (Doctoral ) Chair Status:In Progress

Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center (Medical Executive Committee ) Elected Member Type:Other Level:Department 01-2016 -01-2018

(Curriculum Council ) Elected Member Type:Departmental Service Level:College 08-2020

(Doctoral Showcase Planning Committee ) Member Type:University/College Service Level:College 08-2020

Ohio Association of Advanced Practice Nurses (Board ) Board Member Type:Service to Professional Associations Level:State 11-01-2019

(Committee for Equity and Inclusive Excellence ) Committee Member Type:University/College Service Level:College 08-01-2022

05-2013-05-2015 Doctorate of Nursing Practice, Otterbein University, , Columbus, Ohio

Legislative Chair Ohio Chapter National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners,

07-2021: Board of Directors Pediatric Endocrine Nurse Society,

Key Person Program Chair Ohio Association for Advanced Practice Nurses- taskforce for full practice authority. Grassroots education chair Ohio Association for Advanced Practice Nurses,

2024: Government Relations Co- Director Ohio Association of Advanced Practice Nurses,

05-2024 -05-2026: President PENS is a voluntary non-profit specialty nursing organization committed to the advancement of the art and science of pediatric endocrine nursing. This commitment includes, but is not limited to: Establishment and continued development of clinical practice guidelines. Establishment of standards of patient and family pediatric endocrinology education. Advancement of knowledge through enhancement of nursing research in pediatric endocrinology. Advancement of clinical expertise in pediatric endocrinology nursing. Promotion of public education regarding pediatric endocrinology issues. Provision of continuing education in the specialty of pediatric endocrinology nursing. Promotion of collaboration between health professionals working in pediatric endocrinology nursing and related subspecialty areas. Promotion and recognition of excellence in pediatric endocrinology nursing practice. Promotion of advocacy for pediatric endocrinology nursing and pediatric healthcare issues. Pediatric Endocrinology Nursing Society,

-NDNP-8001 DNP ROLE SEM Level:Graduate

-NDNP-8002 ROLE SEM DNP APRN Level:Graduate

-NDNP-8002 ROLE SEM DNP APRN Level:Graduate

-NDNP-9030 PLAN MGT PROG PROJ Level:Graduate

-NDNP-9030 PLAN MGT PROG PROJ Level:Graduate

Planning, Management and Evaluation Level:Graduate

DNP Role Seminar Level:Graduate

Practicum I Level:Graduate

DNP Practicum II Level:Graduate

DNP Practicum I Level:Graduate

Planning Management and Evaluation Level:Graduate

DNP Practicum II Level:Graduate

DNP Practicum III Level:Graduate

DNP Role Seminar Level:Graduate

DNP Practicum I Level:Graduate

DNP Practicum II Level:Graduate

DNP Practicum III Level:Graduate

Writing Seminar Level:Graduate

DNP Scholarly Writing Level:Graduate

Planning Management and Evaluation Level:Graduate

DNP Practicum II

DNP Practicum III Level:Graduate

DNP Practicum I

Planning Management and Evaluation Level:Graduate

DNP Practicum III Level:Graduate

Writing Seminar Level:Graduate

DNP Role Seminar Level:Graduate

DNP Practicum I Level:Graduate

DNP Practicum II Level:Graduate

DNP Scholarly Writing Level:Graduate

Planning Management and Evaluation Level:Graduate

DNP Practicum II Level:Graduate

DNP Practicum III Level:Graduate

Writing Seminar Level:Graduate

-NDNP-8002 ROLE SEM DNP APRN Level:Graduate

-NDNP-9025 DNP PRACTICUM I Level:Graduate

-NDNP-9030 PLAN MGT PROG PROJ Level:Graduate

-NDNP-9035 DNP PRACTICUM II Level:Graduate

-NDNP-9038 DNP PRACTICUM III Level:Graduate

-NDNP-9040 DNP CAPSTONE Level:Graduate

-NDNP-9042 CAPSTONE SEMINAR Level:Graduate

Academic - College of Nursing
P.O. Box 210038
Cincinnati  Ohio, 45221
Barcikml@ucmail.uc.edu