Cynthia Backer

Instructor, School of Nursing

Before joining UP’s nursing faculty, Cynthia Backer worked with Kaiser Permanente Northwest’s Ambulatory Care & Optimization as a professional development consultant R.N. Cynthia’s work has encompassed nursing and education for over 38 years. She graduated with her bachelor of science in nursing from St. Olaf College in Minnesota and began her nursing career in pediatrics, followed by cardiac rehabilitation in Wisconsin and ambulatory care in Oregon. She obtained her master of art in teaching at Lewis & Clark College and taught elementary and middle school in the Portland area for eight years. Cynthia returned to nursing in hospice, then nursing education in Oregon and Arizona. Following her certification in holistic nursing, she obtained her master’s in integrative health from National University. Cynthia established Purple Shoes Wellness where she sees clients, consults, and provides wellness education. One of her ventures, Gemini Desserts, provided gluten-free/vegan desserts and nutrition education. A certified health and wellness nurse coach, Cynthia is on the board of the Northwest Integrative Health Professionals and was the American Holistic Nurses Association lead for Oregon.  She teaches integrative health locally and at national conferences, participates in juried art shows with her art quilts, and continues to create desserts. Cynthia enjoys time with family and friends, traveling, yoga, movies, collecting rocks, and spending time outdoors.