WHO WE ARE

TAMARA D. OTEY PHD, RN

Assistant Professor

BISHOP & MRS. VICTOR UZOSIKE

Presiding Bishop Kingdom Life Gospel Outreach Ministries International Inc. (KLGOMI)

RHONDA NELSON

MPA, RN

ANNETTE KINNARD

RDH

DR. LONNELL GANT

DNP

Get Involved

RESEARCH PARTICIPANTS BILL OF RIGHTS

Growing Trees International Ministry requires that any person asked to take part as a subject in a research study will be asked to consent to such participation and they are entitled to receive the following list of rights written in a language in which the person is fluent. This list includes the right to:

  1. Be informed of the nature and purpose of the study.
  2. Be given an explanation of the procedures to be followed in the study, and any drug or device to be utilized.
  3. Be given a description of any potential discomforts and risks reasonably to be expected from the study.
  4. Be given an explanation of any benefits to the subject reasonably to be expected from the study, if applicable.
  5. Be given a disclosure of any appropriate alternative procedures, drugs or devices that might be advantageous to the subject, and their relative risks and benefits.
  6. Be informed of ongoing available medical support to subjects, if needed after the study, should complications arise related to the study.
  7. Be given an opportunity to ask any questions concerning the study or the procedures involved.
  8. Be instructed that consent to participate in the study may be withdrawn at any time and the subject may discontinue participation in the study without prejudice.
  9. Be given a copy of the signed and dated written consent form if applicable.
  10. Be given the opportunity to decide to consent or not to consent to a study without any element of force, fraud, deceit, duress, coercion, or undue influence on the subject’s decision.

We welcome you to apply if you are:

  • In good health
  • 18 years of age or older
  • Healthcare professionals who are currently licensed with at least 2 years of experience in any setting/field
  • Passionate about using your skills to help people in Africa who have no access to medical care
  • Willing to commit one hour per month for orientation/conference calls prior to the mission
  • Comfortable working with a Christian organization

If you would like to mail or email the form, please complete the form and return it to:

Growing Trees International Ministry

16784 North Fork Ridge Dr. 

Florissant, MO 63034


United States

Or email to:
growingtreesinternational@gmail.com

Apply Now

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NAME:  Tamara D. Otey

eRA COMMONS USER NAME (credential, e.g., agency login):  txo0920

POSITION TITLE:  Assistant Professor

EDUCATION/TRAINING (Begin with baccalaureate or other initial professional education, such as nursing, include postdoctoral training and residency training if applicable. Add/delete rows as necessary.)

INSTITUTION AND LOCATION

DEGREE

(if applicable)

Completion Date

MM/YYYY

FIELD OF STUDY

Jewish Hospital School of Nursing


University of Memphis


Union University


Indiana University

RN Diploma


BSN


MSN


PhD 

06/1984


12/2000


12/2003


01/2015

Nursing


Nursing


Nursing


Nursing Science

Minor in Public Health

  1. Personal Statement

I will serve as the primary investigator on this research training grant. I have the background and expertise to participate in qualitative and community-based participatory research. My research area is global health disparities and HIV prevention. I have developed an interactive CD on HIV basics and prevention for African American female adolescents. The purpose of my dissertation research was describe the perceptions of African American faith-based leaders regarding African Americans with HIV and their ability and willingness to identify and employ faith-based solutions to decrease the number of African Americans contracting HIV in the community where their faith-based organization resides. I also have the expertise, leadership, training, organizational skills, experience, and motivation necessary to successfully carry out the medical mission in Port Harcourt, and Ezinihitte Mbaise, Nigeria. Our first trip to Nigeria was in 2004 and we immediately discovered that we did not bring enough supplies. There is a lack of access to medical care. We returned to Nigeria with medical mission teams in 2007, 2008, 2010 – 2017 to provide medical care to families living in extreme impoverished conditions. Over 5000 (5 thousand) less privileged Nigerian people benefited from the free medical care, oral hygiene supplies, and food during our recent trips. We are transitioning from short term medical mission trips to a sustainable research community clinic for the treatment of communicable and non-communicable diseases. The land for the clinic has been donated by the community and the clinic building is currently under construction. I hope to continue my research under the Mentored Research Science Development Award in global health.

  1. Positions and Honors 

Positions and Employment

January 2016 – Present

Goldfarb School of Nursing at Barnes Jewish College

2005 – 2015

University of Memphis, Loewenberg School of Nursing

1984 – 2005

Methodist Healthcare

Other Experience and Professional Memberships

2003

Tau Iota Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing

2007

National League of Nursing 

2015

Faith Community Nursing International, Board Member

Honors

April 2001

Outstanding Community Student Nursing Award 2000 – 2001, 

University of Memphis

April 2003

Sigma Theta Tau International Induction, Union University 

Fall 2007 & 2008

Students Choice for Outstanding Clinical Faculty, University of Memphis

January 2016

September 30, 2016

Andrew Award, Connect 2 Protect, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Barnes Jewish College Alumni Association’s 2016 Distinguish Alumni Award Recipient

Selected Peer-reviewed Publications and Presentations

  1. Otey, T. D. (2017, April 2-4). American Association for Colleges of Nursing’s Global Alliance for Leadership in Nursing Education and Science 3rd International Conference. Oral presentation. “Faith Community Nursing Education in Nigeria as Preparation for Community Based Participatory Research”.  
  2. Otey. T. D. (2016, October 20) 10th Annual Multidisciplinary Research Conference. Eric P. Neuman Education Center. Washington University Medical Center. Poster Presentation. A Mid-South Perspective: African American Faith-based Organizations, HIV, and Stigma.
  3. Otey, T. D., & Miller, W. R. (2016, Sept.-Oct.). A Mid-South Perspective: African American Faith-based Organizations, HIV, and Stigma. Journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care, 27(5), 623-634. doi:10.1016/j.jana.2016.04.002 
  4. Otey, T. D., Mbok, S., Izang, I. A. and Ibe, T. (August 22 – 24, 2017). Faith Community Nursing Basic Foundation Course. Contact hours 28.5 over 3 days. Kingdom Life Gospel Outreach Ministries International Inc. Port Harcourt, Nigeria. 
  5. Otey, T. D. (2015, November, 17). MidSouth HIV Conference. Better Together: Getting to Zero in the MidSouth. Oral Presentation: “A MidSouth Perspective: African American Faith-based Leaders, HIV, and Stigma.”
  6. Otey T. D. (2015, April 17-19) Midwest Nursing Research Society Conference. Poster Presentation on dissertation research. “The Perception of African American Faith-based Organizations Regarding African American with HIV.”
  7. Otey T. D. GANES Conference: Catalyzing Nursing Education and Scholarship for Global Health in Miami, FL April 2 – April 4, 2017. Oral presentation titled: “Faith Community Nursing Education in Nigeria as Preparation for Community Based Participatory Research”
  8. Otey T. D. Tau Iota Research Day. Goldfarb School of Nursing. 2017, May 18. St. Louis, MO. Poster presentation titled: “Empowering Interprofessional Team to Address the Healthcare Needs in Nigeria through Community-based Participatory Research.”
  9. Otey T. D. Multidisciplinary Research Conference, Eric P. Newman Education Center, St. Louis, MO. 2017, October 25. Poster presentation titled: “Empowering Interprofessional Team to Address the Healthcare Needs in Nigeria through Community-based Participatory Research.”
  10. Otey T. D. 44th Biennial Convention Sigma theta Tau International in Indianapolis, IN October 28 – November 1, 2017. Oral Presentation titled: “Empowering Interprofessional Team to Address the Healthcare Needs in Nigeria through Community-based Participatory Research.”
  11. Otey T. D. Barnes-Jewish College Diverse Nurses Connection. Health Care Disparities Seminar. February 8, 2018. St. Louis, MO. Guest speaker oral presentation titled: Culturally Competent Care from knowledge to action.
  12. Otey T. D. 2018 Westberg Symposium for Faith Community Nursing. April 9-11, 2018. Memphis, TN. Oral Presentation titled: “Coaching Interprofessional Multicultural Team in Nigeria for Community Research.”
  13. Otey T. D. 46th Annual National Black Nurses Association Institute and Conference. St. Louis, MO. July 31 – August 4, 2018. Oral Presentation titled: Capacity building through developing information and communication technology for health care delivery in rural Nigeria
  1. Contribution to Science
  1. International Studies – Dominican Republic Mission – University of Memphis, Loewenberg School of Nursing faculty and students – October 8 – 14, 2008. We saw approximately 70 families per day at 3 different sites.
  2. International Studies – Dominican Republic – University of Memphis, Loewenberg School of Nursing Faculty and Students – March 3 – 8, 2008.  We saw approximately 70 families per day at 3 different sites.
  3. Nigeria Medical Mission Trip. September 14 – 26, 2004. Temple of Deliverance Church of God in Christ (COGIC). Team Leader. Health screening at two sites in Nigeria: Port Harcourt and Oyigbo LGA of Rivers State.
  4. Nigeria Medical Missions Trip. October 20 – 29, 2007. Temple of Deliverance Church of God in Christ. Team Leader. Health screening at three sites in Nigeria: Rumueme Community in Obio/Akpor LGA of Rivers State, Rumukalagbor Community in Port Harcourt City LGA of Rivers State, and Ezinihitte Mbaise, Imo State, Nigeria
  5. Nigerian Medical Mission Trip. June 17 – July 16, 2008. Temple of Deliverance Church of God in Christ. Team Leader. Health screening at two sites in Nigeria: Rumueme Community in Obio/Akpor LGA of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and Ezinihitte Mbaise, Imo State, Nigeria
  6. Nigeria Medical Missions Trip. March 7 – 20, 2010. Temple of Deliverance Church of God in Christ. Team Leader. Health screening at two sites in Nigeria: Rumueme Community in Obio/Akpor LGA of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and Ezinihitte Mbaise, Imo State, Nigeria
  7. Nigeria Medical Mission Trip. August 2 – August 19, 2011. Temple of Deliverance COGIC. Team Leader. Health screening at two sites in Nigeria: Rumueme Community in Obio/Akpor LGA of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and Ezinihitte Mbaise, Imo State, Nigeria. Due to global warming, a well has been provided their which serves approximately 1600 people daily.
  8. Nigerian Medical Mission Trip. August 1 – 17, 2012. Team Leader. Health screening at two sites in Nigeria: Rumueme Community in Obio/Akpor LGA of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and Ezinihitte Mbaise, Imo State, Nigeria. Ground breaking ceremony for the construction of a medical clinic in Ezinihitte Mbaise.
  9. Nigerian Medical Mission Trip. August 7 – 16, 2013. Team Leader. Health screening at two sites in Nigeria: Rumueme Community in Obio/Akpor LGA of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and Ezinihitte Mbaise, Imo State, Nigeria.
  10. Nigerian Medical Mission Trip. July 29 – August 13, 2014. Team Leader. Health screening at two sites in Nigeria: Rumueme Community in Obio/Akpor LGA of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and Ezinihitte Mbaise, Imo State, Nigeria. Cases of Ebola were reported in Nigeria. Educational offerings on Ebola given to the community.
  11. STD/HIV screening with University of Memphis community nursing students in Lambuth and the Jackson Madison County Health Department on the campus of Lane University 2/7/14. National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.
  12. 2015 Nigerian Medical Mission Trip. Team Leader. July 28 – August 12, 2015. Health screening in Rumueme Community in Obio/Akpor LGA of Port Harcourt only due to political instability after presidential elections. 
  13. 2016 Nigerian Medical Mission Trip. Team Leader. August 16 – September 1, 2016. Health screening at Ezinihitte Mbaise, Imo State, Nigeria only.
  14. 2017 Nigerian Medical Mission Trip. Team Leader. August 14 – September 2, 2017. Health screening at two sites in Nigeria: Rumueme Community in Obio/Akpor LGA of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and Ezinihitte Mbaise, Imo State, Nigeria.



  1. Research Support

           Thesis Scholarly Project: “Sista, Let Keep It Real,” Reducing HIV in African American Adolescent 

Females Through Community Involvement. July 21, 2003, August 1, 2003, and August 22, 2003 – Memphis Urban League; Memphis Shelby County Central Library & the Youth Diagnostic Assessment Center – Union University MSN Scholarly Project/Interactive CD-ROM on HIV/AIDS Prevention. 

 

          Dissertation Research: “The Perception of African American Faith-based Organization Regarding 

African Americans with HIV.” Qualitative Research. Interviewed thirty faith-based leaders whose faith-based organization resides in zip code areas know to have high levels of HIV in community to discuss their perception of HIV in their communities and the role they perceive to have towards solutions. Defended Dissertation Nov. 13, 2014. Article published in the Journal of Nurses in AIDS Care, Sept./Oct. 2016, A Mid-South Perspective: African American Faith-based Leaders, HIV, Stigma.


Pilot Grant Award

Goldfarb School of Nursing

Office of Nursing Research


              Otey (PI)


08/16/2016 – 09/01/2016

Title: Nigeria Faith Community Nurse (FCN) Training as Preparation for Research Projects. Throughout the nine years of performing short term medical missions, there has not been any orientation or training class for current healthcare professional volunteers and other to ensure volunteers are prepared clinically or culturally. The purpose of the grant was to fund FCN training for orientation to community assessment and wholistic care (physically, psychologically, and spiritually). The international version of the FCN curriculum was used for the training classes. Awarded $5,000.

Pilot Grant Award

Goldfarb School of Nursing

Office of Nursing Research

Otey (PI)

08/14/2017 – 09/02/2017

    Title: Setting Parameters for Healthcare Research in Rural Nigerian Proposal. There are two main 

    problems this proposal addressed. The majority of the Ezinihitte Mbaise community has not received

    any health care information on diabetes, hypertension and HIV prevention and treatment. A large 

    percentage of the community cannot speak British-English; they only communicate in their native

    language, Igbo. Some community members we have been seen before, but we have not been able 

    to store accurate patient information to provide follow-up care. The purpose of this grant was to 

    establish information technology tools (1 laptop and 2 tablets) and health education in their language 

    which resulted in better quality of life and healthcare for this community. Awarded 10,000.

 

  1. Ongoing Research

Missouri Baptist Medical Center Research Tamara Otey (PI) April 18, 2017 – present

Titled: Improving Nursing Assessment and Treatment of Dyspnea Using the Respiratory Distress Observation Scale (RDOS). The overall objective of this study is to learn whether the implementation of a respiratory assessment tool, the Respiratory Distress Observation Scale (RDOS), will assist nurses in providing improved care for patients who are unable to self-report dyspnea and experiencing respiratory distress. The study will also assess whether use of the RDOS improves nurse confidence in respiratory assessment skills. Scheduled to be completed by October 2018. Awarded $10,000.

NAME: Victor C. Uzosike

eRA COMMONS USER NAME (credential, e.g., agency login): N/A

POSITION TITLE: Presiding Bishop Kingdom Life Gospel Outreach Ministries International Inc. (KLGOMI)

EDUCATION/TRAINING (Begin with baccalaureate or other initial professional education, such as nursing, include postdoctoral training and residency training if applicable. Add/delete rows as necessary.)

INSTITUTION AND LOCATION

DEGREE

(if applicable)

Completion Date

MM/YYYY

FIELD OF STUDY

All Nations For Christ Bible Institute 

Benin City, Nigeria


All Nations For Christ Bible Institute

Benin City, Nigeria


International Ministerial Council of Great Britain Bible Institute, Affiliate of University of London through Institute of Community Development Study (ICDS).

London, England

Diploma 



AA



Honorary Doctorate

12/1987



1988



1999

Theology & Practical Church Ministry


Theology 



Divinity

    
  1. Personal Statement

 

Bishop Victor C. Uzosike is a man with a passion to see men become all that God has made them to be. He is called of God to help discover and fulfill their destinies hence he is known as the Apostle of Destiny. Kingdom Life Gospel Church has branches and partners in other cities of Nigeria and is making impact all over the world; taking the gospel and power of Christ and recovery of Destiny to different parts of Asia Europe, America and Africa. 

 

Bishop Uzosike became passionate about healthcare by observing correctable conditions go untreated due to lack of access to health care services. He desired to assist his members and his community to receive healthcare. The church that Bishop Uzosike pastors has healthcare professionals who are members including physicians and nurses. They have been collaborating with Tamara Otey and United States healthcare professionals over the past twelve years performing medical outreaches in the following communities: Umueleagwa – Onicha, Ezinihitte, Mbaise in Imo State, Rumueme Community in Obio/Akpor LGA of Rivers State, Rumukalagbor Community in Port Harcourt City LGA of Rivers State, Oyigbo LGA of Rivers State, and Yenagoa in Bayelsa State. Currently, he is in the process of building a clinic in Mbaise, Imo, State, Nigeria. 

 

In every trip, thousands of lives have been touched, pregnant women received pre-natal drugs with proper medical check-ups and all kinds of drugs ranging from diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure, anti-biotic for all kinds of venereal disease and people were treated for different bacterial infection.



  1. Positions and Honors 

 

Positions and Employment

1994 – Present

Pastor of Kingdom Life Gospel Church

2009 – Present

Presiding Bishop, Kingdom Life Gospel Outreach Ministries Int’l

2007 – Present

2006 – Present

1997 – Present

President, Spirit Filled Bible Institute

Founder, Jesus Mission Centre, Mbaise, Imo State, Nigeria

Host, Hour of Destiny TV Network



Other Experience and Professional Memberships

7/11/2009

13/6/2007

3/4/2015

Member, Board of Trustees, The Bishops Forum, Nigeria.

Presiding Bishop/President,

Spirit Filled Int’l Network of Gospel Ministries/Churches (With 400 Churches)

Honors

11/12/2009

7/11/2009

United Nations Peace (POLAC); Appointment as Ambassador of Peace

Bishopric ordination by the Word of Faith College of Bishops

1/1/2008

30/7/2006


12/2017

Friend of Israel

Gospel Legacy Award by the Centre for Leadership & Policy Studies Inc. Nigeria

“Icon of Nation Building In Africa” Award from the West African Student’s Union Parliament (WASUP)

  
  
  1. Publications 
  1. Uzosike, V. C. (2017). Power in Your DNA
  2. Uzosike, V. C. (2013). Covenant Control: All You Need To Bring God Into Your Situation.   
  3. Uzosike, V. C. (2010). Your Place of Welcome.
  4. Uzosike, V. C. (2008). Living in Power: The Kingdom, the Dominion, and the Greatness of the Kingdom.



  1. Research Support

Dr. Victor Uzosike is the immigration mentor and sponsor for the medical outreach and research studies. He submits letters of invitation, accepts immigration responsibility and financial support for the duration of the study so that Principal Investigator (PI) and staff can apply and receive Nigerian visas for entrance in the country. Dr. Uzosike also coordinates security coverage from the Federal Police in Nigeria for the duration of each visit of the research team while in Nigeria. Contact to state and local governmental authorities are realized through Dr. Uzosike’s influence and partnerships.

Dr. Lonnell Gant, DNP, FNP-BC is a native of Memphis, Tennessee.  She began her quest for helping people at an early age.  She was taught by the example of her parents to serve others; passing out food baskets and serving meals. She volunteered at a local hospital in the summers.  The time she spent volunteering at the hospital was one of the first encounters that sparked her interest in healthcare.  

She attended undergraduate school at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville.  In 1996, she received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. While in college, she opted to spend spring break volunteering.  She participated in relief efforts for Hurricane Andrew in 1992 in Miami, Florida and The Great Flood of 1993 in Ohio.

As a Registered Nurse, she has worked at the Shelby County Health Department as a Community Health Nurse in the Tuberculosis Department.    She was appointed to coordinate Shelby County’s Tuberculosis Outreach for the Hispanic Community.  She learned Spanish to communicate with her patients.

Her interest in Forensic Medicine caused her to pursue her Master’s degree in Nursing   at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center graduating in 2006.  She is nationally certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner.  She has worked in the following areas in Shelby County, TN: a Forensic Nurse Examiner at the Rape Center and a Correctional Healthcare Provider for over 10 years.  She obtained her certification from National Commission on Correctional Health Care. As the paradigm of educational level for Nurse Practitioners (NP) shifted curriculum to use evidence-based research in the delivery of patient care, she felt compelled to return to school.  She completed a Doctorate Nursing in Practice in 2015. She currently works at the Veteran’s Hospital in Shelby County.  Her areas of concentration are Endocrinology and Lipidology.  

Her love for travelling and passion to help others led her to her first international mission trip.  Initially, she travelled to Port Harcourt and Lagos, Nigeria. The mission trip had a dual purpose, providing medical and evangelistic services.  This mission trip opened the door for a long-lasting relationship with the citizens of Port Harcourt through fellowship with Pastor Dr. Victor Uzosike, D.D.  This prolonged bond encouraged Dr. Tamara Otey, PHD to launch Growing Trees International a non-profit organization.  Dr. Gant serves as one of the board of directors for this organization.  

She loves God with all her heart and enjoys serving in the church. She attends St. Luke Church of God in Christ in Olive Branch, MS, USA.  In her local assembly, she has worked with the health ministry team, served as the leader of the youth department and is a credentialed Evangelist in the Church of God in Christ, Inc.  When she is not at church, she loves travelling the world with her family and friends.  She loves music and animals.