Nursing professor Christa Rieger initially came to PUC on a recommendation from a coworker. She was hired as one of PUC’s nursing clinical instructors in 2017 and decided to stay to stay due to the beauty of the Napa Valley, the team she works with, and some of the amazing students who are now her coworkers. In 2021, Christa came on board as a full-time professor for the nursing department. 

What do you appreciate the most about your department?

The kindness, thoughtfulness, love, and care. I have never felt more part of a team than I do with the team I work with at PUC.

What do you want people to know about your department?

We are an amazing department!

Do you have a morning/afternoon routine to prepare for your classes?

I like to set up my classes over the summer so I can review them at the beginning of each quarter, make adjustments, and be ready to go. I also review my classes for the week the Sunday before. It makes me nervous if I’m not prepared. 

What is your favorite thing about being a part of the Pioneers community?

We are constantly growing, changing, and learning new things.  We are working as a community to make a future that is bright and full of promise!

Do you have a favorite place to eat in the Napa Valley? 

I like Gott’s for their salads and fries, Farmstead for the atmosphere and food, and Café Sarafornia in Calistoga because it has a cozy atmosphere, and my husband likes it.  

Where is your dream vacation?

Someday, I would love to go to Belize or Switzerland.

What would students be surprised to find out about you?

I live on 14 acres and have eight cows, three dogs, two pigs, 18 chickens, and a horse, and I am a boy mom in a very boy house!

Finish this sentence: On Sunday mornings you can find me…

Finishing up what I didn’t get done the week before and getting ready for the week ahead. If I did well in planning all week, I have time to enjoy the animals and property.