Maia Holtzhower is a dedicated nursing educator and forensic nurse with over a decade of emergency and critical care experience. She currently serves as a Lecturer at Kennesaw State University’s Wellstar School of Nursing. Maia holds a Master of Science in Nursing Education and is nationally certified as a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE-A) and a Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN).

In addition to her academic role, Maia is the lead SANE trainer at the KSU SAFE Center, where she combines clinical expertise with advocacy to support survivors of violence. She is an active member of several professional organizations, including the Emergency Nurses Association, the National League for Nursing, and the International Association of Forensic Nurses. Her recent scholarship focuses on curriculum reform aligned with the 2021 AACN Essentials and the design of trauma-informed spaces in forensic care environments.

Known for her innovative teaching methods and strong student mentorship, Maia was recognized in 2024 as an Expanding the NEST Innovator by KSU’s Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning.