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Experts Interviewed on NursingColleges.com
Dr. Andrew Nydegger is the president of the Utah Nurses Association. He was born and raised in Utah.
Before becoming a registered nurse, Dr. Nydegger served as a Korean translator in the US Air Force. During his service, he became ill and became a nurse to pay forward the excellent care he received. He earned a BSN from the University of Utah, an MSN from Western Governors University, and a DNP from Samford University. Dr. Nydegger was recently awarded the Distinguished Graduate Alumni Award from Western Governors University for his work in nursing education and professional advocacy.
Angela Henry, a distinguished trauma surgical intensive care and emergency department RN at Oregon Health Science University (OHSU) in Portland, Oregon, has been a vital asset to trauma care and emergency nursing since her career began in 2014. Her expertise and unwavering dedication were shaped significantly after earning a bachelor of science in nursing from the University of Vermont. This foundational experience at the University of Vermont Medical Center, where she honed her skills across various critical care units, set the stage for her to tackle complex challenges in her field.
Henry’s breadth of knowledge expanded as she worked as an emergency department travel nurse across several hospitals before taking on a pivotal role at OHSU, a major referral center. Beyond her clinical roles, she has dedicated over 7,000 hours to volunteering as an advanced emergency medical technician and participating in global health initiatives, such as Project Chacocente in Nicaragua. Holding prestigious certifications like TCRN, ACLS, and PALS, she exemplifies the pinnacle of professional development and excellence in nursing, profoundly impacting patient care and embodying the highest standards of her profession.
Dr. Annalou Stasilli is the founder of Care Management Solutions and a registered nurse and certified case manager in Oklahoma. She recently graduated from the OU Fran and Earl Ziegler College of Nursing with a DNP degree, becoming an adult geriatric clinical nurse specialist (AG-CNS).
With 15 years of nursing experience, primarily in community-based care management, Dr. Stasilli leverages her unique expertise to enhance the health and well-being of older adults living with chronic conditions in Oklahoma. She focuses on working with this population in home and community settings, aiming to improve their overall quality of life.
April Rowe is a versatile health writer, editor, and journalist based in Greenville, South Carolina. With a robust background in nursing and a passion for effective communication, Rowe has carved out a niche as a health content expert. Her extensive experience includes roles as a magazine editor, proofreader, ghostwriter, and tech reviewer. She specializes in crafting compelling CEU content, newsletters, and various health-related articles aimed at professionals and the general public.
Since May 2022, Rowe has contributed her unique insights and expertise to RNtoPen, which focuses on delivering high-quality, accurate health content. Additionally, Rowe serves part-time as a neonatal intensive care nurse at Prisma Health, a role she has held since December 2022. Her hands-on experience in the NICU, working with critically ill newborns, informs her writing and enhances her ability to convey complex medical concepts with clarity and empathy.
Rowe’s dual roles as a NICU nurse and a health writer allow her to blend clinical expertise with exceptional writing skills, making her an invaluable resource in the health and medical fields. Her dedication to fostering a deeper understanding of healthcare topics is evident in her meticulous and informative content, which aims to educate and empower her audience.
Ashly Jean currently works as an ER travel nurse and runs a website dedicated to travel nursing called The Travel Nurse Life.
During her spare time, Jean enjoys life with her two cats, Luna & Charlie, and runs a side business as an IV Hydration SEO consultant.
Dr. Betty Rambur is a nationally recognized nursing leader and professor at the University of Rhode Island’s College of Nursing, where she holds the Routhier Endowed Chair for Practice and has served as interim dean. Her career spans over three decades, focusing on healthcare payment reform, ethics, workforce redesign, and value-based care. She is a commissioner on the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) and a fellow of the American Academy of Nursing.
Dr. Rambur has been instrumental in shaping health policy, contributing to population health initiatives, reducing disparities, and advocating innovative care models such as virtual and primary care nursing.
Dr. Rambur has authored the influential textbook, Health Care Finance, Economics, and Policy for Nurses: A Foundational Guide, now in its second edition, which supports nurses navigating evolving healthcare systems. She led North Dakota’s statewide health reform efforts and has received numerous honors, including the Lois Capps Policy Luminary Award in 2024 for her outstanding contributions to nursing and health policy. Her work extends to advisory roles in Rhode Island’s health committees, reflecting her commitment to improving healthcare systems through nursing leadership and policy transformation.
Brandon Uribe is a dedicated and skilled medical-surgical nurse. He holds a BSN from Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) and an ADN from Clatsop Community College. He has built a commendable career focused on providing exceptional acute care to general medical and surgical patients.
With a specialization that includes telemetry, Uribe’s expertise allows him to offer high-quality care to patients experiencing a wide range of conditions requiring surgical intervention and medical management.
Dr. Carolyn Harmon is a professor and the director of healthcare leadership, nursing informatics, and nursing education programs at the University of South Carolina. Previously, she worked as a nurse scientist at the Center for Nursing Advancement, Appalachian Highlands and the State of Tennessee. She has also served as president of the American Nursing Informatics Association. She has a nurse scientist PhD from the University of South Carolina and an executive leadership DNP from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Since 2010, Dr. Harmon has been nationally disseminating her scholarly work in informatics, showcasing her dedication to advancing healthcare practices. Notably, her research on the unintended consequences of Electronic Health Records, featured by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality’s Patient Safety Network in October 2023, underscores her impactful contributions to patient safety and quality of care.
Dr. Catherine Paradiso is an assistant professor at the College of Staten Island City University of New York School of Health Science. She is also an adult nurse practitioner and psychiatric nurse practitioner with a history of diverse experience in advanced practice and senior leadership roles within the nursing community. She is a member of several professional associations, such as the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and the New York State Nurse Practitioner Association. Dr. Paradiso is also an inductee of the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society. Her commitment to nursing excellence and community service has earned her many awards and recognitions.
Her scholarly contributions, particularly in transgender health, underscore Dr. Paradiso’s passion for emerging health needs and underrepresented populations. Her research has been widely recognized and presented at various regional conferences. Her education, which includes a DNP from the University of Buffalo and multiple degrees from institutions such as Stonybrook University and Rutgers University, complements her extensive publication record.
Cheryl Peterson is the Vice President of Nursing Programs at the American Nurses Association (ANA). She earned her BSN from the University of Cincinnati and her MSN from Georgetown University. In her role at the ANA, Peterson provides senior leadership to the departments responsible for guiding policy development and advises the ANA CEO, President, and membership on the full range of policy and practice issues facing the nursing profession.
As part of her policy portfolio, Peterson is responsible for managing ANA’s participation within the International Council of Nurses and supporting the development and implementation of quality indicators affecting patients, nurses, and the entire healthcare team. Since coming to ANA in 1990, she has developed expertise in several areas, including political education and campaign involvement; lobbying issues related to labor, employment, trade, and immigration; and policy development on the supply of and demand for nursing services.
Dr. Christopher Blackwell is the director of the adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner program and associate professor at the University of Central Florida. In addition to being in academia, he has been an active nurse practitioner for more than 20 years, currently providing care in pulmonary critical care.
He has a dedicated interest in LGBTQ health. He has spent extensive time studying high-risk sexual decision-making in gay and bisexual men who meet online, HPV vaccination knowledge in gay and bisexual men, and levels of homophobia and attitudes among professional nurses regarding discrimination against LGBTQ nurses in the workplace. He is also the associate editor of the Journal for Nurse Practitioners.
Christopher Battelli is an oncology nurse at Palo Alto Medical Foundation, where he coordinates care for patients with cancer and blood disorders. Previously, he completed a nursing residency at Stanford Hospital, working in medical oncology and bone marrow transplant on an adjustable acuity unit. During his tenure at Stanford, Battelli was involved in committees focused on preventing bloodstream infections and promoting staff wellness, earning him the “Employee of the Quarter” award in Fall 2022. He also delivered the keynote speech at the Stanford Nurse Residency graduation, emphasizing the role of nurses as innovators in healthcare. Before his nursing career, Battelli graduated summa cum laude from the University of Colorado College of Nursing at Anschutz Medical Campus, receiving the Student Leadership Award in 2021.
Dr. Curry Bordelon is part of the faculty at the UAB School of Nursing. He has more than 28 years of experience as a nurse and nurse practitioner specializing in neonatal care of premature infants. He has extensive leadership experience as the lead nurse practitioner in three neonatal intensive care units and is a board member for various professional nursing organizations.
As an award-winning nurse educator, Dr. Bordelon specializes in innovative teaching methodologies, simulation, and nursing curricula development and evaluation. He has many publications and educational grants and speaks at national, state, and local conferences.
Dawn Sheldon is a registered nurse and accomplished writer specializing in creating high-quality, engaging, and accessible content for the healthcare, science, and biotech industries.
With a master of science in nursing with a concentration in management and leadership from Walden University and an associate of science in nursing from Century College, she combines her clinical expertise with strong communication skills to deliver informative and easy-to-understand content. Her work is featured on platforms such as Verywell Health, Healthnews, and Epoch Times, where she covers various topics designed to educate and inform diverse audiences in the medical field. She maintains her clinical skills by continuing to practice dialysis nursing.
Dr. Devon Noonan is Dorothy L. Powell Term Chair of Nursing and an associate professor at Duke University School of Nursing (DUSON). She received her BSN at Boston College, her MSN at Georgetown University, her MPH and PhD at the University of Virginia, and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Michigan.
Dr. Noonan’s research is focused on using community-engaged approaches to develop innovative health behavior change interventions, including digital interventions, to reduce risk for chronic diseases including cancer and cardiovascular disease. NCI has continuously funded her for the past five years to examine text-based intervention approaches for tobacco cessation in rural and medically underserved populations. Dr. Noonan teaches and mentors students across all programs at DUSON and is the co-director of the Duke National Clinician Scholars Program. She received the SNRS Mid-Career Researcher Award in 2023.
Dr. Carol Savrin stands out as a distinguished faculty member at Case Western Reserve University, blending extensive expertise in nursing practice and education with a commitment to advancing healthcare across all age groups. Holding dual certifications as a pediatric nurse practitioner and family nurse practitioner, she channels her passion into teaching advanced practice nursing with a focus on pediatric and family programs, alongside championing combination tracks, inter-professional initiatives, and the DNP program. Her dedication extends beyond teaching to active research in adolescent health promotion and diet and advocating for inter-professional collaboration to enhance patient outcomes.
Dr. Savrin’s contributions have earned her recognition as a fellow in the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, highlighting her role as a leader in shaping nursing education and promoting a collaborative, holistic approach to healthcare.
Dr. Elena Geiger-Simpson is a clinical assistant professor at the University of Minnesota School of Nursing. She earned her DNP from the University of Minnesota. As part of her role, she mentors, advises, and precepts DNP students. She also holds a certificate in integrative therapies and healing practices.
Dr. Geiger-Simpson has presented on a wide variety of topics related to psychiatry and mental health at nursing symposiums and conferences. In 2021, she received the DAISY Exceptional Mentor Award. She is a member of the Integrative Health and Healing (IHH) Knowledge Representation Research Team at UMN.
Dr. Evelyn Duffy earned her MS in gerontological and adult advanced practice nursing at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and her DNP from Case Western Reserve University, where she received the Dean’s Legacy Award. She is the Florence Cellar Professor of Gerontological Nursing at Case Western Reserve University, where she has been on faculty since 1989.
Dr. Duffy directs the adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner program and serves as associate director of the University Center on Aging and Health. She practices internal medicine at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center and co-authored the textbook Advanced Practice Nursing in the Care of Older Adults (3rd edition).
Dr. Duffy, a fellow of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners since 2007, served as president of the Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association (GAPNA) from 2011–2012. Her awards include the 2009 GAPNA Excellence in Education Award, the 2018 GAPNA Foundation Dave Butler Spirit Award, and the 2021 GAPNA Excellence in Leadership Award. In 2019, the National Hartford Center of Gerontological Nursing Excellence recognized her as a Distinguished Educator in Gerontological Nursing. In 2024, Dr. Duffy was inducted as a fellow of the American Academy of Nursing.
Dr. Felesia Bowen is a professor and associate dean for diversity, equity, and inclusion at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing. She earned her DNP in nursing education from Fairleigh Dickinson University and her PhD in nursing science from Columbia University.
Dr. Bowen began her nursing career as an Army Nurse serving in the first Gulf War, participating in Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm. She was awarded medals for Meritorious Service, the Liberation of Kuwait, and the Southwest Asia Ribbon with three oak leaf clusters.
A nationally certified pediatric nurse practitioner and educator, Dr. Bowen is a fellow of the American Academy of Nursing with expertise in pediatric healthcare and health disparities. She has been recognized at the municipal, state, and national level, including two terms of service as a member of the National Academy of Science Engineering and Medicine Forum for Children’s Well-Being. She was recently featured in several episodes of the National Academy of Medicine’s Future of Nursing podcast.
Dr. Gabrielle P. Abelard is an accomplished mental health clinician, educator, and motivational speaker with over two decades of experience in mental health nursing. She is a clinical associate professor and a graduate program director at the UMass Amherst Elaine Marieb College of Nursing. Additionally, she directs a community mental health clinic in Massachusetts.
Dr. Abelard has held key leadership roles and serves on various boards advocating for diversity and equity in nursing. Recognized for her impact, she has been selected as a Fellow in the National Academies of Practice and the American Academy of Nursing. Her contributions have been honored with awards from ANA, APNA, New England Chapter, NBNA, and the U.S. Haitian Chamber of Commerce.
Dr. Ginny Moore is director of the women’s health and gender-related NP specialty at Vanderbilt School of Nursing, where she is also a professor. She is a board-certified WHNP whose special interest is populations at risk for health disparities. She has taught at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing since 1990, while practicing in diverse settings that include family planning, sexual assault examination, private practice, and community-based healthcare.
Dr. Moore currently serves as project director for the HRSA grant-supported development of sexual assault nurse examiner training for providers in rural communities. She serves on the National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health board of directors, the American Association of Nurse Practitioners Research Committee, and the Interprofessional Education Group of the Council on Resident Education in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Gretchen Hamn is an assistant clinical professor and director of the neonatal nurse practitioner program at Northeastern University’s Bouve College of Health Sciences. She earned her BSN from the University of St. Joseph and her MSN from Northeastern University.
Hamn is a S.T.A.B.L.E Certified Instructor, a board-certified neonatal nurse practitioner, and a neonatal resuscitation provider. Her research interests include family-integrated care, substance-exposed newborns, and NICU feeding practices.
James Matos is a dedicated healthcare professional and military veteran based in Las Vegas, Nevada, passionate about fostering meaningful connections and improving lives through a holistic approach to medicine. He earned his MSN from Chamberlain University and holds an MBA from National University.
Matos has extensive experience working as a registered nurse, having served in various capacities at Encompass Health and Post Acute Medical in Las Vegas, where he provided high-quality care to patients in need of rehabilitation and recovery services.
In addition to his clinical work, Matos runs “Plugged In”—a popular vlog that offers viewers an inside look into the world of IV infusion therapy and the everyday lives of those seeking these services. His commitment to both patient care and community outreach reflects his belief in the importance of personalized healthcare and the value of connection in the healing process.
Jennifer Graebe is the director of the NCPD and Joint Accreditation programs at the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). She received her MSN in leadership and health systems management from Drexel University, her baccalaureate degree in nursing from Villanova University, and a certificate in healthcare management, accounting, and economics from Johns Hopkins University. She is a DrPH candidate in education and public health and a co-investigator with the Global Strategic Operatives for the Eradication of Human Trafficking.
Graebe serves as the vice-chair for the Competency-Based Education Network board of directors (BOD), is a BOD for the Academy for Forensic Nursing, and is the chair of the Alliance Board of Director Nominating Committee. She is part-time faculty at Capella University in the School of Nursing and Health Sciences and adjunct faculty at the Villanova University M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing.
Graebe is a published author, and a seasoned presenter both in the US and internationally. She is a peer reviewer and associate editor for the Journal of Continuing Education. Graebe has held positions in leadership at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital as a Clinical Educator and Clinical Manager in the Emergency Department.
Dr. Jennifer Manning is a distinguished alumna of the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center School of Nursing (LSUHSC SON), where she earned her BSN, MSN, and DNS. She began her nursing career as a critical care nurse at East Jefferson General Hospital (EJGH) and transitioned to academia in 2008 as a critical care faculty member. In 2013, she became the director of the RN-to-BSN program and advanced to associate dean for undergraduate nursing programs by 2015.
Dr. Manning achieved board certification as a clinical nurse specialist in 2008 and earned her CNE certification in 2014. Her leadership roles include serving as president of the Epsilon Nu chapter of the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society (2013-2015) and being appointed to the Louisiana State Board of Nursing (2018-2022). She joined the National Association for Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS) board in 2021, becoming president-elect in 2023, and was elected to the Louisiana State Nurses Association Board of Trustees in the same year.
As a clinical nurse researcher at LCMC Health East Jefferson General Hospital, Dr. Manning has published over 30 peer-reviewed articles, a book, multiple book chapters, and NACNS position papers. Her research focuses on enhancing simulation in nursing education, promoting workforce diversity, and developing nursing leadership skills, particularly improving nurse work environments and best practices in nursing education.
Jennifer Pierce-Weeks is the chief executive officer for the International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN), where she implemented the adult/adolescent and pediatric online SANE training and learning management system.
Pierce-Weeks has 35 years of nursing experience, focusing on forensic nursing since 1995. She presents nationally on a variety of forensic nursing-related topics, including sexual assault and abuse, intimate partner violence, strangulation, child maltreatment, and program management and sustainability.
Pierce-Weeks’ work at a national level includes being interim CEO and past president of the IAFN, where she also served on the Board from 2006-2010. Additionally, she was a consultant for the Southwest Center for Law and Policy’s SAFESTAR Project and the National Sexual Violence Resource Center’s SANE Sustainability Project. She has written, edited, and reviewed state-specific protocols and customized protocols for hospitals, sexual assault response teams (SARTs), and tribal communities.
Dr. Jessica Peck is a clinical professor at the Baylor University Louise Herrington School of Nursing (LHSON) and a nationally recognized anti-human trafficking advocate. She currently serves as a lead medical consultant for Unbound Houston; in the past, she served as the founding chair of the Alliance for Children in Trafficking (ACT) and started the ACT Advocates grassroots advocacy program, training tens of thousands of nursing professionals at the local, state, national, and international level to respond to human trafficking in their communities. Dr. Peck worked with the US Office of Health and Human Services and the National Human Trafficking Training and Technical Assistance Center to author the first federally issued Core Competencies for health response to trafficking.
Dr. Jessica Peck has served in elected leadership in various professional organizations, including American Association of Nurse Practitioners (Region 6 Director); National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (President); and Texas Nurse Practitioners. In 2019, she was honored as Texas Nurse Practitioner of the Year and inducted as a fellow in the American Academy of Nursing and the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.
John Farnsworth is a seasoned nurse with over 20 years of experience in the healthcare industry. He specializes in critical care, working in emergency, intensive care, and flight nursing.
For the past few years, he’s been working as a travel nurse, taking contracts, and traveling around the US with his wife Kristin, a travel nurse recruiter, and their children. Drawing on their skills, insights, and experience, they created No Ordinary Path—a social media brand aimed at helping nurses and their families explore the world of travel nursing to step outside the conventional.
John Heymach is co-founder and chief clinical officer of Next Move Healthcare, which specializes in providing staffing solutions for nurses, allied health professionals, and other essential personnel, ensuring that healthcare facilities can continue providing exceptional patient care. He has 15 years of experience on the healthcare industry’s clinical and staffing side, having worked in the ER, telemetry, neuro-trauma, ICU, and more.
Heymach serves as the primary liaison between Next Move’s clinicians and employers, including hospitals, to establish relationships and mitigate any issues. He is a National Nurse Daisy Award winner, a 2019 Neuro Star ICU Award Winner, and a 2012 MNU Nursing Leadership Award winner.
Dr. Julianne Doucette is an associate professor and program director of the primary care pediatric nurse practitioner doctor of nursing practice program at Rush University in Chicago. As a pediatric nurse practitioner in primary care for over 27 years, she has provided holistic care for her patients and their families and educated pediatric nurse practitioner students.
Dr. Doucette has served in many leadership roles, including president of her local chapter of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP) and co-chair of the NAPNAP Research Committee. She serves on the Food Allergy Prevention Advisory Committee and the Grassroots Advocacy Subcommittee for the Food Allergy Research & Education organization. She has published articles, written book chapters, and presented posters at national conferences on food allergy, simulation, graduate nursing curriculum, developing an APRN clinic, and more.
Julie Samms MN, RN (she/they) has been the Nursing Dean and Director of the Nursing program at Bellingham Technical College since 2016. Under her leadership, BTC’s Nursing Program has focused on increasing accessibility to nursing pathways by developing part-time and evening program options and implementing programs and resources to support non-traditional students to be successful in healthcare careers. She began her career as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) in 2006 and became a registered nurse (RN) in 2008. She also holds a master’s of nursing in nursing education.
Kate Judge is the executive director of the American Nurses Foundation. She has over 30 years of leadership experience in healthcare and non-profit communication, resource generation, and management. Her work has supported large and small organizations in education, healthcare, and human service within the United States and abroad.
Judge became the ED of the ANA, the philanthropic arm of the American Nurses Association and American Nurses Credentialing Center, in 2012, to lead its expansion. The Foundation, one of the first to invest in nursing research, now has a diverse program portfolio focusing on nurses’ health and the impact on patients, leadership development, health policy, and elevating the image of nurses. As ED, Judge helped launch the Nurses on Boards Coalition, the Healthy Nurse Healthy Nation campaign, and the Reimagining Nursing Initiative. She also served as an executive producer for Defining Hope, a 2017 documentary about end-of-life care and the unique expertise of nurses.
Kathryn Walker, the CEO of Revitalist Lifestyle and Wellness, has been a relentless pioneer in mental health and wellness innovation, leading a team of specialized providers. Her journey commenced with a nine-year tenure at a Level 1 Trauma Center in Tennessee, followed by an anesthesia program at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte. With eight years of practicing anesthesia across various specialties, Walker launched the inaugural Revitalist clinic in Knoxville, Tennessee, in 2018. Today, she stands as a prominent advocate for psychedelic medicine, augmenting her expertise with a second MSN as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner from East Tennessee State University.
In recognition of the urgent need for accessible mental health services, Walker established the Community Change Foundation, a national 501c3 nonprofit that is making a significant difference by offering financial support for veterans, frontline workers, and those financially disadvantaged seeking psychedelic therapies. Moreover, to bridge the gaps in education and training within the field, she founded the American Association of Psychedelics (AAPsychedelics.org), a 501c3 educational nonprofit that is revolutionizing the way healthcare providers across all disciplines are educated and trained. The incorporation of the American Association of Psychedelics by Walker in 2021 is a monumental step towards enhancing psychedelic medicine education and practice.
Katie Boston-Leary, PhD, MBA, MHA
Dr. Katie Boston-Leary is the director of nursing programs and co-lead for Project Firstline at the American Nurses Association (ANA). She has been an RN for 27 years, specializing and certified in perioperative nursing, nursing administration, and executive leadership. She is also adjunct faculty at the University of Maryland School of Nursing and adjunct faculty at the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing at Case Western Reserve University.
Dr. Boston-Leary has been invited to Capitol Hill in Washington, DC with the American Organization of Nurse Leaders to discuss the havoc of regulatory burden on hospitals. In 2019, she was identified by Health Leaders Journal as One of Five Chief Nursing Officers Changing Healthcare.
Dr. Kelli Garber is a clinical assistant professor and director of the DNP advanced practice program at Old Dominion University (ODU) School of Nursing. She is a pediatric primary care NP with over 27 years of experience, including private practice, school-based health, and virtual care.
Dr. Garber is a published author and an accomplished presenter on the topics of telehealth best practices, APRN telehealth practice, telehealth policy, telehealth education, and school-based telehealth. Prior to joining ODU, she was a seminal member of the Medical University of South Carolina School-based telehealth program, contributing to the development and expansion of the statewide program in SC.
Dr. Garber proudly serves as a member-at-large on the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP) Executive Board and as a member of the South Carolina Board of Nursing. She received her BSN at Johns Hopkins University, MSN at the University of Maryland, and DNP from Old Dominion University.
Dr. Kim Nerud is the dean of the American Sentinel College of Nursing and Health Sciences at Post University.
With a rich background in nursing education spanning over two decades, Dr. Nerud has been a pivotal figure at Post University since her arrival. Her leadership has been instrumental in expanding the university’s healthcare programs, showcasing her visionary approach and commitment to growth. Dr. Nerud is well-versed in the intricacies of CCNE and ACEN accreditation processes, having played a key role in evaluating program outcomes and authoring self-studies that have led to successful accreditation approvals.
Before joining Post University, she held the position of academic director for the RN-to-BSN program at the University of South Dakota. She lent her expertise as an online instructor at Western Governors University (WGU). Dr. Nerud’s academic credentials include a doctorate in nursing from South Dakota State University, marking her as a distinguished expert.
Dr. LaKeetra Josey is a PMHNP and the co-owner and founder of YOUr Center, LLC, an outpatient mental health program, and the co-owner and medical director of the Phoenix Center for Health and Wellness, LLC, a substance use disorder treatment program in Wilmington, Delaware. She is also the co-owner, founder, and medical director for YOUr Center Abroad, S.R.L.—an organization providing mental health services to US Veterans in the Dominican Republic.
She provides mental health services to clients across the lifespan and in various settings (e.g., outpatient office, telehealth, schools) and academic consulting services. She recently served as an academic consultant for developing the Villanova University M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing PMHNP program. She is a founding member of the Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing, Minority Fellowship Graduate Association, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and currently serves as the organization’s president.
Her previous academic positions include associate professor and director of graduate programs in the Department of Nursing at Temple University and the associate program director of the PMHNP at the University of Pennsylvania.
Dr. Laura G. Leahy is a board-certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatric and addictions advanced practice nurse and master clinician in psychopharmacology. She is an honors graduate of Duke University (BS), the University of Pennsylvania (BSN/MSN), and Drexel University (DNP). She founded her private practice, APNSolutions, LLC, in Sewell, NJ in January 2011.
As a clinician-educator with expertise in psychopharmacology and substance use disorders, Dr. Leahy has served as psychiatric NP program director and taught psychopharmacology at the university level.
Dr. Leahy is the current co-chair of the Addictions Council of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA) and represents nursing as a lead mentor for SAMHSA’s Providers Clinical Support System. She was inducted as a fellow in the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANO) in 2017 and in the American Academy of Nursing (AAN) in 2020.
Dr. Leanne Fowler is an associate professor of clinical nursing and the program director of NP programs at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-New Orleans School of Nursing, overseeing the faculty and students of seven NP population-focused DNP concentrations. She is a health policy leader and known advocate for nursing practice evidenced by the Governor-appointed membership to the LA Health Equity task force and appointment as vice chair of legislative task forces. She has led and informed successful Louisiana legislation resulting in safer work environments, improved care for vulnerable Louisianians, and more equitable healthcare to older adult populations that served as a model for national legislation.
Dr. Fowler serves as president-elect of the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF), leads national educational initiatives focused on DNP education outcomes, and is the principal investigator for over $3.6 million of grant-funded educational projects resulting in increasing diversity of the nursing workforce with the capacity to improve health equity in medically underserved areas.
Dr. Fowler is a collaborative leader who impacts thousands of nurses through strategic and relevant policy and education initiatives that diversify the nursing workforce and advance health equity for medically underserved and underrepresented nursing students and communities. Dr. Fowler holds a DNP from the University of South Alabama and BSN from Southern University and A&M College.
Liset Herrera is a bilingual nurse practitioner with an impressive 24 years of diverse medical experience. Her expertise spans various healthcare settings, including hospitals, home health, long-term care, and case management. Herrera has covered multiple specialties, including mental health, cardiology, and dermatology. She is licensed as an AGNP in Wisconsin, demonstrating her commitment to delivering superior adult-gerontology care. She holds an MSN from Marquette University, a testament to her dedication to continuous learning. She is also fluent in Spanish and proficient with EPIC software.
Herrera’s professional tenure at Ascension All Saints Hospital in Racine, Wisconsin, has been marked by excellence. She has excelled in dermatology, gastroenterology, and cardiovascular care roles, managing complex cases, performing medical procedures, and providing compassionate, high-quality patient care.
Dr. Ludrena C. Rodriguez, an Army Nurse Corps veteran with 22 years of service, specialized in maternal-child health nursing across various roles, including bedside care, clinical nurse specialist, and leadership. Now a board-certified women’s health nurse practitioner with the Veterans Affairs Health Care System, she provides comprehensive, gender-specific care across the lifespan.
As the site director for education, Dr. Rodriguez has mentored nearly 20 nurse practitioner students and developed a training program to support novice practitioners. She holds a BSN from the University of Texas Health Science Center and an MSN from Azusa Pacific University. She also completed a post-master’s certificate in WHNP and DNP at the University of South Alabama.
Mallory Palmer is an alumna of the bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program at the University of Maine, where she demonstrated dedication and compassion for the nursing profession as an undergraduate. As a student, she worked part-time as a certified nursing assistant in the Intensive Care Unit at Mid Coast Hospital.
In addition to her clinical role, Palmer is committed to fostering educational growth among her peers. She is an undergraduate teaching assistant and peer tutor for several courses, including medical-surgical nursing II, pharmacology, medical-surgical nursing II applied theory, and maternity and labor and delivery. Her dual clinical practice and education roles showcase her commitment to excellence in patient care and professional development.
Dr. Marie D. Grosh is an assistant professor at the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing and an instructor in the School of Dental Medicine at Case Western University. During the Covid-19 pandemic, she donned personal protective equipment to visit patients confined to their homes.
A nurse practitioner by profession, Dr. Grosh has spent the past six years establishing her own practice as a mobile primary care provider. In June 2021, when Ohio sanctioned home delivery of the single-dose Johnson & Johnson Covid-19 vaccine, she began scheduling appointments with her patients. Many of Dr. Grosh’s patients had qualified for the vaccine during the first phase of the rollout but were physically unable to attend vaccination clinics.
Martha Nugent is a seasoned healthcare professional with over a decade of experience in nursing and advanced practice roles. She is the president of Eastern Montana Hospice House and has been the principal managing partner at Thy Neighbor, LLC since December 2021.
Before this role, Nugent was an NP at Allcheck Medical Clinic, providing comprehensive primary and urgent care. She also served as an oncology NP at Sidney Health Center, managing complex cancer treatments and supporting patients through their journeys.
Nugent holds a master of science (AGNP) from the University of Texas Medical Branch. She is certified as an adult-gerontology nurse practitioner (AGNP-C) and an oncology certified nurse (OCN®). Based in Sidney, Montana, she continues to positively impact her community through her clinical practice and leadership. She is dedicated to advancing healthcare services and improving patient outcomes.
Dr. Mary Holt is a dedicated and skilled certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) with a doctor of nurse anesthesia practice (DNAP) degree.
With active CRNA licensure in both Oregon and Washington, Dr. Holt delivers exceptional perioperative anesthesia services to surgical and obstetric patients during critcal procedures. She has a comprehensive background in trauma and surgical care and is currently employed at Northwest Permanente in Portland, Oregon.
Matthew Allen is a Director at Large on the Board of Directors for the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA), which represents over 42,000 members in New York State. He also works as a clinical nurse at Mount Sinai Hospital, in New York City. Allen received his BSN from the Columbia University School of Nursing in 2015.
Maura Talwalkar is a 2023 University of Minnesota – Twin Cities graduate. She completed her bachelor of science in nursing, graduating from the honors program summa cum laude and with high distinction.
Originally from Rochester, MN, Talwalkar now resides in the Twin Cities area. She began her career in the cardiovascular ICU at Abbott Northwestern Hospital, caring for critically ill medical and surgical cardiovascular patients.
Dr. Maureen Fagan is a double-certified women’s health and family nurse practitioner. She has compiled a lifetime of work as a nurse, nurse practitioner, and specialist in reproductive health, emphasizing adolescent high-risk pregnant girls and women. She spent most of her practice in OB-GYN, using her expertise to provide patient-centered care.
After graduating with a nursing diploma from Albany Memorial School of Nursing and obtaining women’s health and family nurse practitioner certifications, she went on to achieve a master’s in health administration and a doctorate in nursing practice from Simmons College. Most recently, she was employed as the chief nursing executive for the University of Miami Hospitals and Clinics Health System.
Dr. Michael E. Zychowicz is a clinical professor of nursing at Duke University School of Nursing (DUSON). He is also co-director for the Duke-Durham VA postgraduate primary care NP residency, and leads the veterans’ health specialty and the orthopedic NP specialty program that was developed with funding from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). Dr. Zychowicz served as an army reserve officer in the Army Nurse Corps between 1991 and 2005. Dr. Zychowicz is the editor of the books Orthopedic Nursing Secrets and Introduction to Orthopedic Nursing, and has published several journal articles and book chapters on various orthopedic topics. He received the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) Award for Excellence in 2007 and was also selected for the Outstanding Orthopedic Nurse Award by the National Association of Orthopedic Nurses (NAON).
Monica Cayemitte is the clinical manager at VNS Health—one of the country’s largest home and community health nonprofits. She started her career as a clinical field manager in the Queens region, quickly moving to a management role for the organization’s Maternity-Newborn Pediatrics (MNP) program and its Behavioral Health specialty programs in the Queens region. From there, she became branch director for VNS Health Home Care’s Westchester Region.
In 2020, Monica took on a new role as clinical manager for the nurse residency program and home care infusion and began collaborating with VNS Health’s Clinical Education department on improving the onboarding process for all new Home Care clinicians.
A seasoned family nurse practitioner with over 15 years of experience, Monica McKitterick has witnessed the complexities of the healthcare system from various perspectives. After a decade working in the traditional insurance-based system, where administrative tasks often overshadowed patient care, McKitterick sought a more patient-centered approach.
In 2019, she founded Impact Family Wellness in Cedar Park, Texas, a direct primary care office that provides personalized and comprehensive care. Under McKitterick’s leadership, Impact Family Wellness has expanded to three locations in just five years, positively impacting countless patients’ lives. She holds an MSN from Duke University specializing in FNP and a post-master’s certificate in nursing education.
Moriah Potts, MSN, RN, CEN, EMT is a dedicated registered nurse currently working at Centene Corporation, where she provides remote patient care and education through telehealth technologies. She collaborates with an interdisciplinary team of health professionals to deliver high-quality, evidence-based, patient-centered services. Potts has extensive experience in telehealth nursing from her previous role at AmerisourceBergen, where she guided patients through various healthcare scenarios and facilitated their access to appropriate resources and care plans.
Potts has a master of science in nursing (MSN) degree in nursing informatics from Western Governors University, where she focuses on applying health information management principles and tools to improve healthcare outcomes and processes. She also holds a bachelor of science in registered nursing from Baylor University and an EMT certificate from Rock Valley College. She possesses a compact, multi-state RN license and eight other RN licenses in non-compact states. She is passionate about leveraging technology to enhance patient care and satisfaction and is committed to advancing her skills and knowledge in this rapidly evolving field.
Dr. Nancy A. Moriber is a distinguished expert in anesthesia care who demonstrates unwavering dedication to her profession. Her passion for enhancing patient care outcomes is evident in her clinical and educational research, which advances the field of anesthesia.
Dr. Moriber’s multifaceted role as the president of the Connecticut Association of Nurse Anesthesiology ensures that future CRNAs have the skills and knowledge necessary to deliver exceptional care. Her ongoing contributions to patient care and nurse anesthesia education are a testament to her dedication and should inspire all those in the field.
A first-generation college graduate, Dr. Nicholas Carte is deeply committed to higher education and lifelong learning. Hailing from a small former coal mining town near Beckley, West Virginia, he earned his bachelor’s degree in nursing from West Virginia University.
After graduating, Dr. Carte relocated to North Carolina and embarked on a career as a travel and critical care nurse, working in states such as Massachusetts, South Carolina, and Hawaii. In 2006, he resumed his academic pursuits, obtaining a master’s degree in nursing education, followed by a PhD in nursing in 2014. That same year, he also completed a post-master’s certificate as an adult-gerontological nurse practitioner.
Currently, Dr. Carte balances his professional life between graduate nursing education and practicing as a nurse practitioner in Wilmington, North Carolina. He has been integral to Southern New Hampshire University’s nursing program faculty and team leadership since 2014. He is a recognized expert in the role of nurse practitioners in healthcare, advanced pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology, and advanced health assessment.
Nick Angelone is a highly experienced emergency nurse, currently serving with distinction at Elliot Hospital in Manchester, New Hampshire.
As a recent graduate with a master of science in nursing – family nurse practitioner degree from Southern New Hampshire University, Angelone brings knowledge and experience from a diverse clinical background, including pre-hospital care, adult and pediatric emergency units, and critical care environments. His dedication to continuous education underscores his commitment to delivering exceptional, patient-focused care in fast-paced settings. Angelone’s proficiency in collaborating with multidisciplinary teams enhances his ability to achieve optimal outcomes in emergency medicine.
With board certification as a Trauma Certified Registered Nurse (TCRN) and an Intensive Care Provider (CICP) certification, alongside registered nurse licensure in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and via compact multi-state agreement, his expertise spans trauma and critical care for adults and children. His leadership as a Trauma/Team Lead in a Level 2 Trauma Center (ACS) Emergency Department and as an educator in community health courses demonstrates his commitment to advancing healthcare quality and mentoring future healthcare leaders.
Dr. Nikia Grayson is the esteemed chief clinical officer at the Choices Center for Reproductive Health in Memphis, Tennessee. Recognized for her role in the revival of Black midwifery in the southern region, her efforts are centered on education and training. She is dedicated to broadening the range of birthing choices for Black mothers and birthing individuals.
Dr. Grayson is a devoted advocate for inclusive reproductive and social justice, tackling health inequities and systemic racism that pervade the healthcare system by delivering culturally sensitive care. Her impactful work has drawn recognition from various community platforms, organizations, educational establishments, and fellowship programs. Among these are the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Frontier Nursing University, and the Healthy Communities Fellowship.
Rachel Norton has been an RN since 2007 and has always worked in critical care, spending the first 12 years of her career based in Albany, working for a level I trauma center in their surgical neuroscience trauma ICU.
Norton also worked as a flight nurse for LifeNet of New York on various bases across the state, took on multiple travel assignments since 2010, and ultimately landed in Denver, where she remains per diem in the ICU at The Medical Center of Aurora. As a user researcher at National Hiring Marketplace Vivian Health, she advocates for healthcare workers and works to help bridge the gap between employee and employer expectations.
Rachel Stouffer, MSN, APRN, NP-C, is a distinguished nurse practitioner, and holds a BSN and MSN from West Virginia University (WVU). Currently serving at WVU Medicine’s Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute in the Movement Clinic since November 2021, Ms. Stouffer specializes in neurology movement disorders, conducting thorough patient evaluations, devising treatment plans, interpreting lab results, and managing patient inquiries and prescriptions. Her role is expanding to include programming and managing Deep Brain Stimulators as of February 2024.
Previously, she excelled as an RN in the Neurology Step-Down Unit at WVU Medicine, where from August 2017 to November 2021, she provided exceptional care for stroke patients. Additionally, Ms. Stouffer has enriched the nursing field through her contributions as a Clinical Instructor at the WVU School of Nursing, where she utilized varied teaching methods to engage students in critical thinking and skill acquisition, further showcasing her dedication to patient care and nursing education.
Rebecca Dias received a bachelor’s degree (BSN) from the University of Maine, Orono. She continued her education at the University of Maine, Orono, and holds a master’s degree (MSN) with concentrations in nursing education and family nurse practitioner (FNP).
Dias is a full-time faculty member at the University of Maine, Fort Kent, and works per diem as an FNP in Aroostook County, Maine. She also serves on the Nursing External Advisory Council for the University of Maine, Orono. She engages in nursing research with foci on advanced nursing degree attainment, nursing job satisfaction, rural healthcare, and end-of-life care through publication and presentation at local, national, and international conferences. She integrates research, evidence-based practice, and clinical judgment into her classes and aims to bridge the gap between classroom learning and clinical practice.
Dr. Rick Zoucha is the director of nursing education, professor, and chair of advanced role and PhD programs at Duquesne University School of Nursing. In addition, he is certified as a psychiatric-mental health clinical nurse specialist by the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
Dr. Zoucha’s research interests include understanding various phenomena related to health and well-being in the Nicaraguan, Mexican American, African American, and African refugee and immigrant communities. He has served as PhD dissertation chair for studies seeking to understand cultural care phenomena related to people of the Puerto Rican, Taiwanese, Mexican American, African American, Peruvian, Dominican, Appalachian, and homeless cultures globally.
Dr. Zoucha is a certified transcultural nurse-advanced and a fellow of the American Academy of Nursing and the Transcultural Nursing Society. He was inducted as a transcultural nursing scholar in 2004 and bestowed the Leininger Award in 1998.
With over 28 years of experience as a registered nurse, Rougeh Awad is a family nurse practitioner who joined Valley Children’s Healthcare in 2003. He has worked in the pediatric intensive care unit, rehabilitation, and the emergency department and became a clinical education specialist focused on the ambulatory setting in 2018.
Awad currently serves as the director of ambulatory clinical practice, directly supervising the ambulatory treatment center, hematology, oncology, Wilson Heart Center, cardio testing, and nephrology.
Dr. Rushika Patel is the chief inclusion officer at the University of Michigan School of Nursing (UMSN). She has spent over 17 years in the education sector, both in the United States and abroad, where she has taught in various settings, such as Detroit Public Schools, Japan, and India, gaining diverse perspectives and experiences.
Additionally, Patel has worked on numerous diversity-related initiatives and directed the Women’s Center and Intercultural Center at the University of Michigan-Flint. Her research and publication interests focus on critical race, class, gender, and citizenship studies in education.
She holds a PhD in educational policy studies and organizational leadership from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, with a specialization in global studies in education; a master’s in education from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst with an emphasis in Education for social justice; and a bachelor’s in sociology, psychology, and English from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor with an emphasis in race, class, and gender studies.
Dr. Ruth Taylor-Piliae is a professor and the PhD program director (interim) in the College of Nursing at the University of Arizona. She is recognized internationally as a nurse scientist and mind-body exercise interventionist, with training in cardiovascular epidemiology and clinical trials. Her research is focused on promoting physical activity and improving patient-centered outcomes among older adults with heart disease and stroke through the implementation of innovative non-pharmacologic interventions such as Tai Chi.
Dr. Taylor-Piliae has received several teaching, research, and service awards, including the Suzanne Van Ort Peer Award for Graduate Teaching, the Extraordinary Faculty Award, the Distinguished Alumni Award from the Chinese University of Hong Kong, the Mathy Mezey Excellence in Aging Award from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Cardiovascular and Stroke Nursing Council, and the Award of Distinction for Excellence in Research from Sigma Theta Tau International, Beta Mu Chapter.
Dr. Ryan Shaw is the director of Duke University School of Nursing’s Health Innovation Lab, where he oversees the development and testing of new healthcare products. His lab provides an entrepreneurial environment where standards for care delivery processes are modeled and evaluated. Dr. Shaw is a renowned teacher and mentor, inspiring students to become future health scientists and clinicians.
Several agencies have funded his research, including the US National Institutes of Health, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, and the National Science Foundation. His work involves monitoring and augmenting patient care through wearables, sensors, and electronic health records. He holds a PhD in nursing science from Duke University.
Dr. Safa’a Al-Arabi is an associate professor and clinical nurse leader track coordinator at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. She earned her PhD from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, an MSN in nursing education from The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC, and both an MPH and BSN from the University of Science and Technology in Jordan. She is a certified clinical nurse leader and has also obtained an online teaching certificate from the UTMB School of Nursing.
Throughout her career, Dr. Al-Arabi has been recognized for her exceptional contributions to nursing education. She was honored with the Outstanding Faculty Award for the MSN Program in 2020 and received the Good Samaritan Foundation Award in 2019. Her dedication to teaching excellence is further evidenced by her repeated recognition as Outstanding Faculty for the Accelerated Baccalaureate Program in multiple years.
Sarah Michelle Boes is the visionary behind Sarah Michelle NP Reviews (SMNP), a premier provider of nurse practitioner board preparation services. With her roots deeply planted in nurse education, Boes is driven by a fervent desire to further nurses’ ongoing education and elevate the conversation around mental health within nursing education. By founding SMNP, she aimed to alleviate anxiety and bolster confidence among nurse practitioner students as they prepare for their board exams and step into their professional roles. Her genuine, open, and forward-thinking teaching style has resonated with students globally.
Following the acquisition of her company in 2022, Boes took on the role of chief nursing officer at Blueprint Test Prep. She has also made her mark as one of the Top 100 podcast hosts in the medical field with “Becoming A Stress-Free Nurse Practitioner.” This podcast focuses on guiding students through their AANP & ANCC exam preparations and mastering their skills as newly minted nurse practitioners. Sarah’s academic credentials include a BSN from the University of Kentucky, an MSN in nursing education from Western Governors University, and a post-MSN-FNP qualification from Eastern Kentucky University.
Dr. Scott Harpin is an associate professor and division chair in the College of Nursing at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. He specializes in community and behavioral health, focusing on the health outcomes and mental health promotion of vulnerable adolescent and young adult populations, particularly runaway and homeless youth.
Dr. Harpin holds dual master’s degrees and a PhD from the University of Minnesota and is certified in advanced public health nursing. His research includes partnerships with organizations like Urban Peak to study health utilization patterns among homeless youth. Additionally, he co-directs the DNP/MPH Dual Degree and DNP-PHN programs and serves on the Colorado Child Fatality Review Team.
Dr. Sharon Bryant is the director of the adult-gerontology acute care specialty and an assistant professor at Vanderbilt School of Nursing. She is a board-certified acute care nurse practitioner (ACNP) specializing in hospital-based patient care. She holds a clinical practice at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, working in the inpatient spine and trauma departments. Her professional interests include spinal cord injury, acute and chronic pain management, and hospital-based care.
Dr. Bryant holds a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) from Georgia Health Sciences University and a master of science in nursing (MSN) from Vanderbilt University School of Nursing.
Dr. Sharon Higgins is the interim Carol A. Donovan Endowed Dean of Nursing and an assistant professor at Regis College. With a master of science degree and doctor of nursing Practice degree, both attained from Regis College, she possesses a comprehensive understanding of Regis’ graduate nursing program from the dual perspectives of a dedicated student and a committed faculty member. Her instructional portfolio includes courses such as advanced health assessment and roles as FNP clinical faculty, reflecting her dedication to nurturing the next generation of healthcare professionals.
In addition to her academic endeavors, Dr. Higgins actively practices as a nurse practitioner specializing as a hospitalist at New England Baptist Hospital in Boston, fostering over two decades of valuable experience in various nursing leadership capacities. She hold certifications in orthopedics and wound care.
Dr. Higgins has been recognized for her contributions with prestigious grants such as the Caring, Access, Rx, and Education (CARE) Initiative grants, alongside the esteemed 2023 EOHHS Human Service WFO Grant from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, HCBS Workforce Development Grant Program, underscoring her commitment to advancing healthcare education and services.
Sothea Kness holds an associate degree in nursing (ADN) from Central Wyoming College and is the Director of Nursing at Westward Heights Care Center in Lander, Wyoming.
With a steadfast commitment to fostering an environment of compassion, integrity, and outstanding care, Kness oversees and directs the facility’s nursing team, ensuring that every resident receives the quality service and attention they deserve. Her role is pivotal, bridging the gaps between administration, department leaders, nursing staff, residents, and their families to achieve the nursing department’s goals. Under her guidance, the nursing team is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of care, driven by a collective mission to serve each resident with unmatched excellence.
Dr. Stacia Hays is associate dean for the online graduate program and clinical associate professor for the Baylor University Louise Herrington School of Nursing. She is also a board-certified pediatric nurse practitioner with an active pediatric practice and a current primary care editor for the Journal of Pediatric Health Care. She earned her MSN from the University of Texas at Austin and her DNP from the University of Florida.
Dr. Hays is the recipient of state, national, and international leadership and advocacy awards, including America’s Top 10 NP Award, a Florida Advocacy Icon Award, Nurse Practitioner of the Year, an Advocacy Scholar Award, and Emerging Nurse Leader. Dr. Hays is a fellow of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) and the current treasurer of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP).
Dr. Surani Hayre-Kwan is the director of professional practice and nursing excellence at Sutter Health in Sacramento, California. She is responsible for advancing professional practice throughout system affiliates. She provides leadership in professional development, clinical education, and training for nursing and advanced practice clinicians. She was previously the executive director of operations for the Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation.
Dr. Kwan has been a California Association for Nurse Practitioners (CANP) member for nearly 20 years and served as the association’s president for two terms. She is also a certified family nurse practitioner and a Fellow of the American Association for Nurse Practitioners and the American College of Healthcare Executives.
Dr. Teresa Welch is an associate professor at the Capstone College of Nursing at the University of Alabama.
With over 30 years of nursing experience, including 22 years in leadership and management, Dr. Welch specializes in leadership science and nursing management. She has played a pivotal role in developing system-wide healthcare improvements, such as rapid response teams and restructuring emergency response processes. Her accolades include the Lamplighter Award from the Alabama League for Nursing and contributions to nursing education and rural health.
Dr. Welch is also recognized for her scholarly work on nursing leadership in rural hospitals. She holds an EdD in instructional leadership for nurse educators, an MSN in case management, and a BSN—all from The University of Alabama. She also has a Nurse Executive Advanced Board Certification.
Thom Hazel is an experienced nurse educator and leader with over two decades of experience in healthcare and nursing education. Currently, Hazel serves as an associate professor II for the NCLEX Success Team at Nightingale College, where he has been instrumental in helping students pass their nursing licensure exams. Hazel holds a master’s degree in nursing education and a bachelor’s and an associate degree in science nursing. His clinical experience includes working as a hospital RN in various departments.
Dr. Tim Bruckner is a Professor of Public Health at the University of California Irvine and an expert in perinatal epidemiology.
He was trained in epidemiology at UC Berkeley and wrote his dissertation on the racial disparity associated with sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), where he found that Black infants have a much higher risk of SIDS compared to non-Hispanic White infants. His research continues to specialize in perinatal health and has expanded to include mental/behavioral health, which often has significant disparities along racial/ethnic and socioeconomic lines. Much of his work looks at exposures and antecedents to approximate a natural experiment that can improve our basic understanding of human biology and behavior. Overall, his research aims to inform public health practice and health policy, leading to improved outcomes for vulnerable populations.
Yessie Espinoza’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and determination. After graduating from Boise State University with a BSN, she overcame the challenges of being a first-generation, non-traditional college student and a mother, all while working full-time as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) for nine years. Her journey was not easy, but it was worth it.
Espinoza emerged from her academic journey more resilient, knowledgeable, and adaptable, a testament to her strength and dedication. Her passion for nursing has only grown, and she feels privileged to be part of such a noble profession. Despite the hardships and stressors, she cannot imagine a more fulfilling career.
Meet the Team
Jocelyn Blore
Chief Content Strategist, Editor, WriterJocelyn Blore is the chief content officer of Sechel Ventures and the co-author of the Women Breaking Barriers series. She graduated summa cum laude from UC Berkeley and traveled the world for five years. She also worked as an addiction specialist for two years in San Francisco. She’s interested in how culture shapes individuals and systems within societies—one of the many themes she writes about in her blog, Blore’s Razor (Instagram: @bloresrazor). She has served as managing editor and strategist for four nursing websites since 2015.
Seth Restaino
Co-Founder, Sechel VenturesIn 2013, Seth co-founded Sechel Ventures, where he wears many hats, including production and engineering. Prior to that, he built and sold a web design company (the precursor to Sechel), and held Director positions at a large media company and a marketing software company. Seth lives and works in California wine country.
Barry Franklin
Co-Founder, Sechel VenturesBefore co-founding Sechel Ventures Partners LLC, Barry Franklin was a VP at a Silicon Valley software company. Barry is married with two beautiful daughters. He and his wife met while attending Carnegie Mellon University, a hub of innovation. He is also an investor in several companies.
Bernd Geels
WriterBernd Geels is a Berlin, Germany-based freelance writer and artist. He holds an undergraduate degree in atmospheric science and two graduate degrees. He completed his most recent graduate degree in international environmental studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in 2011. He is interested in healthcare, climate change, marine conservation, indigenous science and refugee issues. You can reach him directly at [email protected].
Brooke Lazor
WriterBrooke Lazor is a seasoned public relations professional with a decade of experience in the real estate, finance, and technology sectors. She has successfully landed clients in prestigious publications such as Forbes, Business Journal, and the Wall Street Journal. When she’s not working, you can find her on the ski slopes or local hiking trails in her home base of Northern California.
Farheen Gani
WriterFarheen Gani is a freelance writer, marketer, and researcher. She writes about technology, education, and marketing. Her work has appeared on websites such as Tech in Asia and Foundr, as well as top SaaS blogs such as Zapier and InVision. You can connect with her on LinkedIn and Twitter (@FarheenGani).
Jennifer Latchford
Guest ContributorJennifer Latchford is a publicist with experience spanning multiple industries including health, real estate, technology, and entertainment. When not at work, she can be found writing, reading, or spending time outside. Jennifer is based in the New York metro area.
Johannes Stitz
WriterJohannes Stitz is a freelance writer and researcher based in the Southwest. He’s written about various topics in medical technology careers. Before turning to freelance writing, he spent nearly a decade in the arts as a booker and event manager.
Kimmy Gustafson
WriterThanks to her experience writing in healthcare, Kimmy Gustafson has delivered in-depth articles on timely topics for NursingColleges.com since 2022. Her aim is to assist both students and professionals in navigating the intricate process of selecting a nursing program and understanding the ever-evolving realm of nursing education.
Kimmy has been a freelance writer for more than a decade, writing hundreds of articles on a wide variety of topics such as startups, nonprofits, healthcare, kiteboarding, the outdoors, and higher education. She is passionate about seeing the world and has traveled to over 27 countries. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Oregon. When not working, she can be found outdoors, parenting, kiteboarding, or cooking.
Kristen Lewis
WriterKristen Lewis is a graduate student pursuing an M.A. in Speech-Language Pathology at West Chester University of Pennsylvania. A former educator, Kristen now uses her experience and passion for healthcare to inform readers.
Matt Zbrog
WriterMatt Zbrog is a writer and researcher from Southern California. Since 2018, he’s written extensively about the modern nursing workforce, conducting hundreds of interviews with nurse leaders, nurse educators, and nurse advocates to explore the issues that matter to them most. His Advocates to Know series focuses on nurse practitioners (NPs) who go above and beyond in changing policy and practice in important areas like veteran’s care, human trafficking prevention, and telehealth access. He regularly collaborates with subject matter experts from the American Nurses Association (ANA) and the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP) to elevate issues that empower nurses everywhere.
Meg Lambrych, RN
WriterMeg Lambrych is a registered nurse, writer, and nursing advocate from Upstate New York.
After leaving clinical care due to burnout, she dedicated her life to covering issues in healthcare, nursing, and health in the digital space. She reports on nursing culture, policy, and history and interviews nursing innovators and leaders shaping the profession and challenging the status quo.
Nina Chamlou
WriterNina Chamlou is a freelance writer from Portland, OR. She writes about healthcare, psychology, economic trends, business, technology, digitization, supply chains, education, aviation, and travel. You can find her floating around the Pacific Northwest in diners and coffee shops, or traveling abroad, studying the locale from behind her MacBook. Visit her personal website at NinaChamlou.com.
Rachel Drummond, MEd
WriterAt NursingColleges.com, Rachel Drummond has applied her extensive experience in education and mindfulness to elucidate the importance of self-care for nursing students since 2022. Through her writings, she underscores the role of mental and physical well-being in fostering resilient and compassionate healthcare professionals.
Rachel is a writer, educator, and coach from Oregon. She has a master’s degree in education (MEd) and has over 15 years of experience teaching English, public speaking, and mindfulness to international audiences in the United States, Japan, and Spain. She writes about the mind-body benefits of contemplative movement practices like yoga on her blog, inviting people to prioritize their unique version of well-being and empowering everyone to live healthier and more balanced lives.
Sabrina Tillman
Guest ContributorSabrina Tillman has more than 20 years of experience writing, editing, and leading content teams in health, fitness, nutrition, and wellness. She’s led digital content strategy and creation for companies such as MyFitnesPal, MapMyFitness, Under Armour, Primal Kitchen, Beachbody, Active.com, Competitor.com, Rodale (Running Times), and Hearst magazines.
Sharlys Leszczuk
Guest ContributorSharlys Leszczuk is the founder and owner of Shar-Liss, a creative, deep-thinking, insights-driven communications consultancy. She built her career counseling high-technology companies of all sizes – from not-for-profits and pre-seed startups to Fortune 100s – on messaging, communications, and go-to-market strategies. Her specialties include ghostwriting, content development, corporate communications, creative strategy, events, and social media, with a focus on project management, operations, and executive relations.
Born and raised in North Jersey, Sharlys received bachelor’s degrees in public relations and global studies from Hofstra University on Long Island. After graduating, she spent nearly a decade working for New York City PR agencies. Then, with the remote work flexibility afforded by the pandemic, she took an interest in roadtripping, which ultimately led her to relocate to Oregon. She is an active member of her small coastal community, Pacific City, where she spends her free time exploring the outdoors and activities such as hiking, biking, paddleboarding, and kayaking.
Sophia Khawly, MSN
WriterSophia Khawly is a traveling nurse practitioner from Miami, Florida. She has been a nurse for 14 years and has worked in nine different states. She likes to travel in her spare time and has visited over 40 countries. Being a traveling nurse practitioner allows her to combine her love of learning, travel, and serving others. Learn more about Sophia at www.travelingNP.com.