Post on 08-Dec-2021
Cohort 7 Biographical Information
Alanda R. White
Dr. Alanda R. White is a practicing
clinician/healthcare provider at Carl R.
Darnall Army Medical Center in Fort Hood,
Texas. She is an adjunct instructor at Grand
Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona. In
addition, Dr. White previously served as a
Family Nurse Practitioner at a nurse
managed practice in Converse, Texas where
the goal was to increase access to healthcare.
Dr. White holds a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing from the University of the Incarnate Word, a
Master's degree in Nursing from Texas A&M University Corpus Christi and a Doctorate of
Nursing Practice from Grand Canyon University. She has experience in teaching, nursing,
leadership, critical care services (Trauma, ICU-all sub-specialties, ER, Burn Unit), community
initiatives, progressive care, long term care, primary care and behavioral health. Dr. White is a
recipient of the Excellence in Advanced Practice Award 2018, Theta Eta Neophyte of Leadership
Award 2018, and Honorable Mention in the National Chi Line Newsletter publication 2018.
Dr. White is an active member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners; the Texas
Nurse Practitioners, Texas DNP, Chi Eta Phi Inc., Sigma Theta Tau, Nurse on Boards Coalition,
Society of Critical Care Medicine, Psychiatric Advanced Practice Nurse Texas Organization,
Medical Serve Corps, Texas Disaster Volunteer Registry and Medicaid EHR Incentive Program
Audit Ad Hoc Review Panel.
Dr. White's professional interest are in the area of vulnerable populations, increasing access to
care to all and preventative services.
Alice Cline
Alice Curtis Cline is an Assistant Professor at the University of
Pittsburgh Medical Center in Pittsburgh, PA. She is a faculty
nurse-midwife providing full scope midwifery, caring for women
throughout the lifespan. In addition, she serves on the Board of
Directors of the Pennsylvania Affiliate of the American College of
Nurse-Midwives.
Ms. Cline holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of
Chicago, a Bachelor’s degree in nursing from Georgetown
University, and a Master’s degree in nursing from Frontier
Nursing University. She has experience in clinical teaching,
medical education, and public health. Ms. Cline serves on working
groups addressing maternal mortality for the Pennsylvania Perinatal Quality Collaborative. She
is a member of Sigma Theta Tau.
Ms. Cline’s professional interest are in client education, family planning, and investigating the
factors contributing to maternal mortality.
Allison Tran
Allison Purvis Tran is a practicing Certified Nurse Midwife at
Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids, MI. Ms.
Tran is the Site Lead for core faculty Advanced Practice Providers
in the inpatient obstetrics and OB triage units where she provides
care to primarily low income women in triage, labor and delivery
and postpartum. In addition Ms. Tran is a member of the OB/GYN
residency faculty and teaches Michigan State University medical
students and obstetrical residents.
Ms. Tran holds a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from the
University of Michigan; a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing from the
Johns Hopkins University; and a Master's Degree in Nursing and
post masters Women's Health certification from the University of
Michigan. She was nominated for outstanding inpatient Advanced
Practice Provider of the Year in 2018 and has practiced full-scope midwifery the majority of her
career. She has experience in teaching in undergraduate and graduate nursing education as well
as medical students and residents.
Ms. Tran is a member of the American College of Nurse Midwives and Sigma Theta Tau. She
serves on multiple task forces and committees regarding quality and safety, team based care,
resident education and physiologic birth. Her primary interests are team based care models and
the integration of nursing and physician education in evidence based practice.
Amanda Rumpke
Amanda Rumpke is the Advanced Practice Provider Director for
Mercy Health Physicians in Cincinnati, OH. She works as a
pulmonary and critical care nurse practitioner at Mercy Hospital in
Fairfield and is the director of their ambulatory COPD Disease
Management Clinic. In addition to her work to support APPs in
Cincinnati, Amanda is the chair of the Mercy Health APP Council
which supports all employed APPs for Mercy facilities in Ohio in
Kentucky.
Ms. Rumpke holds a Bachelor’s Degree and Master's Degree in
Nursing from The University of Cincinnati. She has been
recognized for her clinical expertise through numerous awards and
honors including the Excellence in Mission Award from Catholic
Health Partners.
Ms. Rumpke is a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners; the Ohio
Association of Advanced Practice Nurses; as well as the Ohio Association of Physician
Assistants.
Ms. Rumpke's professional interests are in the areas of APP deployment and subsequent patient
outcomes.
Ami Goodnough
Dr. Ami Goodnough currently serves as Clinical Program
Director of Palliative Care for Alegis Care, an in-home
chronic disease service. In this role, Dr. Goodnough oversees
the palliative care initiatives across all of the clinical
operations and provides oversight of clinical interactions of
the nurse practitioners across the country.
Dr. Goodnough has spent the past 10 years focused in end of
life care as a Palliative Care consultant across many settings,
both inpatient and outpatient, and holds specialized
certifications as Nurse Practitioner and Advanced Certified
Hospice and Palliative Care Nurse.
Dr. Goodnough was assistant professor at The University of
South Alabama in the Adult Geron and DNP programs and directed the Palliative Care-
Specialty Track. Dr. Goodnough’ passion is improving quality of life for patients with serious
illness and educating others to do the same.
Angela (Angie) Kay Ritten
Dr. Angela (Angie) Ritten is a Family Nurse Practitioner
employed with Florida Health Care Plans in Volusia County
Florida where she serves as a medical provider in the Extended
Hours Care Clinic. In addition, she assists the organization in
evaluating and improving the health of large employer groups, to
include municipalities. Dr. Ritten previously served as coordinator
for the Clinical Doctor of Nursing Practice program at the
University of Central Florida. She has an extensive history of
community service alongside employment. Dr. Ritten acted as
Assistant Medical Director for Harvest Time International, Inc.
and developed and led a nurse managed clinic for Shepherd's
Hope; both of these organizations provide health care to uninsured
individuals and families.
Dr. Ritten holds a Bachelor and Master of Science in Nursing and a Doctorate in Nursing
Practice. She has held ANCC certification as a Family Nurse practitioner since 1996. Her
experience spans nursing education, leadership, population health, primary and urgent care, grant
writing and administration, research, public-speaking and publications. Dr. Ritten currently
serves as an Executive Board Member for the Florida Association of Nurse Practitioners and
recently chaired the 2019 state-wide conference. She is a past secretary for the Florida Coalition
of Advanced Practice Nurses and has presented research at the American Association of Nurse
Practitioners annual conference. Dr. Ritten has been the recipient of several awards, to include
the University of Central Florida Excellence in Graduate Teaching, the Ruth M. McKeeferey
Outstanding Volunteer Service -Practitioner of the Year Award and the Florida Nurses
Association Advanced Practice Nurse of the Year Award. She is a professional speaker,
published author and HRSA grant recipient.
Dr. Ritten's professional interests include advocating for Nurse Practitioners to practice to the
full extent of their education, certification, and training; supporting lifestyle change for persons
with obesity; and improving the health of her community for both insured and uninsured
individuals.
Bethany Stairs
Bethany Jean Stairs is a certified Family Nurse Practitioner
working at the Wallace Medical Concern in Portland, Oregon.
Ms. Stairs is also the Clinical Nurse Manager at this clinic and
serves on several committees including Quality Improvement and
Health Care Equity. In addition she is the chair of the Diabetes
Management committee at Wallace.
Ms. Stairs holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from Point
Loma Nazarene University in San Diego, a Master’s degree in
Nursing from the University of California Los Angeles, and is
Board Certified in Family Practice. Ms. Stairs has experience in
teaching, nursing leadership, public health, and primary care.
Ms. Stairs's professional interests are broad in that she hopes to
use her career to help make health care in the United States more
equitable to the vulnerable populations she serves.
Brandi Snow
Brandi Snow is a clinical nurse practitioner as well as team lead of
the advanced practice providers in the intensive care unit at Duke
Regional Hospital in Durham, NC.
Ms. Snow holds a Bachelor's Degree in Biology from Wingate
University, a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing from Queens
University Of Charlotte, and a Master's Degree in Nursing from
Duke University School of Nursing. Ms. Snow has certifications in
Critical Care Nursing and Fundamentals of Critical Care Support.
She has spent her nursing career in the Duke Health System,
mostly in intensive care medicine.
Ms. Snow is a member of the North Carolina Nurses Association
and the American Association of Critical Care Nurses. She has
been published in the AACN Advanced Critical Care Journal.
Ms. Snow's professional interest are in the areas of critical care disease processes, ICU advanced
practice team structures, and quality improvement.
Bridgette Williams
Bridgette Williams, FNP-BC, MSN is a Cardiology NP at
Cape Fear Heart Associates / Atrium health. Ms. Williams did
her undergraduate work in Durban South Africa and obtained
her graduate degree from Radford, VA. She has her Heart
Failure certification.
Ms. Williams is the Co-Founder of the Heart Strong CHF
clinic at Cape Fear Heart associates, Wilmington NC, is part of
a shared care program with advance therapy patients at Duke
University Medical Center (DUMC) and University of North
Carolina Chapel Hill (UNC-CH), sharing care with LVAD
patients in order to keep them in the community. She is a
member of AAHFN and AANP.
Ms. Williams has previously been a co-author on articles
related to Liver cancer, but no recent publications.
Ms. Williams is the current Vice President of ACP leadership
Council - NHRMC / Atrium Health – Wilmington.
Ms. Williams volunteer's with Nourish NC - local program to feed youth in schools in New
Hanover county Volunteer with parks Board every summer monitoring turtle nest at Fort Fisher.
Her professional interests include care of Heart failure patients and team /relationship building.
Candace Elizabeth Wade Huffmaster
Candace (Beth) Huffmaster earned her Associates of
Science in Pre-Nursing from Faulkner State Community
College and then a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from
Mississippi University for Women. Ms. Huffmaster entered
clinical practice as a Registered Nurse at USA Health
University Hospital where she worked in the Surgical
Trauma ICU, Medical Surgical ICU, and Progressive Care
Units. In 2011, Ms. Huffmaster began to pursue her
Master’s degree and research interests. She earned her
Master of Science as a Nurse Practitioner from The
University of Alabama at Birmingham. During this time she
also worked as a Clinical Research Coordinator for
Pulmonary Associates of Mobile and Coastal Clinical
Research.
Ms. Huffmaster implemented protocols for studies from major pharmaceutical companies,
gathered and reported data, and monitored subjects during the course of the studies. After
completing her master’s degree and becoming AANP board certified, Ms. Huffmaster returned to
the USA Health University Hospital as a Specialty Nurse Practitioner in the Department of
Surgery for the Division of Trauma Surgery.
Ms. Huffmaster is actively involved in multiple professional organizations including the Trauma
Outreach Program, Trauma/Burn Peer Review Committee, Trauma/Burn Operations Committee,
and Christian Medical Ministry of South Alabama. She currently serves as the Public Relations
Chair for the USA Health Advanced Practice Provider’s Council. Ms. Huffmaster holds
certifications in ACLS, ATLS, and TNCC.
Ms. Huffmaster was elected to the National Junior College Honor Society and Sigma Theta Tau
International Honor Society for Nursing. This past year, she was honored as a “Hero” at A Night
Honoring Heroes Award Banquet for the Department of Trauma Surgery at USA Health. She is
also involved in many philanthropic endeavors including volunteering at a shelter for homeless
women, providing care at a free clinic, and participating in numerous medical mission trips to
Guatemala, Ecuador, Honduras, Peru, The Dominican Republic and Costa Rica.
Ms. Huffmaster's professional interests include PTSD after traumatic injuries, the role of APPs in
complex systems of care, human trafficking prevention and gun violence prevention.
Catherine Daily
Catherine (Katie) Daily is a Certified Nurse Midwife
at Mary’s Center for Maternal and Child Care, a
federally qualified health center, in Washington, DC.
She is Adjunct Faculty and a Clinical Faculty
Advisor with the Department of Advanced Nursing
Practice at Georgetown University.
Ms. Daily holds a Bachelor’s degree in Spanish language and International Studies from
American University, a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Georgetown University, and a
Master’s degree in Nursing from Frontier Nursing University.
Ms. Daily has experience in teaching, midwifery care in immigrant communities, and doula care.
She is an active member of the DC Chapter of the American College of Nurse Midwives.
Katie’s professional interests are in the areas of evidence-based midwifery care to immigrant
communities, family planning and reproductive rights, and training a diverse midwifery
workforce.
Christy Page
Christy Page is a Nurse Practitioner at the Duke Women's
Cancer Center Raleigh. Ms. Page holds a Bachelor's Degree in
Nursing from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
She also holds a Master's Degree in Nursing with a specialty
in Adult / Gerontology Primary Care and a concentration in
oncology from Duke University. Ms. Page has a passion for
oncology nursing and has experience in hematology /
oncology, breast cancer and oncology infusion. Ms. Page has
earned specialty certification as an Advanced Oncology
Certified Nurse Practitioner (AOCNP) from the Oncology
Nurses Certification Corporation. Christy is a member of the
American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), the
Advanced Society for Hematology / Oncology (APSHO), the
Oncology Nursing Society (ONS).
Ms. Page is also a member of the Duke Raleigh Cancer Committee, the Duke University Health
System Nursing Research Council, and the Duke Core Safety Committee. Christy has
volunteered within the Duke Physician Assistant Program and has served as a moderator for a
Breast Cancer Symposium and Cancer Support Group. Ms. Page has interest in nursing research,
survivorship, breast cancer, and the role of the advanced practice provider.
Daniel Crawford
Dr. Daniel Crawford is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the
Arizona State University College of Nursing and Health
Innovation. He serves as the Associate Director of the Doctor of
Nursing Practice Program. In addition to this role, Dr. Crawford
maintains a clinical practice in child neurology at Barrow
Neurological Institute at Phoenix Children's Hospital on a part-
time basis.
Dr. Crawford earned a Bachelor's of Science degree in Nursing
from the University of Iowa, a Master's of Science degree in
Nursing with emphasis as a pediatric nurse practitioner from the
University of Iowa, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree
from the University of Iowa.
He has experience teaching a variety of topics including health equity & social justice, pediatric
advanced nursing practice, and evidence-based practice. He was recognized as the Rising Star by
the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties in 2019 and an Advocacy Scholar by
the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners in 2017.
Dr. Crawford is a member and immediate past-president of the National Association of Pediatric
Nurse Practitioners Arizona Chapter. He is a member of the Association of Faculties of Pediatric
Nurse Practitioners, the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties, the American
Association of Nurse Practitioners, and the American Association of Neuroscience Nurses. Dr.
Crawford's professional interests include health equity, social justice, APRN education,
childhood neurologic disorders, quality improvement and evidence-based practice.
Deanna Finley
Deanna Finley is the Director of the Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
Program at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin where she directs a team of
34 neonatal nurse practitioners that will be soon covering 4 hospitals
including the largest NICU in the state of Wisconsin -a 70 bed Level 4
NICU at CHW. Ms. Finley continues to not only lead this growing
team, but practices clinically about 10 % of her time in the NICU as
well.
Ms. Finley graduated from the University of Northern Colorado with her
BSN and was accepted into the NNP program at Swedish Medical
Center in conjunction with Children's Hospital of Denver and the
University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. Ms. Finley graduated with her MSN in nursing
education from Walden University.
In her professional career, Ms. Finley has been the lead NNP in many other institutions and
developed two NICU's. She has taught OB nursing at Carroll University and loves to teach
STABLE as well as NRP. Premature infants and their development are one of her passions,
along with developing NNP's, and her family. Ms. Finley is a member of SWANN, NANN and
Sigma Theta Tau and multiple hospital committees including APN discipline and CLABSI
prevention.
Erin M Gabany
Erin Gabany MSN, FNP-C is a Clinical Director of Palliative
Medicine for Aspire Health, one of the largest home-based palliative
practices in the United States. She has also served in the role as a Field
Clinician but quickly moved into a leadership role to assure clinical
quality and improve quality of life for this vulnerable population.
Ms. Gabany holds a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Pennsylvania
State University and a Master’s degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner
from University of Cincinnati. As an advanced practice clinician, she
has experience in hospice and palliative medicine, urology, nursing
leadership, and research. She also worked in a variety of different
areas as a registered nurse, including owning and administrating an 18
bed Personal Care Home.
Ms. Gabany has been published in American Journal of Nursing. Ms. Gabany has volunteered
countless hours to the YMCA and her children’s sports teams. Ms. Gabany is a member of
Sigma Theta Tau Beta Sigma and Beta Iota chapters, American Academy Of Nurse Practitioners,
National Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association, Centers to Advance Palliative Care,
Pennsylvania State Coalition of Nurse Practitioners, and previously was an Advanced Practice
member of the American Urological Association.
Ms. Gabany’s professional interests are focused on end of life care but she also has a special
interest in Veteran's care, urology, and women’s health.
Estella Jo Wetzel
Estella Wetzel is a 2013 graduate of Frontier Nursing
University (FNU) and is currently working in a family
practice in Beavercreek, Ohio. She is certified by the
American Association of Nurse Practitioners. Prior to
becoming a nurse practitioner, Ms. Wetzel worked her
way through nursing school as a nursing assistant in a
local hospital, became a staff nurse in a coronary care
unit, and assisted the hospital with obtaining Magnet
status. Ms. Wetzel accepted a position as a clinical
instructor while earning her master’s degree in nursing
administration and education and attained the rank of
assistant professor of nursing.
While completing a cultural diversity class, Ms. Wetzel was assigned to report on a person who
worked to benefit Appalachia. She chose Mrs. Mary Breckinridge. Being impressed by Mrs.
Breckinridge’s selfless service, Ms. Wetzel felt the need to return to patient care, and applied to
FNU to become a Frontier nurse practitioner and part of the legacy.
Since becoming a family nurse practitioner, Ms. Wetzel has accepted challenges to promote
nursing as a profession. She has written and reviewed chapters in textbooks and assisted with
editing a new system to assist with the education of registered nurses. In 2017, Ms. Wetzel was
chosen as one of six experts in the US to develop a nurse practitioner fellowship, designed to
ensure that all entry level NPs are supported and have mastered all clinical skills, regardless of
their personal clinical experiences.
Ms. Wetzel has experience with starting new clinics, including an integrated care within an
established psychiatric outpatient center, family practice in underserved areas, and providing
post-hospitalization follow up care for patients who have been without primary health care for
long lengths of time. Additionally, Ms. Wetzel served as the nurse practitioner in the free clinic
of a small community college, promoting health and keeping the students in class. Ms. Wetzel is
currently working with Premier Physician Network, providing family care in a suburban area.
Throughout her career, Ms. Wetzel has been a student advocate, actively accepting and
precepting nurse practitioner students, adapting teaching to both the student’s learning needs and
the clinical setting. Her goal is to have each student ready to practice independently by the time
they complete their practicum.
Eve Hammett
Eve Hammett is a dedicated Nurse Manager and Certified Nurse
Midwife with over 12 years of clinical and progressive leadership
experience. Ms. Hammett has lead the Duke Birthing Center
through increased delivery volume every year as a nurse manager.
Although busy, her team has continued to excel in many quality
indicators of patient care and safety. Experienced across the full
continuum of obstetric/gynecologic care, including labor &
delivery, nursery, mother/baby, antepartum, postpartum, and
outpatient care, Ms. Hammett continues to practice as a fully
credentialed Nurse Midwife at Duke University hospital.
Halima Anaza
Halima Anaza, APRN, MSN, MBA, NE-BC is the Director of
Clinical Services at Nurse Practitioner Managed Practice. Ms.
Anaza holds a BSN from Missouri Western State University, an
MSN from University of Kansas Post-MSN- Clarkson College, an
MBA from Texas Women University, and a DNP from University
of Alabama- Huntsville. She has over 25 years of nursing
experience that includes the following areas of clinical settings:
critical care nurse, Associate Professor of Nursing for seven years,
nurse manager, CNO for 55-Bed-Hospital, Shift Administrator for
over 700-bed-hospital and Nurse Practitioner.
Ms. Anaza has participated in research presentations, received the
Community Impact Award and is an expert witness for community
health and quality care. Ms. Anaza is on a sub-committee on
government and policy issues and a Member of the Board of
Trustee for a non-profit organization. In addition, she served as an expert adviser for health
issues in the community for a former Senator. In the community she provides health education
on health and wellness. Ms. Anaza’s professional interests are reading and publishing articles on
wellness issues.
Helen Tackitt
Helen Tackitt, DNP, RN, FNP-BC, NE-BC is the APRN/PA
Director of Taussig Cancer Institute. Dr. Tackitt graduated from
the University of South Florida with her Bachelors of Science in
Nursing in 2002. In 2006 Dr. Tackitt graduated from Regis
University in Denver, Colorado with her Family Nurse
Practitioner and in 2016 she graduated from the Regis University
Doctorate of Nursing Practice program with honors. For over 10
years Dr. Tackitt worked as a Urology nurse practitioner caring
for adult patients with urologic conditions, specializing in female
urology, kidney stones, BPH and erectile dysfunction. Dr. Tackitt
has over 8 years of progressive management experience from
University of Colorado, Duke, and the Cleveland Clinic. Dr.
Tackitt is an advocate for Advanced Practice Providers and a member of the Advanced Practice
Providers Executives. Dr. Tackitt is also a certified nurse executive through the ANCC.
Jason Gerard Villarreal
Jason Villarreal, NP, is an Adult Nurse Practitioner at the
Comprehensive Health Program of New York Presbyterian-
Columbia Medical Center in New York City. Mr. Villarreal
holds BSN and MSN degrees from the Massachusetts General
Hospital Institute of Health Professions (MGH IHP), and is
board certified in Adult primary care by the American Nurses
Credentialing Center (ANCC). Mr. Villarreal has experience in
primary care, nursing leadership and public health. As part of his
nursing formation, prior to entering MGH IHP, Mr. Villarreal
served for 3 years as a Community Health Promoter with
Partners in Health, assisting people from historically underserved
communities in inner city Boston in accessing healthcare.
In addition to his clinical service as NP, Mr. Villarreal has served
as Chair of the NYP-Columbia Ambulatory Care APRN Council for four years.
Mr. Villarreal specializes in treatment and prevention of HIV, Hepatitis B and C, and provision
of primary care to people living with HIV across the adult lifespan. His clinical interests include
addressing the unique clinical and cultural needs affecting provision of care to members of the
GLBTQ communities, Latino/a/x individuals, active substance users, homeless persons, and
other historically underserved individuals. In addition to Spanish, Mr. Villarreal is also fluent in
Russian.
Mr. Villarreal's professional interests are in bridging the gaps between vulnerable populations
and access to care, and health policy.
Jaytoya Manget
Dr. Jaytoya C. Manget, DNP, MSPH, FNP-BC is a nurse
practitioner at Children’s National Medical Center- Town Hall
Arts and Recreation Campus (THEARC), a community based
clinic in Washington, D.C. She also holds a faculty appointment
as Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at The George Washington
School of Medicine and Health Sciences in Washington, D.C. In
addition to clinical duties at THEARC, Dr. Manget also serves as
the Clinical Director of School-Based Wellness Centers for Prince
George’s County, MD.
Dr. Manget completed her Bachelor of Science with a major in
nursing at Hampton University. She later earned a Master of
Science in Public Health at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of
Public Health, Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health. Dr. Manget
completed both her Master of Science (with a concentration as a Family Nurse Practitioner) and
Doctor of Nursing Practice degrees at Duke University School of Nursing.
Dr. Manget is a member of Sigma Theta Tau, The American Academy of Pediatrics and the
Children’s National Medical Center Advanced Practice Provider Council and Institutional
Review Board.
Dr. Manget is committed to promoting the health and well-being of undeserved communities.
She is passionate about reproductive health, family planning, early childhood development and
behavior management. She is also dedicated to improving workflow efficiencies and leads
several clinical initiatives and quality improvement projects at THEARC to promote these areas.
Jennifer Kittell
Jennifer Kittell is a full scope practicing midwife at Saratoga
Hospital in Saratoga Springs, NY. Ms. Kittell is co-chair of
the division of Midwifery at Saratoga Hospital.
Ms. Kittell holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and
Women's Studies from the University of Michigan, a
Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of
Michigan and a Master of Science in Nursing-Nurse
Midwifery from the University of Michigan. Ms. Kittell has
experience in teaching, precepting students, research and
social media marketing.
Ms. Kittell is a member of the New York State Association of Nurse Midwives where she has
previously been an alternate representative. She is an active member of the Association of
Certified Nurse Midwives, and is a board member with the New York State Perinatal
Association in addition to being on the 2019 conference committee.
Ms. Kittell’s professional interests include working with vulnerable populations including teens,
and improving maternal and infant health.
Jennifer Ramsey
Dr. Jennifer Ramsey, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FNP-C, SANE is a
Women’s Health and Family Advance Practice Provider working in
Gynecologic Oncology at the University of Louisville in Louisville,
Kentucky. Born in Frankfort, Kentucky in 1983 to parents who
were public servants and educators, Dr. Ramsey’s family moved
around due to her father’s affiliations with public universities. She
completed her Bachelor of Science from Auburn University,
Auburn, Alabama, her Bachelor and Master of Nursing from the
University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky and Doctorate of
Nursing Practice from Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee.
Dr. Ramsey’s main focus during her Doctoral program was
developing and implementing a gynecologic survivorship care plan
for patients being treated with curative intent and improving patient
self-efficacy and educational confidence. This, along with her years of experience as a Sexual
Assault Forensic Examiner, has equipped her with skills and knowledge to handle many different
high-stress and complicated patient care situations.
Dr. Ramsey currently serves on the board of the Kentucky Coalition of Nurse Practitioners and
Nurse Midwives, the Hosparus Health Medical Advisory board, and the University of Louisville
Advance Practice Council. Dr. Ramsey is currently enrolled in a LGTB certificate course
working to gain new knowledge about providing care to patients of vulnerable populations. Dr.
Ramsey has had many nursing mentors over the years and aims to provide high-quality patient
care to patients of the Kentucky and Southern Indiana area. Her goal is be involved in
organizations that support Advance Practice Providers and recognize their importance in
delivering care to patients who lack access to quality health care providers in their community.
One of Dr. Ramsey’s favorite sayings is “If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu”.
Jessica Sass
Jessica Sass is a Family Nurse Practitioner at the University of
Kentucky Healthcare Family and Community Medicine Clinic.
Currently, she leads the Innovation and Quality Unit working to
improve quality of care/outcomes for populations of patients. This
includes working with the chronic care management (CCM),
transitions of care management (TCM) and population medicine
programs as well as with the MIPS and valued-based transformation
projects and programs. The clinic is heavily focused on quality
improvement and Ms. Sass coordinates all quality improvement
(QI) projects as well as teaches the QI portion of the residency
program.
Ms. Sass holds a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing from Missouri Western State College and a
Master's Degree in Nursing from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Ms. Sass is a member
of American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and the Kentucky Coalition of Nurse Practitioners
and Nurse Midwifes. Following graduation, she worked in rural Northeast Kansas as a Family
Nurse Practitioner in Ambulatory, Acute, Inpatient and Women's Health settings. After moving
to Kentucky, she transitioned into a leadership role helping to lead the Family and Community
Clinic through a value-based transformation.
Ms. Sass serves as a preceptor for the University of Kentucky College of Nursing and works to
coordinate the Doctorate of Nursing Practice students into the Quality Improvement activities
within Family and Community Medicine. Ms. Sass serves on various committees within the
organization working to improve the care all patient within the organization. These committees
include UKHC Vendor Selection Steering Committee, MACRA Quality, Chronic Care
Management, Turfland Leadership, Department Operation and the Population Management
Implementation Team. She also works on several grants including the Great Lakes Practice
Transformation Network, Collaborative in Primary Care Transformation Project and SBIRT
Health Professions Training.
Ms. Sass's professional interests include Community Health and Health Promotion, Quality and
Patient Safety and Quality Improvement.
Jessica Schwinck
Dr. Jessica Schwinck is a Clinical Assistant Professor of
Nursing at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington.
She is the Chair Elect for the Recruitment and Academic
Development Committee and will assume the Chair position in
September 2019. In addition, Dr. Schwinck is the Project Chair
for 4 students as they progress through their Doctor of Nursing
Practice Scholarly Projects. She is a contributor to curriculum
development, teaches at both the undergraduate and graduate
level, and is an advisor for undergraduate students.
Dr. Schwinck holds a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing from
Pacific Lutheran University, a Master's of Science in Health
Sciences with a focus of International Health from Trident
University International, a Master's Degree in Nursing as an
Adult Gerontology Acute Care Clinical Nurse Specialist, Post-
Master's Certificate as an Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, and a Doctor of
Nursing Practice Degree from the University of Virginia. She has 14 years experience in Army
medicine primarily in the Emergency/Trauma focus area. In addition, Dr. Schwinck has
experience in teaching both undergrad and graduate students.
Dr. Schwinck is the recipient of multiple awards from her time in the Army including the
Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal x6, Army Achievement Medal,
National Defense Service Ribbon, Iraq Campaign Medal (2), Afghanistan Campaign Medal, and
the Global War on Terror-Service Medal.
Dr. Schwinck is a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, National
Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists, Sigma Theta Tau International, Emergency Nurses
Association, Army Nurse Corps Association, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Dr. Schwinck's professional interests are in the areas of undergraduate and graduate education,
improving access to care, evidence-based care, and trauma and emergency medicine.
Jihane Hajj
Dr. Jihane Hajj is an Assistant Professor at Widener University in
Chester, PA. She serves as a nurse practitioner in the area of
preventive cardiology.
Dr. Hajj holds a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing from the American
University of Beirut (AUB), a Master's Degree in Nursing from
Drexel University, and a DrNP from Drexel University. She is
involved in teaching, clinical practice and research. Her research
interest is in the area of radiation vasculopathy and cardiovascular
risk.
Dr. Hajj holds several academic responsibilities at Widener
University and Widener University School of Nursing. She is the
chair of recruitment and student affairs, faculty advisor of the Students' ambassador, School of
Nursing representative for University faculty grants and awards, and member of the Honors
Program in General Education (HPGE) Advisory Committee at Widener University. She
continues to be a member of the Task Force committee for the development of the Acute Care
Nurse Practitioner program. She is the chair of the governance committee at the Eta Beta chapter
of Sigma Theta Tau International.
Dr. Hajj is the recipient of two research awards from Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing
Honor Society and Pennsylvania State Nurses Association (PSNA) County District 1. She is a
member of Eta Beta chapter and National Lipid Association.
Dr. Hajj's professional interest is to further advance her clinical career and take it to a direction
that stems beyond evaluating and managing patients in the clinic. She is interested in
contributing to devising a plan that aims at increasing access to cardiovascular preventive testing
among the underserved population.
Johnny Moyer
Mr. Moyer was born in a war torn, third world country, Vietnam, in
1968. His family moved to the US when he was 4 for freedom and
opportunity. Mr. Moyer grew up in Los Angeles, California. Mr.
Moyer’s parents always stressed the importance of hard work, being a
good citizen, and giving back to a community that gave us so many
opportunities. Mr. Moyer worked hard in school, graduated with a
Bachelors degree in Finance, and then started his career working in the
entertainment industry for Paramount Pictures. Mr. Moyer successfully
climbed the corporate ladder reaching a senior management position and
overseeing a staff before he was 30. Mr. Moyer was happy and had
everything he strived for until his world fell apart when he found out his
father was diagnosed with cancer in 2014. As Mr. Moyer’s father’s
condition deteriorated, his father needed more and more of his support, so Mr. Moyer moved his
father in with him and became his primary caretaker.
Mr. Moyer and his father spent a lot of time together, in and out of the hospitals as his dad fought
for his life. During that time, Mr. Moyer realized he knew very little about cancer, the disease
process, and felt helpless during his father's struggle to overcome this disease. Mr. Moyer
decided to immerse himself in learning as much as he could about alternative medicine and
cancer to help his father because traditional medicine was so ineffective. When they first began
their journey, Mr. Moyer’s father was given 6 months to live. By incorporating everything Mr.
Moyer learned from alternative medicine including proper nutrition, detoxification, supplements,
and the concept of mind body medicine they were able to extend my father's life by 6 years. Mr.
Moyer’ father lived long enough to attend his son’s wedding and witness the birth of his first
grandchild. The research and information Mr. Moyer gathered to help his father piqued his
interest in medicine and he decided to pursue the Nurse Practitioner track. Mr. Moyer went back
to school to get his second Masters degree and certification to become a Nurse Practitioner. Mr.
Moyer has been working as a Nurse Practitioner in Los Angeles ever since and now runs a
satellite clinic working with the homeless. Mr. Moyer is applying everything he has learned thus
far in his personal life, in his previous career, and in his current position to help our most
vulnerable population. Mr. Moyer’s father taught him that we can always find our strength and
purpose in moments of crisis. Thanks to his father, Mr. Moyer has found his strength and
purpose.
Johnny R. Tice
Dr. Johnny R. Tice is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the
University of Alabama. Dr. Tice received his BSN ‘09, MSN ‘14,
and DNP ‘16 from The University of Alabama Capstone College
Of Nursing. He additionally holds a MA in Health Promotion ‘12
from The University of Alabama College Of Human
Environmental Sciences. He is dual certified as a Family Nurse
Practitioner by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners
and a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner by the
American Nurses Credentialing Center. Dr. Tice worked in the
areas of Cardiac/Telemetry and in the Neonatal ICU.
Dr. Tice previously taught Adult Health and currently teaches
Mental Health and Pharmacology in the traditional undergraduate
nursing programs.
As a graduate student in the inaugural class of the MSN Nurse Practitioner concentration at
CCN, Dr. Tice was the recipient of the Sara E. Barger Outstanding Graduate Student Award. He
completed a post-graduate advanced clinical practitioner fellowship with the Carolinas
Healthcare System in Charlotte, North Carolina, before returning to the Capstone in 2015.
Dr. Tice maintains his clinical practice at DCH Regional Medical Center where he works as a
Family Nurse Practitioner and the Tuscaloosa County Jail where he works as a Psychiatric
Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
Dr. Tice is a member of the West Alabama Black Nurses Association, American Psychiatric
Nurses Association, West Alabama Nurse Practitioner Association, American Nurses
Association and Sigma Theta Tau International.
Dr. Tice serves on the Board of Directors for the CCN Alumni Association and is also the faculty
advisor for the Capstone College of Nursing Association of Nursing Students.
Dr. Tice professional interests are Cardiovascular Health, Rural Populations, and Evidence
Based Best Practices.
Juan M Gonzalez
Dr. Juan M Gonzalez is an Assistant Professor of Clinical at the
University of Miami School of Nursing and Advanced Registered
Nurse Practitioner at South Miami Hospital Emergency Department.
He obtained his Associate degree in Nursing from Miami Dade
College and his ADN to BSN degree at Barry University.
Additionally, Dr. Gonzalez completed his MSN and DNP degree at
Barry University from 2009-2013 with a concentration in Adult-
Gerontology Acute Care. In 2015 Dr. Gonzalez completed his
postmaster certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner at the
University of Miami.
Dr. Gonzalez has been the director of the Family Nurse Practitioner
program at the University of Miami School of Nursing and Health
Studies since the year 2015. Dr. Gonzalez has been part of the
development of this program and integration of simulation with a focus on health promotion and
disease prevention. Dr. Gonzalez has experience with curriculum development and pedagogical
techniques inside and outside the classroom setting.
As a Family Nurse Practitioner, Dr. Gonzalez participates in mission trips to Haiti twice yearly,
concentrating on primary care of pediatric patients who come to a mobile clinic. Many of those
patients have dermatological problems which are treated by students under his direct supervision,
and further education is provided to these patients to prevent them in the future. He has also
worked with nurses in Latin America to increase the level of knowledge and training.
Dr. Gonzalez is a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioner, Florida Nurses
Association, American Nurses Association and American Association of Emergency Nurse
Practitioners. Additionally, he serves as the Faculty Advisor for the American Association for
Men in Nursing 'Canes Chapter at the University of Miami School of Nursing and Health
Studies.
Kathaleen A King-Dailey
Dr. Kathaleen King-Dailey is a nurse practitioner at Penn State
Health Heart and Vascular Institute Advanced Heart Failure
Center. Prior to this she was employed at PinnacleHealth
CardioVascular Institute for 11 years. Dr. King-Dailey has
specialized in Heart Failure for 4 years and is certified as a heart
failure nurse. In addition to specializing in heart failure she also
managed general cardiology patients. Dr. King-Dailey has some
experience in academia establishing coursework and requirements
for the Doctorate in Nursing program at Penn State College of
Nursing. Furthermore, she was an adjunct faculty member at a
number of local universities over the course of her nurse
practitioner career.
Dr. King-Dailey graduated from Millersville University in 2006
with her MSN as a Family Nurse Practitioner. Later she completed her Doctorate in Nursing
Practice at Robert Morris University in 2012. Prior to obtaining her nurse practitioner degree,
she spent 10 years working in the ICU setting primarily in the Cardiothoracic ICU. She is also a
Certified Critical Care Nurse.
Dr. King-Dailey is a strong advocate for woman and heart disease awareness. For the past 6
years she had coordinated the annual Zumba/Yoga/CV awareness “Go Red for Woman”
Fundraiser Event for the American Heart Association. Dr. King-Dailey was also an honorary
speaker for J.C. Blair Memorial Hospital 7th Annual Wear Red Day presenting "Coronary Artery
Calcium Scoring and Risk Factor Prediction." Dr. King-Dailey was also a speaker at the York
Street Medical Center UPMC Hanover presenting "Dinner with a Doc-Heart Smart 101 for
Woman and Heart Disease". Most recently, she spoke professionally at the annual Pennsylvania
Coalition for Nurse Practitioner's conference "Heart Smart 101 for Woman and Heart Disease."
Dr. King-Dailey is a member of the American Association of Heart Failure Nurses, American
Association of Critical Care Nurses, Nurse Practitioners of Central PA, where she also holds the
position of Treasurer since 2012. Dr. King-Dailey is also a member of the Pennsylvania
Coalition of Nurse Practitioners, American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, and the American
College of Cardiology.
Dr. King-Dailey was also recognized as the recipient of the 2018 UPMC Pinnacle “Nursing
Excellence” Advanced Practice Award.
Dr. King-Dailey’s professional interests are in the area of improving care for our vulnerable
heart failure patients and bringing awareness to women about heart disease. She is also very
passionate about improving professional relationships and building a culture of positivity.
Kathryn Frie
Kathryn Frie, MSN, APRN, PHN, ANP-BC, GNP-BC is an
Assistant Professor/NP at Winona State
University/Neighborhood Family Clinics. Ms. Frie received
her MSN from University of Wisconsin Madison School of
Nursing in 2011 and her BSN from Winona State University
in 2005.
Ms. Frie is currently working as an Assistant Professor in the
Nursing department at Winona State Unviersity in Winona,
MN. Ms. Frie is teaching both theory and clinical in the
undergraduate department with a focus on Population Health
Nursing. Currently, Ms. Frie also teaches in the graduate
department in the clinical setting with Nurse Practitioner
students. Innovation within clinical sites has been an
important topic in the department and, she has assisted with
innovating three new clinical rotations this past semester in rural nursing, non-traditional
dedicated education units and, inter-professional student clinical sites. With this, Ms. Frie also
maintains current practice as a Nurse Practitioner in Neighborhood Family Clinics in La Crosse,
Wisconsin. Ms. Frie is a cash based clinic serving under-insured and under-served areas of the
community.
Ms. Frie is currently working as an Assistant Professor in the Nursing department at Winona
State Unviersity in Winona, MN. Ms. Frie teaches both theory and clinical in the undergraduate
department with a focus on Population Health Nursing. Ms. Frie also teaches in the graduate
department in the clinical setting with Nurse Practitioner students. Innovation within clinical
sites has been an important topic in the department and Ms. Frie has assisted with innovating
three new clinical rotations this past academic semester. With this, Ms. Frie also maintain current
practice as a Nurse Practitioner in Neighborhood Family Clinics in La Crosse, Wisconsin. This is
a cash based clinic serving under-insured and under-served areas of the community.
Ms. Frie is currently serving on the Assessment Committee through Winona State University.
Ms. Frie is also a member of the APHA, MNSOPHE, AANP, MPHA, MNNP.
Ms. Frie is currently enrolled in a Doctor of Nursing Practice with emphasis in Practice and
Leadership Innovation through Winona State University. Ms. Frie plans to graduate in December
of 2019.
Ms. Frie’s professional interests are Population Health Nursing, Public Health Nursing, Advance
Practice Nurse Leadership, Nursing Leadership, Inter-professional Nursing Education, Rural
Nursing
Kelly Shank
Kelly Ann Shank is an Adult Nurse Practitioner at ProHealth
Partners, Inc in Perrysburg, Ohio. She is also a Nurse Practitioner at
Enclara-Great Lakes Hospice. Ms. Shank provides primary care for
seniors in the Toledo area. Ms. Shank holds a Bachelor's Degree
from Ursuline College and a Master's of Science in Nursing as an
Adult Nurse Practitioner from Case Western Reserve University in
Cleveland, Ohio. Ms. Shank has experience in college health but her
true passion is in geriatrics. She has been in practice for over 22
years and has spoken on Eating Disorders, Interactions between
medications and herbal supplements, and reimbursement specialties.
Ms. Shank is on the Board of Directors of the Ohio Association of
Advanced Practice Nurses and has served as a Chapter Leader,
Regional Director and she is currently the President-Elect. Ms.
Shank serves on the Government Relations committee, chairs the
Board Development Committee and chairs the Preceptor Task Force. She developed and plans
the annual Northwest Ohio OAAPN Conference. She precepts advanced practice nurses for
multiple programs. In addition, Ms. Shank is a CPR instructor for the American Heart
Association, as well as a first aid and childhood communicable disease instructor. Ms. Shank
also serves as a small group leader for the high school ministry group at St. John 23 in
Perrysburg. Her interests in healthcare include palliative care, hospice and improving the quality
of life for seniors in her community, as well as improving access to preceptors for APRN
students.
Kina L. Jackson
Kina L. Jackson is certified as an adult gerontology primary care
nurse practitioner and practices at the WG Bill Hefner VA
Medical Center in the Department of Geriatrics and Extended Care
located in Salisbury, NC. Ms. Jackson became licensed as a
registered nurse in 2006 and cared for various patient populations
at Wake Forest Baptist Health in Winston Salem, NC for over 10
years. Ms. Jackson worked in palliative care, physical and
traumatic brain injury rehabilitation, hemodialysis, and acute care
for the elderly. Ms. Jackson's nursing experience also includes
working with Medicare members served by the following
managed care organizations: United Healthcare and Humana.
Ms. Jackson holds a master of science in nursing from the Duke
University School of Nursing. Ms. Jackson obtained a bachelor of science in nursing from
Winston Salem State University. Ms. Jackson also attended the University of North Carolina at
Charlotte where she completed the requirements for a master of arts in gerontology and a
bachelor of arts in sociology.
Ms. Jackson is a member of the Duke University, Beta Epsilon Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau. She
serves as the lead clinician for the Health Ministry at Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church.
She is also a board member for Rowan County Home and Community Care Block Grant
Committee and Region F Aging Advisory Committee.
Ms. Jackson's professional interests include geriatrics/gerontology, long term care, racial &
health inequities, and professional development for nurses.
Kylie Casey
Kylie Casey holds a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing from Spring
Hill College as well as a Master's degree as a Family Nurse
Practitioner. Ms. Casey has experience in military trauma
medicine, internal medicine, family medicine and specializes in
hospital medicine. Ms. Casey currently serves as a Nurse
Practitioner for the 228th Combat Support Hospital located in
San Antonio, TX as well as a Hospitalist Nurse Practitioner in
downtown San Antonio. Ms. Casey's professional interest
include managing health care of acutely ill, critically or
chronically ill adult patients in inpatient setting.
Linda Turner
Linda Turner is a Family Nurse Practitioner at Tsehootsooi
Medical Center in Fort Defiance, AZ. She is the Lead Advanced
Practice Clinician in the primary care clinic.
Ms. Turner holds a Bachelor Degree in Nursing from University
of West Georgia, a Master of Science in Nursing with an
emphasis of Family Nurse Practitioner from Southern Adventist
University in Collegedale, TN. Since becoming a family nurse
practitioner in 2014 she has served the Native American
population on the Navajo reservation. Her experience includes
primary care, mentoring newly graduated nurse practitioners as
they begin their careers at Tsehootsooi Medical Center and
participating in the grant writing for Special Diabetes Program
for Indians for the primary care clinic. Ms. Turner is a recipient of the Indian Health Service
scholar scholarship, 2012-2014.
Ms. Turner is a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners; the American
Association of Diabetes Educator.
Ms. Turner’s professional interests are in the areas of vulnerable populations to include those
with living with diabetes and hepatitis C.
Lindsay Powell
Lindsay Powell is a nurse practitioner and team lead of the adult
inpatient Abdominal Transplant Surgery APPs at Duke University
Hospital. Lindsay holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing and
a minor in Spanish from the University of North Carolina at
Wilmington, awarded in 2005. She received her Master of Science in
Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner in 2015 from the University of
North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Ms. Powell is an abdominal transplant nurse practitioner caring for
adult in-patient kidney, pancreas, small bowel, liver, and
multivisceral transplant patients post operatively and for any
readmission post-transplant. Ms. Powell also manages care for pre-
liver transplant and hepatobiliary patients. Prior to her current
position, she was a registered nurse, CNIII, on an in-patient pediatric medicine unit providing
care to patients from infancy to young adulthood with gastrointestinal, renal, musculoskeletal,
metabolic, pulmonary, genetic, transplants, and neurological impairments.
Ms. Powell is a member of American Association of Nurse Practitioners, American Society of
Transplant Surgeons (ASTS), American Society of Transplantation (AST) Committee member
of the APP Community of Practice, and Education committee for AST. She completed an ASTS
Advanced Transplant Provider certificate.
As team lead for the APPs, Ms. Powell is the liaison between upper management and the
medical/surgical director. She participates in multiple QI projects for transplant surgery. She will
be presenting a poster abstract on challenges to inpatient management post abdominal wall
transplant from the APPs perspective this June at the American Transplant Congress.
Ms. Powell’s professional interests include transplant surgery, career advancement/clinical
ladder for APPs, on boarding and continuing education for APPs.
Lisa Paflas
Lisa Paflas is the APP manager for the Western Region for the
Emergency Services Institute at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland,
Ohio.
Ms. Paflas holds a BA in Economics & Philosophy from Boston
College, a BSN from Indiana University and MSN from the
University of Akron. Ms. Paflas has experience in pediatric
primary and specialty care and research. She is a member of
NAPNAP, The Cleveland Clinic APRN council, Febrile Infant
Task Force, Patient Experience committee and the ESI Peer
Review Committee. She provides medical supervision to a group
of 75 high school students for a week long mission trip every summer.
Ms. Paflas's professional interests are include improving relations between APPs and MDs,
encouraging APPs to work at the top of their license.
Lori J. Schwartz
Dr. Lori J. Schwartz, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, is Clinical Assistant
Professor at the University of Kansas School of Nursing. Dr.
Schwartz teaches in the graduate program, specifically in the Family
Nurse Practitioner program. Dr. Schwartz has experience in teaching
primary care didactic, primary care clinical courses, advanced health
assessment, advanced pharmacology, and role development in
advanced nursing. In addition to her teaching responsibilities she
works PRN as a family nurse practitioner in an urgent care clinic.
Dr. Schwartz holds a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing, Master's degree
in Nursing, and Doctorate of Nursing Practice, all from the
University of Kansas School of Nursing. Dr. Schwartz is a recipient
of the Jayhawker RN Clinical Award. Dr. Schwartz is a member of
Sigma Theta Tau - Delta chapter. Dr. Schwartz's professional interests include patient access to
health care, specifically in the rural and underserved populations and factors leading to
provider/caregiver fatigue.
Lutsiya Huang
Lutsiya Huang, NP-C is a NP in Cardiology at Triangle Heart Associates. Ms. Huang obtained
her degree at Holy Names University. Ms. Huang has worked primarily in cardiology all her
nursing career. She has worked in a primary care clinic for about two years and has been exposed
to both primary care and specialty worlds. Ms. Huang is a member of the American College of
Cardiology. Ms. Huang’s professional interest is to become more involved in palliative
cardiology.
Miranda Meunier
Miranda Meunier is a Gerontological Nurse Practitioner at Billings
Clinic who recently accepted the first Advanced Practice Director
position at the organization. She holds a Bachelor's of Science in
Nursing from St. Olaf College and a Master’s of Science in Nursing
from Duke University.
Ms. Meunier has experience managing a PACE program for
vulnerable older adults in Billings, MT, as well as many years
managing and coordinating care of transitional care units. She has
conducted several presentations on dementia and also engages in
research for this area. Ms. Meunier is involved in several local and
state-wide organizations dedicated to care of older adults including
the Montana Alzheimer's/Dementia Workgroup, Dementia Friendly
Billings Workgroup, and is a member of the Montana chapter of the
Alzheimer's association.
In her organization, Ms. Meunier started the first APRN Council as well as Advanced Practice
Council for both NPs and PAs. She recently became the first Advanced Practice Director the
organization has had after lobbying for several years about the importance of a leadership
position for APPs.
Ms. Meunier’s professional interests include health care public policy, program development,
and dementia research and education.
Shana Monique Williams
Shana Williams is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner at Duke
Regional Hospital. She is also serves as the Champion for the
Alcohol Withdrawal Pathway for Duke Health Systems.
Ms. Williams holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from Medical
University of South Carolina, a Master’s degree in Nursing from
Medical University of South Carolina and is currently enrolled in
the Doctorate of Nursing Practice program at the Medical
University of South Carolina. She has experience in teaching,
behavioral health and serves on many committees. Some of her
experiences include: Organization of Skills Day and MOCK NCI Drills for 6-1 psychiatry at
Duke Regional and William's Ward at Duke University Medical Center, Work Culture
Committee, Inpatient psychiatry Instructor of Psychiatric Certification class, Speaker at DRH
Stroke Support Group and Patient Advisory Council, Instructor of Psychiatric Core Class for
Duke Health Systems Education Alcohol, Withdrawal pathway Champion for Duke Health
Systems.
Ms. Williams is a member of the American Nurses Association; and the American Psychiatric
Nurses Association.
Ms. Williams’s professional interests are in the areas of vulnerable populations and substance
dependence. She would love to continue to pursue opportunities to improve her professional
level and knowledge administratively with the hope to enhance the customer experience,
teamwork and organizational operations concerning behavioral health.
Susan Franano
Susan Franano is an Adult Advance practice nurse at Riverside
Methodist Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. She is the clinical chair for the
inpatient neurology advance practice providers. Ms. Franano holds a
Bachelor Degree in Nursing from Andrews University, and a Master
Degree from Otterbein University.
Ms. Franano has 14 years experience as a critical care nurse and 10
years as a nurse practitioner.
Ms. Franano is credentialed through the American Nurses
Credentialing Center and maintains her certification for her CCRN.
Ms. Franano's professional interests are in the area of nursing
retention, quality of care from APRN's and proper communication to ensure the best patient care.
Suzanne Wertman
Suzanne Wertman is the state government affairs consultant
for the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM). Most
recently, she spent over eight years working as the home
clinician at Planned Parenthood in Wilmington, North
Carolina. She has taught nurse practitioner and nurse-
midwife students as clinical faculty at the University of North
Carolina at Wilmington and East Carolina University. Ms.
Wertman has also worked as a nurse-midwife in the United
States Virgin Islands and San Francisco, California.
Ms. Wertman earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology
and Medical Anthropology from Mount Holyoke College.
She also holds Bachelor's and Master's Degrees from the University of Pennsylvania School of
Nursing. Ms. Wertman has over twenty years of experience providing midwifery care to people
of all ages and backgrounds in public, private and non-profit settings.
Ms. Wertman is a member of ACNM, the North Carolina affiliate of the ACNM (NCACNM),
and the North Carolina Nurses Association (NCNA). Ms. Wertman serves as the volunteer State
Government Affairs Committee Chair for ACNM and the immediate past President of
NCACNM. Under her leadership, the affiliate received the 2014 ACNM Exemplary Affiliate
Award. The NCNA named her the Legislative/Political Nurse of 2014, and she was a Fellow of
the American Nurses Advocacy Institute in 2015.
Ms. Wertman’s professional interests include safe maternity care, reproductive justice, nurses
and midwives engaging in developing health policy, transforming health care, interdisciplinary
collaboration and culture change.