Board of Directors

Years of nursing experience: 38 years

Brief summary of types of work/experience: My arena is primarily in critical care, where I have worked in open heart recovery, medical surgical ICU, post anesthesia care and neuro critical care units. I also have experience from the home health arena, office nursing and legal nurse consulting. I maintain national certifications in critical care, neuroscience and as an acute and critical care clinical nurse specialist. I am an online instructor for the bachelor’s and master’s degree programs for two nursing programs. Currently I am the CNS for neuroscience which encompasses 120 beds (Neuro Critical Care, Neurosurgical unit, Neuro Medical unit  and Behavioral Health at Advent Health Orlando.

Current nursing role: Clinical Nurse Specialist for Neuroscience & Behavioral Health

Current work facility/type of unit: Neuro Critical Care, Neuro surgical unit , Neuro Medical Unit, Behavioral Health

Previous roles within the Chapter: Co - director Certification

One thing you love about MOC: The camaraderie among members.

One goal you hope to achieve in your MOC role for this year: Increase certification for nurses of the city of Orlando Hospital systems (Orlando Health & HCA)

Describe why you are involved with the MOC AACN, utilizing President’s theme (2025-2026 President’s Theme: On Purpose): 

I purposely decided to become more involved a few years ago to challenge myself. I have worked in the neuro field for awhile and wanted to diversify my activities. As well as learning more leadership skills as a co-director for certification. I am passionate about nurses learning more about their given field but others as well. Nurses are asked to know much more now than years ago and MOC gives nurses the venue to gain education, become involved and to drive their knowledge and passion forward to help their patients as well as our future nurses.

Years of nursing experience: 20

Brief summary of types of work/experience: I am a Certified Registered Nurse with 20 years of experience in intensive care. I began my career in a large Multisystem and Neuro ICU, caring for neuro patients and transplant donors and recipients, and have also served as a frontline nurse, leader, and clinical educator. Currently, I am the Director of Spine Surgery and Neuro Critical Care at the AdventHealth Neuroscience Institute in Orlando, where I am committed to providing compassionate, comprehensive care and improving outcomes for patients and families.

Current nursing role: Director of Spine Surgical Services & Neurocritical Care with Neuroscience Institute

Current work facility/type of unit: AdventHealth Neuroscience Institute

Previous roles within the Chapter: Director of Education

One thing you love about MOC: I love that MOC brings together nurses with a shared passion and purpose, reminding me that we’re stronger and more impactful when we work together.

One goal you hope to achieve in your MOC role for this year: One goal I hope to achieve in my MOC role this year is to help create more opportunities for nurses to feel connected, supported, and empowered in their practice.

Describe why you are involved with the MOC AACN, utilizing President’s theme (2025-2026 President’s Theme: On Purpose): I chose to be involved with the MOC AACN because I believe the work we do as nurses should always be intentional—rooted in purpose, not just habit. The 2025–2026 President’s theme, On Purpose, speaks to me because it reminds me that every step I take in my career, whether in patient care, leadership, or professional service, should reflect a deeper “why.”

For me, being part of the AACN is about connection and growth. It’s about surrounding myself with others who are equally committed to advancing critical care nursing and learning from their experiences. It gives me the opportunity to share my own voice, but also to listen, collaborate, and help shape the future of our profession.

I stay involved because this work re-centers me on what matters most: caring for patients and supporting fellow nurses. Through AACN, I can give back, mentor others, and advocate for the kind of intentional, purposeful practice that changes lives—both at the bedside and beyond.

In short, the MOC AACN reminds me that my role as a nurse leader isn’t just something I do—it’s something I live, and I want to live it On Purpose.

Years of nursing experience: 14

Brief summary of types of work/experience:  I started my nursing career as a sitter while I was in nursing school.  After graduation, I transitioned to a Cardiac PCU for 2 years.  Here I learned how to be a nurse and sharpened my assessment skills.  I then moved onto a medical-surgical ICU where I eventually moved up to an assistant nurse manager role.  Our family moved to Florida after 8 years of nursing up north and I returned to bedside in a Cardiac ICU. During Covid, I transitioned to the Advanced Cardiac Surgical Unit to continue my quest for growth and knowledge.  I now serve as the Nursing Professional Development (NPD) Practitioner for that unit.

Current nursing role: Nursing Professional Development (NPD) Practitioner, Advanced Cardiac Surgical Unit (ACSU)

Current work facility/type of unit: AdventHealth Orlando

Previous roles within the Chapter: Treasurer

One thing you love about MOC: I love the strong sense of community and support. It is inspiring to be surrounded by passionate nurses who are committed to advancing critical care through education, collaboration, and advocacy.

One goal you hope to achieve in your MOC role for this year: My goal is to inspire collaboration across our critical care community, support nurses in their practice, and continue building a chapter that reflects the values of excellence, compassion, and leadership.

Describe why you are involved with the MOC AACN, utilizing President’s theme if possible (2025-2026 President’s Theme: On Purpose): I am involved with MOC because it allows me to live and lead On Purpose.  As nurses, we are more than caregivers.  The chapter provides a space where we can embrace change and wonder, guided by a spirit of inquiry that deepens our empathy and renews our passion for the art and science of nursing. Through this community, I am able to contribute to building a future for critical care that is intentional, innovative, and collaborative. Like artists, architects, and gardeners, we design, create, and cultivate together - growing our profession and out chapter with purpose. Being part of this chapter means I am not only supporting my colleagues but also shaping the future of nursing, grounded in compassion, excellence, and connection.

Years of nursing experience: 35 years of experience

Brief summary of types of work/experience:

My nursing career has been in the multisystem, cardiac, and neuro PCU arena, where I have embraced a variety of roles that have shaped my leadership journey. From bedside nurse, preceptor, and mentor to charge nurse and Assistant Nurse Manager, I have consistently sought opportunities to support both patient care and team development. I have also been deeply involved in shared governance, serving as Chair of the Nurse Practice Council at the unit level, and leading several hospital-wide councils at AdventHealth Orlando, including the Coordinating Council, the Education and Informatics Council, and the Pain Management Committee. These experiences have deepened my commitment to advancing the nursing practice and fostering collaborative leadership.

Current nursing role: Assistant Nurse Manager

Current work facility/type of unit: AdventHealth Winter Garden – Multisystem PCU

Previous roles within the chapter: Member, Director of Awards and Scholarships

One thing you love about MOC: The endless opportunities for education, activities, networking and involvement in the community.

One goal you hope to achieve in your MOC role for this year: One goal I hope to achieve in my role as President-Elect of the Metropolitan Orlando Chapter of AACN is to strengthen member engagement by creating purposeful opportunities for connection, mentorship, and professional development. Inspired by this year’s theme, On Purpose, I want every member to feel seen, valued, and empowered to lead with intention—whether through educational events, leadership roles, or community outreach. My aim is to cultivate a chapter culture where every nurse finds meaning and momentum in their AACN journey.

President’s Theme: (2025-2026: On Purpose): Being part of the Metropolitan Orlando Chapter of AACN has been a deeply meaningful journey for me, both personally and professionally. Surrounded by passionate nurses who lead with heart and intention, I’ve found a community that inspires growth, advocacy, and excellence in practice. This year’s AACN theme, On Purpose, resonates strongly with my commitment to nursing leadership and lifelong learning. It reminds me that every action we take—whether mentoring a colleague, championing patient care, or advancing our profession—is a deliberate step toward making a difference. I’m proud to serve and grow alongside such an incredible group of nurses.

Years of nursing experience:  10 years

Brief summary of types of work/experience: I’ve had the opportunity to work across several dynamic units including observation (CDU), float pool, vascular progressive care, and the stress lab in cardiology. These experiences have strengthened my adaptability, clinical judgment, and teamwork in fast-paced environments.

Current nursing role:  Stress Lab RN

Current work facility/type of unit:  AdventHealth Altamonte non-invasive cardiology

Previous roles within the Chapter: Member

One thing you love about MOC: I really enjoy being a member of the Metro Orlando Chapter of AACN because it gives me the chance to connect with other nurses who share my passion for learning and growth. I’ve made great friendships while attending events that explore interesting and relevant topics in nursing. I also love having opportunities to volunteer and give back to our local community. It’s a meaningful way to make a difference outside of the hospital.

One goal you hope to achieve in your MOC role for this year: One goal I hope to achieve in my role with the Metro Orlando Chapter this year is to gain a deeper understanding of how the chapter operates and contributes to our nursing community. I’m also excited about the possibility of attending NTI for the first time to connect with other nurses, learn from national leaders, and bring fresh ideas back to our local chapter.

Describe why you are involved with the MOC AACN, utilizing President’s theme (2025-2026 President’s Theme: On Purpose):  I’m involved with the Metro Orlando Chapter of AACN because I believe in showing up on purpose—with intention, passion, and a commitment to growth. Being part of this chapter allows me to connect with other nurses who share a drive to elevate our practice and support one another. I want to be more engaged in the professional community and contribute meaningfully to the chapter’s mission and impact.

Years of nursing experience: 8

Brief summary of types of work/experience: I started my nursing career in 2017 in a Multi-System ICU where I was lucky to be exposed to an extremely diverse patient population and grow into a charge nurse role. That experience facilitated a lot of growth in me, both professionally and personally. It was an experience I will be forever grateful for. My favorite part of being a charge nurse was supporting my team. That passion led me to take the jump into clinical education in late 2021. I started out in education working with our contingent work force and grew into a Lead Educator role where my focus has evolved over time. I have helped support six different ICUs, observation medicine, rapid response, vascular access, wound care and more.

I currently am a Clinical Outcomes Manager. I earned my Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification. My work in this area has been focused on supporting quality and process improvement for patient safety and sustainability. I also support our Shared Governance Quality Safety & Outcomes Council as a Sponsor and am the Co-Chair of our Code Blue Committee. All these different roles have allowed me to be curious, intentional and serve as a mentor.

Current nursing role: Senior Manager of Clinical Outcomes

Current work facility/type of unit: AdventHealth Orlando

Previous roles within the Chapter: Co-Director of Community Service

One thing you love about MOC: Professional growth and community partnerships!

One goal you hope to achieve in your MOC role for this year: Increase member engagement within the community.

Describe why you are involved with the MOC AACN, utilizing President’s theme (2025-2026 President’s Theme: On Purpose):

I am grateful to have incredible peers and leaders who inspired me to get involved with the MOC. I remain engaged because of the meaningful relationships and the opportunity to collaborate with extraordinary nurses who are passionate about advancing our profession. Every nursing journey is unique, and I feel privileged to be surrounded by individuals who are committed to driving positive change, intentionally and On Purpose.