Board of Directors

35 years in Nursing
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. She maintains national certifications in critical care, neuroscience and as an acute and critical care clinical nurse specialist. I am an online instructor for the bachelor and master’s degree programs for two nursing programs. Currently I am the CNS for neuroscience which encompasses 120 beds (Neuro Critical Care, Neuroscience & Neuro Medical) and Behavioral Health at Advent Health Orlando.

My previous role in MOC has been as a member but I made a decision this past year to be more involved within the critical care aspect of my career versus so neuro-focused. I really enjoy the collegial aspect of MOC and diversity of the members from various work areas and hospitals. I hope to learn more of the leadership aspects of the chapter and of AACN.

Why I am involved with MOC AACN, well.. starting now I decided I needed to diversify and stretch myself professionally. I have been in a comfortable area in nursing and feel that I need to put myself out there to learn more and utilize my CCRN more so, personally and professionally. Never too late to do it.. even after 35 years in the profession!

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.