Nevada Nurses Foundation

Mary Bemker PhD, MSN, CADC, LPCC, RN is a recognized scholar and practitioner with a deep commitment to nursing and mental health. A graduate of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Indiana University and Spalding University, Mary has taught in both traditional and online environments for over 20 years. She has be instrumental in the development and operation of RN to BSN, MSN and DNP programs as a faculty member, consultant and administrator. She is an international speaker and currently is under contract to co-edit her third nursing textbook. In addition, Mary has authored multiple chapters and journal articles in nursing, psychology and journalism. She has clinical expertise in treating addictions, eating disorders, PTSD, and family issues. Her research and speaking interests include educational innovation, compassion fatigue, substance abuse, and family relationships. Appointed by the American Red Cross for the Crossroads Region, she volunteers as the Disaster Mental Health Lead. She also provides Mind Body and Reconnection workshops for Services to the Armed Forces. She is a peer reviewer for Quality Matters in online education, and she is a fellow in international nursing and psychology organizations. She is completing (summer, 2018) a graduate certification in healthcare leadership from Cornell University.

Greg Bermeosolo was born and raised in Winnemucca and takes "Home Means Nevada" to heart. He has a strong commitment to local and rural populations, as well as underserved communities in our state. He is fully invested in making a genuine difference in the health and well-being of the people of Nevada. Before returning to the University of Nevada, Reno to pursue his bachelor's degree in nursing, Greg worked for a state-wide federally qualified health center (FQHC) where he advanced his knowledge in healthcare management, as well as the challenges of providing quality healthcare to rural and underserved populations. After graduating from Orvis School of Nursing at the University of Nevada, Reno in May 2019, he plans to work in the Intensive Care Unit at Carson Tahoe Regional Medical Center.

Mary Bondmass, PhD, RN, CNE, BSN, MSN has almost 30 years of critical care and emergency nursing experience, has been certified and practiced as a clinical nurse specialist, and is currently a certified nurse educator with more than 15 years in the academic setting.  She has led grant-supported research focused on advanced practice tele-management of chronic heart failure, diabetes, and atrial fibrillation. More recently, her research has examined nursing education with an emphasis on teaching and learning evidence-based practice at the undergraduate and graduate levels. She is interested in pre- and post-self-efficacy among undergraduate and graduate students regarding QSEN competencies, and has initial QSEN research in progress. Mary has published data in medical, nursing, and lay literature, and she has several research book chapters to her credit. She has reviewed manuscripts for professional publications including Journal of Nursing Education, International Journal of Nursing Education Scholarship, and Research in Nursing and Health, and has served on several health advisory boards in Washington D.C. including the National Consumers League. She has served on the Board of the Nevada Nursing Association (NNA) for two terms and is the 2018-2020 NNA President.

Margaret Covelli, DNP, RN arrived in Las Vegas in 1997, working as a nurse executive for the Valley Health System and now at UMC in Las Vegas in the Assistant CNO role. She completed a Masters in Healthcare Administration and a Doctorate in Nursing Practice from UNLV. Having been awarded a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, she is expecting to test for ANCC's Nurse Executive Advanced, Board Certified exam later in 2019. Margaret is the recipient of awards including the March of Dimes Distinguished Nurse of the year and Nurse Executive of the Year, Alumna of the Year for graduate colleges, Sigma Theta Tau, and biographical Who's Who listings. A published author and speaker at events, she ably presents the views of nursing. She is very interested and involved in nursing organizations throughout Nevada, including President of the Nevada Organization of Nurse Leaders, board members for several schools of nursing, appointments to the Board of Nursing's education committee, and appointment by the Governor to the Workforce Investment board.

Darlene C. Bujold, MSHI, BSN, RN is a practicing registered nurse and a health informaticist. Her current position in the home health arena allows her to bring broad based nursing and supervisory experience, health information technology education, and clinical skills to her vocation. She received a Master’s of Science in Health Informatics from Walden University. She attended Orvis School of Nursing where she graduated with distinction as a member of Sigma Theta Tau International. She is certified from the Alliance of Professional Health Advocates (APHA), and has participated, and been trained as a trainer by the NNA lateral violence initiative. Darlene is thrilled to be participating with the Nevada Nurses Foundation fundraising events such as with the "Big Hat Tea" event as an entertainer and entertainment liaison.

Judi Carrion, EdD, MSN/Ed, MSHS, RN-BC, CNOR has more than 20 years of nursing experience, including medical surgical nursing, operating room nursing, clinical nurse manager/director, staff development, and university teaching. She is currently an Assistant Professor at Touro University Nevada (TUN) and was instrumental in the development and operation of the DNP program at TUN. She is a member of National League of Nursing (NLN), and Sigma Theta Tau, and serves as the secretary of the Sigma Theta Tau Zeta Kappa Chapter at Large – UNLV/NSC. Dr. Carrion is also a member of the Nevada Alliance for Nursing Excellence Committee (NANE) and the Nevada Action Coalition. She recently served on the Nevada State Board of Nursing – Nursing Practice Advisory Committee from November 2010 - November 2014.

Vicky Catlin, MSN-Ed, RN, CLE, CNE graduated from UNR with a BS in Health Education/teaching and a BS in Nursing. She attended the University of Phoenix for her MSN with a post-graduate certification in education. She has worked for local hospitals in nursing staff development and new graduate orientation to the MCH area. Vicky joined Carrington School of Nursing to teach Perinatal and Women Health in 2013. She is currently enrolled in a Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at UNR. She belongs to AWHONN, NNA, and NONL, and serves as a March of Dimes education and grant reviewer.

Rocio Cruz, RN is a Carson City Resident who works as a registered nurse in an inpatient geriatric-psychiatric unit at Carson Tahoe Behavioral Health Services. She enjoys serving her community and volunteering. She plans to enroll in the FNP program at UNR in 2020 to further her career and be able to use her background to better serve patients with limited health care access. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her family and hiking.

Maria D'Errico, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC is a family nurse practitioner at the UNLV Student Health Center. She graduated from UNLV summa cum laude with her BSN in 2013 and her MSN in 2016. She is currently a DNP student at UNR with an expected graduation date of December, 2019. Maria has diverse nursing experience that includes college health, community health, corporate wellness, and neonatal intensive care. She has served on various professional committees focused on patient safety, developmental care, and infection control. She previously served two terms as Vice President of the UNLV School of Nursing Alumni Association. Maria is passionate about nursing advocacy, and is an active member of NNA, ANA, NAPNA, AANP, and Sigma Theta Tau International.

Rhone D'Errico, DNP, APRN is a Las Vegas native and an advanced practice registered nurse with experience as a nurse educator, health care executive, and clinician, holding board certifications as a Family, Psychiatric-Mental Health, and Emergency nurse practitioner. Rhone has a passion for promoting nurses and the nursing profession, with a special interest in the education and professional development of RNs and APRNs.

Kelly Farley is the Simulation Coordinator of the Nevada Clinical Simulation Lab and holds a Master's degree in Information Management from the University of Oregon as well as numerous technology certifications. Kelly comes to the simulation lab with 15 years of technical and teaching experience in the technology field as well as a background in law enforcement and photography. Kelly transitioned to the medical simulation field in 2011.

Cathleen Hamel, MS, RN, NEA-BC has 42 years nursing experience, starting as a diploma RN in upstate New York. Her early career began as an OR nurse, eventually moving into leadership, and pursing a BSN and dual MSN in Administration and Education tracks. She is nationally certified as CNOR (Operating Room) and NEA-BC (Nurse Executive Advanced Board Certification). She is also a Nurse Executive Fellow from The Wharton School and ABD in her Doctorate of Nursing Science Program in Leadership and Education. She was Chief Nurse Executive in Saratoga Springs, NY, leading her facility to Magnet, as the first in the capital region of NY. Cathleen moved to Arkansas as a CNE, beginning a cultural transformation toward Magnet and shared leadership. She relocated to Nevada in 2014 as a Regional CNE at St. Rose Dominican (Dignity Health) facilities in Las Vegas for 2 years. She is currently Clinical Director of Professional Practice/Shared Leadership & Magnet at University Medical Center of Southern Nevada in Las Vegas. Cathleen has been appointed as adjunct nursing faculty at UNLV, she currently serves as the Board Advisor of Nevada Organization of Nurse Leaders (NONL), and she is a member of multiple national, state and local nursing organizations.

Caren Jaggers, DNP, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, graduated with her ADN from Truckee Meadows Community College in 1995. Although she has a wide variety of experience, including Med-Surg, Oncology, ICU, Pediatrics, and L&D, most of her experience as an RN is in the Emergency Department. She completed her MSN through Graceland University in 2012, and she has been a practicing FNP since then. In May of 2020, Caren graduated from the University of Nevada Reno with her DNP. Though she still plans to practice, she has been blessed to be teaching part-time as Family Nurse Practitioner, LOA Professor with University of Nevada – Orvis School of Nursing since January, 2020, and her ultimate goal is to teach full-time at a school of nursing. Caren is an active member of NNA, ANA, NAPNA, AANP, and Sigma Theta Tau. By assisting the NNF in its commitment to promoting professional development of nurses through recognition, grants, and scholarships, she is helping to ensure quality healthcare and healthcare providers in Nevada.

Madelon Lawson, MSN Ed, RN, BSN, ADN is a nurse educator and leader. She is keenly interested in education, serving as mentor, training center coordinator, nurse educator, accreditation coordinator, and mostly recently at Carrington College as a Fundamentals of Nursing professor, where she continues to teach a course in preparing for job interviews. Her nursing experience includes work in surgical and PACU departments, particularly in perianesthesia. Madelon has been involved in a wide range of professional organizations, has published several papers and articles, and has received a number of awards and recognitions for her work in PACU and education. She also recently served on the Educational Advisory Committee of the Nevada State Board of Nursing. She has done volunteer work for the Foundation and looks forward to serving as a member of the Advisory Board.

Sherri Lindsey, DNP, MSA, RN is from Shreveport, Louisiana, and has been a resident in Las Vegas for 14 years. Her passion is educating nurses to become excellent healthcare providers. She has been a nurse for 31 years and has held various positions in nursing. Sherri is currently the Nursing Department Chair at the College of Southern Nevada. She holds a Doctorate in Nursing Practice from University of Nevada Reno, a Master's degree in Nursing Education from Kaplan University, a certificate in Nursing Education from University of Nevada Las Vegas, and a Master's degree in Administration from Central Michigan University. She is a representative member of the Nevada Action Coalition on Diversity, as well as a member of many CSN college-wide and community-based organizations. Sherri's personal philosophy is that "Everyone has a gift inside of them, and as we walk in the image of God it is released and propels us into our destiny". She believes that the Nevada Nurses Foundation is a worthy cause and assists in promoting nurses and the nursing profession through scholarships.

Shelley Martin, BPH, BSN, RN is a practicing registered nurse and a aesthetician. Her current position as an aesthetic RN allows her to bring her passion for helping others and art together in order to help others looks and feel better about themselves. She plans to attend Simmon's College to further her career and pursue her dreams in becoming a FNP. Shelley and her husband have lived in Reno for the last 14 years and have 4 wonderful children together. In her spare time Shelley enjoys getting involved with local charity events and non-profit organizations within her community in order to make a positive change in her sphere of influence.

Jennifer McCarthy, BSN, RN is a resident of Las Vegas where she works as a psychiatric nurse at Montevista Behavioral Health Hospital. She is enrolled in the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) DNP program at the University of Nevada, Reno, with an anticipated graduation date of May, 2019. Jennifer is a member of the ANA, NNA, APNA Las Vegas Chapter, and she volunteers as a Crisis Counselor with Crisis Text Line. As a graduate student and future DNP, she hopes to expand appreciation of psychiatric nursing and increase the number of new nurse graduates who choose to pursue careers in the mental health field.

Mark G. Miller is the General Manager and Co-Owner of Arthur L. Davis Publishing Agency, Inc., which publishes 38 state nursing publications including the Nevada RNFormation. Mark is an active volunteer in his Cedar Falls, Iowa community. He is the President of the Cedar Falls Development Group and serves on several community boards, including the Sartori Hospital Foundation Board, the Northeast Iowa Community Foundation Investment Commission, the Cedar Falls Board of Adjustments, the St. Patrick's Catholic Church Parish Council, and the Lions Club Board of Directors. Mark has been married to Nancy, the President and Co-Owner of Arthur L. Davis Publishing Agency, Inc. for 27 years, and is the father of six children and grandfather of 2 granddaughters.

Scott Norris, MS, BS holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, with a minor in Marketing from California State University, Chico, and a Master's degree in Organizational Management. He brings over 15 years of experience in various roles in higher education, healthcare, and entrepreneurship. His current role is with Dignity Health Global Education as the Vice President of Workforce Development. He resides in Henderson, Nevada, with his wife Veronika and their four children. Outside-of-work interests include traveling, sports especially the Golden Knights, live music, and chasing the little ones around.

Arvin Operario, MBA, BSN, RN has extensive nursing and health care experience that spans more than two decades in nursing practice and nursing education. He has held multiple nursing positions in three countries including Philippines, Canada, and the United States. He has been a member of Nevada Nurses Association for the past 2 years.

David B. Owens is a nursing student at Western Nevada College, with an anticipated graduation date of May, 2019. Prior to pursuing a career in nursing, he received a Bachelor's degree in 2012 from the University of Nevada, Reno. His extensive background in management, service to his community, and engagement in nursing adds value to the NNF Advisory Board. He serves as the treasurer for the National Student Nurses Association's Western Nevada College student nurse chapter. For the past two years, his active involvement with the Nevada Nurses Foundation's fundraising events has surpassed the Foundation's expectations and significantly helped raised funds for scholarships. He is excited for the opportunity to serve as an Advisory Board member and looks forward to joining the nursing profession upon graduation.

Lyle Pritchett, MS, BS has over 30 years of experience in all aspects of the computing field, including programming, Webmaster, systems administration, network engineering and management, database administration, and security. He worked at the Desert Research Institute, a world-renowned environmental research organization based in Nevada, for 24 years, including 6 years as Director of IT. He is currently owner and manager of Cliffson Solutions, LLC, which provides programming, Web site development, and Web hosting services for a wide range of clients and projects, including the National Weather Service, the US Forest Service, DRI, and the Northern Nevada Nurses of Achievement. He is a member of the IEEE Computer Society and Infragard. Lyle has lived in the Reno, Nevada, area for 33 years.

Dawn Taylor, MSN Ed, RN, CNN, COI was born in Cambridge, England, and graduated nursing school with RN dip from West Suffolk Hospital in 1992. She certified in cardiothoracic nursing and worked in a floor environment, coronary care unit, and ICU environment. She came to USA in 1998 and worked in a military facility as a pediatric tech while studying for the NCLEX exam. After graduating in 1999, Dawn did an intern program AACN Orientation to the Acute and Critically Ill patient, working for one year in a ICU/ER/PACU/Telemetry floor. From 2000 to 2013 she worked in a variety of capacities as a nephrology nurse and was certified in nephrology 2001-2017. She has presented on numerous topics at nephrology conferences. Dawn returned to school in 2005 and graduated with Honors from University of Phoenix RN-BSN program in 2008 and again in 2010 to complete her MSN Ed. She is currently a doctoral student at University of Colorado pursing a PhD in Nursing with a focus in Caring Science, with an anticipated graduation in May, 2020. She has volunteered in the Las Vegas community for a number of years doing yoga with Victims of Domestic Violence and LBGTQ.

Julie Wagner, PhD, MSN, RN has been active for many years as a nurse educator in health care agencies, nursing schools, and professional organizations. Her passion is to improve and advance nursing both in practice and education. Since making Nevada her home in 2006, Julie has been an active member of Nevada Nursing Association. She is a strong advocate of the "Healthy Nurse Initiative" by promoting health and wellness activities within the community.