Nevada Nurses Foundation & Legacy Scholarships
Emma Marrujo Redmon
Emma Marrujo Redmon Scholarship
$1,000 donated by Sandy Olguin, DNP, MSN, RN
Denise Ogletree McGuinn
Mary Lucell Johnson Scholarship
$1,000 donated by Denise Ogletree McGuinn, APRN, RN, D. Minn.
Dr. Ian Choe
Praus & Choe Scholarships
3 scholarships totaling $2,000 donated by Teresa Praus, APRN, & Dr. Ian Choe
Betty Razor
Wound Ostomy Care Nurse (WOCN) Scholarship
$1,200 & $1,500 donated by Betty Razor, BSN, RN, CWOCN
Southwest Medical On-Demand Scholarships
$1,000 donated by Dr. Eugene Somphone
Rural & Frontier Nurse Scholarship
$1,000 donated by the Rural & Frontier Nurses Committee, the NNF, and other donors
Rosemary Witt
Rosemary Witt Scholarships
Two $500 scholarships donated by NNA District 3
Elizabeth E. Fildes
Elizabeth Fildes Scholarship
$1,000 donated by Elizabeth E. Fildes, EdD, RN, CNE, CARN-AP, APHN-BC
Martha Drohobyczer
Maude Arnold & Ethel Ann Lewis Scholarship
$1,000 donated by Martha Drohobyczer, CNM, MSN, APRN
Hurst Review Scholarship
$1,000 donated by Hurst Review Services
Jessie J. Valentine Scholarship
$1,000 donated by Carson Tahoe Health Medical Center
Vroman & Wildes Scholarships
Two $1,000 scholarships donated by Gregg Vroman & Patty Wildes
Katherine "Kat" Cylke
Katherine "Kat" Cylke Scholarship
$1,000 donated by Katherine Cylke
Nevada Nurses Foundation
Nevada Nurses Foundation Scholarships
Multiple amounts donated by supporters of the NNF
Jami-Sue Coleman
Jami-Sue Coleman Scholarship
$1,000 donated by Jami-Sue Coleman, PhD, RN, MS HSA, MBA, CCM, CNE, CPN, CNL
Arthur L. Davis
Arthur L. Davis Scholarship
Three $1,000 scholarships donated by Mark Miller
2016 NANE Scholarship
$1,000 donated by Nevada Alliance for Nursing Excellence
Susan Michael
Christine Watson Scholarship
$500 donated by Dr. Susan and Paul Michael
Tiffany Urresti Memorial Flight Nurse Scholarship
$1,000 donated by Life Guard International Flying ICU
NNA Scholarship
$1,046 scholarship donated by NNA
NAPNA Scholarship
$1,000 donated by Nevada Advanced Practice Nurses Association
Debra Scott
Debra Scott Scholarship
Two $1,000 scholarships donated by Debra Scott, MSN, RN, FRE
John & Debra Scott
John & Debra Scott Endowed Nursing Scholarship
Endowment donated by John & Debra Scott, MSN, RN, FRE
We are pleased to provide assistance to very deserving Nevada nursing
students and nurses as they pursue becoming a Registered Nurse or
advancing their degrees in nursing. The Foundation understands that
education takes time, money, and commitment. The scholarship
recipients are making a genuine difference in the delivery of quality
healthcare for Nevada citizens. Please take a moment to read about
these recipients below, and consider making a donation of your time,
resources, or expertise.
Thanks to the generous charitable donations from the people and
organizations who support the Nevada Nurses Foundation. Since 2015
the Foundation has awarded more than
$173,946 in Foundation and Legacy Scholarships to 155 recipients
to further their nursing education. If not for the generosity of many
donors and supporters, the Foundation would not be able to reach and
impact as many nurses and student nurses in Nevada.
With your assistance through donations and patronizing our special
events, our goal is to provide financial assistance for many more
nurses and nurses-to-be. Please click on the
What You Can Do
link to learn how you can help.
SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS
Applications for scholarships are accepted twice per year during the months of February and August. Letters of recommendation in support of submited applications are due by the last day of each application period.
ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIPS
Endowment donations provide a wonderful way to provide ongoing, stable
scholarship funding. Donors have the opportunity to define the name
of the scholarship as well as any special criteria for applicants and
recipients to meet. If you would like more information, please contact
scholarships@NVNursesFoundation.org.
2020 Endowed Scholarships
-
Erick Christopherson Endowed Legacy Scholarship,
varying amounts; donated by the Christopherson Family and friends
2019 Endowed Scholarships
-
Margaret and Ian Curley Endowed Nursing Scholarship,
varying amounts; donated by friends of Ian and Margaret Curley
2017 Endowed Scholarships
-
John & Debra Scott Endowed Nursing Scholarship,
donated by John & Debra Scott, MSN, RN, FRE
LEGACY SCHOLARSHIPS
Donors may request their donation be applied to a legacy scholarship.
These donors have the opportunity to define the name of the scholarship
as well as any special criteria for applicants and recipients to meet.
Such scholarships are frequently named after the donor, referencing
a field of study, or in memory of someone the donor wishes to honor.
Some of the legacy scholarships first established in a given year were
renewed in subsequent years by generous donations from their sponsors.
These scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis, and a number
of them have special requirements established by their respective
donors.
2020 Legacy Scholarships
-
Jessie J. Valentine Scholarship, $1,000; donated by
Carson Tahoe Health
-
Lauren Nicole Delameter Nursing Scholarship,
varying amounts; donated by friends of Lauren Delameter
-
Optum Scholarship, $1,000; donated by Optum
-
Duke University Leadership Certificate, $1,000;
donated by Dignity Health Global Education
-
Philippine Nurses Association Scholarship, $1,000;
donated by Philippine Nurses Association of Nevada (PNANV)
-
Carson Tahoe Scholarship, $1,000; donated by Carson
Tahoe Health
-
Sandy Klepzig Scholarship, $500; donated by Sandy
Klepzig
-
Rural & Frontier Scholarship, $1,000; donated
by NNF & multiple other donors
-
Nevada Nurses Association Scholarship, $1,000;
donated by Nevada Nurses Association (NNA)
-
Arthur L. Davis Publishing Scholarship, $1,000;
donated by A.L. Davis Publishing
2019 Legacy Scholarships
-
Nevada Nurses Association Scholarship, $1,000;
donated by Nevada Nurses Association (NNA)
-
Rural & Frontier Scholarship, $1,000;
donated by NNF & multiple other donors
-
Jessie J. Valentine Scholarship, $1,000; donated by
Carson Tahoe Health
-
Kurt Patterson Scholarship Grant, $1,000; donated by
Dr. Andal Foundation
-
Lauren Nicole Delameter Nursing Scholarship,
varying amounts; donated by friends of Lauren Delameter
-
Patricia Herlihy Alfonso Nursing Scholarship,
varying amounts; donated by friends of Pat Alfonso
-
Praus & Choe Scholarships, $1,000; donated by
Teresa Praus, APRN, & Dr. Ian Choe
-
Optum Health Scholarship, $2,000; donated by
Optum Health
-
WRAPNN Scholarship, $1,000; donated by Western
Regional Advanced Practice Nurses Network
-
PNANV Scholarships, two $500; donated by Philippine
Nurses Association of Nevada
-
Arthur L. Davis Publishing Scholarship, $1,000;
donated by Mark Miller
-
NAPNA Scholarship, $1,000; donated by Nevada
Advanced Practice Nurses Association
2018 Legacy Scholarships
-
Praus & Choe Scholarships, $1,000; donated by
Teresa Praus, APRN, & Dr. Ian Choe
-
Orvis School of Nursing FNP Scholarship, $1,000;
donated by Dean Debera Thomas
-
Optum Health Scholarship, $2,000; donated by
Optum Health
-
Walt and Inez Russell Scholarship, $500;
donated by Robert Russell
-
Arthur L. Davis Publishing Scholarship, $1,000;
donated by Mark Miller
-
Jessie J. Valentine Scholarship, $1,000; donated by
Carson Tahoe Health
-
NNA District 1 Scholarship, $1,000; donated by Nevada
Nurses Association
2017 Legacy Scholarships
-
Jami-Sue Coleman Scholarship, $1,000
-
Jessie J. Valentine Scholarship, $1,000; donated by
Carson Tahoe Health
-
Praus & Choe APRN Scholarship, $1,000; donated by
Teresa Praus, APRN, & Dr. Ian Choe
-
NAPNA Scholarship, $1,000; donated by Nevada
Advanced Practice Nurses Association
-
Betty Razor Wound Ostomy Care Scholarship, $1,500;
donated by Betty Razor, BSN, RN, CWOCN, and others
-
Arthur L. Davis Publishing Scholarship, $1,000;
donated by Mark Miller
-
Debra Scott Scholarship, $1,000; donated by Debra
Scott, MSN, RN, FRE
-
Katherine "Kat" Cylke Scholarship, $1,000; donated
by Katherine Cylke
-
Christine Watson Scholarship, $1,000; donated by
Susan Michael
-
NNA District 1 Scholarship, $1,000; donated by Nevada
Nurses Association
-
Maude Arnold & Ethel Ann Lewis Scholarship,
$1,000; donated by Martha Drohobyczer, MSN, APRN, CNM
-
Elizabeth and John Fildes Scholarship Fund, $1,000
-
Nevada Rural and Frontier Nurse Scholarship, $1,000
and growing; multiple donors
2016 Legacy Scholarships
-
Betty Razor Wound Ostomy Care Scholarship, $1,200
and growing; donated by Betty Razor, BSN, RN, CWOCN, and others
-
Arthur L. Davis Publishing Scholarship, $1,000;
donated by Mark Miller
-
Dr. Jami-Sue Coleman Scholarship, $1,000
-
Katherine "Kat" Cylke Scholarship, $1,000; donated
by Katherine Cylke
-
Maude Arnold & Ethel Ann Lewis Scholarship,
$1,000; donated by Martha Drohobyczer, MSN, APRN, CNM
-
Elizabeth Fildes Scholarship, $1,000; donated by
Elizabeth Fildes, EdD, RN, CNE, CARN-AP, APHN-BC
-
Tiffany Urresti Memorial Flight Nurse Scholarship,
$1,000; donated by Life Guard International Flying ICU
-
Nevada Alliance for Nursing Excellence (NANE), $1,000
-
Nevada Advanced Practice Nurses Association (NAPNA),
$1,000
-
Mary Lucell Johnson Scholarship, $1,000; donated by
Denise Ogletree McGuinn, APRN, RN, D. Minn.
-
Emma Marrujo Redmon Scholarship, $1,000; donated by
Sandy Olguin, DNP, MSN, RN
-
Debra Scott Scholarship, two donations of $1,000; by
Debra Scott, MSN, RN, FRE
-
Praus & Choe APRN Scholarship, $1,000; donated by
Teresa Praus, APRN, & Dr. Ian Choe
-
Hurst Review Scholarship, $1,000; donated by
Hurst Review Services, Inc.
-
Jessie J. Valentine Scholarship, $1,000; donated by
Carson Tahoe Health
-
Two Southwest Medical On-Demand Scholarships, $500
each; donated by Eugene Somphone
-
Two Praus & Choe Scholarships, $500 each;
donated by Teresa Praus, APRN, & Dr. Ian Choe
-
Christine Watson Scholarship, $500; donated by
Paul & Susan Michael
-
Nevada Rural and Frontier Nurse Scholarship, $500
and growing; multiple donors
-
Two Rosemary Witt Scholarships, $500 each; donated
by Nevada Nurses Association (NNA) District 3
If you are interested in sponsoring a legacy scholarship, please refer
to the Legacy Scholarship page for more information.
SCHOLARSHIP JUDGES
The following people have generously volunteered over the years to
serve as judges for the NNF scholarship program:
-
Anna Anders, MSN, RN
-
Karen Bearer, MA Ed, BSN, RN
-
Doreen Begley, BSN, RN
-
Mary Bemker, PhD, MSN, CADC, LPCC, RN
-
Mary Bondmass, PhD, RN, CNE, MSN, BSN
-
Andrew Brown, MSN, APRN, FNP, RN
-
Darlene Bujold, BSN, RN
-
Judi Carrion, EdD, MSN/Ed, MSHS, RN-BC, CNOR
-
Margaret Covelli, DPN, RN
-
Maria D'Errico, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC
-
Glenn Hagerstrom, PhD, APRN, FNP-BC, CNE
-
Cathy Hamel
-
Wallace Henkelman, Ed.D, MSN, RN
-
Linda Jacks, MSN, RN
-
Caren Jaggers
-
Heidi Johnston, DNP, RN, CNE
-
Cassidy Jost, RN
-
Sherri Lindsey
-
Tracy Long
-
Jean Lyon, APRN, RN
-
Vicky Lang Catlin
-
Laura Martin
-
Margie Masters
-
Jennifer McCarthy, BSN, RN
-
Tracey McCollum, MSN, BSN, RN, PHN, CENP, NEA-BC
-
Annie Millar
-
Donna Miller, EMSRN, CMTE
-
Arvin Operario
-
Denise Ogletree McGuinn, APRN, RN, D.Minn
-
Sandra Olguin, DNP, MSN, RN
-
Amy Pang, BSN, RN
-
Betty Razor, RN
-
Kathy Ryan
-
Christina Sapien
-
Debra Scott
-
Mary Sellars, RN
-
Theresa Tarrant
-
Dawn Taylor
-
Debra Toney, RN
-
Rowena Trim, RN, BSN, MPH
-
Dave Tyrell, BSN, RN
-
Joanna Valdes, RN
-
Julie Wagner, PhD, MSN, RN
-
Vicki Walker, DNP, BS, RN
SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
2022 Spring Scholarship Recipients
Hope Sands, RN
2022 NNF Scholarship Recipient, RN to BSN Program
Hope has lived in Las Vegas since she was 5 years old. She
graduated from Arbor View High school and then College of Southern
Nevada in December, 2020, with an Associate’s Degree in Nursing.
She is currently attending Nevada State College for her Bachelor's
in Nursing. Hope works at Summerlin Hospital in the Pediatrics
department. She states that it was very challenging becoming a
nurse during a pandemic, but she is proud of herself for what she
has accomplished and for knowing that every day she makes a
difference in a child's life. After she graduates, she hopes to
be a clinical instructor for nursing students to show them what
working in pediatrics is like. In her free time, she enjoys
reading and trying new coffee places around town with her husband.
Allen Perez, MSN-Ed, RN, CNE
2022 NNF Scholarship Recipient, Doctorate Program
Allen is the Dean of Academics Affairs at Chamberlain University
College of Nursing in Las Vegas, Nevada. Allen has served his
community as a volunteer with Southern Nevada Medical Reserve
Corps for twelve years. He is the President-Elect of Sigma’s Phi
Pi Chapter, the largest chapter of Sigma. Allen's nursing career
started in 2010 as a graduate from Carrington College in Las Vegas.
He received his Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of
Science in Nursing from Grand Canyon University. He is currently a
Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Education candidate at Northcentral
University, and his dissertation focuses on identifying a
relationship between high-fidelity simulation and the development
of clinical judgment in pre-licensure nursing students. Before
joining Chamberlain University as faculty, Allen's nursing
practice focused on rural emergency care, and he firmly believes
that high-quality healthcare is dependent on Nevada's nursing
schools instilling the expectation of professional nursing
practice by socializing students to professional organizations.
Chelsea Chambers RN, BSN
2022 NAPNA Scholarship Recipient
Chelsea is a 5th generation Nevadan, born and raised in the Carson
Valley. She graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno and has
been a registered nurse at Saint Mary's Regional Medical Center
for the past 2.5 years working on the Cardiac Telemetry
Department. She also currently works at a surgery center in
Carson City. She is pursuing her Masters of Science in Nursing as
a Family Nurse Practitioner to fulfill her dream of providing
healthcare services to her beloved Northern Nevada community.
Chelsea's passion and focus is around preventative medicine and
to provide patients with the education and recourses necessary to
live long, active, and healthful lives. She also enjoys precepting
and teaching new graduate nurses, and she aspires to be a local
clinical nursing faculty member after graduation.
Thania Rodriguez, CNA
2022 Jessie J. Valentine Scholarship Recipient
Thania currently resides in Carson City with her husband Dylan and
two sons, Treyden and Daxen. She graduated from Carson High School
in 2015 and became a Certified Nursing Assistant soon after. She
worked as a CNA for two years, and shortly after that she received
her certification as a Medical Assistant. She has worked for
Carson Tahoe Medical Group as a certified nursing assistant, and
then as a medical assistant for the last two years. Thania is
attending Carrington College for her RN, Associate's in Nursing.
Her goal is to further her knowledge in the medical field to
adequately and confidently take care of future patients. She wishes
to thank Carson Tahoe for sponsoring the Jessie J. Valentine
Scholarship and helping her to further her education.
Elizeth Jackson
2022 NNF Scholarship Recipient, Pre-Licensure BSN Program
Elizeth is a junior at Chamberlain University seeking her BS in
Nursing. She hopes to one day work at one of the major hospitals
in the state of Nevada. Her heart is in pediatrics, and she would
love to be caring for little humans in the NICU. She looks forward
to her last year and a half at Chamberlain University with an open
mind to gain experience, knowledge, and the skills required to
become an extraordinary nurse. One of her goals is to seek a
leadership position in the Student Nurses Association. In her free
time, Elizeth enjoys being outdoors with her family and having
small adventures. She states that her scholarship will play a
key role in shaping her into a successful person in the future,
and that donors like you make life brighter for student nurses.
She hopes that one day she too will be in a position to bring a
smile to another student in need.
Arashdeep Kaur, CNA
2022 Unitek Scholarship Recipient
Arashdeep is currently in her second year in the Bachelors of
Science in Nursing program at Unitek College. Her interest in
healthcare started when she was in high school taking classes
relating to the medical field to further explore career choices.
After finishing high school and gaining knowledge about the
healthcare field, she got a job as a CNA in telemetry to gain
hands-on experience working with patients and learning new skills.
She is extremely excited to be a nursing student and looks forward
to working as a nurse and taking care of her fellow Nevada
citizens.
Cheyenne Shoup, CNA
2022 NNF Scholarship Recipient, CNA to RN Program
Cheyenne has been a CNA for nine years and currently works at
Northern Nevada Medical Center. She is pursuing her RN at
Carrington College. After graduating she plans to work in a
Med/Surg unit to build her foundation. Then she would like to
utilize both her Bachelor of Public Health and RN education to
work as a Public Health Nurse aiding underserved communities.
Melissa Mancuso, RMA
2022 Optum Scholarship Recipient
Melissa moved to Las Vegas in 2015 from Vancouver, Canada. Two
years later, she decided to change careers and become a Medical
Assistant. After graduation, she started her career at Southwest
Medical Associates/Optum in the Maternal Child department and
eventually transferred to Urgent Care. After 5 years of working
as an MA, she wanted to advance her career and become an RN.
Melissa is currently in her first year at Chamberlain University.
When she graduates, she hopes to become an ER or L&D nurse.
Megan Herbst
2022 Unitek Scholarship Recipient
Megan was born and raised in Reno and is a full-time nursing
student at Unitek college in Reno pursuing her BSN. She is
expected to graduate in October of 2023. She is currently employed
at Renown as a Critical Care Technician in the Trauma ICU. Megan
has dreamed of becoming a nurse for as long as she can remember
and hopes to continue to make a difference in the lives of the
patients she encounters and in the community that she cares so
deeply for.
Laquienta Kirby
2022 Rural and Frontier Scholarship Recipient
Laquienta is a proud mother of two who is currently pursuing
her career in nursing at Great Basin College. Although she was
born in Los Angeles, she has been in Pahrump since 2014 where she
continues to touch the lives of so many families in the community.
At the age of two, Laquienta and her three older siblings were
placed into foster care, where they encountered a series of
unfortunate events with no one to advocate for them. She promised
herself as a young girl that as an adult, she would always
advocate for others, and she has done just that. In 2012 she
started her first business working with other foster children to
overcome their childhood trauma. In 2015, she opened an assisted
living facility where she took care of hospice patients. She
focused on providing care, comfort, and quality of life for
residents with serious illnesses approaching the end of life.
Lastly, in March of 2020, she opened a daycare in Pahrump licensed
for 81 children, and she is currently looking to provide a
daycare in Tonopah. Laquenta hopes to continue making a difference
in the lives of patients she encounters and in the community she
calls home.
Carrie Ann Barrier, BS, ADN, BSN
2022 NNF Scholarship Recipient, MSN Program
Originally from Oregon, Carrie earned a Bachelor of Science
emphasizing animal science from Oregon State University. While
living in Texas, she met a new graduate nurse who was very
enthusiastic and described nursing in a way she knew was going to
be her new career. She graduated with an Associate Degree in
Nursing from Cisco College in Abilene in 2011 and worked in a
post-anesthesia care unit, in a medical surgical unit, and in
a private capacity providing care for a traumatic brain injury
victim. After moving to Nevada in 2016, she found a passion
for gastrointestinal nursing. Carrie obtained her BSN in 2018
from Grand Canyon University and began work at Carson Tahoe
Health, where she has worked in medical surgical and ICU. She
currently works in endoscopy at CTH while pursuing a Master of
Science Family Nurse Practiconer degree from Texas Women's
University. She currently rides, trains, and competes with
cutting horses, and in the future she would like to combine the
care of nursing patients with utilizing horses for therapy.
Shane Palomo, CNA
2022 NNF Scholarship Recipient, LPN Program
Shane is originally from Philippines and moved to the USA in 2015.
She currently resides in Sparks with her husband Jovannie and
son Johan. She graduated with a BS degree in Hotel and Restaurant
Management in 2013 and worked in the hospitality field for 6 years,
yet found her heart wanting to serve back to the community. She
decided to work for veterans and is currently employed at Northern
Nevada State Veterans home as Certified Nursing Assistance Team
Leader. Shane is attending nursing school at Unitek College
pursuing her LPN, and expects to graduate in February, 2023. Her
goal is to continue her education to broaden her skills and
knowledge while making difference in the lives of people,
especially her patients. She has committed herself to lifelong
learning, strongly believing that education and the learning
process doesn't end at graduation but rather continues as long as
a person has the willingness to learn and the courage to take
those first steps toward a dream.
Elizabeth "Beth" Melton,
APRN, CNM, IBCLC
2022 Debra & John Scott Scholarship Recipient
Beth has been a nurse for 25 years and currently lives in Reno.
She was inspired by her grandmother, who served in the Peace
Corps, to become a Nurse Midwife, and her dream is to serve those
in need. She is enrolled at University of Cincinnati's Family Nurse
Practitioner (FNP) Program. She is currently juggling school
along with entrepreneurship as an Advanced Practice Registered
Nurse (APRN), Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) and Internationally
Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). She provides women's
health, prenatal, home birth, and lactation services, and plans to
expand her services to the entire family when she finishes her
FNP post-Masters certificate in the fall of 2022. Beth is
passionate about providing a functional approach to health care,
combining traditional and western medicine to get to the root of
health issues. Beth is also a professor at Unitek College and
enjoys inspiring nursing students to reach for their dreams and
become excellent nurses. "Nursing is an amazing career, you'll
never get bored and if you do you can always learn more or change
your specialty leading to a whole new adventure."
Elvis D'Souza, LPN
2022 NNF Scholarship Recipient, LPN to RN Program
Yes, Elvis was named after the King of Rock and Roll, and he has
heard every joke that relates to to his name and takes them in
stride. He has been an LPN for the last 7 years and graduated
from Kaplan, Sacramento. He has been trying to finish his
prerequisites while holding a full-time job, and he has been trying
to find a school in Reno where he can transition and complete
his RN/BSN. He was excited to learn Unitek opened its doors in Reno
last summer. Elvis works as a home health nurse for a local
hospital, and the work has been very gratifying, especially during
the pandemic. After completing his RN/BSN program, he aspires to
become a Family Nurse Practitioner. He enjoys working out at the
gym, hiking, and traveling to new places, and his large extended
family keeps him busy.
Joyce Coleman, RN, BSN, MSN
2022 NNA Scholarship Recipient
Joyce is a board certified women's health nurse practitioner who
was born and raised in Philadelphia. She earned her BSN from
Villanova University and was commissioned into the Navy Nurse
Corps upon graduation. She later transferred into the Air Force
Nurse Corps where she specialized as an obstetrics nurse, taught
medical-surgical nurses transitioning to obstetrics, and
coordinated childbirth education classes as a Lamaze-certified
childbirth educator. Joyce created a breast wellness clinic at
Langley Air Force base and became an international board
certified lactation consultant and a breast health educator.
Joyce subsequently earned her Master of Science from Virginia
Commonwealth University, then taught diploma and associate degree
nursing students for ten years. She moved to Las Vegas and served
as a breast health nurse practitioner and clinical team lead. In
2019 Joyce's career returned to its military roots as she
provides primary care for women veterans. She is enrolled in the
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Advanced Practice Nurse program
at the University of Nevada, Reno. Her DNP project aims to
advance nursing science in human papillomavirus vaginal
self-collection for women veterans. She is passionate about
providing integrative, trauma-centered care to vulnerable women
veterans and conducting quality improvement initiatives and
research to do the same.
2021 Fall Scholarship Recipients
Cheryl Moreno
2021 Philippine Nurses Association Scholarship Recipient
Cheryl has lived in Henderson, Nevada, for the last 20 years. She
is currently pursuing her BSN at Nevada State College, and her
expected graduation date is December, 2022. Cheryl hopes to
eventually become a labor and delivery nurse, but is open minded
to other areas of nursing. She truly believes that nurses make a
difference in their patients' lives by being kind, caring, and
supportive, and she feels that becoming an RN is her calling in
life.
Brian Dankowski, MS, RN, BSN, ADN
2021 NNA District 1 Scholarship Recipient
Brian is a nursing professor for Great Basin College (GBC), where he
teaches first-year nursing students. He earned his Associate of
Applied Science in Nursing (ADN) and Bachelor of Science in
Nursing (BSN) from Great Basin College. He also holds a Master of
Science in Nursing Education from the University of Nevada, Reno.
he graduated at the top of his class, receiving the Deans Award
for the highest G.P.A. for all master’s programs. Brian is
currently enrolled in the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Clinical Nurse Educator track at the University of Nevada, Reno.
He hopes to complete a bridge program through the University of
Nevada, Las Vegas, to earn a Ph.D. He is passionate about nursing,
nursing education, and improving care for vulnerable populations,
with a focus on improving nursing care and patient outcomes for
the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual
(LGBTQIA+) population in Nevada.
Dawn Sheldon
2021 NNF Scholarship Recipient, LPN Program
Dawn is a full-time LPN student at Unitek College with an expected
graduation date of March, 2022. For the last 9 years she has been
a Dental Assistant, enjoying the ability to help people meet their
health goals so that they may improve their quality of life.
While raising her three boys, who are her motivation to succeed,
she volunteers in the community by helping coach her children's
various sporting activities. After she graduates, her ambition is
to continue her education by earning her BSN and eventually her
MSN. Once she has earned her BSN, Dawn sees herself being a
valuable asset to the healthcare industry, while working in the
ER, ICU, or Labor and Delivery.
Katrina Mesias, CNA
2021 NNF Scholarship Recipient, CNA to RN Program
Katrina is a Nevada resident currently employed with Saint Mary's
Regional Center as an Oncology certified nurse assistant. She
previously worked for a skilled nursing facility and has worked
as a CNA for five years. She is enrolled at Truckee Meadows
Community College and working on her pre-nursing courses. Katrina
plans to apply to a nursing program by the fall of 2022 and is
working hard to pursue her career as a Registered Nurse.
Larissa Diaz
2021 NNF Scholarship Recipient, LPN to RN Program
Larissa is a full time student at College of Southern Nevada in
the LPN to RN bridge program. Expected graduation date is December,
2022. For the last 10 years she has worked as LPN. She enjoys
helping people through wound care, hospice, and home health
services. Nursing is truly Larissa's passion, and she is excited
to continue her education to a BSN and MSN. Her goal is to be a
wound specialist. She is looking forward to becoming a RN and
continuing to help the community.
Rebecca Paulson
2021 NNF Scholarship Recipient, BSN Program
Rebecca has lived in the Reno area for 25 years. She is attending
the Orvis School of Nursing at the University of Nevada, Reno with
an expected graduation date of December, 2022. She has completed
her Certificate in Gerontology from the Sanford Center for Aging,
and upon graduation with her BSN plans to provide compassionate
and quality geriatric care for older adults in the Reno/Sparks
community.
Hannah Kohler, CEN, RN, BSN, ADN
2021 NNF Scholarship Recipient, Doctorate Program
Hannah obtained both her associate's and bachelor's degrees in
nursing through Great Basin College in Elko, Nevada. She has
worked as a nurse since 2013 in her hometown of Winnemucca, Nevada.
Throughout her nursing career, she has worked predominantly in the
Emergency Department at Humboldt General Hospital. She also worked
previously for Med X Air One as a critical care flight nurse.
Growing up as a rural Nevadan, the community, people, and
friendships hold a special place in her heart. When Hannah made the
decision to go back to school for an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care
Doctoral degree at UNR, it was with the thought and hope to go
back and support the community that has so strongly supported her
throughout her career and educational endeavors. She looks forward
to graduating in the spring and all of the opportunities to come.
Jay Brownson, MSN, RN, PCCN, CNML
2021 Renown RMC Scholarship Recipient
Jay has lived in Reno for 30 years. He graduated with an ADN from
Carrington College, Reno, and his BSN and MSN in education from
WGU. He currently works as a nursing professor for 5th semester
students at Carrington College and as a house supervisor at Renown
South Meadows. Jay is attending UNR for his DNP in nursing
leadership and nurse executive. He hopes to continue making a
difference in nursing education and to create a better environment
for those members of the LGBTQIA+ and minority communities. He
would like to thank Renown so much for contributing to the
scholarship funds for nurses through the NNF. "It is truly amazing
all that Renown continues to do for our nurses and nursing
community. Thank you for helping me to continue with my education."
Jessica Lynch, MSN, RN
2021 Rural and Frontier Scholarship Recipient
Jessica earned her associate's and bachelor's degrees in nursing
from Great Basin College and a master's degree in nursing with an
emphasis on nursing leadership from Western Governors University.
She is currently enrolled at the University of Nevada Reno,
working toward her Doctorate of Nursing with an emphasis on
clinical education leadership. Jessica is a nurse educator at
Great Basin College, teaching in both the associates and bachelors
programs of nursing. She has also worked as an ER nurse for the
entire duration of her career. She is passionate about improving
patient outcomes by decreasing mortality in trauma patients in
rural communities, and she hopes to make this the basis of her
doctorate project. She plans to use this degree to influence
positive change within her healthcare community.
Brenda Delgado, FNP, APRN, MSN, BSN
2021 WRAPNN Scholarship Recipient
Brenda is a board certified family nurse practitioner who resides
in Las Vegas, Nevada. As a family nurse practitioner, she has
worked in internal medicine and family practice, primarily with
underserved communities. She also works as a clinical instructor
for the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. She earned her Bachelor
of Science in Nursing and her Master of Science in Nursing from
the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Brenda is currently enrolled
in the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Clinical Nurse Educator
program at the University of Nevada, Reno. Her DNP project is
focused on creating a transitional care pathway for uninsured
diabetics that will transition them safely from their hospital
discharge to a medical home in the Northern Nevada community. She
is passionate about increasing access to healthcare for vulnerable
populations in Nevada. After graduation, she is committed to
continuing to advocate for underserved populations and to continue
to provide support, guidance, and mentorship to the next
generations of nurses. She would like to thank WRAPPN for
sponsoring her scholarship.
Allyson Miller, BS
2021 High Sierra Behavioral Health Scholarship Recipient
Allyson is currently a second year nursing student at Great Basin
College in Winnemucca, NV. She received her Bachelor's in Health
Science at Boise State University, graduating in 2018. Her interest
in healthcare started when she was a young child; she grew up
racing motocross and had a lot of healthcare experience on the
patient side, and as a result became fascinated with healthcare
and the human body. When she is not busy with academics, Allyson
work at a veterinarian clinic as an assistant and at the hospital
as a nurse apprentice. When she is not working she enjoys being
outside, playing with her dog, reading a good book, and researching
ways that she can further impact the nursing field as she
progresses in her career. Her long-term goal is to receive her
Doctorate of Nursing Practice and open a clinic of her own.
Cailin Holt
2021 Saint Mary's Scholarship Recipient
Cailin's healthcare career began in 2018 when she decided being a
graphic designer was not filling her life with enough significance.
She decided that peoples' lives are literally all that matter in
this lifetime on earth, so she quit her job as marketing designer
at a mortgage company and became a Patient Safety Advocate at
Saint Mary's Regional Medical Center in Reno. Her work badges have
progressed from volunteer to Patient Safety Advocate to Patient
Care Tech. Her RN badge will be hooked onto her scrubs in 2022
once she graduates from TMCC. Cailin considers her work an honor
to take care of humans when they need the extra love and support.
She wants to make a positive difference in her patients' lives
and light a fire in their hearts by always being kind and
compassionate in her care.
Leilani Ferrer, RN, MBA, BSN
2021 Greg Peistrup Scholarship Recipient
Leilani was born and raised in the Philippines and migrated to the
US in 1995 at eighteen. She graduated with a BSN from UNLV in
2000 and obtained her MBA in 2007. She has worked in the ER for
most of her career, but has also worked in MedSurg (1 year),
Critical Care (4 years), and even did a bit of teaching for what
used to be the University of Southern Nevada (now Roseman
University). She postponed further graduate studies for fifteen
years after getting married and having kids (a set of twin boys
who are currently seven). Leilani developed an interest in
psychiatric nursing and was accepted into the UNLV Psychiatric
Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program. She plans to work
locally when she completes the program to help the community that
she has served over the last twenty years. She states, "I feel a
great honor to receive a scholarship from a colleague, Greg
Peistrup! I worked with him briefly and respected him
tremendously."
Maria Wilcox, RN, OCN
2021 Jessie J. Valentine Scholarship Recipient
Maria lives in Dayton, Nevada, with her husband Randall and
daughter Ayisha. She began her career working as a nursing
assistant at Saint Mary's in 2003, and after graduating from
Carrington College in 2010, moved to Saint Mary's Oncology
department. After thirteen years of working in Reno, she
transitioned to outpatient Oncology nursing at Carson Tahoe
hospital, which is closer to her hometown. She moved to the
Carson Tahoe Cancer Center in August of 2017. She obtained her
Oncology Certified Nurse certification and has held positions as
RN Supervisor and Nurse Manager. She is now collaborating with
leadership at the Cancer Center to provide support to outpatient
oncology nurses who provide infusion services to patients in
the Carson City community and all of the outlying rural areas.
In 2011, Maria received the Northern Nevada Rookie of the Year
award for Saint Mary's Regional Medical Center organization. She
is a member of the Sierra Nevada Chapter Oncology Nursing Society,
Nevada Nurses Association, and American Nurses Association. She
is currently working on her Bachelor's degree at Nevada State
College, with plans to pursue her Master's Degree in the near
future.
Erin Pate, MSN, RN
2021 Arthur L. Davis Publishing Scholarship Recipient
Erin started her career as a Critical Care Nurse in 2009 after
serving on active duty in the United States Air Force. She wanted
to continue serving Veterans and to work for the Department of
Veterans Affairs, leading to a move to Northern Nevada in 2012.
Erin found an interest in improving nursing leadership, prompting
her to pursue a Masters in Nursing – Leadership and
Administration from Ball State University in 2015. Desiring to
better serve nurses and patients, support evidence-based practice,
and nurse-led quality improvements, Erin applied for the Doctorate
in Nursing program at University of Nevada Reno. Her focus has
been on assisting nurses to overcome barriers to provide care for
patients with a diagnosis of serious mental illness. Erin
continues to serve in the United States Air Force as a nurse and
is a wife and mom of two beautiful daughters.
Kira Ballinger
2021 Philippine Nurses Association Scholarship Recipient
Kira has lived in Elko, Nevada, for about 8 years. She has always
known she wanted to get into healthcare, and she chose nursing
as a career a couple of years after she graduated high school.
Kira is a nursing student at Great Basin Community College pursuing
an Associate's degree in nursing, having fun learning about things
she is interested in as well as helping others. She plans to
graduate in May of 2023.
Alyse Stern, RN, ADN
2021 NNF Scholarship Recipient, RN to BSN Program
Alyse is a registered nurse who currently lives in Battle Mountain,
Nevada, and works at Battle Mountain General Hospital. She
obtained her ADN through Great Basin College (GBC) in Elko,
Nevada. She is attending GBC and the University of Nevada Reno to
get her BSN and work toward her MSN. She is enrolled in a pathway
program that allows for both BSN and MSN classes to be taken at
the same time. Alyse hopes to become a Pediatric Nurse
Practitioner and pursue the dream she has had since she was a kid.
She wants to make a difference in rural areas and be a good
healthcare provider for those that may not have adequate
healthcare in their towns.
Meagan Parsons, RN, BSN
2021 NNF Scholarship Recipient, MSN Program
Meagan currently works as an emergency room nurse at the North Las
Vegas VA Hospital. She received her BSN at Texas State University
in 2017 and moved to Las Vegas in 2019. She fell in love with
Vegas and still is. After moving here, she knew that UNLV had a
lot to offer, and she is now a graduate student at UNLV in the
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program. Meagan plans
to work within the Clark county community after graduation. She
states that she is excited both for her career and to be a part
of this rapidly growing field.
2021 Spring Scholarship Recipients
Kyle Simon, BS, CNA
2021 NNF Scholarship Recipient, LPN Program
Kyle currently lives in Reno and is enrolled in the LPN program at
Unitek College. He works as a CNA in the ICU at Carson-Tahoe
Regional Medical Facility and has been there for just over a
year now. His plan after graduation is to get his wound care
certification, followed by continuing his nursing education,
possibly becoming a nurse practitioner. Kyle currently has a
bachelors degree in community health science. He states that he
cannot wait to be able to help the community more as he progresses
through his nursing career.
Juan Ramirez, LPN
2021 NNF Scholarship Recipient, LPN to RN Program
Juan currently works at the Horizon Health Rehabilitation Center
in Las Vegas as a LPN. He is pursuing his Bachelor of Science
in Nursing at Nightingale College and anticipates graduating
in 2023. His interests include working in neuroscience,
providing care to patients and participating in clinical studies.
Meron Teffera
2021 NNF Scholarship Recipient, BSN Program
Meron is from Las Vegas, Nevada. She is a full-time nursing student
at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, with an expected
graduation date of May, 2022. She also works part-time as a sales
associate at Express. Upon graduation she hopes to become a labor
and delivery nurse. In the future, Meron plans to continue her
education to eventually obtain her DNP. She also aspires to some
day travel to third world countries and provide aid in communities
where health disparities exist.
Shelby Lee, RN, ASN
2021 NNF Scholarship Recipient, RN to BSN Program
Shelby works as an RN at Carson Tahoe Hospital on a surgical
orthopedics floor. She acquired her Associates Degree of Nursing
through Western Nevada College, and she is currently working on
her BSN through Nevada State College. She was born and raised in
Northern Nevada, and she enjoys being able to take care of this
community. Shelby plans to continue her education past her BSN by
acquiring further certifications to expand her scope and
knowledge.
Brooklyn Butler, CNA
2021 Jessie J. Valentine Scholarship Recipient
Brooklyn currently works at Carson Tahoe Regional Medical Center
as a Unit Clerk/CNA in the Surgical Orthopedic Unit. She is
enrolled in Unitek College's BSN program, with an anticipated
graduation in December of 2023. She plans to apply for an
apprenticeship as soon as she is eligible. Brooklyn's ultimate
goal is to become a Labor and Delivery nurse.
Christina "Chrissy" Scilacci, CNA
2021 NNF Scholarship Recipient, CNA to RN Program
Christina lives in Elko, Nevada, and is currently employed at
Highland Manor as a Nurse Apprentice. She will be starting her
second year of nursing school at Great Basin College, with a
graduation date of June, 2022. She is also taking classes towards
her BSN. Her areas of interest are geriatrics, mental health, and
hospice. Christina hopes to continue her education, possibly
getting her PMHNP, so she can give back to rural communities like
her own where mental health services are so desperately needed.
Katie Snow, BS
2021 NNF Scholarship Recipient, BSN Program
Katie lives in Reno and works for Renown Regional Medical Center in
the respiratory department. She holds a BS degree in biochemistry
and molecular biology and is attending the Orvis School of Nursing
at the University of Nevada Reno, with an anticipated graduation
date in December, 2021, with a BSN. She believes that her education
for her BSN has vastly improved the knowledge she can provide to
her patients in the hospital. In addition to hospital care, Katie
hopes to become involved in community health promotion in a
nursing capacity and improve the quality of life for the clients
of her community. Her future goals include continuing her
education to obtain her DNP.
Chelsea Erickson
2021 Chamberlain University Scholarship Recipient
Chelsea is currently a senior at Chamberlain University of Las
Vegas with an expected graduation date of August, 2022. She is the
Vice President of the Student Government Association and Student
Veterans Association. As the Vice President, she acts as an
advocate and liaison between students and faculty. She is a peer
mentor, which gives her the opportunity to mentor students who are
just starting on their nursing school journey and are unsure of
what to expect. Chelsae's motiviation includes her two children,
who are one and two years of age. Upon graduation, she hopes to
accept a position in the ER or ICU. Her professional nursing goals
include working to the best of her ability, reaching her full
potential, and delivering remarkable patient-centered care. Her
long-term goal is to continue her education and attend CRNA school
in order broaden her skill set.
Lisa Thayer, RN, BSN, ADN
2021 NNF Scholarship Recipient, MSN Program
Lisa grew up in Oakland, California, and now lives in Sparks,
Nevada. She received her ADN from TMCC and her BSN from UNR. She
is now pursuing her MSN from UNR. She has been a nurse in the
oncology field for most of her career, starting on the oncology
floor at Saint Mary's, then moving to Cancer Care Specialists,
where she was an infusion room nurse, and now serving as an
oncology nurse navigator at Carson Tahoe Cancer Center. Lisa loves
the oncology field and hopes to continue as an APRN in oncology
upon completion of her MSN. Lisa has been nominated for a Northern
Nevada Nurse of Achievement Award six times, both as an outpatient
and inpatient nurse.
Ron Gonzalezi, MS, MSN, RN
2021 NNF Scholarship Recipient, Doctorate Program
Ron is originally from Philadelphia, but now calls Nevada home. He
lives in Las Vegas and currently teaches full time as a professor
for the College of Southern Nevada's Associate Degree Nursing
Program. He has been a registered nurse for 29 years, and his
background ranges from medical/surgical, operating room,
emergency/trauma, and nursing administration. He obtained his
Master's in Healthcare Administration in 2006 and his Master's
in Nursing in 2008. Ron truly enjoys educating and helping
influence future nurses by sharing his knowledge and experiences
with future generations of healthcare workers. He volunteers for
a variety of community and professional organizations, and he
mentors students from other colleges and universities pursuing
graduate-level nursing education. He is currently enrolled in the
Doctor of Nursing Practice Program at Touro University Nevada.
After graduation, Ron would like to continue with his passions by
providing leadership in both education and clinical practice for
all Nevadans.
2020 Fall Scholarship Recipients
Carrie Hintz, DNP, RN, CEN, CNML
2020 NNF Scholarship Recipient, Doctorate Program
Dr. Carrie Hintz is currently an Assistant Professor, as well as
the Post Masters DNP Program at the Orvis School of Nursing. She
graduated from Great Basin College with an associate degree in
nursing, and completed her BSN at Washington State University.
Carrie graduated with her MSN in Nursing and Healthcare
Leadership at Duke University, and completed her Doctor of
Nursing Practice at the University of Nevada, Reno. She is
currently enrolled in a DNP to PhD program at Duquesne University
in Pittsburg, where she hopes to focus her research on the
prevalence of law enforcement suicide in the U.S. Dr. Hintz is
very passionate about interdisciplinary education and
collaboration, and she has presented on the cultural
considerations of mental health awareness and crisis intervention
to various public service agencies. Dedicated to academic and
professional service, Carrie serves as a President of the Sigma
Theta Tau, Nursing Honor Society – Nu Iota Chapter. She
also serves on the University of Nevada, Reno Academic Integrity
and Student Conduct Board and Faculty Senate Executive Board, as
well as on the Nevada Nurses Association Legislative Committee.
Angel Jackson, MSN, RN
2020 Pat Alfonso Scholarship Recipient
Angel has been living in Reno Nevada for 8 years, working in
medical and geriatric nursing the first 4 years and now as
Director of Nursing in behavioral health. In 2019, she graduated
from University of Phoenix with a dual master's degree in nursing
and health administration. She is currently pursuing a FNP degree
at UOP, with an anticipated graduation date in the summer of
2022. As she furthers her profession in the medical field,
Angel's plan is to work with other nurses and professional
practitioners to help increase patients' access to quality
healthcare, especially in the areas of health and wellness,
cultural and age disparity, and to provide increased direct care
to our community needs. As a FNP, she hopes to be a legislative
advocate and voice for all those who do not have their voices
heard. Her passion and goal is to touch all lives no matter the
income, race, color, or culture, and to truly make a difference
by building trust, enhancing collaboration, bringing hope to
families, and saving lives within our community.
Sheri Park, RN
2020 NNF Scholarship Recipient, RN to BSN Program
Sheri started her healthcare career over 20 years ago at South
Lyon Medical Center as a Certified Nursing Assistant. She has
worked in various hospitals all over Nevada, holding different
positions ranging from a unit clerk to her current position as a
house supervisor at Saint Mary's Regional Medical Center. She
completed her associates degree in nursing at Carrington College
in 2012. She is currently enrolled at Capella University for an
accelerated RN to MSN program. Sheri hopes to earn her bachelors
in December, 2020, and finish masters degree in September, 2021.
She has been a nursing leader for over 6 years and loves the
difference she can make with patients and peers. She was a board
member for Safe Kids of Washoe County, participated on many
different community coalitions, and helped shape many different
programs at Saint Mary's. Sheri recently helped develop and
institute a program called Care 24 which offers psychological
first aid for healthcare workers. She hopes that by finishing
her degree she can make a bigger impact on healthcare and the
nursing profession.
Taylor Tracy, CNA
2020 NNF Scholarship Recipient, CNA to RN Program
Taylor Tracy currently lives in Pahrump, Nevada, where he is
employed at Desert View Hospital as a CNA. He is currently
attending Great Basin College in the ADN program and is on track
to graduate in May of 2022. He plans to continue his nursing
education to Bachelor's and Master's degrees following graduation.
He loves serving others and looks forward to the opportunity to
do so as a Registered Nurse.
Nikki Stone
2020 NNF Scholarship Recipient, BSN Program
Nikki was born and raised in Reno and is attending the University
of Nevada, Reno Orvis School of Nursing. She currently works at
Bath and Body Works as a full-time supervisor. She will be
graduating in May of 2021 and would love to go into the pediatric
field. After a couple years as a pediatric nurse, she will be
going back to school to obtain her DNP to become a family nurse
practitioner.
Jaimie Robinson, CNA
2020 NNF Scholarship Recipient, CNA to RN Program
Jaimie is originally from the Pacific Northwest and currently
resides in Las Vegas. She is attending College of Southern Nevada
as a Nursing AAS major, with an anticipated graduation in
the spring of 2022. She currently works as a CNA for Harmon
Hospital and EverCare health services. She hopes to obtain a BSN
and continuing her education in a nursing specialty after gaining
experience working as a nurse. Jaimie hopes to be part of
someone's miracle every day as a nurse.
Sonya Cress-Thornton
2020 NNF Scholarship Recipient, LPN to RN Program
Sonya was raised in California on her grandmother's farm. She has
lived in Southern California and Las Vegas since the age of 11
when part of her family moved to Las Vegas. She decided to make
Las Vegas her permanent residence in 2010 and to work in home
healthcare, returning to school at the College of Southern Nevada
to become a CNA. A few short years later she continued her
education at CSN to become an LPN. After taking some time off to
spend with her husband and children and workiing for CCSD as a
FASA in the health office, Sonya decided to continue her education
at NSC where she participates in the NSC Student Nursing
Association. In the spring of 2020, she earned her Associate's
Degree in Science at CSN, and she will graduate in December, 2020,
with a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing. She plans to work at an area
hospital with an interest in IMC, ICU, and Cardiac Cath Lab. Her
future plans include pursuing a master’s degree to become a
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). She states,
"Perseverance pays off, no matter how long it takes."
Darlene Salvo, MSHI, RN, BSN
2020 Leadership Certificate Scholarship Recipient
Darlene is an Orvis graduate with her BSN in Nursing and has been
a practicing RN since 2002. During that time, she has had
opportunities to test the waters of clinical practice in Med/Surg,
Ortho, Home Health, Urgent Care and Behavioral health. She
continued her education by obtaining a Masters of Health
Informatics from Walden university in 2012. Darlene's time spent
as clinical faculty for the Orvis School of nursing impressed
upon her the joy of paying it forward and providing mentorship to
students. She has been active in the Nevada Nurses Association,
currently holding the positions of NNA Assistant Director of
Operations and District 1 President. She has been on the NNF
Advisory Board since 2015 and has provided entertainment direction
for several fundraising events. She also volunteers with the
Carson City Health Department's COVID Response Team. Darlene
currently resides in the beautiful Carson Valley with her husband
and (feisty) 96 year old mother.
Iris Martinez
2020 Arthur L. Davis Scholarship Recipient
Iris resides in North Las Vegas and attends UNLV School of Nursing,
scheduled to graduate in May of 2021 with her BSN. She is the
current President of the Nevada Nursing Student Association and a
volunteer for the Medical Reserve Corps of Southern Nevada. She
hopes to work with the geriatric population, and lately she has
become enamored with the Cardiovascular Care unit. Her inspiration
for nursing stems from watching her grandpa struggle with his
illnesses and his nurses being incredibly kind and helpful to him
and her family. She wants to provide the same care and kindness to
patients and families as those nurses did for her grandpa. She
plans to volunteer as a nurse in community organizations that
focus on ending homelessness and serving the minority population.
Iris also hopes to travel to third world countries providing
medical aid and education. She loves being able to help people,
whether volunteering, changing socks, or educating on diet and
exercise. She believes that it's the idea that someone is caring
for a patient with the utmost kindness and respect that makes
the patient feel well again.
Lia Harris, RN
2020 NNF Scholarship Recipient, MSN Program
Lia is a Las Vegas native and is still a resident of Las Vegas.
She is a registered nurse with 5 years of experience and has
worked in various departments with mostly medical-surgical
patients. She currently attends Touro University Nevada as a
graduate student studying for her MSN degree with concentration
in family nurse practitioner (FNP). She hopes to continue her
education so that she can help in her community in the role as a
family nurse practitioner and as a leader to advocate for
healthcare improvement.
Jaimee Garcia
2020 Philippine Nurses Association Scholarship Recipient
Jaimee is currently a full-time student at the College of Southern
Nevada in the ADN program. She is a founding member and current
President of AAPINA-CSN, SNA (Asian American Pacific Islander
Nurses Association – College of Southern Nevada, Student
Nurses Association) and Interim Treasurer for AAPINA of Nevada.
She helped organize the “#CSNAAPINARELIEF” fund to give back to
the medical frontliners in the Las Vegas community. She is set to
graduate in May of 2021 and is planning to continue her education
to obtain her BSN and eventually DNP. Her love and passion in
serving others are catalysts to her nursing career. She states,
"The main mission and purpose of my life is creating footprints
of inspiration and to be a beacon of light to help others fulfill
their mission and purpose in life."
Charloth V. Aquino, RN
2020 Debra and John Scott Scholarship Recipient
Charloth is originally from Peru and moved to the US when she was
17 years old, living in Elko ever since. She attended GBC where she
received her ADN and BSN in Nursing in 2017 and 2019, respectively.
She has worked at Highland Village of Elko as an Infection Control
nurse since January, 2020, right when the COVID pandemic started.
She is currently pursing her DNP in PMHNP at UNR. She is enjoying
the program as she is fascinated with learning about mental
health illness and how we can treat patients by addressing their
physical health without separating out mental health issues.
Nursing is Charloth's true passion and calling, and she enjoys
patient care as much as learning every day.
Stephannie McGilvrey, RN
2020 Rural and Frontier Scholarship Recipient
Stephanie was born and raised in Nevada and has lived the majority
of her life in Humboldt County. After serving eight years in the
United States Air Force, she returned home to Winnemucca in 2013
and worked at Humboldt General as a medical assistant. She
obtained her national EMT certification in 2014. Stephanie worked
with Humboldt General EMS for 5 years and obtained her
certification as an Advanced EMT. During this time, she realized
she loved working in emergency medicine and decided to pursue a
career in nursing. She graduated with her ADN in 2019, and she is
attending Great Basin College with the hopes of achieving her BSN
by August 2021. She currently works in the emergency department
for Humboldt General as a full-time registered nurse. Education
has always been an important part of her life, and she hopes one
day to return the favor and teach from her experiences.
Hannah Kohler, CEN, RN, BSN, ADN
2020 NNA Scholarship Recipient
Hannah has resided in rural northern Nevada (Winnemucca) for the
majority of her life. Currently she is employed as a charge nurse
in the Emergency Department at Humboldt General Hospital, as well
as working per diem for the hospital's integrated flight service,
Med X Air One. She is currently attending graduate school at the
University of Nevada Reno to obtain her doctoral degree in
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP. She anticipates graduating in
the spring of 2022. By pursuing this degree, Hannah hopes to be
able to provide quality care and resources to Nevada communities.
Nicole Fernandez, RN, BSN
2020 Optum Scholarship Recipient
Nicole was raised in Southern California and currently resides in
Henderson, Nevada. She is currently employed as a Nurse
Administrator for Southwest Medical Part of OptumCare overseeing
an adult medicine team and the residency program. She has worked
with Southwest Medical for 14 years. Nicole has almost 20 years
of nursing experience and has worked in various hospitals,
clinics, rehab facilities, and surgery centers throughout
California and Nevada. She completed her BSN at the UNLV School
of Nursing, and she is currently attending Western Governors
University for her Masters in Health Leadership. Her anticipated
graduation date is October 2022. Nicole plans to continue
working at Southwest Medical, improve her leadership skills, and
help provide new and innovative ways to care for her community.
Michael John Fulgencio, RN
2020 Sandy Klepzig Scholarship Recipient
Michael's home base is Las Vegas. He worked at Spring Valley ICU
for three and a half years. He is now working as a travel nurse,
including a stint in March, 2020, in New York helping with the
COVID outbreak there, and most recently working in Seattle. After
seeing how Nurse Practioners made a difference in New York, he
decided to become an NP. He is currently working towards his BSN
at Nevada State College.
Natalie Edran
2020 Philippine Nurses Association Scholarship Recipient
Natalie is in the UNLV BSN program, where her anticipated
graduation date is May, 2021. She hopes to work at an IMC unit to
gain experience for the first few years, and then hopefully work
in an ER. In her nursing career, Natalie would also like to try
working in labor and delivery. Eventually she would like to
continue her education by getting a DNP. She is looking forward to
getting into the real world and helping as many people as she can.
2020 Spring Scholarship Recipients
Wendy Merchant, MSN-Ed,CNS,RN
2020 NNF Scholarship Recipient
Wendy has been a nurse for 20 years, begining her nursing career in
Nevada after obtaining her undergraduate degree from Orvis School
of Nursing, Reno. In 2005, she earned a dual master's degree at
Pacific Lutheran University in Nursing Education and as a
Clinical Nurse Specialist for the older adult. She has held a
variety of nursing positions from leadership to staff. Wendy is
currently the Executive Director of Academic Operations for
Arizona College, Las Vegas. She is pursuing a doctoral degree in
an area that will further her passion for nursing education. She
has been a nurse in Nevada for the greater majority of her career,
and she looks forward to doing her part to help nursing in
Nevada grow and develop to meet the needs of the communities.
Nicole Cabrera-Heiring, BSN, RN, CLC
2020 NNF Scholarship Recipient
Nicole received two undergraduate degrees, a bachelor's in Spanish
and a bachelor’s in nursing, from Minnesota State University,
Mankato (MSU), where she graduated with honors. She currently
lives in Las Vegas. She has worked in the neonatal intensive care
unit for 15 years at Summerlin Hospital Medical Center as a level
3 registered nurse. Nicole is currently pursuing a master's
degree in nursing in the family nurse practitioner track at
Chamberlain University, with an anticipated graduation date of
December, 2020. She is a Certified Lactation Counselor who
supports new moms with breastfeeding, and she is a member of the
Southern Nevada Breastfeeding Coalition. She is also a member of
the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and the Nevada
Advanced Practice Nurses Association. Nicole volunteers at
Volunteers in Medicine of Southern Nevada and for the Remote Area
Medical. As a bilingual nurse and a certified medical interpreter,
she is able to provide culturally and linguistically appropriate
care to the Hispanic community. She hopes to continue to provide
patient-focused care, exercise leadership skills, and act as an
example for future nurses to pursue their educational aspirations.
Anna Maria Holder, CCMA, BS
2020 NNF Scholarship Recipient
Nursing is a second career for Anna. She has a B.S. in Business
Management and a M.A. in Communication, and she worked in the
hospitality industry for 14 years. She is re-careering for a
bright future in nursing. Anna is currently in the nursing
program at Carrington College in Reno and will be graduating in
October 2020 with her RN. She plans to enroll in an RN to MSN
program after graduation. Anna has worked as a Certified Clinical
Medical Assistant at Saint Mary's and Carson Tahoe. She was a
volunteer at Renown's Cancer Resource Center, where she met many
patients and their families whom she credits with inspiring her
to pursue nursing in pediatric oncology. Anna says that working
with patients and actively engaging with them to improve their
health feeds her soul and fuels her passion for nursing. She is
planning to serve as a volunteer on a mission with a nursing
group to either Guatemala or South Africa later in 2020, depending
on how long the COVID-19 precautions/quarantine last.
Masha Zelenin, RN
2020 Jessie J. Valentine Scholarship Recipient
Masha started working in Renown Regional six years ago as a
phlebotomist. One year later she moved to the Emergency Department
as an ED Tech and at the same time started nursing school. After
graduation she worked as a Neurosurgery RN at Renown, and then as
an ICU RN in Carson Tahoe Medical Center. Masha is currently in
her last semester of the BSN program at WGU, and she plans to
enter the MSN program in September.
Yolanda Gardner, RN, ASN
2020 NNF Scholarship Recipient
Yolanda graduated from Great Basin College in 2019 with an
Associate degree in Nursing. She is currently employed at
Humboldt General Hospital as an emergency room nurse. She is
working to obtain her Bachelor's degree and will graduate in the
summer of 2020. She plans to continue working at Humboldt General
Hospital after graduation to give back to the organizations and
individuals that have supported her through her studies. Yolanda's
ultimate goal is to become a FNP, which will allow her to provide
specialized care and help her community. Being a nurse has given
her the opportunity to be a positive role model in her community
and to her children. Yolanda is a firm believer that you should
do the one thing that causes you joy and allows you to give back
to someone else in a positive way; nursing is her joy and her way
of giving back.
Casey Pruyt, CNA, AA
2020 NNF Scholarship Recipient
Casey is a lifelong Nevada resident. She resides in Carson City
and will pursue her RN at Western Nevada College in the fall of
2020. With previous experience working in plastic surgery
practices, she is interested in surgical nursing. Currently,
Casey is actively involved with Washoe Tribe Head Start as a
volunteer teacher and Parent Committee fundraising specialist.
She holds an AA from the College of Southern Nevada.
2019 Fall Scholarship Recipients
Jessica Roncal
2019 NNF Scholarship Recipient
Jessica lives in Las Vegas and is a student in the CNA program at
the College of Southern Nevada. On the side, She is finishing
her prerequisites for the nursing program. She is a volunteer at
Sunrise Hospital where she helps with transport to MIU. As a
short-term goal, Jessica would like to be a CNA for a skilled
nursing facility. After graduation in spring, 2022, she plans to
become an RN. She aspires to work in the MIU focusing on mothers
and their babies. Jessica eventually plans to get her bachelors
in nursing.
Aleisha Wellman, CNA
2019 NNF Scholarship Recipient
Aleisha is a nursing student at Nevada State College BSN program,
to graduate in May, 2022. She was born and raised in Las Vegas,
NV, and has been a CNA for 11 years. She currently works at
Valley Hospital Medical Center. Aleisha participates on the
Nevada State Nursing Student Association board and the Nevada
State College Student Nursing Association board. She plans to
continue volunteering through Nevada Nurses Foundation. As a
future nurse she is interested in wound care, burn unit, OR,
and ICU fields, and eventually in educating new nurses. Although
she is not sure which interesting field her path will lead her to,
she is looking forward to the journey.
Julio Islas, RN
2019 Jessie J. Valentine Scholarship Recipient
Julio is a Nevada resident currently employed at Carson Tahoe
Regional Center. He worked as an EMT in Tahoe-Truckee Area while
obtaining his Associate's Degree in nursing. He is currently
pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from University of
Nevada, Reno. Julio intends to graduate in June of 2020, and he
is planning continue his education with a Masters in Nursing.
Heather Shawcross
2019 Kurt Patterson Scholarship Grant Recipient
Heather is currently attending the University of Nevada Las Vegas
nursing program, and she will be graduating with her BSN in the
summer of 2020. She worked as an EMT for a 911 ambulance company
where she grew a love for the medical field. Her goal is become a
trauma nurse with a long-term goal of becoming a flight nurse.
Heather also plans to put her paralegal certificate to use in
healthcare policies. She is currently serving as the president
for the Nevada Nursing Student Association.
Andrea Tarver, LPN
2019 NNF Scholarship Recipient
Andrea was born and raised in San Francisco, and she has been in
the healthcare field for 14 years. She became licensed as a
practical nurse in 2015 and soon after started her journey to
attain her license as a registered nurse. Andrea is currently
enrolled in the ADN Bridge program at CSN in Las Vegas and plans
to graduate in the fall of 2020. Her long-term goal is to earn
her master's degree.
Maria Lauren C. Doyle,
BSBA, BSN, RN-BC
2019 AL Davis Publishing Scholarship Recipient
Maria lives in the northwest area of Clark County, currently
employed by the Veterans Health Administration of Southern Nevada
Health Care System as a Registered Nurse in the Outpatient Mental
Health department for homeless Veterans and their families. She
will be graduating in fall 2021 with a Master's Degree in
Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner. Maria hopes to
continue providing high-quality and patient-centered care for the
underserved population.
Sherry L. Stofko, MSN-Ed,
RN, CEN, CPEN, CMSRN
2019 Leadership Certificate Scholarship Recipient
Sherry graduated from Penn State University with distinction in
1996. After gaining experience as a telemetry and critical care
float pool nurse, she worked as a traveling nurse for nearly ten
years in step-down units and emergency departments, eventually
settling in the Reno-Tahoe area. Sherry began her journey in
clinical education as a preceptor and quickly realized her strong
inclination and passion for nursing. She currently works as a
clinical educator in Reno, where she manages nursing orientation,
a med-surg fellowship, and a clinical ladder program. Sherry
graduated in March, 2019, with a Master's of Science in Nursing,
Education from Western Governors University. She continues
working in professional development, including becoming a leader
in clinical education and increasing employee engagement through
interactive, innovative educational offerings. Sherry also runs a
monthly peer support, networking, and education group for
Northern Nevada nurses.
LaShannon Young
2019 NNF Scholarship Recipient
LaShannon is currently a nursing student in the College of Southern
Nevada's ADN program. She works as a Mental Health Technician and
Staffing Coordinator for Rawson-Neal's Psychiatric Hospital. When
not reading, studying, or attending the many Student Nursing
Association meetings and events, she enjoys the greatness of
being a mother, donating and volunteering her time within their
classrooms and chaperoning on their fieldtrips. LaShannon plans
to graduate in the fall of 2021 and enter the wonderful field of
Mental Health. Her ultimate goal is to further her studies with a
Bachelor of Science in Nursing and to become a Forensic Nurse
Specialist.
Patricia Strobehn,
MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, ENP-C
2019 Jamie Sue Coleman Scholarship Recipient
Patricia (Trish) is a third-generation nurse raised in Las Vegas.
She received her ADN from the College of Southern Nevada, her BSN
from Nevada State College, and her MSN from the University of
Nevada, Las Vegas. She is a board-certified family and emergency
nurse practitioner (NP) who currently practices as an NP and
teaches full time as Program Coordinator and Assistant Professor
for Touro University Nevada's MSN-FNP Program located in
Henderson, Nevada. Trish serves on the Nevada State Board of
Nursing's Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Advisory Committee
and is married with five children. She is currently pursuing a
Ph.D. in Nursing from Mercer University in Atlanta, GA. Her
research focuses on strengthening and supporting a sustainable NP
workforce by improving the quality of NP education, facilitating
preceptor development, and increasing NP job satisfaction. Her
dissertation investigates predictors of NP job satisfaction to
inform workforce and healthcare policy initiatives to ultimately
improve patient outcomes and decrease NP turnover at the national
and regional levels.
Keiona Malone, RN, BSN
2019 Debra Scott Scholarship Recipient
Keiona (Keiana) relocated to Las Vegas from Milwaukee, Wisconsin,
two years ago. She received her diploma as a Practical Nurse in
2006, an Associate Degree in Nursing from Milwaukee Area
Technical College in 2007, and a Bachelors of Science in Nursing
from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, in 2017. She
currently attends the University of Nevada, Reno pursuing a
Masters of Science in Nursing, specializing in psychiatric mental
health. Her anticipated graduation date is December, 2022.
Keiona currently works as an RN Clinical Supervisor on a medical
surgical/behavioral health unit at the University Medical Center
of Southern Nevada. Her goal is to use her education to become an
integral part of serving a population which is in great need of
competent, caring nurses who genuinely are concerned with the
needs of others.
Kathryn Gilman, RN
2019 NNF Scholarship Recipient
Kathryn Gilman currently lives in Pahrump, Nevada, and is employed
at Desert View Hospital as a medical-surgical registered nurse.
She is enrolled in Great Basin College's BSN program, where she is
on track to graduate in August of 2020. Her area of interest is
pediatrics, with an emphasis in endocrinology. Kathryn hopes to
start graduate school in the spring of 2021 to obtain her
pediatric nurse practitioner (PNP) license. Once a PNP, she plans
to work in pediatric primary care or pediatric endocrinology. She
states, "The journey will be long, however with my drive and
dedication, I see success in my future."
Kaylie Humphreys, RN
2019 NNF Scholarship Recipient
Kaylie was born, raised, and currently resides in Reno. She works
for Saint Mary's Regional Medical Center as a Cardiac Telemetry
nurse, and she absolutely loves her job. She is attending the
University of Nevada, Las Vegas in pursuit of a Doctorate of
Nursing Practice – Family Nurse Practitioner degree. Kaylie
will be graduating in May of 2020 and cannot wait to serve
northern Nevada working in Primary Care medicine. She states that
there is a large shortage of Primary Care Providers in our
community, and she aims to become part of the solution by meeting
those needs in whatever way is best. She is a member of NAPNA, and
she is very interested in the progression of advanced practice
nurses and enjoys learning new content with other nurses in the
area.
Shelley Anaenugwu, RN, BSN, ASN
2019 NNF Scholarship Recipient
Shelley currently works as a transplant program coordinator in Las
Vegas. She graduated with her ASN 11 years ago and received her
BSN in May of 2018. She is currently pursuing her MSN at Touro
University. She has always had a desire to advance her nursing
education but was unsure of what area she wanted to focus on.
While working with Family Nurse Practitioners she decided that
is where she is meant to be. Shelley would like to begin work as
a practitioner in a clinic or urgent care to get in touch with
patients and learn how to connect with them. She feels that one
of the greatest honors she could be given is the trust that she
will make good decisions about patients' health and the health of
their loved ones. Her dream is to one day oversee an NGO that
provides education and dialysis treatment options for those in
countries that do not provide these services. Shelley credits the
support of her family, friends, organizations, and educational
institutions with helping to realize this dream for herself and
so many others.
Bret Hess, MSN-Ed, RN, COI
2019 Nevada Nursing Association Scholarship Recipient
Bret has been a nurse for 30 years caring for pediatrics patients
specializing in critical care, oncology, emergency, and flight
nursing. He started his education at the College of Southern
Nevada. He graduated with honors from Nevada State College RN-BSN
program. Three weeks later, he entered into a master's program
specializing in education at Grand Canyon University. Bret is now
working toward a Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree
specializing in leadership at the University of Nevada, Reno
Orvis School of Nursing, with an anticipated graduation date of
spring, 2021. Bret is currently an educator at Nevada State
College School of Nursing (NSC SON), passionately teaching
pediatrics and health assessment. Along with his teaching duties,
he is the Faculty Advisor for NSC Student Nurses Association and
Consultant for the Nevada Nursing Student Association. He is a
proud member of the Nevada Nurses Association, National League
for Nursing, and Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society. He has also
served as Chair of NSC SON Faculty Affairs Committee, Faculty
Senate, and Counselor of Sigma Theta Tau Intenational Zeta Kappa
At-Large chapter. Upon completion of school, Bret wants to
exercise his new nursing "superpowers" in his teaching and be an
advocate as well as a change agent for nursing students and
nurses across Nevada.
Joan Marie Operario, RN
2019 Phillipine Nurses Association Scholarship Recipient
Joan has been in the nursing profession for 14 years. Her nursing
background includes medical-surgical nursing, mental health
nursing, and utilization management/ managed care. For the last
6 years she has worked full-time in managed care for a leading
health insurance company, specifically in the nurse manager role
for the past 3 years. Joan discovered she enjoys providing care to
patients at a ambulatory/outpatient care setting while working
as a mental health nurse in a Nevada state, and she decided to
pursue an advanced degree. She is currently in the FNP-MSN
program at the University of Southern California (USC) as a
part-time student, due to complete the program in spring, 2020.
Her curriculum integrates social work concepts/foundations such as
social determinants of health and biomedical aspects which are
integral to caring for patients and developing health policies.
Her goals include mentoring aspiring NP students to nurture
collegiality in the nursing profession and sharing her expertise.
Arvin Operario, RN
2019 Optum Scholarship Recipient
Arvin has been a registered nurse for the past 25 years. He has
worked in a variety of roles, including a mental health nurse
in an in-patient and out-patient setting and teaching part-time
in colleges and universities in the Las Vegas area. He is
currently an RN Clinical Manager for 3 specialty clinics for
Southwest Medical, part of Optum Care, serving in this role for
the last 8 years. Arvin is very active in the nursing community
in Southern Nevada and has served as an elected member or board
member in different nursing organizations, including the Nevada
Nurses Association, Nevada Nursing Foundation, and Men of Nursing
in Southern Nevada. His passion is to educate and spread
awareness about mental illness, and he volunteers regularly and
teaches police officers in Las Vegas how to assist with the
seriously mentally ill population in the community.
2019 Spring Scholarship Recipients
Mariah Miles
2019 NNF Scholarship Recipient
Mariah started her career in the medical field as a medic in the
Nevada Air Force National Guard, and continues to serve. She also
works in the Renown Emergency Room as an ER trauma tech where she
became familiar with the gaps in healthcare in the community .
She hopes to leverage nursing to advocate for accessible health
care and community education. She will be graduating from Orvis
School of Nursing in December, 2019.
Jessica Slabaugh, CNA
2019 Praus & Choe
Scholarship Recipient
Jessica is a nursing student in the College of Southern Nevada's
ADN program in Las Vegas. She currently works for Southwest
Medical Hospice as a CNA. When she is not enveloped in nursing
textbooks and assignments, she enjoys pursuing activities, such
as sports (especially soccer), hiking, and various forms of art,
especially acrylic painting. Jessica plans to graduate in the
spring of 2020 and cannot wait to begin her career as a
registered nurse. Her long-term plans include additional education
to eventually be licensed as a nurse practitioner.
Marcy Matys, LPN
2019 NNF Scholarship Recipient
Marcy lives in Elko and works at Highland Manor as a LPN. She
attends Great Basin College, where she is currently working on her
pre-reqs for the RN program, from which she plans to graduate in
2022. Marcy currently works with geriatrics and would like to
either continue in this field or work in the ER.
Mailo Brantner, APRN
2019 NNF Scholarship Recipient
Mailo currently lives in Henderson, Nevada, where she is a family
nurse practitioner and works in primary care with P3 Medical
Group. She is attending the University of Nevada, Las Vegas for her
doctorate of nursing practice (DNP) program, with an anticipated
graduation date of May, 2020. Mailo's DNP project will be involve
implementing the Shared Medical Appointment (SMA) in one of the
primary care clinics where she currently works to help manage type
2 diabetes in older adults. SMAs are group visits lasting 90-120
minutes led by a health care professional and are designed to
address numerous healthcare challenges, including an aging
population with chronic conditions, a congested healthcare
system, insufficient time allowed for primary care providers to
provide in-depth discussion and education for their patients'
conditions, and shortages of PCPs, endrocrinologists, and diabetes
educators. SMAs provide the opportunity to discuss such topics
as lifestyle changes in a setting where all individuals present
have the same chronic condition, as well as avoiding the need for
providers to repeat the same information over and over during the
day.
Linda Rittenburg, RN, BSN
2019 Optum Scholarship
Linda received her diploma in nursing from St. Elizabeth Hospital
School of Nursing in Youngstown, Ohio, in 1992 and her BSN from
Grand Canyon University in 2015. She is currently pursuing a
Masters in Nursing Education at Grand Canyon University, with
an anticipated graduation in the summer of 2020. She is the RN
Director of Specialty Care at Southwest Medical/Optum in Las
Vegas, including oversight of all specialty areas including
Cardiology, Endocrinology, Rheumatology, Gastroenterology,
Podiatry, Neurology, and Interventional Pain Management.
Linda is a member of the Board of Directors for the Las Vegas
American Heart and Stroke Association and a member of the United
Healthcare Center for Clinician Advancement Advisory Council.
She also serves on the Nomination Committee for the March of
Dimes Nurse of the Year and is the Local Event Director for the
"Get Your Rear In Gear 5K Walk/Run" to promote awareness for
colon cancer screening. She is excited to have the future
opportunity to educate, lead, and influence the future Nurses
of Nevada.
Shaheen Ahmad, RN, BSN, ADN
2019 NNF Scholarship Recipient
Shaheen was born and raised in Lahore, Pakistan, and has been a
nurse for over 20 years. After immigrating to United States in
1992, she earned an Associate of Nursing Degree from the College
of Southern Nevada in 1997 and a BSN from Grand Canyon University
in 2011. She is currently in the PMHNP program at UNR pursuing
her MSN. After graduating in spring, 2020, she plans to work with
adolescents with addiction and psychiatric disorders. In addition,
in a previous job Shaheen had the opportunity to work with nurses
with substance use disorder (SUD), and she would like to work with
the Nevada State Board of Nursing and nurses across Nevada to
promote awareness and interventions to help nurses with SUD. In
her free time she sews, reads, and travels to a wide range of
foreign countries with her kids.
Cammi Whitaker, CNA
2019 NNF Scholarship Recipient
Cammi is a student at Western Nevada College in the rural outreach
program in Fallon, NV, where she currently resides. She is going
into her second year for an Associate of Applied Science
Registered Nurse program and will be graduating in the spring of
2020. Cammi started her medical career at a rural hospital in the
med/surg department, then transferred to the Emergency Department
at Banner Churchill Community Hospital where she works as an ED
tech. Her long-term goal is to further her education and eventually
earn her Bachelors of Science in Nursing.
Angie Davenport, RN, BS
2019 NNF Scholarship Recipient
2019 Optum Scholarship
Angie lives in Henderson, Nevada, and has been employed at
Southwest Medical (part of Optumcare) for 9 years. She currently
works as RN Manager of Neurology, Endocrinology, and Rheumatology
outpatient clinics. She is attending Grand Canyon University in
the MSN with an Emphasis in Leadership in Health Care Systems
program. Her anticipated graduation date is spring, 2020. Angie
looks forward to applying her knowledge toward better health
outcomes for patients.
Christina (Truxal) Scilacci, CNA
2019 Rural Scholarship Recipient
Christina is currently a CNA for Highland Manor in Elko, NV, in
the rehab unit. She is currently enrolled at Great Basin College
and finishing her prerequisites for the nursing program. Her
estimated graduation in the RN program is 2022. Her future
educational plans include obtaining at least a BSN. She is
interested in the fields of mental health and OB. These very
different departments both hold a place in her heart for
different reasons.
Kathy Goldsworthy, RN
2019 Orvis School of Nursing FNP Scholarship Recipient
Kathy is enrolled in the BSN to DNP-Family nurse practitioner
program at UNR. She works for Comagine Health (formerly Health
Insight) on a CMS demonstration project to reduce potentially
avoidable hospitaliza-tions in the long-term care population. She
will graduate in May, 2020, and plans to remain in northern
Nevada as a primary care provider with a focus on wellness and
integrative medicine.
2018 Fall Scholarship Recipients
Felicia Nazareno, CNA, BA
2018 NNF Scholarship Recipient
Felicia graduated from college with her B.A. in Kinesiology at
University of Hawaii-Hilo. She moved to Las Vegas in 2013 to
pursue her studies in physical therapy. What shifted her gear
towards nursing was volunteering at UMC. Her love for direct
patient care and passion for helping others led her into becoming
a nurse. She is now a part-time student at Nevada State College
and a Certified Nursing Assistant. Her expected graduation is in
May, 2020. Her plans after graduation include working as a
pediatric nurse and obtaining her DNP so that she can one day
teach others to become successful nurses.
Monique Chouquer, RN
2018 Praus & Choe Scholarship Recipient
Monique was born and raised in Pennsylvania and moved to Nevada in
2001. She graduated from CSN's ADN program in 2011 and is
currently working in Las Vegas as a Circulating Nurse in the
Operating Room. She is enrolled in the RN-BSN program at Nevada
State College with an anticipated graduation date of May, 2019.
After graduation, Monique plans to continue her education to
pursue a MSN in Nursing Education. She is dedicated to her
profession and the importance of building a solid foundation
based on Jean Watson's Theory of Human Caring.
Sarah Thompson
2018 NNF Scholarship Recipient
Sarah graduated from UNR with a BS in secondary education. While
working as a high school teacher in the area, she recognized how
substance abuse, illness, lack of insurance, and lower
socioeconomic status all factored into why many of her students
missed school. Because she felt powerless as an educator, she
decided to pursue a career in healthcare. During this transition,
Sarah served as a volunteer at the NNHOPES Change Point clinic
in Reno, which provided good experience and an intimate look into
the mind and life of those battling addiction. She continues to
volunteer at Change Point, and she plans to pursue a career as a
community health nurse after gaining much more experience in
the acute care setting. She will graduate from the Orvis School
of Nursing at UNR in December, 2018.
Kristin Karmann, RN
2018 Maude Arnold & Ethel Ann Lewis Scholarship
Recipient
Kristin lives in Lake Tahoe, Nevada, and works as the Infection
Control Officer for South Lyon Medical Center. She is attending
the University of Nevada, Reno - Orvis School of Nursing in the
BSN-to-DNP Family Nurse Practitioner program.
Jennifer Brown, RN
2018 Jessie J. Valentine Scholarship Recipient
Jennifer has been a resident of Carson City for the last 20 years.
She is currently employed with Carson Tahoe Health and has had
the pleasure of working for this wonderful company for the past
14 years. She is the charge nurse for the Carson City Urgent Care,
and she is attending Nevada State College for her Bachelor's
degree in nursing. Jennifer will be graduating in May of 2019.
Her goal is to complete her Master's of Nurse Practitioner in
family medicine in order to help our community with its need for
primary care.
Marcy Matys, LPN
2018 NNF Scholarship Recipient
Marcy graduated from College of Southern Nevada as an LPN in
2010. She currently works at Highland Manor in Elko in the
Rehab, LTC, and Memory Care units. She attends Great Basin
College, finishing her pre-reqs for the RN program. Marcy hopes
to graduate from the RN program in 2021. After graduation, she
would like to eventually work in the ER.
Sherry Stofko, RN
2018 NNF Scholarship Recipient
Sherry graduated from Penn State University with distinction in
1996. After gaining experience as a telemetry and critical care
float pool nurse, she worked as a traveling nurse for nearly ten
years in step-down units and emergency departments, eventually
settling in the Reno-Tahoe area. She began her journey in
clinical education as a preceptor and quickly realized her strong
inclination and passion for nursing education. Becoming an
interim emergency department educator in 2008, she currently
works as a clinical educator in Reno, where she manages nursing
orientation, a med-surg fellowship, and a clinical ladder program.
Sherry plans to graduate with a Master's of Science in Nursing,
Education from Western Governors University in February. She
plans to continue working in professional development, including
becoming a leader in clinical education and increasing employee
engagement through interactive, innovative educational offerings.
Sherry would like to help underserved populations by means of
nursing education.
Maria Poggio D'Errico MSN, APRN, FNP-BC
2018 NNF Scholarship Recipient
Maria lives in Las Vegas, where she is a family nurse practitioner
at the UNLV Student Health Center and nursing faculty at the
College of Southern Nevada. She has also volunteered as both a
nurse practitioner and registered nurse in caring for medically
underserved patients in Nevada. She is obtaining her Doctor of
Nursing Practice from the University of Nevada, Reno, with an
expected graduation date of December 2019. Her study of interest
is increasing HPV catch-up immunization in the college health
setting. After graduation, Maria would like to expand upon her
passions of educating nursing students and providing care to
Nevadans in need.
Brian Dankowski, BSN, RN
2018 Walt and Inez Russell Scholarship Recipient
Brian is a charge nurse for Golden Health Family Medical Center
in rural Elko, NV. He has experience in pediatrics, acute care,
geriatrics, mental health, and occupational health. He is
enrolled as a graduate student at the University of Nevada, Reno
in the Master of Science in Nursing, Nursing Educator track (MSN),
with an expected graduation date of May, 2020. Brian is
passionate about education and culturally competent care. His
thesis topic deals with providing culturally competent and
congruent care to LGBTQ populations in rural areas. After
completing his MSN, he plans to pursue a PhD in nursing education
with an emphasis in nursing research. His desire is to inspire
and motivate future nurses and to advance the nursing profession
with evidence-based practice. Brian is a member of the training
faculty for the American Heart Association, teaching providers to
become instructors and individuals in the community to intervene
in the event of an emergency.
JoAnne McCready, RN, ADN
2018 NNF Scholarship Recipient
JoAnne has been a resident of the Las Vegas community for over 40
years. She received her ADN at the College of Southern Nevada,
and she is currently working towards her BSN at Nevada State
College. She expects to graduate in May of 2019 and plans to
continue her education, although her path for her master's degree
is currently undecided. JoAnne currently works at Desert Springs
Hospital in Las Vegas. Her first official day as a nurse on her
own without preceptors by her side was October 1, 2017. The
tragedy that struck that night and the aftermath made her realize
that her hospital was not prepared for disasters of that magnitude.
JoAnne wants to help educate her hospital and sister hospitals in
the area how to be better prepared for any disaster on any level,
and she recently attended FEMA training in Alabama with her
co-workers. In addition, JoAnne is part of the newly developed
Unit Base Council at Desert Springs Hospital to prepare for any
future tragedies that may hit her VEGAS STRONG community.
Jocelyn Allen, RN
2018 NNF Scholarship Recipient
Jocelyn Allen currently lives in Reno and works as an RN at Saint
Mary's Regional Medical Center. She is enrolled in the BSN to
DNP program at UNLV and is studying to be a family nurse
practitioner. Upon graduation in the spring of 2020, she
hopes to continue serving the northern Nevada community. Jocelyn
is excited to help fill the need for quality primary care
providers, improve accessibility to healthcare services, and
promote health and wellness in the area.
Darlene Bujold, RN, BSN, MSHI
2018 Elizabeth & John Fildes Scholarship Recipient
A "non-traditional student" and lifelong learner, Darlene came to
the professional arena after having seen 6 children safely
to adolescence. She graduated with honors from UNR's Orvis
School of Nursing, and later had the privilege of educating and
mentoring nursing students for the same university.
Seeing the direction that healthcare was moving, Darlene received
a MS in Health Informatics from Walden University. She is
currently employed at Carson Tahoe Health as a behavioral health
nurse. Darlene has volunteered her experience as a professional
entertainer to direct and perform in several fundraiser events
for the NNF, including the popular "Big Hat High Tea" held at the
Nevada Governor's Mansion. She has served as Vice President and
is the current President of District 1 NNA. As chairwoman of the
Nurses Day at the Legislature (NDAL) planning committee, Darlene
received the Elizabeth and John Fildes Scholarship to attend the
American Nursing Associations Advocacy Institute in Washington,
D.C. This new educational journey will include a year-long
mentorship program in legislative advocacy.
2018 Spring Scholarship Recipients
Melissa Washabaugh, BSN, RN
2018 NNA District 1 Scholarship Recipient
Melissa is currently working as a charge nurse at Pershing General
Hospital in the acute/ED department. She is also in her first year
of the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Master's
program at Orvis School of Nursing. Melissa serves as NNA
District 1 Director at Large and has recently been promoted to
chair of NNA's Rural and Frontier Committee. Melissa has been
involved in several projects to improve mental health care in
rural areas. Through the rural committee she has been dedicated
to training nurses as safeTALK instructors, increasing the
availability of this evidence-based suicide awareness training in
rural communities. Her graduate work is focused on studying the
impact of tele-health psychiatric evaluation for crisis patients
in rural emergency rooms.
Joel Fairfield, RN
2018 NNF Scholarship Recipient
Joel completed his Associated Degree in Nursing from Great Basin
College in the Spring of 2017 after a successful 27 year career
as a police officer and a member of the Nevada National Guard.
Since graduation, he has been working as an emergency room nurse
at Banner Churchill Community Hospital in Fallon, Nevada. He is
continuing his Bachelor of Science degree in nursing at Great
Basin College with a planned graduation date in Spring 2019.
Joel and his wife, Terri, are the parents of six children, all of
whom have been proudly raised in Nevada. Joel plans to continue
his nursing career serving the rural populations of Nevada.
Jaime Young, BSN, RN, OCN
2018 NNF Scholarship Recipient
Jaime has lived in Sparks, Nevada, since 2006. She currently
works as a Radiation Therapy RN at Gene Upshaw Memorial Tahoe
Forest Cancer Center in Truckee, CA. She graduated from Truckee
Meadows Community College with her ADN in 2010 and obtained her
BSN through Western Governors University in 2015. She is
currently enrolled at Orvis School of Nursing at the University
of Nevada, Reno in the BSN to DNP program, Family Nurse
Practitioner track. Her expected graduation date in May 2020.
After graduation, Jaime plans to work as a primary care provider
in Northern Nevada, focusing on healthcare provider shortage
areas. She is interested in rural health and is currently
working on her Doctoral project focusing on colorectal cancer
screening in rural Nevada.
Lorin-Pierre Andre
2018 NNF Scholarship Recipient
Lorin-Pierre has been a resident in Henderson, Nevada, since 2010
when he relocated to perform for Cirque Du Soleil. After spending
innumerable hours in various hospitals around the country
searching for a diagnosis for his son, he decided to pursue a BSN.
Nevada State College's program allows him the flexibility to
pursue his goal. After his graduation in August of 2019, he hopes
to work in intensive care where he feels he will be best suited
to help patients and their families in their times of need.
Jennifer Lewis, CNA
2018 NNF Scholarship Recipient
Jen has resided in Winnemucca, Nevada, for the last 11 years, and
currently attends Great Basin College. She also holds an
associates degree in Business Management, which she plans to use
with her nursing degree in the future. She has 17 years of
experience in the medical field as a CNA, Phlebotomist, Cardiac
Monitor Technician, and Unit Secretary, including two years at her
current position as CNA at Humboldt General Hospital-Harmony
Manor. Jen plans to focus her career on critical care nursing
after graduation, and eventually to earn her APRN and work as a
Family Care Nurse Practitioner. Jen's own experiences with health
problems and the amazing nurses who took care of her who were kind
and caring inspired her to become like them, and the nurses who
weren't as caring inspired her to do better for her own patients.
Jen has 4 children (Kylie, Cody, Dakota, and Nyah) with her
husband Doug. Kylie is also pursuing a degree in nursing.
Vimal Patel
2018 NNF Scholarship Recipient
Vimal lives in Henderson, Nevada, and attends Nevada State
College's School of Nursing pursuing his BSN degree. He is
employed as a Mental Health Technician at Desert Parkway
Healthcare Hospital. His anticipated graduation date is August,
2019. After graduating, Vimal intends to pursue his interest in
critical care and work in an Intensive Care Unit. Ultimately he
would like to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist and
become certified as a flight nurse. His long-term vision includes
traveling throughout the United States and overseas providing
care to those in need, especially in third world countries.
Katylynn Hymas, RN
2018 NNF Scholarship Recipient
Katy is a student at UNR obtaining her MSN as a Psychiatric Mental
Health Nurse Practitioner with anticipated graduation in spring,
2020. She lives in Elko County and works full time for the Elko
County School District. Katy has a passion for helping others
and advocating for youth, especially those with psychiatric
disorders, medical organic brain disorders, and substance abuse
problems. Katy is the mother to five children, three of whom
are special needs due to in-utero substance abuse and adopted
through foster care. She has a love for rural Nevada, where she
has practiced as a registered nurse for the past several years.
She was recently nominated to serve on the Governor's Behavioral
Health Planning & Advisory Council. Katy volunteers as a crisis
counselor with the Crisis Text Line.
2017 Fall Scholarship Recipients
Dawn Taylor
MSN Ed, RN, CNN, COI
2017 NNF Scholarship Recipient
Dawn Taylor is a resident of Las Vegas currently employed
as a lecturer at Nevada State College. She is enrolled at
University of Colorado, Denver as a PhD student, with a focus in
Caring Science. Her dissertation focus will be exploring what
meaning of sacred space looks like to sexual minority females
with experience of intimate partner violence. Her anticipated
date of graduation is May 2020. She is an active participant in
Sigma Theta Tau International (Zeta Kappa-at-large), Vice
President 2015 - 2017; American Nephrology Nurses Association,
2001 - present; and a member of NNA and ANA. Her community
volunteerism extends to local domestic violence shelters teaching
yoga and meditation, and at The Center with QVolution program.
After graduation she plans to continue in academia and pursue a
tenure track position with research options. She continues to
work on highlighting inclusion of gender diverse communities in
the undergraduate nursing and RN-BSN programs at Nevada State
College.
Annette Clark, RN
2017 Rural & Frontier Nurse Scholarship Recipient
Annette (Malotte) Clark was born and raised in Elko, Nevada. She
currently works as a school nurse for the Elko County School
District in Owyhee, Nevada, which is on the Duck Valley Shoshone
Paiute Reservation. The school serves approximately 300 students
K-12. She became an RN in 1986, graduating from Northern Nevada
Community College (now known as Great Basin College) in Elko.
Annette has worked in a number of different fields during her
nursing career: respiratory therapy, ICU, surgical services,
correctional nursing, behavioral health, and dialysis. She was
enrolled in the pilot BSN program at GBC many years ago but didn't
complete the degree. She resumed her academics this year and plans
to graduate in June, 2018, from GBC. She plans to continue working
as school nurse in Owyhee, hopefully into retirement. Her hope is
that the students she serves will view her as a positive role
model and know that they too can accomplish anything.
Vimal Patel
2017 NNF Scholarship Recipient
Vimal Patel lives in Henderson, Nevada, and attends Nevada State
College's School of Nursing pursuing his BSN degree. He is
employed as a Mental Health Technician at Desert Parkway
Healthcare Hospital. His anticipated graduation date is August,
2019. After graduating, Vimal intends to pursue his interest in
critical care and work in an Intensive Care Unit. Ultimately he
would like to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist and
become certified as a flight nurse. His long-term vision includes
traveling throughout the United States and overseas providing
care to those in need, especially in third world countries.
Amber Federizo, RN-BC, MSNEd, APRN, FNP-BC
2017 NAPNA Scholarship Recipient
Amber Federizo lives in Las Vegas, although she says she travels
to care for patients so frequently in northern Nevada that she
prefers to just say she lives in Nevada. She currently works in
Hemophilia as a family nurse practitioner. She is attending the
University of Nevada, Reno for the fourth time, this time
pursuing a DNP degree. Amber anticipates graduating in May,
2019, and hopes to someday teach with the knowledge obtained
from her DNP.
Kristi Enos, RN, ASN
2017 Jessie J. Valentine Scholarship Recipient
Kristi currently resides in Silver Springs, Nevada, and works as a
Registered Nurse in the Pediatric unit at Carson Tahoe Hospital.
She graduated with her ASN in 2016 after serving two years as
her school's National Student Nurses Association secretary. Kristi
is currently attending Grand Canyon University, where she is a
straight A student and will be graduating with her BSN in
December, 2017. Her reasons for pursuing this degree include
becoming a more educated and well-rounded nurse, as well as
bragging rights as the only one in her family to ever attended
college. She is looking forward to future opportunities that
might come her way.
Mary Jessica Jauregui, MS, BS
2017 Chris Watson Scholarship Recipient
Mary Jessica, who prefers to go by Jessica, is from Las Vegas,
NV, and is currently pursuing a BSN degree at University of Nevada,
Las Vegas (UNLV) with an expected graduation date of December
2018. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Master
of Science in Medical Health Sciences. She works part-time as an
ER scribe at Mountain View Hospital and enjoys the vast ER
exposure she's experiencing right now. After graduation, Jessica
plans to work in the ER or ICU, then pursue a BSN-DNP in the
future to become a Family Nurse Practitioner. She was a volunteer
for Volunteers in Medicine of Southern Nevada (VMSN), a clinic for
the uninsured, where she saw the need for medical attention for
the underserved population, increasing her desire to give back to
her community as a medical provider.
Evelin Hernandez Zepeda, RN
2017 NNF Scholarship Recipient
Evelin was born and raised in Mexico and moved to Reno, Nevada,
in 2010. She recently graduated from TMCC's nursing program and is
working as a Registered Nurse at Saint Mary's Regional Medical
Center. She is currently enrolled in the RN-BSN program at the
University of Nevada, Reno, and plans to graduate in May, 2018.
After graduation, Evelin plans to continue her education and her
work as an RN. Her goal is to become a leader who develops
resources and pipeline programs for ESL and low-income aspiring
nurses.
Kristina Spitale-Efstratis, BSN, RN
2017 NNA District 1 Scholarship Recipient
Kristina is a native Nevadan living in Reno. She currently works
as a critical care nurse in the Roseview Intensive care at Renown
Regional Medical Center and as a pre-op/PACU nurse at the Reno
Orthopaedic Surgery Center. She is working towards her Masters in
Nursing from Chamberlain University in the Family Nurse
Practitioner track, with expected graduation in February, 2018.
Kristina is passionate about ensuring access to care for all
Nevadans, and she has a particular interest in serving rural
communities.
Cassius Rowland, CNA
2017 NNF Scholarship Recipient
Jo Ann DelaLlana, LPN
2017 NNF Scholarship Recipient
Jo Ann has been practicing as an LPN/LVN since she graduated in
1997 in North Hollywood, California. Her experiences include
Rehab CNA in Los Angeles from 1994-1996, Home Health LVN in Los
Angeles from 1997-2000, and School Nurse in Las Vegas from
2012-2015. However, the position she is most proud of is working
as an LPN at Sunrise Children's Hospital Las Vegas on the General
Pediatric Unit from 2000-2016. She has had the honor and privilege
to work alongside and learn from amazing nurses, managers, and
physicians who have inspired her to pursue the LPN to RN Bridge
Program. She expects to graduate with her Associates Degree in
December, 2018, and she plans to quickly continue by pursuing her
BSN online. Jo Ann would like to thank everyone who has supported
her throughout her long journey and the Nevada Nurse's Foundation
for its generous scholarship. Her reasons for pursuing higher
education include inspiring her children to be life-long-educated
learners and to serve mankind with sincerity and generosity.
Christy Apple-Johnson, RN
2017 NNF Scholarship Recipient
Lowen Patigayon
2017 Arthur L. Davis Publishing Scholarship Recipient
Originally from the islands of Hawaii, Lowen lives in Las Vegas
where he is pursuing a BSN, a BA in Psychology, and a minor in
Deaf Studies at Nevada State College. Prior to becoming a student
nurse, Lowen interned at Mojave Mental Health Adult Daycare Clinic.
As a Deaf Studies minor learning about deaf culture through deaf
socials as well as learning how to sign in ASL, Lowen has come to
experience a community grateful for connection and communication
because these aren't common experiences for these individuals in
the hearing world. His experiences fuel his nursing practice and
bedside manners, always working hard to connect, communicate, and
understand his patients. He is also the President of the Student
Nurses Association at Nevada State College. During his term, SNA
has launched its first mentorship program, participated in
countless community service events, and is holding an annual
mixer with healthcare professionals, new grads, and current
nursing students. His hope is that SNA positively impacts the
Las Vegas community for years to come.
2017 Spring Scholarship Recipients
Taylor Hagar
2017 NNF Scholarship Recipient
Taylor Hagar is a Nevada resident currently employed at Saint Mary's
Regional Medical Center. He has been working as a CNA for the past
3 years while attending the Orvis school of Nursing - University of
Nevada Reno, with an anticipated graduation date of December, 2017.
He intends to apply to the ICU upon graduation, spend 2-3 years
developing his skills as a RN, and then apply to graduate school.
In the long term, he plans to pursue his dream of becoming a Nurse
Practitioner. Although Taylor is unsure what specialty he will
pursue, he states, "I feel that over the next few years I have
enough time to dedicate myself both to a field of interest and
compassion for people. I look forward to the challenges ahead."
Destane Smith, LPN
2017 NNF Scholarship Recipient
Destane is a Nevada resident currently employed at the Lake Mead
Health and Rehabilitation Center in Henderson, Nevada, as a wound
care nurse. She is attending Arizona College in Las Vegas, with
an anticipated graduation date of December, 2018, with a BSN degree.
She is also pursuing her RN license. She is an active volunteer
first aid responder at youth track and field events, caring for
both young competitors and occasionally their parents. Her long-term
plans include becoming a community health nurse.
Jennifer McCarthy, BSN, RN
2017 Kat Cylke Scholarship Recipient
Jennifer McCarthy 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 APNA,
ANA, and NNF, 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.
Shonda Williams, RN
2017 NNF Scholarship Recipient
Shonda is a 27-year resident of Nevada. She has worked for Summit
Surgery Center at Saint Mary’s Galena for the past 5 years and is
currently the PreOp/PACU Supervisor. She graduated with her
Associates Degree in Nursing from TMCC 20 years ago and is now
pursuing her BSN degree at the University of Nevada, Reno. She
plans to graduate in December of 2017. With her BSN Shonda plans
to remain a nursing supervisor and continue to gain experience in
this arena, eventually moving onto other administrative
opportunities and possibly pursuing a Masters in Nursing
Administration.
Valerie Jakubos, RN
2017 Tiffany Urresti Memorial Flight Nurse Scholarship
Recipient
Valerie currently works in the adult intensive care unit at
Renown Regional Medical Center in Reno, NV. She is attending
University of Nevada, Reno, and will graduate with her BSN in
December, 2017. She has worked as a flight nurse with a fixed
wing company per diem and is working towards her CCRN. Valerie
is a mentor for new graduate nurses, and she serves on two
committees (donor committee and the quality committee), to help
bring change and awareness to all employees to improve patient
experience and overall care. She is a member of the ANA and
AACN. She also volunteers for career days at local schools to
educate students about nursing and what educational requirements
are involved.
Brandee Shipman, RN, BS, ASN
2017 Debra Scott Scholarship Recipient
Brandee Shipman lives in Reno and works at Saint Mary's Regional
Medical Center. She received a $500 scholarship toward the RN to
BSN program at the University of Nevada, Reno, where she intends
to graduate in December, 2017. She plans to continue to advance
her nursing degree by becoming a Nurse Practitioner (NP) in
Psychiatric/Mental Health, Family NP, and/or Acute NP. Brandee
enjoys and hopes to contribute to the scholarship of neuroscience.
As she pursues her education, her goal is to become an expert
clinican and advocate for persons affected by mental health
concerns, emphasizing the importance of mental health in caring
for the whole person.
Amy Woods, RN, BSN
with donor Betty Razor, left
2017 Betty Razor Wound Ostomy Care Scholarship Recipient
Amy is a native Nevadan and graduated from TMCC in 2012 and from
UNR in 2013. She will be graduating from the Wound Care Education
Institute in June, 2017, with a WOCN certification. She aspires
to improve wound care treatment outcomes within the home
environment by educating patients and families, collaborating
with physicians, and understanding best treatment options for
each patient. Amy is a member of the NNA and the Northern
Nevada/Tahoe WOCN Support Group.
Amie Ruckman, MSN, RN, CLNC, Paralegal
2017 Elizabeth and John Fildes Scholarship Fund Recipient
Amie was born and raised in Reno, Nevada. Her mother's and
father's families have resided in Reno for four generations.
Amie is married to Jason Ruckman and is the proud mother of their
son Royce. She has 22 years of nursing experience, including
medical-surgical, orthopedic, antepartum, labor and delivery,
obstetric operating room, postpartum, and newborn nursing, and
she is the unit supervisor of the float pool. She is currently
the Policy Coordinator, chairperson of the Policy Committee, and a
co-chairperson of the Staffing Committee and subcommittee on
Acuities at Saint Mary's Regional Medical Center. She serves as
the secretary of the Nevada Nurses Association Legislative
Committee, and she is an active member of the Nevada Safe
Staffing Task Force. Amie enjoys traveling, cooking, scuba
diving, reading, and scrapbooking.
Rochelle Walsh, MSN, RN, PCCN
2017 NNF Scholarship Recipient
Rochelle is currently an Assistant Professor at the University of
Nevada, Reno. She received her Bachelors of Science in Nursing
at UNR in 1984. She worked at the former Washoe Medical Center
and Renown Regional Medical Center as a staff nurse, supervisor,
and nurse educator over 31 years. Professor Walsh obtained her
Master's in Nursing Education from the University of Nevada, Reno
in 2009. She has just finished her Doctorate in Nursing Practice
from Touro University of Nevada, with a graduate date of November
5th, 2017. She is known for engaging students and using
interactive methods to stimulate students in learning. Before
becoming an educator for pre-licensure nurses, Professor Walsh
taught nurses in the hospital. A clinical nursing educator,
instructing nurses is her passion. When not doing nursing-related
activities, she can be found working in her craft room, stamping,
sewing and doing counted-cross-stitch or out raking leaves.
Jezamay Arevalo, CNA
2017 NNF Scholarship Recipient
Adaugo Guinness
2017 Mary Lucell Johnson Scholarship Recipient
2016 Fall Scholarship Recipients
Cassidy Jost, RN, ASN
2016 Jessie J. Valentine Scholarship Recipient
Cassidy Jost is a native Nevadan who lives in Carson City and has
an Associate’s Degree in Nursing from Western Nevada College.
Cassidy is currently pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing from
Nevada State College, and is expected to graduate in the Spring of
2018. She will ultimately pursue her Masters Degree in Nursing,
with the hopes of becoming a Nursing Administrator, as well as a
Nursing Professor. She enjoys mentoring and teaching new graduate
nurses on her units. Cassidy currently works as a Nursing
Supervisor at Carson Tahoe Regional Medical Center for the
Surgical/Orthopedic unit.
Kristina Spitale Estratis, BSN, RN
2016 NNF Scholarship Recipient
Kristina lives in Washoe County and has a Bachelor's degree in
Biology and Nursing. She received the NNF MSN $1,000 scholarship
to help pay for her education as she pursues a MSN as a Family
Nurse Practitioner through Chamberlain College of Nursing. She is
slated to graduate in February, 2018. Kristina holds many
memberships in professional organizations, including NAPNA, NNA,
and ANA. She works at Renown Regional Medical Center in the ICU
department.
Rhone D'Errico, MSN, APRN, BSN
2016 Debra Scott Scholarship Recipient
Rosemary Witt Scholarship by NNA District 3 Recipient
Rhone is a family nurse practitioner and holds a position
as Advanced Practice Clincian (APC) Associate manager at
MountainView Hospital in Las Vegas, Nevada. He obtained his BSN
and MSN from UNLV. He is currently completing a post-master's
certificate as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner
(PMHNP) through the University of Arizona, and he has just begun
his Doctor of Nursing Practice program at UNR, which he expects
to complete in Spring of 2018. He is the recipient of the $1,000
Debra Scott Scholarship and one of the $500 Rosemary Witt
Scholarships.
Jennifer McCarthy, BSN, RN
2016 NNF Scholarship Recipient
Rosemary Witt Scholarship by NNA District 3 Recipient
Arthur L. Davis Publishing Scholarship Recipient
Jennifer McCarthy 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.
She received three scholarships totaling $2,500. She plans to
provide mental health services to populations in disadvantaged
and underserved/remote areas. She is presently employed as a
psychiatric nurse at MonteVista Behavioral Health Hospital in
Las Vegas.
Allyson Waldron, RN
2016 Rural & Frontier Nurse Scholarship Recipient
Allyson is attending the BSN program at Great Basin College and
looks forward to graduating in May 2017. She was awarded $1,000
from the Rural & Frontier Nurse Scholarship, which was funded
by a number of donors. She works in Elko for Northeastern Nevada
Regional Hospital, Lincare, and the Elko County School District.
Allyson is a member of the NNA and the ANA and enjoys serving
various nonprofit organizations within her community.
Michele Wood, LPN
2016 Southwest Medical On-Demand Scholarship Recipient
Michele Wood is the recipient of the $500 Southwest On-Demand
Scholarship sponsored by Dr. Somphone. She has been a LPN at
Southwest Medical Associates for eleven years and is enrolled in
the RN program at the College of Southern Nevada. She is a single
mother of three boys, works and attends school full-time, and
anticipates graduating in 2018. She believes as an RN she will be
able to expand her skills and responsibility as a nurse and help
those challenged with access to healthcare.
Kerriann Lahey, LPN
2016 NNF Scholarship Recipient
Kerriann Lahey resides in Las Vegas, Nevada, where she is a
full-time LPN in the Urgent Care with SouthWest Medical
Associates. She received a $1,000 scholarship toward the LPN to
RN nursing program at the College of Southern Nevada, with an
expected December, 2017, graduation. She plans to pursue her BSN
while working in a Urgent Care/free-standing ER setting. She
entered the medical field in 2003 as a phlebotomist, and as her
passion for patient care grew. She asserts after acheiving her
LPN, "My desire to be a patient advocate increased and my calling
for nursing became evident."
Rachel Moore, CNA
2016 NNF Scholarship Recipient
Rachel is a CNA working for Perspective Home Health, Inc. She is
enrolled at Great Basin College in Pahrump, Nevada, and will be
graduating in May, 2017. She is the recipient of a $1,000
scholarship toward her full-time schooling there. Upon
graduation, she is planning to work as a RN in home health and
pursue her BSN. She enjoys working and living in a small
community.
Rachel Sherman
2016 NNF Scholarship Recipient
Rachel Sherman, recipient of the NNF Pre-licensure Nursing
Scholarship in the amount of $1,000, is a native Nevadan and
graduated from Galena High School in 2010. She will be graduating
from UNR Orvis School of Nursing in December, 2016, with a BSN.
She aspires to be a nurse on a pediatric oncology unit and pursue
an advanced degree to teach at the university level.
Erik Nunez
2016 Elizabeth Fildes Scholarship Recipient
Erik Nunez, a Las Vegas resident, attends the Nevada State College
with expected graduation in spring of 2017 with a BSN. Erik is
the recipient of the Elizabeth Fildes Scholarship in the amount
of $1,000. He works at Sunrise Children’s Hospital as a Nurse
Apprentice in Pediatrics, Pediatric Oncology, and PICU. He hopes
to become a nurse leader, continue actively participating in
professional nursing organizations, and invest back in the
community.
Tanya Liscio, MSN, BSN, RN, ADN
2016 Maude Arnold & Ethel Ann Lewis Scholarship
Recipient
Tanya Liscio lives in Minden, Nevada, and works as a RN at the
Washoe Tribal Health Center in Garderville, Nevada. She is the
recipient of a $1,000 scholarship donated by Martha Drohobyczer.
She attends the University of Nevada, Reno in the Family Nurse
Practitioner program and is seeking a dual degree of Doctorate of
Nursing Practice. Upon completion of her FNP in May, 2017, she
plans to stay in rural Nevada and work toward providing access to
care for rural communities and promoting the nursing profession
through leadership, advocacy and education.
Tamara Mette, MSN, BSN, RN
2016 NANE Scholarship Recipient
Tamara Mette is the recipient of the $1,000 Nevada Alliance for
Nursing Excellence (NANE) Scholarship. She resides in Elko,
Nevada, where she is a Great Basin College Nursing Professor.
Tamara is scheduled to graduate from Touro University Nevada as a
Doctor of Nursing Practice scholar in the spring of 2017. She is
motivated to educate others, nurses as well as other health care
professionals, as to the value and role of the Doctorate of
Nursing Practice graduate. She writes, "I have experienced
confusion and uncertainty as to the place and abilities of a DNP
nurse, and I hope to bring recognition to the abilities of DNP
nurses in all scopes of practice."
Areli Galvan
2016 Emma Marrujo Redmon Scholarship Recipient
Areli Galvan, a resident of Winnemucca, Nevada, is the recipient
of a $1,000 scholarship sponsored by Dr. Sandy Olguin. Areli
works at at Humboldt General as a Nurse Apprentice and attends
the Great Basin College with a May, 2017, graduation date. She
plans to continue her education and eventually become a Nurse
Practitioner. As she continues her nursing journey, she hopes to
inspire others to pursue a rewarding career in nursing.
Sarah Shaw, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, BSN
2016 NAPNA Scholarship Recipient
Sarah is the recipient of the $1,000 Nevada Advanced Practice
Nurses Association (NAPNA) scholarship. As a Las Vegas, Nevada,
resident, she works for the Nevada Critical Care Consultants and
pursuing a Post-Master's DNP at the University of Nevada, Reno
Orvis School of Nursing with an anticipated graduation in the
spring of 2018. Sarah's areas of interest are preventive care,
increased access to care, and patient education. She hopes to
accomplish increased access to healthcare and improved health
outcomes for Nevada communities.
Jennifer Stevens, RN, BA
2016 Jami-Sue Coleman Scholarship Recipient
Jen Stevens works at Renown Regional Medical Center as the
Clinical Nurse Educator for the Institute for Cancer. She
received a $1,000 scholarship as she pursues her MSN in the
Nursing Educator track at the University of Nevada, Reno Orvis
School of Nursing. She believes research and education are the
most effective means for her to give back to the nursing
profession. Jen enjoys investing in others and helping them grow
to achieve their goals and aspirations. After graduating, she
intends to obtain a Ph.D. in Nursing and continue to teach.
Melissa Washabaugh, RN
2016 NNF Scholarship Recipient
Melissa is the recipient of $1,000 towards her BSN. She is
a student at the Great Basin College in Elko, Nevada. She works
as a nurse in the Emergency Department and is developing a grant
program aimed at improving behavioral health services in rural
Nevada.
Erika Ceballos, LPN
2016 Southwest Medical On-Demand Scholarship Recipient
Erika Ceballos is the recipient of the NNF Southwest Medical
On-Demand Scholarship for $500.00 sponsored by Dr. Eugene
Somphone. When she is not working as a LPN at Southwest Medical,
she attends classes at the College of Southern Nevada to graduate
and become a RN in 2019. One of her goals as a RN is to become a
pillar in her community and help the underserved population.
David Alvarez
2016 Katherine "Kat" Cylke Scholarship Recipient
David Alvarez received $1,000 towards his schooling expenses. He
has served families through The Department of Family Services for
over 8 years and will be graduating from the College of Southern
Nevada with an ADN in May of 2017. His dream is to become a Nurse
Practitioner and continue to make a positive impact on his
community. He states, "But until then, I will continue to keep
my head in the books and my heart set on the future."
Tania Anderson, RN, LPN, AA
2016 Praus & Choe Scholarship Recipient
Tania Anderson lives in Las Vegas, Nevada, and works at Southwest
Medical Urgent Care, United Health Care/Optum. Tania received one
of two $500 Praus & Choe Scholarships. She attends the
College of Southern Nevada to complete her prerequisites, and
then she will begin the BSN program at the Nevada State College
in spring of 2017. Her BSN will provide her the opportunity to
pursue specialization, management, and potential for increased
compensation.
Brandee Shipman, RN, BS, ASN
2016 Christine Watson Scholarship Recipient
Brandee Shipman lives in Reno and works at Saint Mary's Regional
Medical Center. She received a $500 scholarship toward the RN to
BSN program at the University of Nevada, Reno, where she intends
to graduate in December, 2017. She plans to continue to advance
her nursing degree by becoming a Nurse Practitioner (NP) in
Psychiatric/Mental Health, Family NP, and/or Acute NP. Brandee
enjoys and hopes to contribute to the scholarship of neuroscience.
As she pursues her education, her goal is to become an expert
clinican and advocate for persons affected by mental health
concerns, emphasizing the importance of mental health in caring
for the whole person.
Cynthia "Cindy" Bonca, BS, AS, AA
2016 Hurst Review Scholarship Recipient
Cindy received a $1,000 scholarship toward her BSN degree at the
University of Nevada, Reno. She works at the Department of
Veterans Affairs as a Health System Specialist/Lead Medical
Staff Coordinator. She is interested in critical care and
emergency nursing, and she plans to continue her employment and
passion for providing world class care to our veterans. Cindy's
long-term plans include returning to school to pursue an APN
or doctorate degree.
Sheryl Giordano, APRN-C
2016 Praus & Choe APRN Scholarship Recipient
Sheryl works at Johns Hopkins Medicine as a Program
Coordinator/Nurse Practitioner. She attends the University of
Nevada, Las Vegas, School of Nursing and received $1,000 as a
Doctor of Nursing Practice student. Upon completion of her
degree, she hopes her education and knowledge will help others
in their successes and to further her role in the community by
serving her patient population and advocating for her
colleagues in the political arena. Sheryl believes "nurse
practitioners are a vital resource to the health of our nation"
and a resource that is "under-utilized".
2016 Spring Scholarship Recipients
Katie Bruels, MSN, RN
2016 NNF Scholarship Recipient
Katie received $1,000 as she pursues her DNP at Graceland
University. She is Chief Nursing Officer at Mountain View Hospital.
She is actively involved in professional nursing organizations,
including NANE, NNA, ANA, and NONL. Her graduate studies involve
evaluating preceptor frame- works to enhance graduate nurses
experiences in their first year of nursing.
Hannah Kapczynski, SN
2016 NNF Scholarship Recipient
Hannah is a Nevada Air National Guard commissioned officer
in charge (NCOIC) of Aerospace Medicine and a flight medic. She
attends Orvis School of Nursing at University of Nevada, Reno.
She received $1,000 as she pursues a Bachelor's of Science in
Nursing.
Patricia LoGuidiu, BSN, RN
2016 NNF Scholarship Recipient
Patricia received $1,000 towards her Master's Degree in Nursing.
She lives in Las Vegas and attends Western Governors University.
She is a Nurse Clinical Educator at United Healthcare. As a
leader in healthcare, she has directed the drive-through clinic
in her community and utilized a team model approach in clinics to
help with patient access and improve patient outcomes and
satisfaction.
Melissa Washabaugh, RN
2016 NNF Scholarship Recipient
Melissa is the recipient of $1,000 towards her BSN. She is
a student at the Great Basin College in Elko, Nevada. She works
as a nurse in the Emergency Department and is developing a grant
program aimed at improving behavioral health services in rural
Nevada.
2015 Scholarship Recipients
Antoinette "Annie" Carlos, SN
2015 NNF Vroman & Wildes Scholarship Recipient
Antoinette received $1,000 toward her BSN. She graduated from the
University of Nevada, Reno in December, 2015.
Delene Volkert, MSN, RN
2015 NNA Scholarship Recipient
Delene received the Nevada Nurses Association legacy scholarship in
the amount of $1,046. She teaches nurses at Great Basin College
as she pursues her PHD at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
Amalia "Amy" Edelman
2015 Arthur L. Davis Scholarship Recipient
Amy is the winner of the Arthur L. Davis $1,000 scholarship. Her
exemplary article "Que Mas" is highlighted in the Spring
2016 edition of the RNFormation newsletter. She
attends Roseman College in Henderson, Nevada, as she pursues her
BSN.
Doreen Begley, RN
2015 NNF Scholarship Recipient
Doreen was awarded $1,000 from the Foundation to offset the
cost of attending St. Francis University, where she is pursuing
her BSN.
Linda Cirillo, SN
2015 NNF Scholarship Recipient
Linda received a $1,000 scholarship to help offset the cost
of pursuing her BSN at the Nevada State College.
Michael York, SN
2015 NNF Scholarship Recipient
Michael received $500 in July, 2015, while attending Carrington
College in Reno, Nevada. Michael graduated from Carrington and is
now pursing his RN to BSN.
Richard Young, SN
2015 NNF Scholarship Recipient
Richard received $500 in July, 2015, and attends the University
of Nevada, Las Vegas pursuing his BSN.
Heidi Johnston, MSN, RN
2015 NNF Scholarship Recipient
In July, 2015, Heidi received a $2,500 Nevada Nurses Foundation
scholarship to offset the costs of her education. She is enrolled
in the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at Boise State
University. Heidi is a Nevada Nurses Association Director-At-Large
and the chair of the Rural Nurse Advisory Committee. She is a
member of the Environmental Health Committee and serves as an
Advisor at Great Basin College (GBC).
Maria Poggio, RN
2015 NNF Scholarship Recipient
Maria, currently enrolled at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas,
is pursuing a Master’s of Science in Nursing. She was
awarded a NNF Scholarship in the amount of $2,500. Ms. Poggio
serves her community by being a volunteer RN with Volunteers in
Medicine of Southern Nevada. She is the UNLV School of Nursing
Alumni Chapter Vice President where she raises funds and promotes
the University.
Robin Hollen, RN
2015 NNF Vroman & Wildes Scholarship Recipient
Robin is enrolled in a RN to BSN program at the Aspen
University in Denver, Colorado. She received $1,000 towards
her expenses there.