Nevada Nurses Foundation

Nevada Nurses Foundation & Legacy Scholarships

Betty Razor

Wound Ostomy Care Nurse (WOCN) Scholarship

$1,200 & $1,500 donated by Betty Razor, BSN, RN, CWOCN

Vroman & Wildes Scholarships

Two $1,000 scholarships donated by Gregg Vroman & Patty Wildes

Nevada Advanced Practice Nurses Association (NAPNA)

NAPNA Scholarship

$1,000 donated by Nevada Advanced Practice Nurses Association

Nevada Alliance for Nursing Excellence (NANE)

2016 NANE Scholarship

$1,000 donated by Nevada Alliance for Nursing Excellence

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

Carson Tahoe Health

Jessie J. Valentine Scholarship

$1,000 donated by Carson Tahoe Health Medical Center

Dr. Ian Choe

Praus & Choe Scholarships

3 scholarships totaling $2,000 donated by Teresa Praus, APRN, & Dr. Ian Choe

Rosemary Witt

Rosemary Witt Scholarships

Two $500 scholarships donated by NNA District 3

John & Debra Scott

John & Debra Scott Endowed Nursing Scholarship

Endowment donated by John & Debra Scott, MSN, RN, FRE

Debra Scott

Debra Scott Scholarship

Two $1,000 scholarships donated by Debra Scott, MSN, RN, FRE

Rural & Frontier Nurse Scholarship

$1,000 donated by the Rural & Frontier Nurses Committee, the NNF, and other donors

Denise Ogletree McGuinn

Mary Lucell Johnson Scholarship

$1,000 donated by Denise Ogletree McGuinn, APRN, RN, D. Minn.

Arthur L. Davis

Arthur L. Davis Scholarship

Three $1,000 scholarships donated by Mark Miller

Life Guard International, Inc. — Flying ICU

Tiffany Urresti Memorial Flight Nurse Scholarship

$1,000 donated by Life Guard International Flying ICU

Hurst Review Services

Hurst Review Scholarship

$1,000 donated by Hurst Review Services

Nevada Nurses Association (NNA)

NNA Scholarship

$1,046 scholarship donated by NNA

Elizabeth E. Fildes

Elizabeth Fildes Scholarship

$1,000 donated by Elizabeth E. Fildes, EdD, RN, CNE, CARN-AP, APHN-BC

Katherine "Kat" Cylke

Katherine "Kat" Cylke Scholarship

$1,000 donated by Katherine Cylke

Emma Marrujo Redmon

Emma Marrujo Redmon Scholarship

$1,000 donated by Sandy Olguin, DNP, MSN, RN

Martha Drohobyczer

Maude Arnold & Ethel Ann Lewis Scholarship

$1,000 donated by Martha Drohobyczer, CNM, MSN, APRN

Southwest Medical Associates

Southwest Medical On-Demand Scholarships

$1,000 donated by Dr. Eugene Somphone

Susan Michael

Christine Watson Scholarship

$500 donated by Dr. Susan and Paul Michael

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 $111,000 in Foundation and Legacy Scholarships to 89 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

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.

2019 Endowed Scholarships

• Margaret Curley Endowed Nursing Scholarship, varying amounts; donated by friends of 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 2016 were renewed in 2017 by generous donations from their sponsors, and some 2016 scholarships were not awarded last year and are still available. These scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis, and a number of them have special requirements established by their respective donors.

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:

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

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.