Meet Our Advisory Board

Aaron Troisi is Lead Political Organizer with SEIU Healthcare PA.

Senior Vice President and Chief Nurse Executive, Jefferson Corporation

Annmarie Chavarria, DNP, MSN is Senior Vice President and Chief Nurse Executive for Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN). She is responsible for nursing quality, professional development, operations and staffing functions.

Ms. Chavarria completed her Doctor of Nursing Practice at La Salle University, holds a Master of Science in Nursing with a focus in Nursing Leadership and Health Systems Management from Drexel University and earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Holy Family College.

Prior to LVHN, Ms. Chavarria served at Tampa General Hospital as Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer. Before that, she held the same position at Jefferson Health–Abington, located in Abington, Pa. She served in this role from 2015-2018 and had served in other leadership roles at the hospital since 2005.

Her 25-year career includes a broad range of nursing experiences, including bedside nursing on a medical-surgical unit, and home health nursing and progressive leadership roles for medical-surgical, geriatric and specialty units.

She is board-certified as a Nurse Executive Advanced by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. She has presented numerous times at national conferences and holds national and local memberships in professional nursing organizations.

Arlene Branch, RN, BSN, MHA, RN-BC is an experienced nursing professional and a Board Member of the Southeast Pennsylvania Association of Black Nurses (SEPABNA), where she has also served as Immediate Past First Vice President and Treasurer. She holds a Diploma in Nursing from the Pennsylvania Hospital School of Nursing (1971), a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from LaSalle University (1988), a Master’s in Health Administration from Saint Joseph's University (2005), and a Post Masters Certificate in Health Administration from Villanova University (2006). Throughout her 40-year career, she held various roles, including Head Nurse, Nursing Supervisor, Infection Control Practitioner, and Pre-certification Case Manager. Arlene is guided by the belief, "Let no one define your future other than yourself."

Azucena Villalobos, MSN, FNP-BC is the President Elect of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN) Philadelphia Chapter.

Director of Practice & Education- Advanced Practice, Hospital University of Pennsylvania
Senior Fellow, Center for Health Outcomes & Policy
Adjunct Asst. Professor of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing

Barbara Todd, DNP, ACNP-BC, FAANP, FAAN, has practiced as a nurse practitioner in the Philadelphia region for the past 32 years. She is an experienced clinician and administrator for advanced practice providers. She has been instrumental in developing NP models of care in several large academic medical centers. Her clinical interest has been in cardiovascular health, with a focus on valvular heart disease and role transition for nurse practitioners. She has published extensively and presented nationally on advanced practice clinical and administrative topics. She is certified in both family practice and acute care. She has served on the planning committee for the American Association of Nurse Practitioner international conference. She is a fellow in the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and American Academy of Nursing. At the American Academy of Nursing, she served on the Primary Care Expert Panel. Through her work during the Graduate Nurse Education Demonstration Project, she has developed a keen interest in studies to evaluate clinical preceptorship models.

Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Main Line Health

Barbara Wadsworth, DNP, MBA, RN, FAAN, FNAP, FACHE, is the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Main Line Health, bringing nearly 40 years of healthcare and nursing experience. She joined Main Line Health in 2012 as Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer, becoming COO in October 2020. In this role, she oversees hospital and ambulatory operations, ensuring high standards of safe, efficient, equitable, and patient-centered care while promoting clinician and patient satisfaction.

Since her arrival, Barbara has championed patient safety, quality, equity, and affordability, leading initiatives like the Performance Excellence 2020 journey, the Epic implementation for nursing staff, and achieving Magnet® status for the system, which was redesignated in 2019. She also oversees the inaugural Clinical Pastoral Education Program and systemwide projects focused on patient satisfaction and care coordination.

Barbara earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice in Health Systems Leadership from Vanderbilt University and holds certifications as a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives and the American Academy of Nursing. She is a 2009 Robert Wood Johnson Executive Nurse Fellow and serves on various boards, including the Montgomery County Board of Health and the Nightingale Awards of Pennsylvania.

Her dedication to healthcare and nursing leadership is evident in her numerous accomplishments, enhancing Main Line Health's ability to provide superior care to the region.

President, National Association of Hispanic Nurses Philadelphia Chapter

Betzaida Medina Sasse, RN, BSN is a Critical Care Nurse currently serving in the Intensive Care Unit at Jefferson Torresdale Hospital. In addition to her role at Jefferson Torresdale Hospital, Betzaida is actively involved in nursing leadership and advocacy. She proudly serves as the President of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses Philadelphia Chapter, promoting cultural awareness, diversity, and excellence in nursing practice within the Hispanic community. Betzaida is also committed to mentoring and supporting the next generation of healthcare professionals. She has served as a mentor in the PA Action Coalition Cohort of Exchanged Learning (PA-ACCEL) Mentorship Program and PA-ACCEL's Healthcare Scholars Mentorship Program, guiding and inspiring aspiring nurses in their educational and professional journeys. 

Brandy Hershberger, DNP, MSN, RN, CEN is the Chief Nursing Officer/Vice President of Academic Affairs at UPMC.

Pennsylvania Association of School Nurses and Practitioners (PASNAP)

Charlene Koretz, MSHE, BSN, RN, CSN, a retired school nurse and member of the Colonial Education Association, dedicated 25 years to serving the Colonial School District. Throughout her career, she provided care and support to students at both Colonial Elementary and Whitemarsh Elementary Schools. Following her retirement, Charlene is recognized for her lasting contributions to school health services and her unwavering commitment to the well-being of students and staff.

Immediate Past President, Pennsylvania Coalition of Nurse Practitioners (PCNP)

Cheryl Schlamb, DNP, CRNP, is the Chairperson and Associate Professor at West Chester University’s Nursing Department and the past president of the Pennsylvania Coalition of Nurse Practitioners (PCNP). With a strong belief in nursing education grounded in evidence-based practice, she actively serves as a Nurse Practitioner and holds leadership roles in regional and state nursing organizations. As an advocate and mentor, she is dedicated to supporting nursing students across all levels, having taught undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral courses. She holds a Doctorate of Nursing Practice from Case Western Reserve University, a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Pennsylvania, and certifications as an Adult and Family Nurse Practitioner. Her research focuses on maternal health, mental health first aid, and substance use. Recognized for her contributions, she has received awards such as the Graduate Faculty Appreciation Award and the Excellence in Geriatric Education Award.

Dean, University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing

Christine E. Kasper,  PhD, RN is the Dean of the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing. She earned her BSN from the University of Evansville, MSN from Rush University, and PhD from the University of Michigan, where she focused on exercise physiology. Dr. Kasper has held faculty positions at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, UCLA, and Johns Hopkins University, where she was the M. Adelaide Nutting Research Professor.

Her research spans muscle atrophy and conflict-related injuries, with over 200 publications. Dr. Kasper has led interprofessional collaborations in healthcare and research, including positions with the American College of Sports Medicine. Previously, she served as dean of the University of New Mexico College of Nursing and held leadership roles in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. A fellow of the American Academy of Nursing and ACSM, she was inducted into the Sigma Theta Tau International Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame in 2015.

Immediate Past President, National Association of Hispanic Nurses Philadelphia Chapter 

Daisy Lara, DNP, CRNP, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC holds dual board certifications in Family and Psychiatric Mental Health. With a focus on integrating Spanish-speaking psychiatric care, her DNP project was presented at LCH Health and Community Services. As a lead nurse practitioner, she coordinated psychiatric services in hospital settings for diverse populations, specializing in dual diagnoses and medication-assisted treatment.

A Wilmington University graduate who is passionate about education and research, Daisy has contributed to clinical trials and mentored students at the University of Pennsylvania.

Daisy is the founder of Resilio Mental Health Solutions, emphasizing community education and stigma reduction. Actively involved in professional organizations, she's a Fellow for the Minority Fellowship Program and the immediate past president of NAHN's Philadelphia Chapter.

VP/Associate Chief Nurse Executive Nursing Operations, Jefferson Health

Daniel Hudson, MSN, RN, CENP, serves as the VP/ACNE of Nursing Operations at Jefferson Health in Philadelphia, PA. In this role, he provides strategic and operational leadership for nursing workforce optimization focused on building robust talent streams, optimizing care delivery & resources, and investing to engage staff. While his work expands the care continuum and he is an expert in nursing workforce strategy, he holds a deep conviction to improve nurse and leader wellbeing. Prior work includes operational roles at University of Vermont Medical Center and Keck Medicine of USC.

Deb Cardenas, DNP, MSN, RN, Paralegal, CPHQ is the President and Director of Quality Improvement at the Pennsylvania State Nurses Association (PSNA).

Deb Wasilchak, MA, is the Senior Vice President and Chief Clinical Administrative Officer at UPMC Insurance Services Division (ISD) at UPMC Health Plan. 

Nurse Residency Coordinator, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital Inc.

Deborah Gardiner MSN, RN CCCTM is the Nurse Residency Coordinator at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She has been a nurse for 33 years and her background is in surgery and trauma spending, 15 years as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in that specialty. She transitioned to Nursing Professional Development Specialist in 2021 and assumed the role of NRP Coordinator. The NRP was reaccredited in 2023 and received a 10-year accreditation with CCNE.

Donald H. Bucher, DNP, ACNP-BC FAANP, is an acute care nurse practitioner who teaches the APEA Review & Clinical Update for acute care adult-gerontology NPs. Dr. Bucher is Vice Chair of Advanced Practice in the Department of Medicine at Penn State Health Hershey Medical Center. He is also an assistant professor of nursing at Penn State College of Medicine. Dr. Bucher has been an acute care NP since 2007, and his clinical experience includes hospitalist, sleep medicine, critical care, and intensive care roles. His commitment to educating and preparing new NPs dates back to 2008 and includes teaching positions at the University of Pittsburgh, Moravian College, and Pennsylvania College of Health Science. Outside of clinical education settings, Dr. Buchner is active in professional and community organizations. He is a past president of the Pennsylvania Coalition of Nurse Practitioners and a current member of the Pennsylvania Board of Nursing. His numerous honors include: Exceptional Practice Provider, Penn State Hershey Medical Center (2023), AANP Pennsylvania Clinical Excellence Award (2015), and Fellows status in the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and the American College of Chest Physicians.

Elizabeth Holbert, MSN, RN is the Chair of the PA Nurse Residency Collaborative and the Nursing Professional Development Leader at Penn State Health.  

Elizabeth Menschner, DNP, MSN, MAS, RN, NEA-BC is the Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Organization of Nurse Leaders (PONL).

Executive Director, Independence Blue Cross Foundation 

As the first executive director of the Independence Blue Cross Foundation (Foundation), Heather Falck Major is responsible for advancing the Foundation’s thought leadership and grantmaking to drive equity and impact health in communities across southeastern Pennsylvania. With nearly two decades of healthcare experience, first as an underwriter and more than ten years in corporate philanthropy, Heather has helped shape the strategy and programmatic direction of the Foundation since its launch.

Heather has day-to-day oversight of the Foundation’s grants administration, operations, and programmatic initiatives and the Foundation’s Institute for Health Equity, a $15 million commitment to advance health equity in our region and nation. She is responsible for Foundation communications, including managing editor and contributing author of its award-winning publications and is the host of the Foundation’s internationally reaching podcast, Someone You Know®. Heather is a member of the Corporate Engagement Advisory Committee at her alma mater, the Pennsylvania State University, and serves in advisory and committee roles for the PA Action Coalition and Urban Affairs Coalition. Heather is an inaugural member of the Leonard A. Lauder Community Care Nurse Practitioner Fellowship Advisory Board at University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing and was recently appointed to the Board of Consults for the M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing at Villanova University.

Heather resides in Philadelphia with her husband, son, and their Great Pyrenees dog.

Executive Vice President and Chief Nurse Executive, Geisinger Health System

Janet Tomcavage, BSN, MSN currently serves as EVP, Chief Nurse Executive at Geisinger, overseeing the Nursing Institute, strategic planning, nursing practice, professional development, and care management, including Geisinger at Home. She focuses on aligning nursing services across care settings and advancing illness care.

Ms. Tomcavage has led population health initiatives, such as Geisinger’s ProvenHealth Navigator®, addressing social determinants of health and redesigning care models for vulnerable populations. She earned her BSN from Bloomsburg State College and her MSN from Misericordia University. A published author and national speaker, she was also the first nurse at Geisinger to win the Pennsylvania Nightingale Award for clinical excellence.

She is active in the American Nurse Association, American College of Healthcare Executives, and serves on several healthcare leadership councils.

Past President, National Association of Nigerian Nurses in North America (NANNNA)

Dr. Judith Awurumibe, DNP-CRNP is a Family Nurse Practitioner at the Berks County Community Health Center. Born in Nigeria, Judith earned her RN at the Reading Hospital School of Nursing and received her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Alvernia University. She went on to become a Family Nurse Practitioner at Millersville University. Dr. Awurumibe keeps busy as the mother of six children. She is also active in the community, serving as president of the Nigerian Nurses Association, Pennsylvania Chapter, and the social coordinator for the Nigeria Association of Reading and Berks County. She was vice president of the National Association of the Nigerian Nurses in North America (NANNNA) from 2020 to 2021 and is now president for 2022.  She also heads a charity benefitting children’s education that was established in memory of her father.

Karen DePasquale is the Vice President of Clinical Operations at UPMC Health Plan. 

Kathleen O. DeMutis, CRNP, DNP is the Director of Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Track at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing.

Kristine Gonnella, MPH, Pennsylvania Public Health Association

President, Student Nurses’ Association of Pennsylvania (SNAP)

Lauren McCarthy is the current SNAP President. She is finishing up her junior year in the BSN program at Widener University, where she's also pursuing a minor in Allied Health. Lauren had the privilege of serving as SNAP secretary/treasurer last year and is also involved at her local chapter serving as the President this year. She also served as Fundraising Chair for two years. This summer, Lauren will be working at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia as an Oncology Flynn Fellow.

Dean and Professor, Penn State College of Nursing

Laurie A. Badzek, LLM, JD, MS, RN, FNAP, FAAN, is Dean and Professor at Penn State University’s College of Nursing. With a distinguished career spanning law and nursing, she holds advanced degrees from DePaul University and West Virginia University. Her research and publications focus on ethics and genomics in nursing. A recipient of numerous prestigious awards, including the 2021 Hastings Fellowship and the 2020 ANA Ethics and Leadership Award, Laurie is a recognized leader in healthcare ethics, having been inducted into the Academy of Nursing (FAAN) and the National Academies of Practice (FNAP).

System Director of Nursing Excellence & Nurse Residency/Fellowship Programs, Geisinger Health System

Lindsey Ford DNP, RN, NPD-BC is System Director of Nursing Excellence and Nurse Residency/Fellowship Programs.  She obtained her BSN and MSN from Mansfield University and DNP from Carlow University. She has been employed with Geisinger for 16 years and has served in varying roles supporting quality, nursing professional development, leadership development, nurse residency and fellowship programs and hospital Magnet journeys to designation.

Vice President, Student Nurses’ Association of Pennsylvania (SNAP)

Maria Santana is a rising senior BSN student at the University of Pittsburgh. She was born and raised in Baldwinsville, New York, but views Pittsburgh as her new home! She is the Vice President of the Student Nurses’ Association of Pennsylvania and serves as the President of Pitt’s Nursing Student Association. Starting in May, she will be a student intern for the Pennsylvania section of the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric, and Neonatal Nurses. In addition to her professional organizations, she is an undergraduate research assistant studying breastfeeding and lactation under Dr. Jill Demirci. Outside of school, Maria works as a patient care technician in the pediatric ICU at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. Maria is excited about helping nursing students find their voices, specifically encouraging involvement in preprofessional and professional nursing organizations. She aspires to be a women’s health nurse practitioner and is passionate about providing high quality patient care and education.

Member-at-Large, PA-NWC Executive Committee

Pennsylvania Consortium of Associate Degree Nursing Programs, PA-NWC Advisory Board

Mary Jean Osborne, DNP, MSN, RN is the Project Coordinator for the nursing programs of Northampton Community College (NCC). Prior to transitioning to the Coordinator role, Dr. Osborne served as Director of the RN and PN nursing programs at NCC (2005-2022). Under her leadership a preceptorship was integrated into Associate Degree program and a grant funded Shared Clinical Faculty Program in partnership with Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network (LVHHN) was successfully implemented. Prior to serving as Program Director, Dr. Osborne served in the roles of Trauma Clinical Specialist and later Director of Patient Care Services for Trauma and Cardiovascular Surgery at LVHHN. Dr. Osborne is President of the PA Chapter of the Organization of Associate Degree Nursing (OADN), and the PA Colleges of Associate Degree Nursing. Dr. Osborne is committed to the initiatives of the Pennsylvania Action Coalition (PA-AC). She served as President of the Academic Progression in PA subcommittee and currently serves on the PA-AC Executive Committee.

Director of Outreach and Education, Patient Safety Authority

Michelle Bell is the director of Outreach and Education with the Patient Safety Authority (PSA). Bell began working with the PSA in 2010 as a patient safety advisor for the Southeast region. She joined the PSA after completing a yearlong fellowship with the Institute for Safe Medication Practices, a world-renowned expert organization on medication safety. Prior to her role with PSA, Bell practiced as an emergency department nurse, and filled a variety of roles in shared governance, compliance, patient safety, and quality management.

President, Southeastern Pennsylvania Area Black Nurses Association (SEPABNA)

Monica J. Harmon, MSN, MPH, RN, is a public health nurse, educator, researcher, and administrator experienced in community/public health. Monica is an Assistant Clinical Professor at Drexel University, Executive Director of the CNHP Community Wellness HUB, and CNHP Services Director of Stephen and Sandra Sheller 11th Street Family Health Services. Her contributions to nursing and public health have been recognized through numerous awards, and she actively participates in various community and professional boards, committees, and organizations. Monica is the Chapter President of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Area Black Nurses Association and the Pennsylvania Nursing Workforce Center Nurse Diversity Council Co-Chair.

Chief Operating Officer, Convenient Care Association

Nate Bronstein, MSEd, MPA, MSSP, is a former teacher from North Philadelphia; he earned his Masters in Education, Public Administration and the Science of Social Policy respectively, from the University of Pennsylvania. Nate has extensive experience as a consultant on state-wide policy initiatives as well as political initiatives as well as political campaign strategy and management. He has spent the last three years working as both the Co-Founder and CEO of one DC-based startup and one Philadelphia-based startup working to solve inefficiencies in how people connect, organize and manage their resources. Nate has extensive experience in the social good company from a for-profit, non-profit and governmental perspective.

He has successfully launched two companies and consulted on many others, as well as having actively participated in 19 unique leadership and business development incubators and accelerators. Nate has written for the chronicle of social change and is currently serving on the board of Philadelphia's oldest and largest music school. He is a Philadelphia native and has a long history of youth civic engagement having become a Truman Finalist, the campaign manager of a political campaign and the student body president of American University in 2011.

President, Independence Blue Cross Foundation and Vice President, Community Affairs, Independence Blue Cross

Rev. Lorina Marshall-Blake, MGA, FAAN, is President of the Independence Blue Cross Foundation and Vice President, Community Affairs, Independence Blue Cross. Marshall-Blake helped define the IBC Foundation’s mission of leading solutions for healthier communities when it was launched in 2011. Under Marshall-Blake’s leadership, the $60 million IBC Foundation has established itself as a philanthropic force locally, earning the 2014 Corporate Foundation of the Year award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Greater Philadelphia Chapter. An expert in Philanthropy, Corporate Management, Public Relations and Communications, Marshall-Blake says, “We are meant to serve. We must reach back and give back.” She is an Honorary Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing, and has been honored for her leadership and community service by numerous organizations such as the NAACP, Girl Scouts of Eastern PA, Philadelphia Tribune, League of Women Voters, Philadelphia Business Journal, Living Beyond Breast Cancer, and the United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey. She also serves as a spokesperson for the local chapter of the American Heart Association.

Robert Shipp III, PhD, BSN, RN, NEA-BC, is the Vice President, Workforce & Clinical Affairs at the Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania (HAP) and Co-Lead of the PA-NWC Executive Committee. 

Sandra Anyoha DNP, FNP, MSN, MPH, CNML is the Founder of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses in North America (NANNNA).

Executive Director, National Nurse-Led Care Consortium (NNCC) and Co-Lead Representative of the PA-NWC Executive Committee.

Sarah Hexem Hubbard, Esq. is the Executive Director of the National Nurse-Led Care Consortium (NNCC). Sarah is nationally recognized for her work on full practice authority for advanced practice nurses and has published in the areas of public health law research, scope of practice, and medical-legal partnerships. Sarah regularly teaches health policy at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing and graduated magna cum laude from Temple Law. Previously, she was the Policy Director of NNCC and served as the Executive Director of the now Pennsylvania Nursing Workforce Coalition.

Director of State Advocacy, AARP Pennsylvania

Chief Executive Officer, Pennsylvania State Nurses Association (PSNA)

Wayne E. Reich, Jr., MSN, MBA, RN is the Chief Executive Officer of the Pennsylvania State Nurses Association (PSNA) and the Nursing Foundation of Pennsylvania (NFP). With nearly 20 years in nursing, he previously served as the Director of Nursing at Pennsylvania College of Technology, overseeing bachelor’s degree programs and earning the rank of Assistant Professor in 2019. His extensive experience includes roles as a clinical director, clinical instructor, and staff nurse in cardiac intensive care.

Reich has also held leadership positions within PSNA, including Deputy Chief Executive Officer from 2010 to 2014, Treasurer from 2016 to 2020, and Chair of the Finance and Bylaws Committees. PSNA President Dr. Deb Cardenas praised Reich's dedication to nursing and his advocacy efforts, while NFP President Dr. Margarete Zalon highlighted his strong foundation for leading the foundation's mission.

Zach Zobrist, is the Chief of Staff of Workforce Development for SEIU Healthcare Pennsylvania, a statewide healthcare workers union that represents over 40,000 healthcare workers. During his time with SEIU Healthcare PA, he established several Labor-Management Partnerships to engage healthcare workers in their critical role as front-line staff in transforming and improving the healthcare delivery system and to engage union members. From 2019-2021, he was a faculty member at Penn State’s School of Labor Employment Relations. In his role as a labor educator for Penn State labor outreach programs, he worked to find ways to engage unions in thinking about partnership opportunities around workforce development and quality improvement. In August 2021, he was appointed to his current position with SEIU.