Meet Our Advisory Board

Associate Dean of Academic Practice Integration, Thomas Jefferson University, Jefferson College of Nursing

Jen Bellot, PhD, RN, MHSA, CNE is the Associate Dean of Academic Practice Integration at Jefferson College of Nursing, overseeing clinical education, joint clinical-academic initiatives and community outreach. Dr. Bellot thoroughly enjoys her work, focusing on integrating nursing into the greater community of advocacy, population health and vulnerable populations. Dr. Bellot has led the pilot of Clinical Faculty Preceptor Academy (CFPA) 101 curriculum at Jefferson College of Nursing.

SVP Nursing Practice, Advancement and Wellbeing, Jefferson Health System

Dr. Amy Funderburk, DNP, RN, NE-BC, is a seasoned nurse executive with 28 years of experience, including 23 in leadership across all levels. She specializes in strategic planning, operational excellence, employee engagement, and innovative care delivery. As the author of Claim Your Seat: Mastering the 7 Keys to the Business of Healthcare, she empowers emerging leaders with practical tools and bold conversations. Dr. Funderburk is passionate about building high-performing teams and mentoring leaders who drive meaningful change. Her mission is to enrich lives, inspire action, and elevate performance through authentic connection.

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.

Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer, Main Line Health

Elizabeth (Betty) Craig, DNP, RN, FACHE, serves as Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer for Main Line Health. Craig, who brings numerous levels of progressive leadership throughout an impressive career, joined the system in August 2022. Craig spent 12 years at Main Line Health earlier in her career, working at Lankenau Medical Center from 1999 to 2011.
In her role with Main Line Health, Craig leads and oversees nearly 3,000 nurses while cultivating the nursing education, nursing leadership and nursing research within the organization. As part of the CNO responsibility, Craig will also share responsibility for Safety, Quality, Equity and Affordability within the system while ensuring consistent standards of practice across the clinical setting. As a member of the Main Line Health executive team, Craig supports and facilitates a collaborative, interdisciplinary team approach to the delivery of care.

Prior to her role at Main Line Health, Craig served as the Chief Nursing Officer at Pennsylvania Hospital, part of the University of Pennsylvania Health System. During her tenure with Pennsylvania Hospital, Craig supported the organization through its Magnet redesignation in 2019, co-led the COVID-19 Response Team, oversaw organizational initiatives, achieved operational and workforce efficiency, improved patient experience, actively engaged in shared decision-making and developed a Nurse Scientist role. Previously, Craig served as Senior Vice President, Patient Services at Temple University Hospital from 2011 to 2019, where she successfully led Temple to its first Magnet Designation. Her achievements included Chief Nurse Executive responsibilities, including expanded scope in Laboratory Medicine, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Health Service, Environmental Services, administrative and clinical responsibility for Emergency Department/Medicine, and oversight of the Department of Internal Medicine service line.

Craig earned a Doctorate of Nursing Practice from Thomas Jefferson University, a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Pennsylvania, Nurse Practitioner, Health Care of Women, and Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Villanova University.

Craig's special interests include safety, quality, diversity, equity and employee engagement.

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

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. 

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.

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.

Founder of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses in North America (NANNNA

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.

Co-Chair, PA Nurse Residency Collaborative (PA-NRC)

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.

Chair, PA Nurse Residency Collaborative (PA-NRC)

Nurse Residency Program Coordinator and Nursing Professional Development Leader, Penn State Health

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

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

Chair of the PA-NWC Executive Committee

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.

Associate Teaching Professor and Assistant Dean for Outreach and Professional Development, Penn State Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing | Member-at-Large, PA-NWC Executive Committee

Kelly Wolgast, DNP, RN, FACHE, FAAN COL (R), US Army is an  Associate Teaching Professor and Assistant Dean for Outreach and Professional Development at Penn State University's Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing. Prior to arriving at Penn State in August 2016, Dr. Wolgast was Assistant Professor and Specialty Director for the Healthcare Leadership program at Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN. Dr. Wolgast is also an Army Veteran. She served over 26 years on Active Duty in the United States Army as an Army Nurse and retired as a Colonel.  Her experiences include earning the Bronze Star for combat experience as Deputy Commander and Chief Nurse in Afghanistan, a deployment in support of Hurricane Katrina relief operations in New Orleans, serving as a Hospital Commander, and serving as the Senior Nurse Executive of the U.S. Army Medical Command.  Dr. Wolgast has many years of executive nursing and healthcare leadership experience and has a strong background in Medical-Surgical Nursing. 

​Dr. Wolgast earned her Baccalaureate degree in Nursing from Penn State University, a Master of Science in Nursing (Administration and Education) from Vanderbilt University, a Masters in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College, and a Doctorate in Nursing Practice (Executive Nurse Leadership) from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.  Dr. Wolgast is a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) and a Fellow in the American Academy of Nursing (AAN).

Dean and Professor, Penn State Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing

Laurie A. Badzek, LLM, JD, MS, RN, FNAP, FAAN, is Dean and Professor at Penn State University’s Ross and Carol Nese 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).

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.

Vice Chair of Advanced Practice, Department of Medicine, Penn State Health Hershey Medical Center

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.

Pennsylvania Consortium of Associate Degree Nursing Programs

Member-at-Large, PA-NWC Executive Committee

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.

Quality Improvement Coordinator, Pennsylvania Office of Rural Health 

Lannette Fetzer DNP, CRNP, FNP-BC, MSN, MS, CHC is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Quality Improvement Coordinator at the Pennsylvania Office of Rural Health. With 30+ years of nursing experience in ICU, emergency care, chronic disease, patient advocacy, and rural health, she brings clinical and leadership expertise to advancing healthcare quality. She helped Pennsylvania earn the nation’s top Medicare rural health ranking in 2019, 2024, and 2025 and received the MBQIP Spirit Award in 2019. Dr. Fetzer has co-authored research and national briefs, most recently Diagnostic Excellence in U.S. Rural Healthcare (AHRQ, 2024), and provides unique perspective as both a clinician and caregiver.

Director and Outreach Associate Professor of Health Policy and Administration, Pennsylvania Office of Rural Health 

Lisa Davis, MHA, ensures that the office exceeds its mission of technical assistance, networking, and coordination to advance rural health care. She serves on a wide range of boards of directors, advisory committees, and task forces focused on rural health policy, rural health research, economic development, outreach and education, health disparities, and vulnerable populations. Her areas of focus are rural health transformation, maternal health, and national and state rural health advocacy. She is a recipient of state and national awards for rural service, rural health leadership, and health equity and the office is ranked #1 in the nation for Medicare quality reporting.

Executive Director, Pennsylvania Organization of Nurse Leaders (PONL)

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

Legislative Committee, Pennsylvania Organization of Nurse Leaders (PONL)

Nursing became Rosa's second career after teaching for 5 years and then graduated from York College with her BSN. Her nursing career started at Penn State Hershey followed by a 34-year career at WellSpan. After several clinical experiences in OB-GYN, Orthopedics, and ICU, Rosa held several nursing leadership roles including Nurse Manager, Director roles and then spending the last 12 years as a CNO at one of the WellSpan hospitals. Nursing Advocacy is her passion, and she currently participates in nursing advocacy with Pennsylvania Organization of Nurse Leaders (PONL), American Organization of Nursing Leadership (AONL), and Pennsylvania Coalition of Nurse Practitioners (PCNP).

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.

Managing Director of Strategy Development and Executive Director, Pennsylvania Public Health Association (PPHA)

Kristine Gonnella, MPH, is Managing Director of Strategy Development and Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Public Health Association (PPHA).

In her role as Managing Director of Strategy Development, Kristine advances the mission and vision of PHMC through strategic planning, cross-sector partnerships, mergers, acquisitions, fundraising, government contracts and proposal development, representing an annual operating budget of $250 million. She also provides fiscal oversight of special public health projects representing an operating budget of over $40 million. Additionally, she provides oversight for the Pennsylvania Nutrition Education Network (PANEN), which advances statewide partnerships and promoting educational activities for Supplemental Nutrition Education (SNAP-Ed) providers.

As Executive Director of PPHA, Kristine represents the state affiliate of the American Public Health Association and secures public health stakeholders’ support to advance statewide public health policy initiatives. She engages Pennsylvania elected officials to promote and prioritize public health across the commonwealth.

Kristine is expecting her PhD in Health Policy from Temple University in 2025. She holds a Master of Public Health from Johns Hopkins University and a Bachelor of Science in Human Development from Pennsylvania State University. She has also completed the Post Baccalaureate Pre-Medical Program at the University of 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.

Chief of Staff of Workforce Development, SEIU Healthcare Pennsylvania

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.

Board Member, Southeast Pennsylvania Association of Black Nurses (SEPABNA)

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."

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.

President, Student Nurses Association of Pennsylvania (SNAP)

Kieran Cook serves as the President of the Student Nurses Association of Pennsylvania (SNAP), where he leads and supports the organization’s efforts to advance nursing education and student engagement. He focuses on strengthening the association’s structure, fostering professional development, and enhancing communication among members. Under his leadership, SNAP has worked to improve organizational efficiency and promote effective teamwork. Kieran’s approach emphasizes collaboration, transparency, and the growth of nursing students. His leadership is driven by a commitment to empowering future nurses and supporting their development.

Director of Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Track, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing | Member-at-Large, PA-NWC Executive Committee 

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

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.

Chief Nursing Officer/Vice President of Academic Affairs, UPMC | Member-at-Large, PA-NWC Executive Committee

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