2019 VCNP Annual Conference

Speakers
Wednesday, March 6 to Saturday, March 9, 2019

Michael Satterley, DPT

Michael Satterley is the clinic director at Pivot's Newport News, VA (Oyster Point) clinic. Having gone through physical therapy for a knee injury while playing high school hockey, Michael realized that his career path would involve helping injured athletes like himself. He earned his undergraduate degree and Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Clarkson University in Potsdam, NY.

Michael has displayed his dedication to clinical excellence by continued education with a focus on orthopedics and sports physical therapy. He pursued a certification as a Strengthening and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and followed up with courses in the Functional Movement Systems (FMS, SFMA, Y-balance Test). Putting these together with the use of Dartfish Video Analysis led to his special interest of working with the running population.

He also has an advanced manual therapy certification through Great Lakes Seminars (CIMT), which helps him treat not only your current symptoms, but also the root of the problem. “Advanced physical therapists are more trained to identify why a dysfunction occurs, not purely what a patient has been diagnosed with,” Michael said. “Treating the driver of dysfunction and appropriately educating the patient on their condition leads to the best results.”

Wanting to further his education in sports physical therapy, while also proving his expertise to the healthcare community, Michael decided to pursue certification through the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) as a Sports Certified Specialist. In order to sit for the examination, Michael became certified as an American Red Cross CPR Instructor, as well as an Emergency Medical Responder.

Understanding the need to provide high-end soft tissue treatment for athletes, Michael also became certified in dry needling (CMTPT). He also provides soft tissue mobilization with tools (IASTM), in addition to cupping therapy. These treatment practices served him well in his recent work at the US Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, CO during April of 2016.

During his off time, Michael watches all sports, plays ice hockey, works out at our Oyster Point Performance Center.
ADVANCED PAY WORKSHOP: Assessment and Differentiation of Musculo-Skeletal Pain: Would Physical Therapy Be Appropriate
March 6, 2019, 12:30 pm

Rosie Taylor Lewis, DNP, ANP-BC, GNP

Dr. Rosie Taylor-Lewis, DNP, ANP-BC, GNP
Faculty Practice: Health and Wellness Center, Sweet Briar College rtlewis@sbc.edu 434-381-6140 (Mondays only);
Home 434-277-8518 EST, please do not call after 10PM EST
Assistant Program Director of the DNP Program Faculty South University rctaylor@southuniversity.edu;

RN Diploma 1979, Lynchburg General School of Nursing
BSN 1985, Liberty University
MS 1993, Medical College of Virginia/VCU
DNP 2010, Old Dominion University
Dr. Taylor-Lewis is a board certified adult nurse practitioner and a Doctor of Nursing Practice. She is passionate about the role of the nurse practitioner as the primary caregiver blending the researcher, educator, advocate, and clinician roles in a holistic model (REACH) of care. Her motto in practice and in teaching is “Students do not interrupt my work, they are my work.” She has 35 plus years' experience as a RN and 22 years as a nurse practitioner. She has vast experience in academics, teaching clinical courses in the Emergency Department and lecture courses which include Critical Thinking, Pathophysiology, and Crisis Nursing (residential and on-line) on the undergraduate level. For the past 20 years, she has taught on the graduate level, including development of on-line courses. She was graduate faculty with Old Dominion University Family Nurse Practitioner Program for 20 years and taught, advance health assessment, health promotion, senior seminar and supervised student rotations in acute care, chronic care, women's health and pediatrics. She joined the South University nursing faculty in August of 2013. She accepted the position as APD of the DNP recently. She continues to precept students from UVA, VCU,ODU, RU and JMU serving as a preceptor for FNP and DNP students, and LU MPH students.
Dr. Taylor-Lewis has been the Director of Health Services at Sweet Briar College and now works part time as the lead provider. She recently launched a nursing consulting business known as Nursing Steps to provide academic support to those desiring to be a nurse, to help those who are in nursing school achieve more from the experience, and to assist those already in nursing receive more from the nursing profession. “Nurses will change the face of health care, one step and one patient at a time.” The overall goal of Nursing Steps is to ensure that the nursing profession is prepared and progressing to meet the needs of a changing health care system. Professionally, she conducts advance practice workshops on laceration repairs, office dermatology, wounds, basic radiology and coding for the nurse practitioners. She is Board Certified by the ANCC as an Adult Nurse Practitioner and previously practiced in the Level 1 Trauma Center at UVA and at Prompt Care in Charlottesville, Virginia. Her patient's evaluations are rated consistently high and the most common comments are “she is knowledgeable, explains everything well, spends time with you, and she is real.”

She graduated from the Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Old Dominion University, and received the teaching fellowship (2009-2010). The focus of her DNP clinical residency was with vulnerable populations and their access to health care. Her capstone research was with homeless male addicts in a transitional housing program determining relapse risks, prevention and promotion of health through self-efficacy. She presented her research at the National Summit of Clinicians for Health Care Justice in Washington, DC. She delivered the keynote address Passport to Nursing: The Journey to REACH Your Destination to the Virginia Nursing Students Association Annual conference in 2011. She is a reviewer for The Journal of Nurse Practitioners.
Dr. Taylor-Lewis finds much satisfaction in her volunteer work at the Ruth Brooks Free Clinic. Dr.Taylor- Lewis is active in the local chapter of the Virginia Council of Nurse Practitioners and serves as the Lynchburg Region's President. She is a member of Clifford Baptist Church and contributes to the health ministry team. She has lived in Amherst County most of her life and enjoys spending time with her husband, their blended family of four children and 6 grandchildren: Ford, Sawyer, Oliver, Carley (the only Princess) and Benjamin, and Parker. Abby, a very high spirited lab joined the family in August!
Nursing Practice Philosophy excerpt: "I love nursing. Nursing has been good to me, and I want to continue to be a good ambassador for nursing and the patients I care for. It is an exciting time
to be in the profession of nursing. Economic struggles with resulting health care restraints and barriers are an opportunity for advancement in patient care outcomes lead by nurses. Nurses should meet patients where they are and take them where they need to be instead of expecting them to already be there. Advance practice nurses must lead the way in reducing health care disparities and access to care issues from the bedside to the capital beltway. By doing this, nurses will change the face of health care, one step and one patient at a time."
Nurse Educator Philosophy excerpt: “Students do not interrupt my work, they are my work. Whether I am teaching them or they are my patients, I believe every moment is a teaching moment.
I began teaching nursing long before our profession recognized the importance of having Certified Nurse Educators teach students. Straight out of my RN-BSN program (1985), I developed the first Health Occupation Courses for the high school I graduated from, and was required to become certified by the Virginia Board of Education. I loved it! It was those high school students and the adult evening program for CNAs that I established that really taught me how to teach along with many classes at the Curry School of Education at UVA in effective teaching methods. My journey has taken me from high school to my next chapter, which is continuing to teach at the graduate level and teaching at the doctoral level. All the little steps along the way have been critically important. I believe my success as an educator has hinged on my continued dedication to practice. It has been challenging but my years at the bedside of patients in the ED and in primary care have given me rich experiences to share to others aspiring to be nurses, nurse practitioner students, nurse educators etc.
One of the most exciting aspects of nursing is the evolution of the profession, and how we are educating nurses today. How do we preserve the integrity of the profession as we gain knowledge in technology? Not wanting to be left behind, I committed to learning everything about the new nurse and on-line education. And, yes I was skeptical. After developing rigorous courses that have no walls, ceilings or floors on-line and implementing and evaluating student learning outcomes, I know that there is a place for on-line education, particularly at the advance practice level. And, yet I still believe that learning face to face in the traditional classroom will continue to have a powerful place in the evolution of our profession. And, nothing will replace the individual preceptor role that is critical to making sure our profession stays on course. That is why I have advance practice students and want to be nursing students as my men-tees in my office every day of the week. Students do not interrupt my work, they are my work.”
ADVANCED PAY WORKSHOP: Suturing 101
March 6, 2019, 12:30 pm

Barb Bancroft, RN, MSN, PNP

Barb has provided more than 2200 educational and motivational seminars on clinical topics and health maintenance topics to healthcare professionals and corporations throughout the US and Canada. She has been the keynote/plenary speaker for corporate groups such as Smith Barney/Citicorp and the Million Dollar Round Table. She has provided keynote/plenary speeches for healthcare associations including the Association for Practitioners for Infection Control, The National Association of Biology Teachers, The Emergency Nurses' Association, the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, the Pacific Coast Dental Association, and the Washington State Dental Association.
Lab Tests with a Pharm Focus
March 6, 2019, 12:30 pm
Anemia: It's Not Just "arn-poor" Blood
March 7, 2019, 9:15 am

Cindy Zerfoss, DNP, RN, ACNP-BC

ACNP 17 years, past 5 in neurosciences at Centra, other experiences include critical care pulmonary and inpatient rehab with focus on TBI and SCI patients
Traumatic Injuries of the Spine: Treatment Strategies and Options
March 6, 2019, 12:30 pm

HoChong Gilles, DNP, FNP-C

HoChong Gilles has been working in the hepatology field since 2001. She obtained a BS in Biology & Nursing and Master's in Nursing from Virginia Commonwealth University. She recently graduated in May 2018 with a Doctorate in Nursing Practice from the University of Virginia.
She is very active within the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases. HoChong is the immediate past Chair of the Hepatology Associates Committee. She is the founder and Chair of the Hepatology Associates Special and member of the AASLD Governing Board. HoChong is currently serving her term as President of Virginia Council of Nurse Practitioners and is the Program Manager for Hepatology and Liver Transplant at the McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Richmond, Virginia.
WORKSHOP: VCNP 101: New Leader Orientation
March 6, 2019, 2:00 pm

Franklin Harrington, Director of Reimbursement and Regulatory Affairs American Association of Nurse Practitioners

Franklin Harrington currently serves as Director of Reimbursement and Regulatory Affairs for the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). In his position, Franklin reviews, interprets, and analyzes regulations at the State and Federal levels, with a specific focus on issues that affect nurse practitioner reimbursement. Franklin also represents AANP at meetings with insurers and other stakeholders regarding issues that impact nurse practitioners. Prior to joining the AANP, Franklin spent over six years working for a health law firm that specialized in issues related to hospital reimbursement. Franklin holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Hamilton College and a Juris Doctor degree from the American University Washington College of Law.
General Session: Nurse Practitioner Reimbursement Landscape
March 7, 2019, 8:00 am

Martha Vesterlund, ANP, BC

Acute Care/Advance: Angiodemia: Is this ACEI Induced or Allergic Reaction?
March 7, 2019, 11:00 am

Kimberly Marshall, AG-ACNP

Kimberly Marshall is an Nurse Practitioner employed in Hospital Medicine serving the acute and critically ill patients in a community hospital. She earned her MSN from Drexel University. Prior to becoming an NP, she was a working as an RN in the Surgery-Trauma ICU setting for over a decade. She earned her BSN from Old Dominion University and her ADN from Cabarrus College of Health Sciences in North Carolina in 1999.
Acute Care/Advance: Angiodemia: Is this ACEI Induced or Allergic Reaction?
March 7, 2019, 11:00 am

Reagan Thompson, DNP, FNP-C

Reagan was born and raised in Virginia, spending most of her life in Nelson County. She is a triple hoo. Graduated with BSN in 2003, MSN (FNP) in 2006 and DNP in 2013. She has been a full time practicing family nurse practitioner for over 12 years. Practice experience has been in both community healthy centers as well as academic family medicine. Her special interests include care of vulnerable populations with focus on migrant, immigrant and refugee health. She is married with two amazing kids (Colin age 3 and Elena age 6).
Generalist/Advanced: Group Visits in Primary Care
March 7, 2019, 11:00 am

Patricia Carter, J.D., BSME

Patricia is a microbiome science writer, attorney, and engineer teaching medical personnel and the public about the implications of the human microbiome to induce, or manage and mitigate, chronic disease. Her work in this space began over a decade ago, as a patient, when she helped effect the CDC global contact lens contact lens solution recalls of 2007 which involved bacterial biofilms. Patricia's latest work involves educating medical professionals about the Melody Trial which looks to recruit IBD patients to learn if eating a certain diet changes the vaginal microbiome to decrease the risk of IBD transmission to the newborn. Patricia's work is cited in "An Introduction to the Microbiome Webinar, 2014" presented by leading light microbiome researchers, and her work is published in CAM, “A Medical Evolution: New DNA Techniques Reveal How Gut Bacteria Could Change Everything". Patricia's repository of microbiome research can be read at “Biome Onboard Awareness: The Science behind Food, Our Microbiome, and Disease,” https://biomeonboardawareness.com/.
Mental Health//Novice: Add 7.5 Years to Brainspan with MIND Diet and Sage Cognition Assessment Tool
March 7, 2019, 11:00 am

Suzan Shibla, DNP, FNP-BC, CIC

After completing her Family Nurse Practitioner program, Dr. Shibla joined Fairfax Family Practice in 2000, where she continues to work. She completed her Doctorate in 2015 with a focus on concussion management and a practice inquiry project “Identifying Depression in Concussed Adolescents”. She trained in FFPC Comprehensive Concussion Clinic and obtained her Credentialed ImPACT Consultant certification to further her training. She has and continues to precept nurse practitioner students and enjoys mentoring and teaching. Her personal philosophy includes improving patient outcomes and providing evidence based care while respecting each patient's perceptions, experiences, and autonomy.
Pediatrics/Novice: Concussions in Primary Care
March 7, 2019, 11:00 am

Olivia Reichenbacker, DNP, PMHNP

Women's Health/Advanced: Psychotropics During Pregnancy and Lactation
March 7, 2019, 11:00 am

Lyons Hardy, PMHNP

I serve as the concentration coordinator for the psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner program at VCU. I maintain a clinical practice as a PMHNP at two sites in addition to my teaching.
Women's Health/Advanced: Psychotropics During Pregnancy and Lactation
March 7, 2019, 11:00 am
Mental Health/Novice: Using Psychotropics in Primary Care
March 8, 2019, 2:15 pm

Christine Kessler, MN, CNS, ANP, BC-ADM, FAANP

CHRISITNE KESSLER BIO 2019
Christine Kessler is an award-winning nurse practitioner, national/international speaker, prolific author, and clinical consultant specializing in Endocrinology and Metabolic Medicine. During her 46 years of nursing (39 years in advanced practice) she has held diverse roles in management, research, academia (undergraduate and graduate nursing), and clinical practice; the latter as a critical care clinical specialist, an acute care nurse practitioner (as hospitalist & intensivist) and adult endocrinology nurse practitioner. After 15 years as the senior nurse practitioner at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Medicine, Christine now focuses on providing diabetes and weight loss management, as well as general endocrine services to an impoverished population in rural Virginia. Christine has received numerous clinical practice and patient satisfaction awards, among them three prestigious Outstanding Civilian Service Awards, the Department of Medicine's Army Silver ACE Award for being voted TOP medical provider by the medical staff and the Coin of Excellence personally awarded by the Surgeon General for having the highest patient satisfaction rating of all health care providers in the Army WORLDWIDE. . Christine co-chairs the popular, national Metabolic & Endocrine Disease Summit (MEDS) and is a Fellow of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners
The Microbiome in Health and Chronic Disease
March 7, 2019, 2:30 pm
Acute Care/Advanced: Non-Diabetic Endocrine Emergencies
March 8, 2019, 3:45 pm

Christine Daley, MSN, ANP-C

Graduated with Adult NP from UCLA in 1999. Currently employed with Hospital Medicine at Sentara Care Plex Hospital. Previously woth with Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery for 12 years and Internal Medicine Outpatient practice for 3 years.
Acute Care/Advanced: Identifying and Treating Sepsis
March 7, 2019, 4:00 pm

Gwendolyn Williams, MD

Acute Care/Advanced: Identifying and Treating Sepsis
March 7, 2019, 4:00 pm

Linda Hart, DNP, RN, ACNP-BC, AACC

Dr. Linda Hart is a board certified nuree practitioner with practice at the Advanced Heart Failure Center at Bon Secours Heart and Vascular Institute, Richmond Virginia.
Linda received her bachelors of nursing at Radford University, Radford, VA. She practiced as a critical care and ER nurse before pursuing her master's degree from Virginia Commonwealth University. She initially practiced as a NP in cardiac surgery, and then 16 years in acute care cardiology. She joined the Advanced Heart Failure team in December 2017, and currently practices in the ambulatory setting.
She received her doctorate of nursing practice degree from University of Virginia. Her research focus was transitional care of patients with heart failure using health coaching and telemonitoring. Dr. Hart has presented research on this topic and ethics of LVAD deactivation at the American College of Cardiology (ACC), American Heart Association, and American Academy of nursing meetings.
Dr. Hart is an active member of the ACC serving on several national committees. Linda has served as state liaison for Virginia, chair of the Cardiovascular Team Advocacy committee, and on the Sports and Exercise council. She currently serves the College on the Geriatric Clinical Council, Health Affairs Council, ACC PAC advisory council, as an Advocacy Ambassador, and on several the strategic planning work groups.
Linda speaks nationwide on the topics of sudden cardiac death prevention, ethics, heart failure, and cardio-oncology. In addition, she was involved in the ACC Health Policy document on team-based care. She has recently co-authored an article entitled Domain management approach to Heart Failure in the geriatric patient.
Linda is married to Roger Hart, and together they have 7 adult children and 7 grandchildren. She enjoys her family, cooking, dancing, swimming, traveling, and being active in her church.


Dr. Linda Hart may be reached at: 5837 Bremo Rd, suite 400C Richmond, VA 23226. linda_hart@bshsi.org.
Generalist/Advanced: Cardio-Oncology: The New Frontier
March 7, 2019, 4:00 pm

Bethany Coyne, PhD, CPNP, RN

Bethany Coyne is an assistant professor at the University of Virginia School of Nursing. She has worked as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner in Pediatric Nephrology for over 20 years caring for children with chronic kidney disease. Her research focus has been on outcomes for youth with chronic illness after transitioning from pediatric to adult providers.
Pediatrics/Advanced: Diagnosis, Evaluation & Management of UTIs in Children
March 7, 2019, 4:00 pm

Susie Leroy, MSN, CPNP-PC

Will update when available
Pediatrics/Advanced: Diagnosis, Evaluation & Management of UTIs in Children
March 7, 2019, 4:00 pm

Michelle Tsai, DNP, PMHNP-BC

Dr. Tsai is the primary provider for Arlington County Outpatient-based Opioid Treatment. In 2018 she presented at the International Nursing Society for Addiction, APNA's National Conference for the Addiction Council Steering Committee, and was a member of Johnson & Johnson's Nursing Advisory Council Policy and Education Sub-council. She has avid interest in neuroscience research and evidence-based practice.
Substance Use Disorders: Neuroscience and the Nursing Process
March 7, 2019, 4:00 pm

Kathleen Putnam, PhD, WHNP

Kathleen Putnam graduated from ODU in 1976 with her BSN. She graduated from MCV/VCU with her MS in 1992, and her PhD in 2008. She retired from the United States Navy Nurse Corps with the rank of Captain in 2014. She was previously the Graduate Program Director for the Women's Health Nurse Practitioner Program at ODU. She has worked in both private practice and military medicine in the maternal-fetal medicine department. She currently teaches nursing at University of Lynchburg, and is in private practice with Lynchburg Gynecology. In her spare time, she and her retired husband are exploring Central Virginia after having lived in Tidewater for nearly 40 years.
Women's Health/Advanced: Osteoporosis: Preventing, Screening & Treatment
March 7, 2019, 4:00 pm

Rebecca Bates, DNP, APRN, FNP-C

Dr. Rebecca A. Bates is passionate about providing healthcare for vulnerable populations and believes healthcare is a right for all. She earned her DNP at Old Dominion University and has been a nurse since 2000 and a Family Nurse Practitioner in Primary Care since 2009. Her DNP research explored nurse practitioner assessment of adolescent psychosocial risk factors. During her doctoral program, she completed a health policy fellowship and remains active in state and federal health policy advocacy. She is the Virginia Council of Nurse Practitioners northern region co-chair of Government Relations. She has also engaged in global health advocacy and medical missions. In 2015, she left private practice and works for the Adams Compassionate Healthcare Network, a Free Clinic in Chantilly, Virginia, where she continues to precept NP students. In 2017, Rebecca received the VCNP Distinguished NP Award. Rebecca believes nurses must have a seat at the table to improve the health of individuals and communities throughout the world.
Navigating the Mentoring Odyssey
March 7, 2019, 5:30 pm

Robin Hills, DNP, WHNP-BC

Dr. Hills joined the leadership team as Deputy Executive Director for Advanced Practice at the Virginia Board of Nursing in September 2017. Prior to transitioning to her role as a regulator, Dr. Hills served on the faculty of Vanderbilt University and Virginia Commonwealth University. Her practice as a women's health nurse practitioner focused on providing health care to the underserved women in the MetroRichmond area.
Nurse Practitioner Regulatory Update Leslie Herdegen Rohrer Memorial Session
March 8, 2019, 8:00 am

Jay Douglas, MSM, RN, CSAC, FRE

submitted
Nurse Practitioner Regulatory Update Leslie Herdegen Rohrer Memorial Session
March 8, 2019, 8:00 am

Peter Buerhaus, PhD, RN, FAAN, FAANP(h)

Dr. Peter Buerhaus is a nurse and a healthcare economist who is well known for his studies on the nursing and physician workforces in the United States. He is a Professor of Nursing and Director of the Center for Interdisciplinary Health Workforce Studies at the College of Nursing, Montana State University. Before coming to Montana State University, Dr. Buerhaus was the Valere Potter Distinguised Professor of Nursing and Sr. Associate Dean for Research at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, Professor of Health Policy at Vanderbilt University (2000-2015), assistant professor of health policy and management at Harvard School of Public Health (1992-2000), and assistant to both the chief executive of the Univeristy of Michigan's 7 teaching hospitals and to the Vice Provosot for Medical Affairs. He has published more than 130 peer-reviewed articles with five publications designated as “Classics” by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Dr. Buerhaus was inducted into the American Academy of Nursing in 1994 and elected into the National Academy of Sciences Institute of Medicine in 2003 (now the National Academy of Medicine). Dr. Buerhaus has been awarded an honoray doctorate from the University of Maryland and from Loyola University (Chicago). He currently serves on the Board of Directors of AcademyHealth and the Bozeman Deaconess Health Care System In 2010, Dr. Buerhaus was appointed Chair of the National Health Care Workforce Commission, which was created under the Affordable Care Act to advise Congress and the Administration on health workforce policy.
Keynote Speaker: Changing Minds and Changing Policy to Improve Access to Primary Care in Virginia
March 8, 2019, 9:45 am

Judy B. Jenks, DNP, FNP-BC

Dr. Judy Jenks has been in healthcare for 35 years and an FNP for 20 years, practicing in Internal med in rural Appalachia. She completed her DNP at Radford University in Executive Leadership and Administration. She holds a Post-Graduate certificate in Appalachian Studies. She owns 2 healthcare businesses; The Jenks Initiative, LLC as an NP Independent Contractor, and Clinic420, LLC the first Medical Cannabis clinic in SWVA and the second NP owned Cannabis Clinic in the state.
She is the Interim Program Coordinator of the MSN, FNP program at Radford University Carilion in Roanoke, VA. Judy is a published author and international speaker on healthcare, having spoken in Romania, Ukraine, Malaysia, Brazil, and across the United States. She is the new President of the Blue Ridge Region of VCNP. Judy is a Professional Legal Nurse Consultant, helping attorneys understand the medical profession.
Futuristic Healthcare
March 8, 2019, 1:00 pm

Charlotte Thomas, DNP-DNES, RN, AGACNP-BC

Charlotte spent her first ten years out of high school in the US Army as a flight paramedic on MEDEVAC helicopters before leaving the service and completing her BSN program. She then worked as an ICU nurse for nearly 10 years before returning to school to complete her Doctor of Nursing Practice and Doctor of Nursing Education Science degrees. She now lives in the Northern Virginia area, works as a Critical Care Nurse Practitioner, and serves as the clinical lead for Advance Practice Providers in her department. Her life motto is "I need coffee."
Acute Care/Advanced: Updates on ARDS through Case Presentations
March 8, 2019, 2:15 pm

Carole Everhart, CSOWM, DNP, FNP-BC

Carole has a BS in Biology from UVA, a BSN from Auburn University, MSN from UNC-Chapel Hill and a DNP from ODU. She is a certified Medical Examiner for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and is a Certified Specialist in Obesity and Weight Management. She has 36 years nursing experience in pediatrics, family practice and developmental disabilities. Her areas of health care interest include effects of long term medication use, child health, health education, health promotion, disease prevention and weight management.
Generalist/Novice: Obesity & Weight Management
March 8, 2019, 2:15 pm

Allison Gregory, MS, FNP

I am a full time faculty member at VCU's School of Nursing and serve as the concentration lead for the FNP track in the Master's program. I currently volunteer as a FNP at CrossOver Ministries where I treat Spanish-speaking, immigrant patients with chronic illnesses. I also practice on a PRN basis with Henrico County Health Department. ​My clinical interests and expertise are in primary care and particularly of​ underserved/ uninsured communities with a special interest in the health needs of the Hispanic population.​
Mental Health/Novice: Using Psychotropics in Primary Care
March 8, 2019, 2:15 pm

Shannon Nicholson, DNP, FNP-BC

Shannon Nicholson, DNP, FNP-C joined NSMI as a Nurse Practitioner in June 2012. She is responsible for her outpatient clinic and provides sideline coverage during football games. Prior to joining the practice, she worked as a Nurse Practitioner for Leesburg/Sterling Family Practice for four years.



She received both her master and doctorate degrees in Nursing from George Mason University. She completed an Orthopaedic Nurse Practitioner concentration through Duke University in 2014. She completed several years of concentrated orthopaedic residency training before joining NSMI. Shannon Nicholson has been practicing in the nursing field for over ten years. She has a wide variety of nursing experience from Emergency, Cardiac, ICU, and Primary Care. Her interest is in prevention of secondary injuries to adolescence and prevention of injuries through proper screening. Her doctorate project was the creation of an interactive evidence based physical therapy and nutrition website: www.sportsinjuryandnutrition.org . Shannon Nicholson is currently an affiliate faculty for both George Mason University and Marymount University Nursing students. She is also an adjunct faculty member at The George Washington University. Shannon enjoys martial arts, running and water sports activities. She lives at home with her husband, daughter and her dog.
Pediatrics/Novice: Pediatric Orthopedics
March 8, 2019, 2:15 pm

Rhonda Arthur, DNP, CNM, WHNP-BC, FNP-BC, CNE

Rhonda Arthur DNP, CNM, WHNP-BC, FNP-BC, CNE completed her Doctorate in Nursing Practice at Case Western Reserve University. She completed her certifications in Nurse Midwifery, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner at the Frontier School of Midwifery and Family Nursing.

Rhonda has worked in rural primary care and is currently serving in rural and underserved community members through the New River Health District Health Department. Rhonda is an active volunteer and has worked with Midwives for Haiti, JP HRO in Haiti, Apple Ridge Farm - Helping Children grow program, as well as the Virginia Medical Reserve team. Dr. Arthur has taught at Frontier Nursing University for twelve years.

Dr. Arthur has published in several textbooks. She has presented at professional conferences both on the state and national level about precepting clinical students and problem-solving. Rhonda precepts medical students and residents at the Virginia Department of Health. In addition to teaching at FNU and her clinical job, Rhonda teaches pelvic exams to Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine medical students in Blacksburg Virginia.
Women's Health/Novice: Cervical Cancer: The Goldilocks Guide to Prevention and Screening
March 8, 2019, 2:15 pm

Allison Beasley, MSN, RN, AGACNP-BC, CCRN

Complete by 12/15
Mental Health/Advanced: Role of IR in Pain Management & Palliative Care
March 8, 2019, 3:45 pm

Clareen Wiencek, PhD, RN, ACNP, ACHPN

Over 17 years as a ACNP and over 10 years as a palliative care NP with specialty in the integration of palliative care and critical care.
Over 40 years of experience as a nurse, manager, educator and researcher in the care of acute and critically ill adults. Served as president of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) from July 2016 to June 2017. Currently work as the director of advanced practice programs at the UVA School of Nursing.
Mental Health/Advanced: Role of IR in Pain Management & Palliative Care
March 8, 2019, 3:45 pm

Beth Uzzle, MSN, CNM

Beth Uzzle has a wealth of experience with perinatal topics and well-woman gynecology/ family planning. She has over 30 years of experience as a full-scope CNM. Her sense of humor and down-to-earth style make her a popular instructor, clinical preceptor, and guest speaker on a variety of topics. She enjoys cooking, camping, and spending time with her family. When she is not providing clinical CNM care, she operates Uzzle Consulting which provides expert witness services in a variety of nursing specialties. Highly sought after as a standard of care expert for both defense and plaintiff cases involving CNM care. With three adult children, 4 step-children, and three spoiled dogs she lives in Elizabeth City, NC, but works at multiple locations both there and in Tidewater VA.
Midlife Women's Forecast: Dry with High Heat Advisory
March 8, 2019, 3:45 pm

Vince Mertz, DNP, FNP-C

Graduate of Riverside School of Professional Nursing in 1992 ADN
Christopher Newport University 1996 BSN
Old Dominion University 2002 MSN, FNP
Old Dominion University 2017 DNP
Parkinsons: Not all that Shakes is Parkinsons: PD vs. ET & More than Caffeine for Brain Stimulation
March 8, 2019, 3:45 pm

Debra Dellinger, MS, BSN, RN, ACNP-BC

Debbie Dellinger received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Medical College of Georgia in 1983. She worked for 20 years in Intensive Care and 10 years in Management before going back to graduate school at Virginia Commonwealth University graduating in 2012 with Master of Science Degree with a concentration in Acute Care. Currently she practices as a Nurse Practitioner at the PADRECC.
(Parkinson's Disease Research Education Center) at the Hunter Holmes McGuire VA in Richmond Virginia. The PADRECC population includes Parkinson's Disease Patients as well as Essential Tremor, chorea, dystonia, ataxia's and other movements disorders. Prior to working at the PADRECC center, Debbie was a Nurse practitioner for the Neurology stroke program at VCU Health System. She focused on inpatient acute stroke patients and provided post hospital follow-up care in the outpatient setting.
Parkinsons: Not all that Shakes is Parkinsons: PD vs. ET & More than Caffeine for Brain Stimulation
March 8, 2019, 3:45 pm

Grace Thapa, DNP, FNP-BC, AE-C

Grace Thapa was born and raised in Queens, New York. Grace has over fourteen years of healthcare experience, including serving as a U.S. Army Healthcare Specialist/Medic, Clinical Technician and Registered Nurse.
Grace enjoys teaching clients as well as fellow medical professionals. She has served as an adjunct lab faculty at George Mason University for four years.
While working at the Acute Pulmonary Unit, Inova Heart and Vascular Institute, Grace sought to learn more about how to help prevent her patients from returning to the hospital, which gave her an opportunity to return to George Mason University and earn her Doctor of Nurse Practice (DNP) degree in the Family Nurse Practitioner program. She was awarded the DNP Scholarship and Leadership Award.
Grace currently is practicing as a Family Nurse Practitioner at Burke Family Practice.
Pediatrics/Novice: Diagnosing Asthma in Children Less Than Five Years Old
March 8, 2019, 3:45 pm

Shelly Smith, DNP, APRN-BC

Dr. Shelly Smith is a DNP prepared adult health nurse practitioner who currently serves as the DNP Program Director for Virginia Commonwealth University's School of Nursing. Dr. Smith earned her BSN and DNP degrees from the University of Virginian and her MS from Virginia Commonwealth University. She was recently selected as fellow for the Leadership in Academic Nursing Program by the American Association of the Colleges of Nursing. In 2014, she assumed a full time faculty position with VCU after 13 years of clinical practice. Dr. Smith continues to practice in a clinical capacity with Bon Secours serving as a preceptor to nurse practitioner students and as a member of Bon Secours high risk patient management team. Her most recent publications focus on innovative care delivery models, specifically shared medical appointments while her most recent presentation focused on the transition of a DNP prepared clinician from practice to academia. Her teaching focuses on systems leadership and advanced practice roles. Dr. Smith provided expert testimony on behalf of the VCNP in the 2016 General Assembly Session regarding full practice authority legislation.
The Opioid Epidemic: A Public Policy Approach
March 9, 2019, 8:00 am

WENDY BIDDLE, PhD, MSN, FNP-BC

Dr. Biddle has been an NP for 36 years, graduating from ODU and has focused in GI specialty practice for 35 years. She has managed patients with all types of GI complaints, including liver diseases. She has been involved in research with various GI disorders and has practiced in GI academic and private practice settings. She also has taught in FNP programs and was involved in advising in a DNP program. She currently is the program director of the MSN-FNP program and teaches along with administrative duties at South University.
Fatty Liver Disease
March 9, 2019, 9:30 am

Deborah Murren, FNP-BC

Deborah Murren has been a Family Nurse Practitioner since 1982. She practices at the University of Virginia Student Health and Wellness Center. Deborah has been a clinical preceptor for University of Virginia Nurse Practitioner students for 30 plus years. Deborah has been a certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist since 2016.
Electronic Cigarettes: Trends & Risks
March 9, 2019, 10:45 am