Cassie's background as a Nurse Anesthetist built a love for all things procedural. Her strong clinical experience coupled with her love for aesthetics led her to open Cassie Lane Aesthetics. She is the founder of Injectables EDU, which offers training and resources for aesthetic injectors. She loves to share her story, tips, and info to make aesthetics more understandable to the next clinician.

Rebecca's background as an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner with a focus on oncological surgery & critical care, built a love for all things procedural. She attended St. Vincent's College in Bridgeport, CT for her ASN followed by Chamberlain College of Nursing for her BSN. After honing her clinical skills at the ICU bedside, she enrolled at Georgetown University to obtain her Master's degree. After working as a surgical nurse practitioner for 7 years, she desired coupling her clinical expertise with her love for aesthetics & wellness, which led to her opening Bloom Medical Aesthetics. In addition to running her own practice, Rebecca enjoys mentoring & teaching other healthcare providers in the art of aesthetics & wellness, while fostering collaboration and a network of support.

Dr. Laurie Anne Ferguson, DNP, APRN, has practiced as a Nurse Practitioner since 1984. She is certified as an Adult, Family and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, and has practiced in a variety of clinical settings in the NP role including ER, Occupational Health, and Primary Care in Pennsylvania, North Dakota, Florida, Louisiana and in Manitoba Canada. She received her BSN from the University of San Francisco, MSN from the University of Pennsylvania, and DNP from the University of Texas, Houston Health Sciences Center. A nursing educator since 1993, she has served on faculty at the University of Manitoba, University of South Florida, Louisiana State University and Loyola University New Orleans, where she served as Dean of the College of Nursing and Health. She was named Founding Dean of the School of Nursing at Emory & Henry College in 2021. Dr. Ferguson is a Fellow in the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and maintains an active clinical practice.

Dr. Cassie Sheffey, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, is a seasoned nursing professional with a 15-years of experience in healthcare as a nursing assistant, LPN, RN, and FNP. With experience spanning intensive care, cardiac step-down, surgical care, obstetrics, and a focus on trauma and emergency medicine, Dr. Sheffey currently serves as a nurse practitioner in a local rural health clinic. As the MSN Program Director and Assistant Professor, she leverages her diverse background to inspire the next generation of nursing professionals. Beyond her professional roles, Dr. Sheffey embraces the titles of wife and mother, balancing the demands of family life with a passion for the outdoors. A camping enthusiast, she finds solace and joy in nature, embodying a holistic approach to life that seamlessly blends her roles as a healthcare professional, educator, and nature lover.

Dr. Reid is an Associate Professor at the UVA School of Nursing. She earned her BSN, MSN in Critical Care, and second MSN in the FNP track from UVA, and earned her PhD VCU. As an FNP since 1996 (over 25 years), most of her experience is in urgent care. Dr. Reid's current practice is in a rural primary primary care clinic and in a niche travel health consult clinic. Over her career, Dr. Reid has held numerous academic and clinical administrative positions and numerous statewide and national committee appointments. She's received number awards for her teaching and leadership, and is a past leadership fellow with the American Association of College of Nursing. In addition to her faculty responsibilities, Dr. Reid directs continuing education for the UVA SON, and she directs nursing research and EBP at Sentara MJH. Dr. Reid is a travel health expert, practicing with Passport Health, and volunteers in a rural free clinic, where she also serves as the medical director. Dr. Reid is the current president of the American Travel Health Nurses Association (ATHNA).

Alysia E. Pack, DNP, APRN, FNP-C is a doctor or nursing practice and autonomous licensed family nurse practitioner with over 20 years of work in patient care and health advocacy. Through experiences as novice to expert practitioner, grew an intense interest and passion to make changes to the existing healthcare landscape whereby the autonomy, voice, and respect of the nurse practitioner was the rule and not the exception.
Dr. Pack is the Virginia Council of Nurse Practitioner's state president-elect and immediate past president of the Tidewater region. Dr. Pack serves as graduate faculty at Old Dominion University and on the Board of Directors for the Western Tidewater Free Clinic. Her work and research have helped to establish rural satellite micro-clinics, create academic-community partnerships, and implement nurse practitioner-led, primary care-behavioral health integrated clinics to promote health equity, equality, and healthcare access to underserved populations throughout southeast Virginia.

n/a

MSN from University of Pennsylvania, 1980, Family Nurse Practitioner. Worked in public health, in a school of nursing, and in primary care over the years. Retired from Carilion Family and Community Medicine, March of 2022, but continue working in a flex position 2 days a week. In 2018 completed MS in yoga therapy from Maryland University of Integrative Health; certified yoga therapist with the International Associate of Yoga Therapists. Became an entrepreneur and business owner of Guiding Star Yoga Therapy. Working to navigate a shift to a business model that includes yoga and my skill set as a Family Nurse Practitioner in independent practice. Cat lover, hiker, meditator, and happy yogi.

My passion for community has shaped my leadership journey and attracted me to advocacy roles. I have had unique opportunities to see the power of a nurse's voice when strategically used to shape policy. I have engaged in political advocacy for candidates at the local, state, and national level who support sound nursing policy. This includes being committed to raising funds for candidates regardless of political affiliation if they are committed to action that benefits the health outcomes of the citizens they seek to serve.

Ms. Bruflat received her BSN from University of MD; her MSN from Catholic University of America; her Washington Representative Certificate from George Washington University; her Post Masters WHNP at VCU; and her FNP at George Mason University. She is currently licensed in Virginia as a WHNP with an Autonomous Practice License.
After five years active duty in the US Navy Nurse Corps, Ms. Bruflat worked in Women's Health throughout her career (GYN, L&D Manager at DePaul Hospital, Norfolk, VA (1981-84), High-risk Antepartum/Mother-Baby at Georgetown University Hospital (1986-2000). She has extensive experience in Health Policy and Advocacy since 1985. She practiced as WHNP since 1998 until retirement in 2016. During Covid (2020-2023) reviewed cases for the BON.
She joined VCNP in1998 and has been an active member of the regional GR Committee and the VCNP Conference Committee. Her past VCNP roles include NoVA Regional President (2003-04),
VCNP President (2006-08), State Membership Chair (2010—2014) and State PAC Chair (2014-19). Additionally, she has served on VA PMP Advisory Committee (2009—16), the Joint Boards of Medicine and Nursing Advisory Committee (2008-16), and the VA Breastfeeding Advisory Committee as VCNP Rep (2018-present). She was also on the National Board of Directors, Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health (2012-15).
Her honors include AWHONN Award of Excellence in Advocacy (2000), the AANP State Award of Excellence in Practice (2010), the VCU Outstanding Nursing Service Award (2011) and the VCU School of Nursing 120 Visionary Leaders (2013)
She has published in Nursing for Women's Health; Policy, Politics and Nursing Practice; and Women's Healthcare: Clinical Journal for NPs. She is a current member of VCNP, NPWH, AANP, VNA/ANA, AWHONN, Sigma Theta Tau.

VCNP Government Relations, Chair

I am a Family Nurse Practitioner working in the UVA Family Medicine Clinic. I am the Director of Ambulatory Quality Improvement for the Department of Family Medicine and hold the role of Co-Medical Director. I also sit on the board for our provider group and And am a member of several clinical committees.

Dr. Selig has clinical experience in both adult and pediatric care as a nurse and as a Family Nurse Practitioner for more than 40 years. She retired from her position as Director for Advanced Practice at Virginia Commonwealth University in 2022 but continues employment with the Board of Health Professions as an agency subordinate providing probable cause review. Dr. Selig was appointed to the State Board of Nursing in 2005 and served as President during her 8 year tenure. Dr. Selig received her baccalaureate degree from the University of Massachusetts and her master's degree from Virginia Commonwealth University. She completed her doctoral degree in Health Science through the Department of Health Administration at Virginia Commonwealth University in May of 2003. She is originally from Massachusetts but has called Virginia home for 37 years.

Judith B. Collins, RN, MS, WHNP-BC, FAAN. Founding Director of the comprehensive VCU Women's Health Center at Stony Point Park and Associate Professor Emerita, Schools of Nursing and Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Medical College of Virginia Campus (VCU/MCV), Richmond, Virginia. Ms. Collins retired after more than 30 years of service at the University. Ms. Collins earned her B.S.N. from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, M.S. in Maternal-Child Health from Boston University, and Women's Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate from VCU/MCV, , a program she co-initiated and directed . Throughout her nursing career, she has held positions in nursing services, administration, and education. She served on the Hospital Ship HOPE in Nicaragua, Central America in 1966-67. She was a Robert Wood Johnson Health Policy Fellow in Washington, D.C. in 1982-83 serving in the Congressional Office of Congressman Richard A. Gephardt. Following the Fellowship, Ms. Collins initiated the VCU/MCV Health Policy Office in the Office of the Vice President for Health Sciences to focus on governmental relations and health policy issues and education. She was the Director of the Health Policy Office from 1983-1993 and worked with members of the Virginia General Assembly on a wide range of health issues.

Throughout her over 40+ year career as a Nurse Practitioner, Ms. Collins as has been engaged in practice, education, certification, regulation and professional organizations. In addition, she has served on multiple state and national task forces addressing advancement of Nurse Practitioner practice to the full extent of their education and training, including prescriptive authority, to meet the access to care needs for patients and their families. Ms. Collins is a nationally known speaker, consultant and writer in the areas of women's health care, health policy, and nurse practitioner issues. She has held leadership positions in many community and professional organizations on the local, state, and national levels throughout her career.

Ms. Collins is currently Trustee,Virginia Health Care Foundation; Past Chair and involved in the CrossOver Health Ministry Board, including volunteering as a WHNP with uninsured maternity patients. She has led Medical Mission trips to Brazil, Standing Rock Sioux Indian Reservation in the Dakotas, and Panama.

Ms. Collins' has received numerous honors and awards throught her career including recognition from many nursing and community organizations and the Virginia Commonwealth University including the VCU Presidential Medallion Award.
In honor of her retirement, The Collins Endowed Distinguished Professorship in Women's Health was established at the VCU School of Nursing, now renamed the Collins-Teefey Endowed In retirement, Ms. Collins has remained very active as a volunteer on many university, community, state and national boards and foundations.

Diane Hanna spent most of her 42 year nursing career working in Adult Cardiology as a nurse practitioner with the VCU Health System. During those years, she was active in the Virginia Council of Nurse Practitioners as well as state and federal governmental relations. She served as Chair of VCNP from 1984-1985. She was a member of the Advisory Committee to the Virginia Joint Boards of Nursing and Medicine from 1984-1996. In 1988-89 Diane served as Chair of the National Alliance of Nurse Practitioners, a precursor organization to today's American College of Nurse Practitioners. She served a two term gubernatorial appointment to the Virginia State Board of Health from 1989-1997 and became the first nurse to serve as Chair of the Board from 1993-95. This appointment afforded critical links to legislators and policy makers for the promotion of nurse practitioners as key providers in protecting and promoting the health of all Virginians.

Mark Coles' nursing career spans three continents and over 40 years. He is an NP Hospitalist with Sentara. For VCNP, Mr Coles served for many years initially as Tidewater GR Chair and ultimately VCNP State Government Relations Chair. Mark was the initial VCNP representative to the Virginia Center for Health Innovation and remains currently appointed to the Advisory Committee of the Joint Boards of Medicine and Nursing. Mark has been a front-line advocate for NP autonomous practice for more than twenty years.

I have worked in outpatient cardiology since 2013, with a focus on heart failure, cardiomyopathy, and cardio-oncology. I have been working as Program Director of Infiltrative Cardiomyopathy at MedStar Washington Hospital Center since April, 2023, treating patients with conditions such as cardiac amyloidosis and sarcoidosis.

Elizabeth Copes has the honor and privilege of serving as the Nurse Practitioner with the Ryan White Clinic at Community Access Network. She has been with the Ryan White Program for almost 5 years, and during this time, she was awarded a grant from the state to provide HIV prevention care, started a program for babies born to mother's with HIV so these infants can be seen locally instead of having to see Pediatric ID in Charlottesville or Richmond, and brought it to the attention of HRSA that STI treatment was not covered for all HIV patients, resulting in a policy change that mandates that all ADAP formularies contain STI treatments.
She received her BSN from UVA in 2002, worked for 17 years in the Lynchburg area as a nurse in behavioral health, hospice, HIV care, intensive care, and emergency care. She graduated from Old Dominion University in 2019 with her MSN-FNP. She has been working in HIV care ever since, and obtained certification as an Advanced HIV/AIDS Certified RN in 2023. She is passionate about reducing HIV stigma and preventing new HIV infections.

Cynthia Thurlow is a nurse practitioner, author of the best selling book Intermittent Fasting Transformation, a 2x TEDx speaker, with her second talk having more than 15 million views, and the Itunes podcast Everyday Wellness .

With over 20 years experience in health and wellness, Cynthia is a globally recognized expert in intermittent fasting and women's health, and has been featured on ABC, FOX5, KTLA, CW, Medium, Entrepreneur, and The Megyn Kelly Show. Her mission is to educate women on the benefits of intermittent fasting and overall holistic health and wellness, so they feel empowered to live their most optimal lives.

Kathryn Johnston has been a Nurse Practitioner for over 10 years. Her experience is in Cardiac Surgery and most recently Interventional Cardiology for Bon Secours health system at St. Mary's Hospital in Richmond, Virginia. She started her career at VCU Health system as a ICU nurse in the Medical Respiratory ICU. She enjoys being able to spend time with patients and families to educate and assist them in understanding the complexities of the heart.

Graduated Masters in Trauma/ Critical Care University of Maryland, 1998
CV Surgery Nurse Practitioner Virginia Hospital Center since 1999
Adjunct Faculty AG-ACNP Masters program Georgetown University School of Nursing and Health Studies since 2011.
Currently Pursuing DNP at Duke University

Dr. Lisa Onega attended a diploma nursing program at Roanoke Memorial Hospital School of Professional Nursing and subsequently completed her BSN from Radford University. Lisa then obtained her MSN, PhD, and FNP post-master's certificate from the University of Virginia and completed a one-year post-doctorate in gerontological nursing at the University of Iowa. In 2002, she began taking undergraduate business courses and completed an MBA from Radford University in 2010. Lisa is certified as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing, a Family Nurse Practitioner, and a Gerontological Nurse Practitioner. She recently completed a Post-Master's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program and plans to take her national certification examination this summer. After living in West Virginia for 5 ½ years she recently returned to her home state of Virginia and assumed the role of Associate Dean of Graduate Nursing Programs and Professor of Nursing at Averett University.

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.

Ona brings 12+ years expertise as a Registered Nurse and Family Nurse Practitioner. Her broad experience spans ER, ICU, telehealth, infusion therapy, home health, education, primary care, and mental health. Proficient in leadership, she excels in roles like speaker, preceptor, charge nurse, and educator. Ona was most recently selected as Old Dominion University's 2023 40 under 40 Alumni class. Locally she works as a Program Coordinator, Assistant Professor, and Nurse Practitioner in primary & mental health. Ona also empowers her fellow women colleagues as the inaugural chair for the Sentara Women in the Workplace employee resource group. She has been an AHA BLS instructor for 8+ years and runs a healthcare training company offering Basic Life Support- CPR, first aid, and wellness training. As a Sigma Theta Tau Nursing Honor Society member and part of the Virginia Council of Nurse Practitioners, Ona actively contributes, serving on the PR committee. Her dedication to nursing's advancement and patient care enhancement underscores her significant impact on healthcare.

Dr. Katie Katz was born and raised in North Carolina. She attended Lenoir-Rhyne University and completed a nursing major and music minor. She spent her summers in college working as a camp counselor and later as a camp nurse. Katie worked full-time as a Registered Nurse in several Medical-Surgical Intensive Care Units before pursuing graduate studies in nursing. She finished Radford University's MSN, FNP program in 2009, and simultaneously completed a Gerontology Certificate. She worked full-time as a Family Nurse Practitioner in family practice while doing some adjunct work at Radford University and continuing to work as an ICU nurse prn. In 2010, she assumed a full-time faculty position at Radford University and continued part-time work as an FNP. She completed a DNP from Radford University in 2013. In 2020, Dr. Katz passed the board certification exam for Advanced Practice Holistic Nursing. In 2022, she achieved the credential of Certified Nurse Educator. In 2023, she completed the Advanced Education Certificate in Obesity Medicine from the Obesity Medicine Association. Dr. Katz continues to practice one day per week in a wellness health center. She and her husband have two children. With her family, Katie enjoys spending traveling (especially to National Parks and Disney).

Dr. Long is a board-certified family nurse practitioner and nursing professor living on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. She earned a bachelor's degree in environmental health from Rutgers University, a Master of Science from Virginia Commonwealth University, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice from the University of Virginia. Dr. Long holds academic positions at Regent University and Tidewater Community College and enjoys precepting students in her practice on the Eastern Shore. Married, she and her husband have raised 8 children and are enjoying their 9 grandchildren.

Ellen Wermter is a family nurse practitioner and diplomate in behavioral sleep medicine (DBSM). She is a dedicated sleep professional who actively treats patients full time at Charlottesville Neurology and Sleep Medicine in Virginia. In addition to her clinical work, she is a regular contributor with the Better Sleep Council as well as other media outlets about the science of sleep and healthy rest. Nationally regarded for her expertise in narcolepsy, Ellen enjoys sharing her expertise in the sleep field through guest lecturing at universities and other speaking engagements. She is a member of the medical advisory board for Narcolepsy Network.

I have been a nurse for 29 years and a NP for 12 years. I completed my MSN and DNP at Radford University and have been practicing in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation since becoming an NP. I have a passion for treating Traumatic Brain Injuries and became a Certified Brain Injury Specialist in 2017. I also teach as adjunct faculty at Radford University School of Nursing.

Kimberly Gordon is a reformed accountant having earned a Bachelor of Science in business administration from John Carroll University in Ohio. After working seven years in various cost accounting and managerial positions, she chose to pursue a career in nursing and then nurse anesthesia. Kimberly graduated with a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in nursing from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She completed her Doctor of Nursing practice at Yale University where she and a colleague developed the first-of-its-kind Campaign School for Nurses and Midwives. Kimberly is the co-founder of Healing Politics, a non-profit organization on a mission to inspire, motivate, recruit, and train nurses and midwives to run for elected office while building a culture of civic engagement within the professions. She practices anesthesia per diem at Novant Health in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Kimberly has always been involved in the nursing profession. First, in the NC Nurses Association, then the NC Association of Nurse Anesthetists, and most recently as a board member of Healthcare Providers for Greater Access and the Government Relations Chair for the NC Organization of Nurse Leaders. She loves talking about nursing leadership, professionalism, and political involvement with anyone who will listen. Kimberly wishes that every nurse understood the powerful impact that they have on their communities, colleagues, and the healthcare system. She believes that nurses working together could, quite literally, change the world.

Wendy L. Wright,
DNP,ANP-BC,FNP-BC,FAANP,FAAN,FNAP

Wendy received her Doctor of Nursing Practice in 2019 from the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa. She is a 1992 graduate of the Adult Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program at Simmons College in Boston, Massachusetts and completed a family nurse practitioner post-master's program in 1995. She is an adult and family nurse practitioner and the owner of two, nurse practitioner owned and operated clinics within New Hampshire named: Wright & Associates Family Healthcare. Her family practices have won numerous awards, including Top Providers in New Hampshire 2018, Top 20 Fastest Growing Family Business, and Top 20 Women-Owned Business in New Hampshire. In addition, she is the Owner of Partners in Healthcare Education, a medical education company. She is the Past President of NPACE and the Senior lecturer for Fitzgerald Health Education Associates.

She is the recipient of numerous awards and was chosen by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners as the 1999 recipient of the New Hampshire State Excellence Award. In addition, she received the 2009 NH Nurse Practitioner of the Year and the 2014 Top 5 Women in New Hampshire Business Award. In 2005, she was inducted as a Fellow into the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners; in October 2014, a Fellow in the American Academy of Nursing, and in March 2017, a Fellow into the National Academies of Practice.

She is the founder of the NH Chamber of Entrepreneurial Nurse Practitioners, an organization designed to assist nurse practitioners with independent practice issues. In addition to full-time clinical practice, she presents nationally to different audiences and has been a speaker at over 1000 conferences in 47 states. She is the nurse practitioner representative to the State of NH Immunization Advisory Board. She has been a medical media spokesperson for numerous companies and has appeared on radio, television, and in print magazines. Wendy is frequently consulted by malpractice attorneys around the area of clinical practice and has worked on more than 100 malpractice cases involving nurses and nurse practitioners.

CAPT (retired) James LaVelle Dickens, DNP, FNP-BC, FAANP, FAAN Dr. James Dickens is a seasoned Registered Nurse and Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner with a distinguished career spanning both clinical settings and public health leadership. Currently, he serves as the Long-Term Care Manager for five states within the Survey & Operations Group at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in Dallas, Texas. Prior to this role, he held the position of Senior Program Manager for the Office of Minority Health in HHS Region VI, Office of the U.S. Secretary for Health. Dr. Dickens' extensive clinical experience encompasses a wide range of settings, including orthopedics, emergency departments, surgical services, long-term care, emergency response, global health, and primary care. He has demonstrated exceptional expertise in these domains, earning him the recognition of American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) Region 6 past Director for Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas. His dedication to public health initiatives is exemplified by his leadership as the Officer-in-Charge of the Commissioned Corps' Ebola Response, Team 2, which deployed to the Monrovia Medical Unit (MMU) Ebola Treatment Unit in Monrovia, Liberia. In this role, he spearheaded all local clinical response efforts within the 76-member inter-professional team. He also served as the Officer in Charge of the USPHS COVID-19 response, Operation Artemis response for unaccompanied children and USPHS Operation Condor (Afghanistan refugee resettlement). Throughout his career, Dr. Dickens has garnered numerous awards for his outstanding leadership and contributions to nursing and uniformed service. Notably, he is recognized as a Fellow-American Academy of Nursing (FAAN), received the American Association of Nurse Practitioners' National Towers Pinnacle Award, and been honored with the Excellence in Clinical Care Award from the Texas Tech Health Sciences Center School of Nursing. His commitment to public service is further reflected in his extensive participation in medical deployments. He served as a clinical team member for the Afghanistan Health Initiative (AHI) in Kabul, Afghanistan, and provided technical advisor support to a Commissioned Corps Hospital Assistance Team in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and St Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. Dr. Dickens' professional achievements and unwavering commitment to improving healthcare access and outcomes make him a role model for nurses and healthcare professionals worldwide. His dedication to public health and clinical excellence serves as an inspiration to those striving to make a positive impact on the lives of others.

Dr. Hoffert's passion is improving the health outcomes and quality of life for adult and geriatric patients in primary care. Over the past 20 years, she served as a nurse in acute care, home care, and case management roles focused in the areas of general medical, cardiology, mental health, and traumatic injury. As an assistant professor, she has served in undergraduate and graduate programs since 2016. Over the past six years she has taught mental health, clinical application, interprofessional education, pharmacology, geriatric nursing, and advanced assessment. She is a licensed adult/geriatric nurse practitioner in Virginia where she manages the care of patients with complex medical and mental health issues in her current role as a nurse practitioner at the Free Clinic of Pulaski County in Pulaski, Virginia.

Ms. Samantha Sweitzer, MSN, FNP-C is a Family Nurse Practitioner specializing in the treatment of substance use disorders. She has been practicing since 2018 at Central Virginia Health Services (CVHS), an FQHC with over 20 clinic locations throughout the region. In 2019, Ms. Sweitzer spearheaded the development of the first opioid use disorder treatment program at CVHS. Under her guidance as Clinical Lead, the program has expanded to an Office-Based Addiction Treatment (OBAT) program that addresses a variety of substance use disorders, and increased demand has led to the opening of a freestanding clinic in Petersburg accompanied by telehealth services. She is an active member of the American Society of Addiction Medicine and its state chapter, and was the 2021 recipient of the Richmond Region VCNP's Donna Campanella Distinguished Nurse Practitioner award. In addition to clinical practice and program leadership, Ms. Sweitzer acts as the primary consulting provider for SUD treatment at CVHS, serves as a preceptor for fellow providers and students, and is a grateful student of her patients and colleagues.

Tiffany is a pediatric nurse practitioner with over 30 years of extensive pediatric experience in caring for well, sick and injured infants and children. She graduated with her diploma RN through Lynchburg General Hospital School of Nursing, Obtained her BSN & MSN from Liberty University, her Pediatric Np certificate through West VA University in Morgantown WVA, and finally her DNP- which she was a part of the first graduating DNP class @ James Madison University in 2016. Her background consists mostly of acute hospital care with nursing certifications in general pediatrics, pediatric critical care, and pediatric emergency care. However, she just left 15 years of primary care practice to take on her new role. Currently she works at Centra in Lynchburg, Va where she is a member of the pediatric hospitalist team. She has presented nationally to a variety of healthcare audiences such as prehospital, nursing, and physicians. Some of the venues have been the Society of Pediatric Nursing, VA EMS state Symposium, ENA state conference, and DNP National Conference. Her research interests include pediatric asthma, family presence at the bedside, and pediatric hospital discharge throughput. In her spare time now that all her babies are growing into adult children, she enjoys gardening and trying out her new hobby pickleball.

Graduated from ODU with MSN, FNP in 1999, and DNP in 2016. Strong clinical background in chronic pulmonary disease, since 2000. Worked in a variety of settings, which has led to the interest in transition of care.

David D. Clarke, MD is President of the Psychophysiologic Disorders Association. He is also Clinical Assistant Professor of Gastroenterology Emeritus at OHSU in Portland, Oregon. He is board-certified in Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine and practiced Gastroenterology in Portland from 1984 to 2009. During that time, he diagnosed and treated over 7000 patients whose symptoms were not explained by organ disease or injury. Dr. Clarke has lectured extensively on Psychophysiologic Disorders to health care professionals, graduate students, and the public across North America and in Europe. His book for patients, They Can't Find Anything Wrong!, was praised by a president of the American Psychosomatic Society as "truly remarkable.” He was also the lead editor for two professional textbooks. He has appeared on over 100 television and radio broadcasts and was an Executive Producer of three documentary films. Websites are EndChronicPain.org and Stressillness.com.

Dana Burns is a clinical associate professor with Virginia Commonwealth University and a practicing Family Nurse Practitioner with VCU Health Internal Medicine Department Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism. She obtained nurse practitioner training at Columbia University and doctoral degree from Florida Atlantic University. Dr. Burns expertise is in resilience and mindfulness in the clinical and academic environments. She a member of the VCU Health /VCU School of Nursing Strength in Caring HRSA Wellness Grant team investigating strength based leadership and organizational dynamics impact on clinician wellness, resilience and intent to stay. Her current projects include improving nurse practitioner education through the implementation of innovative clinical education models with a focus on interprofessional team pedagogy. Dana is the clinician lead of an interprofessional team with the NP/PharmD Diabetes Management Clinic with VCU Health in Richmond and satellite program with VCU Community Memorial Hospital in South Hill, Virginia.

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).

Maria Circosta is a family nurse practitioner practicing primary care for Carilion Clinic at their ambulatory clinic in Bridgewater, Virginia. She began pursuing her education as an NP at the urging of her physician, who first diagnosed Maria with several tick borne infections. She has served on the Virginia Department of Health tick borne illness work group this past Spring and summer, which was tasked with creating recommendations to reduce the burden of tick borne illness in the state. She hopes to continue educating patients and providers about tick borne illness, while helping her patients find greater wellness.

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

Dana Stallings is a Doctor of Nursing Practice and certified Family Nurse Practitioner. She is a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist and is board certified in Advanced Diabetes Management. Dr. Stallings is the owner and provider at Southside Diabetes, one of the first Nurse Practitioner-owned clinics in the Western Tidewater region of Virginia.

Dr. Stallings is completing post-graduate psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner certification with scheduled completion in May 2024. She was awarded a scholarship from the Virginia Health Care Foundation to address the unmet need for mental health services in and around Western Tidewater. Dr. Stallings was honored to be named one of Old Dominion University's 40 Under 40 Alumni Class of 2023.

Dr. Stallings is a national speaker for Medtronic Diabetes, Novo Nordisk, and Eli Lilly. She has published and presented her work on insulin pump therapy for persons with type 2 diabetes. She is a passionate advocate for insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors for type 1 and type 2 diabetics. Dr. Stallings serves on several national, state, and regional boards and committees for diabetes and nurse practitioner advocacy. She is an inductee of the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing and was awarded the 2022 Tidewater Virginia Council of Nurse Practitioners Impact & Innovation award for her work at Southside Diabetes.

Outside of work, Dr. Stallings enjoys fitness, cooking, wine, riding her Harley-Davidson, and spending time with her husband, 2 daughters, and 4 rescue dogs.

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.

Angela Duff Hogan is Professor of Pediatrics at Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk, VA in the Allergy & Immunology Division at the Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters and is a senior partner of Children's Specialty Group. She graduated from the University of Louisville Medical School and completed her pediatric residency there at Kosair Children's Hospital. She completed a fellowship in A/I at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, a fellowship in Clinical and Laboratory Immunology at Virginia Commonwealth University/Medical College of Virginia, and a 4-year post doctorate study in immunology. Dr. Hogan is a fellow of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, and the American Academy of Pediatrics. She is chair for the ACAAI asthma committee, and AAP NCE planning group member representing Allergy and Pulmonology for the National Meeting. Dr. Hogan is passionate about community education in asthma and food allergies. Nationally, she has been faculty for several Practical Pediatrics CME Courses, AAP NCE meetings, ACAAI National meetings and visiting professor for the AAP SOAI nationally. Regionally, she has worked extensively to advocate for the health and safety of children including forming a regional food allergy support group at cofasva.org. Dr. Hogan has developed, promoted, and participated in multiple outreach programs for schools, EMTs and community physicians. Her most treasured time is with her 3 amazing children and dog, Oliver.