I am honored to have been able to serve NAPNAP president-elect/president/past-president from July 2007through June 2010. The picture here is of a happy occasion at the NAPNAP 2008 annual conference's inaugural Student Reception where PNP founder Dr. Loretta Ford was the honored guest. I continue to practice as a PNP each week with children and families fwho have beendischarged from the neonatal intensive care unit. These special babies and parents are my heroes as they overcome the odds and challenges of neonatal illnesses. After many years in this field the outcomes are indeed vastly improved.
I have taught nursing for most of my career and am presently Director of Graduate Studies at the School of Nursing, University of Minnesota. I am a core faculty member of several child health centers where research, education and outreach are the focus. I have no regrets for choosing nursing, pediatrics, and PNP as my career.
I am passionate about instilling an appreciation for belonging and contributing to professional nursing organizations. NAPNAP is a strong and effective organization with a very respected history. Our memorable "moniker", "NAPNAP" no longer quite spells out the name of the organization but that is not a detriment. People associate NAPNAP with action, advocacy and excellence on behalf of children and their families.