Your Chapter Board

President: Frankie Gilliland, DNP, APRN, CPNP-AC/PC, CCRN

picture of education cochair

I have been a pediatric nurse practitioner longer than I worked as a bedside nurse. From early on, I set two-year goals because a career in health care requires lifelong learning. Becoming a pediatric nurse practitioner was a natural next step. NAPNAP has supported me throughout my career, including helping me prepare for my primary pediatric care certification board review after I earned my master’s degree in 2005. I am now dual-boarded and have earned my doctoral degree. I have served as education chair for two chapters—Kentucky and Florida—and presented at the national conference in 2008 for the acute care special interest group. Through NAPNAP, I have built relationships and networks that I cherish. Being part of NAPNAP has encouraged my growth as an advanced practice nurse. I am currently a fellowship director and the APP education specialist for critical care and surgical services.

President-elect: Rebecca Archer, DNP, ARPN, CPNP-PC, CNE

Dr. Rebecca Archer is a pediatric nurse practitioner at Advent Health Medical Group in central Florida. She also serves as an adjunct clinical professor for the University of Central Florida. She is a certified primary care pediatric nurse practitioner and certified nursing educator and is dedicated to pediatric health care and educating the next generation of pediatric providers. She is particularly passionate about student mentorship and the professional development of new graduates. Her clinical interests encompass adolescent health and mental wellness, as well as pediatric allergy and chronic ears, nose, and throat conditions. She resides in Maitland, Fla., with her husband Dustin, their two sons and their chocolate lab.

Immediate Past President: Valerie Martinez, DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC, PMHS

Dr. Valerie Martinez is a clinical assistant professor and program director of the advanced practice track of the Doctor of Nursing Practice Program at the University of Central Florida College of Nursing. As a certified primary care pediatric nurse practitioner and pediatric mental health specialist, she is passionate about pediatric health care. She leverages her extensive nursing experience working with children in her research which aims to address mental health disparities among children and families and improve health outcomes for children with autism and their families. She has a strong background in service to the nursing profession and is active in several state and national nursing organizations. She resides in central Florida with her husband and their two sons.

Secretary: Hillary Simpson, DNP, APRN, CPNP-AC

Dr. Hillary Simpson is a certified pediatric nurse practitioner who has a passion for health promotion and education. She currently works in the primary care setting performing acute care visits and has years of experience as a pediatric bone marrow transplant provider where her passion for healthcare grew. Her motivations include improving childhood development and promoting parental education surrounding common childhood ailments. She obtained both her undergraduate and graduate degrees at the University of Florida and continues to spearhead clinical placement opportunities within her current institution. She enjoys spending time with her family outdoors.

 

Treasurer: Samantha M. Stephenson, CPNP-AC

Dr. Samantha Stephenson is a certified acute care pediatric nurse practitioner and nurse educator with more than two decades of experience in pediatric health care. She is a faculty member at the University of Central Florida’s College of Nursing and continues her clinical practice as a provider in the pediatric emergency department at Nemours Children’s Hospital in Orlando. She is committed to child and family health, with a strong focus on pediatric health promotion, safety education and advocacy for underserved and marginalized communities. Her passion for both patient care and education fuels her work as a nurse educator, where she strives to inspire and prepare the next generation of nursing professionals. Outside of work, Stephenson enjoys spending time with her family and catching up with her “friend tribe.

Legislative Chair: Claudia Dupervil, DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC

Dr. Claudia Dupervil is a dedicated pediatric nurse practitioner. She earned her Masters and Doctorate in Nursing from Florida International University (FIU) in Miami, FL. With a strong background as a foreign-educated physician, Claudia brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role as a primary care provider at a Community Health Center in Tallahassee, FL where she lives with her family. She is committed to delivering comprehensive and compassionate healthcare to her patients. Outside of her professional life, Claudia enjoys reading and cherishes quality time with her husband and their 8-year-old son.

Education Co-Chair: Veronica Cordoba, DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC, CCRN

Veronica Cordoba is a pediatric nurse practitioner with the Neurosurgery team at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. Previous to her role now, she worked bedside in a pediatric cardiovascular/general pediatric intensive care unit for six years. She recently graduated with her DNP from Florida International University. She is passionate about pediatric healthcare and hopes to improve the arena of postoperative pain management in the pediatric population through her doctoral work. As co-chair of education, she hopes to use this position to not only provide accessible options for continuing education, but also to improve preceptor-preceptee relationships. She resides in South Florida with her husband, Anthony, their beautiful baby girl, and their fur babies.

Education Co-Chair: Beth Albert, DNP, APRN, PPCNP-BC

Beth Albert is a dedicated Pediatric Nurse Practitioner specializing in pediatric pulmonary and sleep medicine since 2014. With a strong commitment to family-centered care, Beth provides comprehensive management for children and families facing chronic pulmonary and sleep concerns that impact daily living. She collaborates closely with families to develop individualized care plans that prioritize the unique needs of each child, ensuring optimal outcomes. Beth is recognized for her leadership and mentorship, serving as a preceptor and mentor to colleagues and students advancing their clinical knowledge and professional growth. She earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from Frontier Nursing University in 2022 and is currently pursuing certification in Behavioral Sleep Medicine to further enhance her expertise. Beth is passionate about supporting families and advancing the nursing profession, striving to provide guidance, leadership, and compassionate care to both her patients and fellow nursing colleagues.

Social Media/Communications Chair: Keanna Barocas, MSN, APRN, CPNP-PC, CCRN

Keanna recently began her role as a pediatric nurse practitioner in the anesthesia department at Nemours Children’s Hospital in Orlando, Fla. Before this position, she spent six years in the PICU and two years in the post-anesthesia care unit. Keanna's passions include preventative medicine, professional development, process improvement and continuous learning. She resides in central Florida with her husband Mike, their 2-year-old twins and their fur baby.

Membership Chair: Taryn Hamer, DNP, APRN, CPNP-AC/PC

Dr. Taryn Hamer is a dual certified pediatric nurse practitioner who currently practices in the pediatric neurology division with Nemours Children’s Health. She is passionate about providing life-changing, individualized care to children and families in her community. Her special interests include addressing social determinants of health and improving population health by advocating for children. She graduated from Creighton University with both her Doctorate of Nursing Practice (2022) and Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (2017). She is also a former division I athlete for the University of Nebraska Omaha, where she was a member of the women’s track and field team and obtained her Bachelor’s of Science in Neuroscience (2016). She currently resides in South Florida with her husband, daughter, son, and two German wirehaired pointers. She enjoys going to the beach, interior design, and attending sporting events.