Your Chapter Board

President
Alyssa Kesselman, CPNP, PMHS

President-Elect
Meghan Engler, MSN, RN, CPNP-PC/AC

Meghan is Director of Advanced Practice at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and spends her clinical time working in the Heart Center, Cardiac Intensive Care Unit. She is a dually certified pediatric nurse practitioner with 11 years as a nurse practitioner and 20 years of nursing experience. Meghan earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Northeastern University and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Virginia. She began her nurse practitioner career as a cardiac surgery NP in the Boston Children’s Hospital Cardiac Acute Care Unit, where she cared for both pediatric and adult patients. Meghan is passionate about growing the next generation of Advanced Practice Providers, creating opportunities for professional development and lifelong learning. She has been an active NAPNAP member since 2014 and has attended many NAPNAP conferences. Outside of work, Meghan enjoys spending time with her family and participating in Atlanta Track Club events.

Immediate Past President
Patricia R. Lawrence, PhD, RN, CPNP-AC/PC, FAAN

Dr. Patricia Lawrence is Director of Project Healthy Grandparents, a research-based community program at Georgia State University where she teaches in the School of Nursing and in the School of Public Health. She is a dually certified pediatric nurse practitioner with more than 33 years of experience in both the primary care and acute care settings. Her research populations of interest include children with medical complexity, caregivers (such as grandparents raising grandchildren), and how to improve the health and well-being of children and adults with disabilities. She continues to practice in the Heart Center at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, where she developed and managed the Pulmonary Hypertension Program from 2011 to 2018, and now cares for cardiology and cardiac post-surgical patients. She enjoys teaching and mentoring, and values multidisciplinary collaboration. She received her BSN from the University of Rochester, her MSN from Boston College, and her PhD from Georgia State University. In her free time, she loves being with her family and riding her horse "Dragon."

Secretary
Margaret Tasket, DNP, CPNP

Treasurer
Kadian Magerl, DNP, C‑PNP‑PC

Dr. Kadian K. Magerl is a board-certified Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner with advanced clinical training in pediatric primary care, mental health, global health, and community-based care. Her doctoral project focused on early detection and intervention for pediatric mental health within the primary care setting. She earned her DNP from Emory University in 2024. Her clinical background includes pediatric emergency and critical care at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, as well as global and community-based health. Before entering healthcare, she spent over a decade in sales and finance, which shapes her strategic and fiscal leadership style. As Treasurer, Dr. Magerl applies her accounting and financial acumen, dedicating herself to transparent stewardship that supports student scholarships, continuing education, and outreach to strengthen the impact of pediatric APRNs in Georgia. She is deeply passionate about autism spectrum disorder (ASD) advocacy and addressing social determinants of health (SDOH), championing equitable care for underserved children and families. Grateful for the mentorship and resources NAPNAP provided during her student years, she is excited to give back by supporting current students through scholarships, continuing education, and community outreach across Georgia. 

At home in the Atlanta suburbs, Dr. Magerl lives with her husband and three children. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, cooking, and creating memories with her family.

Communications Chair
Jessica Podlaski, MSN, MHA, APRN, CPNP-PC

Jessica Podlaski is a CPNP-PC who brings her previous experiences as a bedside nurse and health communication expert to patient care. She cares for a diverse group of children and families at a large primary care practice in Gwinnett County. Jessica previously worked as a RN caring for Nephrology and GI/Hepatology patients on the Transplant Step-down Unit at CHOA. It was her experience as a patient care volunteer on that unit that became the catalyst for her career change to nursing. Prior to nursing, Jessica spent nearly 15 years as a health communication expert working for various healthcare, nonprofit, government, and public health organizations. She received both her MSN and BSN from Emory University. She also holds a MHA from Simmons University and a BS in Mass Communication from Boston University.

In her free time, she loves exploring the outdoors with family and friends and hopes to hike the world. 

Membership Co-Chair
Catherine Mitchell, MSN, CPNP-PC

Catherine is a Georgia native who grew up in McDonough, Georgia. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Georgia College & State University in Milledgeville before beginning her nursing career in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta – Scottish Rite, where she spent three years caring for critically ill children and developing a strong foundation in pediatric care. She later completed her Master of Science in Nursing at Georgia State University, graduating in December 2025.

Membership Co-Chair
Diana Miranda, CPNP

Diana is a certified pediatric nurse practitioner practicing in Northwest Georgia, where she provides primary care to children and families in a large pediatric practice. She began her nursing career in the NICU at Erlanger Children’s Hospital and later gained experience at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta in Urgent Care and the Aerodigestive Clinic. Diana earned her Associate of Science in Nursing and Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Dalton State College and her Master of Science in Nursing from Georgia State University. She served as the Georgia Chapter of NAPNAP Student Mentee during the 2025–2026 board year and is excited to serve as Membership Co-Chair for the 2026–2027 board. Diana is passionate about supporting pediatric nurses and nurse practitioners, fostering professional connections, and promoting continued growth within the pediatric community. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband and their two cats, Jackie and Winston.

Legislative Chair
Casey S. Beck, MSN, APRN, CPNP-PC, PMHS

Skye Beck, APRN, CPNP, PMHS, and currently a Doctor of Nursing Practice student at Vanderbilt University serves as the Legislative Chair for the Georgia Chapter of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP). A pediatric nurse practitioner, nurse educator, and clinical faculty member, she is passionate about advancing policies that improve the health and well-being of children and families across Georgia. Her professional interests include pediatric health policy, mental and behavioral health, healthcare access, and improving outcomes for children and families experiencing foster care. Through her legislative leadership, she works to strengthen the voice of pediatric advanced practice nurses in policy discussions and promote evidence-informed advocacy for Georgia’s children and the clinicians who care for them.

Outside of her professional roles, Skye is a wife and mother who enjoys running, playing with her children, volunteering with organizations that serve children and families, and networking with colleagues across the nursing and healthcare community. Her favorite time of year is fall, when Saturdays are reserved for family, football, and calling the Dawgs!

CE Co-Chair
Michelle Dinser Worthington, CPNP-AC

Michelle is a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner with a specialty in Acute care at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. She went to Georgia College and State University for undergraduate and went on to continue her education at the University of South Alabama for her Master’s program. She began her career in the Pediatric ICU for the first 10 years but now helps take care of Chronic Disease patients with the Gastroenterology group. Her journey is guided by commitment to Childrens quality care, aiming to better healthcare for all. When she is not working, you can find her traveling, biking and hanging out with her Sheepadoodle named Pretzel. She has served as the Continuing Education co-chair for the past year and looks forward to conitnuing her dedication and service to NAPNAP.

CE Co-Chair
Maya King, MSN, CPNP-PC, PMHS

Maya King is a board-certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and certified Primary Care Mental Health Specialist. Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, she earned her bachelor’s degree in Biology from Vanderbilt University and her Master of Science in Nursing from Vanderbilt University School of Nursing. Maya has been practicing as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner since 2019 and currently cares for patients from newborn through 21 years of age at Zarminali Pediatrics in the Perimeter area.

Maya takes a holistic, compassionate, and family-centered approach to pediatric care. Her clinical interests include primary care, child growth and development, and mental health and wellness. She believes children thrive when their physical, emotional, and social well-being are nurtured and values partnering closely with families to support each child’s unique needs.

Outside of the practice, Maya enjoys reading, baking, traveling, and catching the latest movies.