Your Chapter Board

President Karlee Jewell, BSN, RN, CPN, CPHON

Karlee received her Doctor of Nursing Practice from Creighton University in 2022, graduating with honors. She is dual-certified in acute and primary pediatric care. She is employed at Children's Nebraska, where she is a member of the pediatric neurology team, treating patients with neurological diagnoses and concerns in both inpatient and outpatient settings.

President-elect: Michaela Howell, DNP, APRN, CPNP-AC/PC

Michaela has worked in pediatrics for more than 15 years. She began her career as a phlebotomist before becoming a registered nurse. She earned her doctorate from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in 2021 and has worked in urgent care and pediatric surgery. She now works in hospital medicine, where she enjoys caring for patients with a variety of diagnoses. She has been a NAPNAP member since 2019. Outside of work, she loves traveling with her husband, Brandon, and cuddling with her dogs, Astro and Thena.

Immediate Past President: Carman DeMare, DNP, APRN-NP, CPNP-AC/PC

Carman has been a pediatric nurse practitioner (PNP) for more than 20 years and is certified in acute and primary care. The first 15 years of her career were spent in cardiothoracic surgery, followed by a transition into advanced practice provider (APP) leadership. She has returned to full-time clinical care in an infusion center. She is also pursuing a second post-graduate certificate to become a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner. She vows not to return to school for another degree once this is completed. She became a member of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP) when she was a PNP student. She enjoys the national conferences over the years and looks forward to representing the Midwest Chapter as president at the 2025 conference in Chicago.

Secretary: Marissa Hord

Marissa has worked in pediatrics for the last five years and has been a cardiac critical care nurse practitioner in the last two years. She graduated with my bachelor's in 2018 from the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) and earned my DNP in 2022 from UNMC, as well as both primary and acute care PNP. She's been a NAPNAP member since 2021 as a student and became the secretary for the Midwest board in 2024. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and traveling. 

Treasurer: Kari Pokorski MSN, CPNP-PC

Kari graduated from the College of Saint Mary in 2004 with an ASN. In 2013, she earned her BSN from Nebraska Wesleyan University, followed by obtaining her MSN-PNP-PC from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in 2019. Currently, Kari practices as a pediatric nurse practitioner at Children’s Physicians, the primary care pediatric group for Children’s Nebraska in Omaha, Neb. Recently, she assumed the role of treasurer on the NAPNAP NE: Midwest Chapter board after joining the chapter in 2019. Outside of work, she spends time with my husband and four children, cherishing moments with family and friends. She has a passion for traveling, crafts and volunteering at her kids' activities.

Legislative Chair: Samantha Jordan-Schaulis MSN, APRN, CPNP-AC/PC

 

Samantha has worked in pediatric critical care medicine for 26 years, beginning as a patient care tech and transitioning to a nurse practitioner role for the past 15 years. Currently, she serves as the advanced practice practitioner supervisor for the pediatric critical care medicine team at Nebraska Medicine in Omaha, Neb., having been with the organization for more than 15 years. Samantha played a pivotal role in launching a non-profit dance studio and currently serves as the board's president, despite never having been a dancer. Her family holds the utmost importance in her life, and I cherish spending quality time with them.

CE Chair: Angela Madsen

With 26 years of dedication to pediatric nursing at Children’s Nebraska, Angela Madsen, APRN, has developed expertise across multiple departments while prioritizing the care and education of young patients. Her healthcare journey took a significant step forward in 2018 when she earned her family nurse practitioner degree, but her passion remains in pediatrics, particularly primary care. A longtime advocate for the next generation of healthcare professionals, Madsen has spent years teaching Pediatric Advanced Life Support courses and mentoring future nurses and nurse practitioners. Her passion for bedside education drives her commitment to fostering growth in others. In addition to her clinical role, Madsen has embraced leadership, serving as the continuing education chair for her chapter in its inaugural year. She is excited to navigate the continuing education accreditation process and expand educational opportunities for the community. This year, she is also leading the planning for the annual Pediatric Pharmacology Conference, where she has been a committee member for three years and is eager to take on a larger role in shaping the event’s success. Madsen’s commitment to advancing pediatric care, education and professional development makes her a valued leader and advocate for the future of nursing.

Student Liaison: Maribeth Hall

I am a pediatric nurse practitioner student in both acute care and primary care (PNP-AC/PC) at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. With four years of experience at Children’s Nebraska, I have developed a strong foundation in pediatric care and a passion for advancing the health and well-being of children and their families. My professional interests include patient and family education and fostering positive experiences within the health care system. Outside of academics and clinical work, I value teamwork and competition, which I carry into my personal life through sports such as volleyball and basketball, which I enjoy playing with my partner, Joseph. At home, I find joy and balance with my dog, Onyx, who is my entire world.

Membership Chair: Kristina Mueller, DNP, APRN-NP, CPNP-AC

Kristina Mueller graduated from Creighton University with her doctorate in 2018 and has been part of the hospitalist team at Children’s Nebraska since then. Her areas of interest include complex care, spina bifida and surgical co-management. She has been a member of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners since 2018. Mueller is married to Jonathan and is the mother of 3-year-old Anderson. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, reading, gardening, home projects and baking.

Communications Chair: Jacqulyn Julis

Student Liaison: Heather Bednar