Your Chapter Board

President: 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 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.

Secretary: Ashley Smith, -APRN-NP, CPNP- PC/AC, MSN, RN-BSN

  

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: Whitney Getzfrid

  

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.

Membership Chair: Michelle Placek, MSN, APRN, CPNP-AC/PC

I have been honored to serve in pediatric nursing for the past 14 years, with the past six years as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. I am dual-certified in Pediatric Primary and Acute Care and, for the past three years, have specialized in pediatric dermatology. I currently practice as a Pediatric Dermatology Nurse Practitioner at Children’s Nebraska, where I care for children with a variety of skin conditions. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Creighton University in 2012 and my Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in 2019.

As Membership Chair, I look forward to supporting our chapter’s membership by encouraging continued involvement, fostering connections, and helping our members stay engaged with our organization. I am excited to serve our chapter and contribute to the continued growth and strength of our membership.