Chapter Newsletter

Dear TANC Members,

The constant of fall is that it is full of changes: children - and some adults - are back in school; we embrace cooler weather and shorter days. The falling leaves may also encourage us to reflect on the changes in our own lives.

On that note, I’d like to express my immense gratitude to Kelly Pretorius and Lisa Lam as they transition out of their roles as our CE Co-Chairs. Kelly and Lisa have worked tirelessly to make sure that our chapter has become an accredited provider of evidence-based CE through NAPNAP. Our CE program would not be the resource to our members that it is today without them, and their legacy will be with this chapter for years to come. Please see the links below for upcoming CE events on October 16 and January 15, including how to register!

Change, especially in healthcare, can also be difficult. In the midst of decisions at the federal level that both contradict the consensus of scientific evidence and directly affect pediatric health, NAPNAP remains a leader in advocating for children. I strongly encourage you to examine NAPNAP’s recent official position statements supporting age-appropriate immunization and acetaminophen use and to explore further opportunities for advocacy in these efforts. Our Legislative Chair, Valerie MacLaurin, has been busy keeping us informed about these changes and NAPNAP’s efforts. Please also mark your calendar for our virtual health policy CE event with Erin Cusack, Director of Government Affairs for Texas Nurse Practitioners on January 15, 2026 at 7pm.

Pediatric APRNs are integral to pediatric health, and both our practice and advocacy can make a difference. This includes our service to the community as well. TANC has been proud to aid in the distribution of stuffed school backpacks with the Carver Center for Families and the Georgetown Cultural Citizen Memorial Association for the past 2 years. Our Community Engagement Chair, Cristy Holmes, made sure this was a success! Students are also a special part of our community, and our Student Liaison Co-Chair Amanda Alvarado and Treasurer Mary Clipp recently met with APRN students at UT-Austin to encourage them to take advantage of the benefits that a NAPNAP membership can provide.

We have loved seeing so many of you at our recent events, and we hope to see you again soon. In the meantime, encourage your pediatric APRN friends who are not members of NAPNAP to join and get involved!

With gratitude,

Paige Frock, DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC

Texas: Austin NAPNAP Chapter President, 2025-2026

Jairo Monroy

What year in school are you?

I am currently in the beginning of my third year for the Doctor of Nursing Practice Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Primary Care/Acute Care program at Baylor University.
 
Why did you join NAPNAP?

I joined NAPNAP to be able to connect with other pediatric-focused advanced practice nurses, access evidence-based resources, and stay informed on policy and advocacy efforts that impact the health of children. I find it very valuable to be a part of a professional community dedicated to pediatric care.

What are you most looking forward to as you get closer to finishing school?

I look forward to transition from being a student to a practitioner that will allow me to apply my new knowledge to improve outcomes for children. I am excited to expand my role in both clinical practice and advocacy for pediatric patients and their families.
 
What are your career goals?

My goal is to work in a pediatric specialty setting, with a focus on congenital heart disease. I am also very interested in policy advocacy to improve access to care for medically complex children. My goal is to be able to integrate clinical excellence with research and leadership.
 
How can NAPNAP help you?

NAPNAP can support my career by providing mentorship opportunities, continuing education, and platforms to engage in legislative advocacy. These resources are critical to have an impact on pediatric health policy and practice. 

GCCMA Backpack Distribution Drive

On July 31 and August 2, 2025, TANC members and their families volunteered with the Georgetown Cultural Citizen Memorial Association and the Carver Center for Families to stuff and distribute backpacks to the community. We have volunteered with these organizations for the past two years and hope to continue this into 2026 and beyond! (Include these photos:) of recent event.

Several bills passed during the 2025 Texas Legislative Session will impact our practice as well as the families we serve. Read on for highlights of these important legislative updates relevant to our community.