UMSON's Nurse Leadership Institute Names Seventh Class of Fellows

Fellows to strengthen academic and practice collaborations to improve health outcomes for Maryland residents.

Baltimore, Md. – The Nurse Leadership Institute (NLI) at the University of Maryland School of Nursing (USMON) is pleased to announce its 2021 - 22 cohort of NLI Fellows, the institute’s seventh cohort. The 36 nurse educators and clinicians from throughout Maryland were selected through a competitive application process and are participating in a yearlong program designed to prepare nurse faculty and practitioners to strengthen their leadership in academic and health care to improve health outcomes for Maryland residents. Nurses selected for this program demonstrate the leadership potential needed for this challenge.

The NLI was established in 2015 by a $2.5 million, five-year Nurse Support Program II grant from the Maryland Health Services Cost Review Commission, administered by the Maryland Higher Education Commission. In 2020, the institute’s grant funding was renewed with a $1.7 million five-year grant, allowing NLI to continue serving as a statewide resource for developing academic and practice nurse leaders. Grant funding covers program expenses and fees for fellows, allowing UMSON to offer the program at no cost to participants.

“Like no other time in history, it is clear that the health of Marylanders depends on nurses and nurse leaders,” said Yolanda Ogbolu, PhD ’11, MS ’05, BSN ’04, CRNP-Neonatal, FNAP, FAAN, associate professor; chair of the Department of Partnerships, Professional Education, and Practice; and director of the Center for Health Equity and Outcomes Research. “Whether preparing the next generation of nurses as educators or providing essential care to patients in hospitals, nursing leadership matters. I am so excited to welcome the 2021 - 22 class of fellows to the Nurse Leadership Institute where they will strengthen their capacity to advance nursing practice and academia and command a well-deserved seat at the leadership table.”

During their participation in the NLI, fellows identify and strengthen their leadership competencies, expand their skills using a strength-based approach, and create a plan for continued development. They collaborate with other fellows to develop a leadership collaboration activity that translates knowledge to practice.

Fellows also select a mentor who serves as a professional guide throughout the program. In addition, the program offers a free, one-year membership in the Maryland Organization of Nurse Leaders and continuing nursing education units for all activities.

“Participating in the NLI gave me the confidence to accept the role as chair of the Transition to Nurse Residency taskforce under the Maryland Organization of Nurse Leaders’ Maryland Nurse Residency Collaborative,” said Eursula L. David-Sherman, MSN, BSN ’92, RN, NPD-BC, nurse residency coordinator, Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center, and a 2019 - 20 NLI Fellow. “The taskforce develops onboarding strategies to support new nurse graduates as they successfully transition into nurse residency programs. Leading this taskforce allows me the opportunity to collaborate with academic partners and practitioners across the state, to support the future nursing workforce, and to ensure these new nurses are equipped to provide care for Maryland residents.”

To date, 173 fellows have completed the NLI with coaching provided by 167 mentors. The 2021 - 22 NLI cohort of fellows began the program in August and will finish at the end of June. These nurses represent 17 health care organizations and higher education institutions statewide; the 2021 - 22 NLI Fellows are:

• Matthew Adome, MSN, RN, University of Maryland Medical System
• Florchita Arceo, MSN, RN, University of Maryland Capital Region Health
• Belinda Asante-Mensah, MSN, RN, AG-ACNP, CCRN, The Johns Hopkins Hospital
• Ami Ayers, MSN, CPEN, Sinai Hospital
• Stanneshia Barnett, MSN, RN, University of Maryland Baltimore-Washington Medical Center
• Lorrin Barton, MSN, RN, Sinai Hospital
• Brutrinia Cain, JD, BSN, RN, Health Resources and Services Administration
• Cheryl Coale, MS, RN, University of Maryland Baltimore-Washington Medical Center
• Patricia Fato, BSN, RN, CPN, Kennedy Krieger Institute
• April Fogle, BSN, RN, Frederick Health Hospital
• Renee Franquiz, DNP, RN, CNE, UMSON
• Laura Garifo, BSN, RNC-OB, CLC, C-EFM, MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center
• Ashley Gick, BSN, RN, PCCN, Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center
• Amy Hampt, MS, RN, NE-BC, The Johns Hopkins Hospital
• Alexandra Johnson, MSN, RN, The Johns Hopkins Health System
• Thomas Jones, MSN, RN, CCRN-K, TidalHealth Peninsula Regional
• Traci Jones, PhD, RN, PCE, NCSN, Prince George’s County Board of Education
• Rose Karlan, MSN, RN-BC, CNL, The Johns Hopkins Hospital
• Racquel McCrea, MSN, RN, NPD-BC, Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center
• Kelly McDonald, BSN, RN-BC, CMSRN, Sinai Hospital
• Alicia Mezu, MSN-Ed, RN, Maryland State Department of Education
• Penny Miller, BSN, RN, Frederick County Government
• Natalie Moore, MSN, AG-ACNP, RN, CCRN, University of Maryland Medical Center
• Monica Myers-McClary, MHA, BSN, RN, CMSRN, CSSGB, Frederick Health Hospital 
• Laura Ogle, MSN, RN, CNE, CEN, MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center
• Michelle Powell, DNP, RN, University of Maryland Medical Center - Midtown
• Veronica Quattrini, DNP, FNP-BC, UMSON
• Kristen Rawlett, PhD, FNP-BC, FAANP, UMSON
• Megan Roesler, MSN, RN, CPN, Kennedy Krieger Institute
• Nadine Rosenblum, MS, RN, IBCL, PHNA-BC, The Johns Hopkins Hospital
• Michelle Spencer, DNP, RN, UMSON
• Christie Thibeault, MSN, RN, NE-BC, Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center
• Kimberly Webster, BSN, RN, CM/DN, Physicians Management Group/Maryland Primary Care Physicians
• Jodi Wendel, MSN, RN, University of Maryland Capital Region Medical Center
• LaToya White, MSN, CRNP, FNP-C, University of Maryland Medical Center
• Claire Wright, MSN, RNC-OB, C-EFM, TidalHealth Peninsula Regional

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The University of Maryland School of Nursing, founded in 1889, is one of the oldest and largest nursing schools in the nation and is ranked among the top nursing schools nationwide. Enrolling more than 2,100 students in its baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral programs, the School develops leaders who shape the profession of nursing and impact the health care environment.