News Releases

The University of Maryland School of Nursing’s Nurse Leadership Institute Names Sixth Class of Fellows

March 4, 2021

Fellows to lead changes to enhance 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 2020 - 21 cohort of NLI Fellows, the institute’s sixth cohort and the first admitted under its renewed $1.7 million, five-year grant. The 46 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 assume leadership positions and participate as full partners in developing health care delivery models that 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 grant from the Maryland Health Services Cost Review Commission, administered by the Maryland Higher Education Commission through the Nurse Support Program II. In July, the institute’s grant funding was renewed, 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. 

“In 2020, the pandemic illuminated the value of having nurse leaders in academia and practice who are well prepared to lead through times of quiet or times of crisis,” said Yolanda Ogbolu, PhD, CRNP-Neonatal, FNAP, FAAN, associate professor and chair, Department of Partnerships, Professional Education, and Practice. “Two thousand twenty, the International Year of the Nurse and Midwife, was also a tipping point. Observing nurses in action catalyzed many to see the prestige of nursing and its integrity, grit, innovation, competency, and compassion for human life. The Nurse Leadership Institute builds on these enormous strengths, insights, skills, and expertise by providing nurses with the essential leadership skills and knowledge that are needed to become change agents in the shifting landscape of nursing academia and practice.”

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 also 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 during these unprecedented times. Leading this taskforce allows me the opportunity to collaborate with academic partners and practitioners across the state of Maryland, to support the future nursing workforce, and to ensure these new nurses are equipped to provide care for Maryland residents.” 

To date, 127 fellows have completed the NLI with coaching provided by 121 mentors. The 2020 - 21 NLI cohort of Fellows began the program on Sept. 3 and will finish on July 29. These nurses represent 24 health care organizations and higher education institutions statewide; the 2020 - 21 Fellows are:

• Carol Adams, MBA, MS, RN, Frederick County Health Department
• Tracy Baca, MS, RN, CCRN-K, University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) 
• Trena Brown, BSN, UMMC Midtown Campus
• Catherine Case, MSN, RN-BC, CPAN, CDES, Sinai Hospital
• Jamie Clendenin, BSN, RN-BC, Anne Arundel Medical Center
• Crystal DeVance-Wilson, PhD, MBA, PHCNS-BC, UMSON
• Brandi Elzie, BSN, RN-BC, Anne Arundel Medical Center
• Ore-Ofe Ezeigbo, MSN, RN, CWCN, University of Maryland (UM) Baltimore Washington Medical Center
• Claire Floyd, MSN, RN-BC, Frederick Health Hospital
• Melita Forrester, MS, RN, VA-BC, Anne Arundel Medical Center
• Kunjamma George, DNP, RN-BC, CMSRN, Montgomery College
• Shahde Graham-Coker, MSN, RN-BC, UM Capital Region Health
• Stephanie Harmon, MSN, RNC-NIC, Anne Arundel Medical Center
• Ashley Hernandez, MS, RN, CNE, Anne Arundel Community College
• Nicole Hodski, MSN, RN, CCRN, NE-BC, UMMC
• Carol Holness, DNP, RN, Montgomery College
• Sarah Inman, MSN, MBA, RN, CM-DN, Northwest Hospital
• Ashley James, BSN, RN, UM Upper Chesapeake Health
• Dahlia Joseph, MS, CRNP, ACNP-BC, UM Baltimore Washington Medical Center
• Devika Kandhai, MSN, RN, CMSRN, UM Baltimore Washington Medical Center
• Charmaine McKie, PhD, MPH, RN, OCN, Mid-Atlantic Permanente Research Institute
• Marceletta Mendoza, MSN, RN, CNOR, CPHQ, UM Capital Region Health
• Candice Michael, MSN, RN, CPHQ, LSSGB, RNC-BC, Frederick Health Hospital     
• Hannah Miller, MSN, RN, CNL, CPN, Sharecare
• Sharon Mooney, BSN, RNC-NIC, Anne Arundel Medical Center
• Catherine Music, MSN, RN, Anne Arundel Medical Center
• Charlotte Nwogwugwu, DrPH, BSN, CPH-BC, HIV PCP, UMSON
• Stella Oloruntoyin, BSN, RN, CAPA, UMMC
• Kimberly Peterson, MSN, APRN-CNS, ACCNS-AG, OCN, UMMC
• Donna Pusey, MS, RN-ACM, Peninsula Regional Medical Center
• Giovanna Robbins, MSN, RN, ONC, The Johns Hopkins Hospital
• Dana Rose, BSN, RN, CalvertHealth Medical Center
• Heather Sauerwald, MSN, RN, ACM-RN, The Johns Hopkins Hospital
• Meghan Schott, BSN, RN, UM St. Joseph Medical Center
• Nicole Sedaka, MS, RN, CNL, UMMC
• Rebecca Shumaker, MSN, RN, NPD-BC, Meritus Medical Center
• Ericka Simms-Hannah, DNP, CM-DRN, RN, Loch Raven VA Medical Center
• Eileen Skaarer, MSN, RN, UM St. Joseph Medical Center
• Dyshekia Strawberry, MSN, RN-BC, UM Shore Regional Health
• Lynn Thomas, MSN, RN, NRP, CCRN, CCEMTP, Anne Arundel Medical Center
• Erin Tobat, MSN, RN, CCRN-CSC, Peninsula Regional Medical Center
• Sarah Trandel, DNP, FNP-BC, Johns Hopkins Health System
• Mark Walker, PhD, RN, CCRN, Notre Dame of Maryland University
• Heather Watson, PhD, RN, Johns Hopkins Health System
• Kelly Wilson, MSM, RN, PCCN, CNML, Peninsula Regional Medical Center
• Jennifer Zeller, MS, CRNP, UM St. Joseph Medical Center

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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 nearly 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.