Brooke Englert, President

I attend Appalachian State University’s RN-BSN program. My goals while in office include increase face to face time with members in every district, listen to what the students of North Carolina have to say and continue our organizations exemplary leadership in paving the path for the future of nursing. My career goals are to complete my BSN, complete my Geriatric Nurse Practitioner, and continue my education with the Doctorate in Nursing Practice.  Ultimately I want to serve the Geriatric population in the Western counties of North Carolina and teach the next generation of nurses. I went into nursing to fulfill my personal goals of being in the medical field. Nursing gives me the autonomy I enjoy with the team approach to holistically take care of my patients. I enjoy participation in various professional organizations, crafts, hiking and spending time with my husband and two kids.

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Amy Jensen, Vice President

I attend UNC-Chapel Hill. I hope to increase the number and diversity if the exhibitors and vendors to meet the needs of NCANS members at conference while I’m in office.  My career goals include working in a pediatric ICU upon graduation in May 2008 and ultimately becoming a nurse practitioner. I went into nursing because I love helping other people and I think it’s a job I will look forward to doing every day. My personal interests include playing cards, reading for fun and hanging out with friends.

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Kristin Wainwright, Secretary

I attend East Carolina University. My goals while in office include planning successful conferences, being a liaison between different organizational levels and keeping people informed.  My career goals are to become an adult critical care nurse, CRNA, participate in research and eventually teach.  I come from three generations of nurses and was inspired to go into nursing by the need I saw in my Peace Corps experience. My hobbies include useless crafts, my 2 cats and kayaking.

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Kendall Hankins, Treasurer

Hey ya’ll I’m Kendall Hankins and I am your new treasurer. I am currently a senior at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.  My interests in nursing at the moment are very broad I love pediatrics, psychiatrics and the idea or research. We’ll just have to see where the road leads me, but regardless I know that I am going to be very happy working as a nurse. I do hope to return to school and become a nurse practitioner eventually. While in office I hope to encourage prudent spending and allocation of funds to the most important areas. I was raised in a wonderful family in Salisbury, North Carolina where I was blessed with a wonderful community and see the truth in the motto, “it takes a village to raise a child.” I see children and their health care as a very important avenue for advocacy and feel we should all take on the responsibility to be their voices.

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Shalia Gregory, Hypodermic Editor

I attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. My goal in office is to increase the level of awareness of NCANS activities, issues, and mission through an online newsletter forum. Ultimately I will obtain my PhD, conduct research and teach.  When I graduate I wish to work in a coronary care unit or oncology. I went into nursing because I believe a career often defines an individual, nursing is a definition fit for me.  It is the meshing of science and love for mankind. I want to enhance the health and life of many. My personal interests include good food, good music, dancing, reading, the great outdoors, and so much more.

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Bonnie Kluttz, Legislative Director

I attend Cabarrus College. My goal in office is to promote our platform throughout North Carolina, increase participation in the House of Delegates, and educate members regarding current bills in state and national general assemblies and access to legislative representatives.  My career goals include graduating and passing my NCLEX exam on the first try, work in critical care and earn my masters as a nurse practitioner. I went into nursing because I can be part of a professional environment with opportunities for change, and to have a contagious compassion for my patients and profession. I enjoy running with the Vaharrie Running Club, entertaining, good music and dancing. A special thank you to everyone for allowing me the honor of serving as this year’s legislative director. My philosophy for our platform is to educate, get involved, and vote.

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Kati Bloedau, Breakthrough to Nursing

I am a student at UNC-Chapel Hill.  As Breakthrough to Nursing Director, I want to
explore ways to make nursing education more accessible for every student, and ensure that the needs of current students are being met.  I'd like to work with chapters at HBCUs to find out what NCANS can do specifically to support students there, and I'd like to help local chapters plan outreach events for school-aged kids to get them excited about the idea of nursing.  My own son struggled with the idea of dressing up as a nurse for Halloween - he assumed that a boy in scrubs with a stethoscope would surely be a doctor.  He came around, and we spent the whole evening doing community outreach education, saying "No, we're BOTH nurses.  Thanks for the treats!"  I plan to work in community health for a couple years, then earn an MSN in order to teach and practice as an FNP.  When I'm not in school or playing with my son, I'm knitting, reading, or blog surfing til 2am.

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VACANT, District I Director

Melanie Barr, District II Director

I am a student at Cabarrus College of Health Sciences.   I feel that involvement in NCANS is important in laying a foundation for future professional development. As District II Director, My main goal is to help more students in my district enjoy the benefits of NCANS membership.  My secondary goal is to work with the other members of our board to improve communication between individual Chapters and the Board.  I have always wanted to be a nurse, but it has taken many years for me to be able to pursue my dream.  I want to work as an OR nurse and then eventually

pursue my Masters to become a Perioperative Nurse Practitioner.  I spend most of my free time studying and playing with my kids. Wearing the many hats of a mom has prepared me well for a nursing career.

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Kristin Peters, District III Director

I attend UNC-Chapel Hill. In office I hope to establish and maintain close contact with local chapters, help start new chapters, hold a district meeting and hold a district III NCLEX review.  My career goals include obtaining a position in critical care and going to grad school for nursing education or acute care NP. I went into nursing because I love to study the human body and teaching others. I enjoy tennis and reading when it’s not a textbook.

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Sheree Cain-Jones, District IV Director

I attend East Carolina University.  While in office I want to promote membership in NSNA and their benefits and increase attendance to conventions.  My career goals include advanced woman’s health practitioner and working with at risk populations and underrepresented populations. I went into nursing because of my desire to inspire, motivate and create change within my community and abroad. My personal interest include spending time with my family, traveling and I love to cook.

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Garrett Straughn , District V Director

My name is Garrett Straughn, and I am a senior at The University of North Carolina at Pembroke.  I am extremely excited about serving as your NCANS District V Director.  I have many new ideas that should make for a great year.  I plan on pursuing a career as a CRNA one day.  I love to serve others and if you have any questions for me please don’t hesitate to contact me.  Have a wonderful day!

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Meredith Johnston, Executive Consultant I

I attended Western Carolina University graduating this past May.  I currently work at High Point Regional Health Systems. I aspire to work in the ICU, Emergency room and Flight Nursing.  I went into nursing to use my caring and compassionate personality to touch people’s lives. While in office I will assist to increase membership, help the BOD, and keep NCANS going on its incredible journey. I enjoy spending my time with my fiancé, the girl scouts and outdoor activities

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Sara Miller, Executive Consultant II

I graduated from the University of North Carolina-Greensboro, sat on the 2006-2007 NCANS BOD as Treasurer and am currently working at Baptist Hospital as a Surgical-ICU nurse. While in office I will assist all board members whenever they need anything and help make a smooth transition between treasurers.  My career goals include CRNA, masters and doctorate education. I went into nursing because I love helping people and have a strong passion for the medical field and because it was challenging.  My hobbies include water and snow skiing, snowboarding, traveling, volleyball and meeting new people.

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Lisa Biltz, Special Consultant

I graduated from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, sat on the 2006-2007 NCANS BOD as President and am currently working at UNC-Hospital in the CT-ICU. While in office I will assist all board members whenever they need anything and help make a smooth transition for the incoming president.  I aspire to become a confident, compassionate nurse in my current unit before returning to school to earn my CRNA. The one thing NCANS has taught me about leadership is that it is the single most important thing a person can do for professional development and personal fulfillment.

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Brad Sherrod, NCNA Consultant I

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Sharon Cooney, NCNA Consultant II

My name is Sharon Cooney.  I am on faculty at Brunswick Community College; I am the clinical nursing laboratory coordinator working with students in the ADN and PN programs.  I also am an educational consultant teaching review classes in pharmacology and medical-surgical certification.  I obtained my BSN from East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, and my MSN with a clinical specialty in cardiovascular nursing from Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO.  I am a Certified Orthopedic Nurse and licensed in North Carolina as a Registered Nurse. I am active in my professional associations, serving as treasurer of the Triangle Chapter of National Association of Orthopedic Nurses.  I am a member of North Carolina Nurses Association and a sustaining member of the North Carolina Association of Nursing Students and the National Association of Nursing Students.  In the past, I have served on different committees of NCNA and the Triangle Region.

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