President

Hi! My name is Addisyn Poole and i’m so excited to serve as President on the 2026-2027 NCANS board. I can’t wait to put my best foot forward and continue to represent NCANS values. 

During the second part of my 2 year term I plan to help promote local ANS chapters and increase engagement of nursing students across North Carolina. I hope to see an increase in attendance at our annual conference’ 

I graduated with my Associates Degree in Nursing from Catawba Valley Community College in May of 2026. Now I have jumped straight into my journey towards a Bachelor’s! I’m looking forward to networking and meeting fellow students across NC. 

President Elect

Vice President

Hi! I’m Alyssa, a recent graduate of Catawba Valley Community College, where I earned my Associate Degree in Nursing in May 2026. I’m beginning my nursing career as a new graduate nurse in the ICU, and I’m continuing my education by pursuing my BSN at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

As Vice President of NCANS, I’m passionate about supporting nursing students across North Carolina and helping them build the confidence and community needed to succeed in their careers. I bring my experience from student leadership, including my role as the 2027 NSNA Resolutions Committee Chair, 2026 NCANS Secretary, and 2026 CVCC ANS Vice President!

Secretary

Hello, my name is Camden Kennedy and I am your NCANS Secretary! I am so excited to be back on the board for another year and I am thrilled to work with so many outstanding leaders on the board and students from across the entire state!

As your Secretary, I am committed to maintaining communication with every member of NCANS through our monthly newsletters that I write. I am also committed to keeping detailed and accurate records of NCANS meetings and other events so the board can work as efficiently and seamlessly as possible!

In May 2026, I graduated with my ADN from Catawba Valley Community College and I now work as a Critical Care RN! I am currently pursuing my Bachelor's Degree in Nursing at UNC Greensboro. Long-term, my goal is to earn my Doctorate degree and become a Nurse Anesthetist.

I look forward to working with all of you soon and hope to see you at convention!

Treasurer

Hi! I am Kendall, a senior nursing student at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and am honored to serve as Treasurer for the North Carolina Association of Nursing Students. After serving as Treasurer of my school board I am excited to continue my leadership to the state level. I’m excited to not only work with a great board of directors to further the mission of NCANS and nursing but to make a difference in the community and nursing profession.

As Treasurer, I am committed to ensuring responsible financial stewardship, transparency, and sustainability to support NCANS programs and initiatives across the state. I am passionate about empowering nursing students to become confident leaders, fostering meaningful connections within the profession, and creating opportunities that enhance student success.

After graduation I hope to start my career as a critical care nurse before pursuing an advanced degree. I have a strong interest in patient safety, quality improvement, and healthcare leadership. I am grateful for the opportunities nursing school has provided and am excited to collaborate with nursing students across North Carolina to advance the future of nursing.

Publications Director

Hello!
I’m incredibly excited to serve as your Publications Director for NCANS. I’m a rising senior in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In this role, I hope to increase nursing student engagement across North Carolina and promote a stronger understanding of NCANS and its mission.

Breakthrough to Nursing Chair

Hi! My name is Tayla Nargassans and I am honored to serve as the Breakthrough to Nursing Chair for the 2026-2027 NCANS Board. I am a current senior BSN student at UNC Chapel Hill School of Nursing. After graduation, I hope to pursue a role in advanced practice pediatrics.

As BTN Chair, I am deeply committed to advocating for current and future nursing students across the state and connecting them with opportunities to advance their education and professional practice. Through this work, I strive to support underrepresented communities and promote equity in nursing by ensuring that all students—regardless of race, background, or socioeconomic status—have access to the opportunities, resources, and support they need to succeed.

I strive to create spaces where all individuals feel seen, heard, and valued. I look forward to using my voice and my role to push for meaningful progress in both my community and the healthcare system. I’m so grateful to be part of this community, and I can’t wait to see all that we accomplish together this year!

Legislative Director

Hi! My name is Grayson Taylor, and I am thrilled to serve as your Legislative director on the NCANS Board this term. I am a rising Senior at UNC Chapel Hill, and will be entering my third semester in the School of Nursing this fall. I have spent this past year serving as one of the Breakthrough to Nursing Co-Chairs for UNC’s ANS chapter, where I discovered a true passion for mentoring future nursing students and promoting inclusive pathways into the profession.

Alongside my studies, I work as a CNA in a high-acuity clinical setting, where I care for patients during critical and often life-changing moments. These experiences have been integral in developing my goal of becoming a critical care nurse after graduation. Learning the importance of teamwork, resilience, and compassion has reinforced my commitment to advocacy—both for patients and fellow student nurses.

In this role, I hope to help connect nursing students across the state and make sure their voices are heard and valued. I’m excited to support NCANS initiatives, strengthen chapter engagement, and grow alongside this incredible community of future nurses. It’s an honor to be part of something that uplifts and empowers nursing students throughout North Carolina.

Director at Large

I'm so excited to serve on the NCANS Board as a Director at Large- this will be my second year in the role! I'm a rising junior at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a pre-nursing student, preparing to apply to the nursing program this fall.

My path into nursing has been shaped by hands-on experience. I work as a CNA and volunteer at UNC Hospitals on the 7th Floor Pediatric Playrooms and the 4th Floor Oncology Unit. These experiences are a big part of why I see my future in pediatric care. I'm also actively involved in my school chapter, where I serve as Treasurer.

In this role, I want to build on the strong foundation NCANS already has by focusing on communication and outreach. My goal is to get more students involved across the state and make sure every member feels connected.

Director at Large

Hey everyone!! I’m so excited for the upcoming year serving as a Director at Large! As one of the newer members of NCANS, I’m excited to bring new ideas and perspectives to an organization that already has such a strong foundation. Through enhanced communication and outreach, I hope to increase involvement across all schools in NC so we can strengthen our collective voice and expand our impact as a state and on national levels.

Originally from Charles County, Maryland, I moved to North Carolina during COVID and have since found such a welcoming and supportive community within nursing. I’m incredibly grateful for how open and encouraging this community has been, and I hope to continue fostering that same environment for new and incoming members.

I will be starting nursing school at UNC Chapel Hill this fall and am currently interested in pursuing a career as a PICU or OR nurse. In my free time, I enjoy staying active, spending time with friends, watching movies, and being involved socially. I look forward to connecting with more members and working together to make a meaningful and lasting impact!

Director at Large

Hi! My name is Taylor Rae Spurgeon and I’m so excited to serve as a Director at Large on the 2026-2027 NCANS board. I’m originally from Kansas City, Missouri but I am going into my senior year at Elon University. After graduation I hope to start my career as a NICU nurse and eventually go on to get my NP. I’m looking forward to working with everyone this year!

Director at Large

Hi! My name is Jessica, and I am a second-year ADN nursing student. After graduating in May, I hope to begin my career as a NICU nurse while continuing my education to earn my BSN. I am excited to serve as a Director at Large for NCANS and look forward to connecting with fellow nursing students, promoting involvement, and helping spread awareness of all that NCANS has to offer. I can’t wait to grow in this role while supporting the next generation of nurses.

Director at Large

Hey everyone! I am currently a student in the Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program at Catawba Valley Community College and plan to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) after graduation. I am honored to be a part of NCANS and grateful for the opportunity to support nursing students across North Carolina. Through my involvement, I hope to encourage professional growth and contribute to the continued success of NCANS.

Special Consultant

Kyndall Estep, BSN, RN, is a registered nurse with experience in critical care nursing. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Kyndall is a past board member of NCANS, where she served as Breakthrough to Nursing Director from 2023–2024 and President from 2024–2025.

As a Special Consultant, Kyndall brings a diverse background in student leadership at the school, state, and national levels. She also offers valuable insight from her clinical experience in critical care nursing and her transition into practice as a new graduate nurse. Through her leadership experience and passion for professional development, she is committed to supporting initiatives that advance healthcare and nursing through education, mentorship, and collaboration.

Board Appointed Consultant

Julia Chan, BSN, RN, is a Clinical Nurse II at Duke University Hospital and a Master of Science in Population Health Sciences student at Duke University School of Medicine. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The Pennsylvania State University. Julia has served in leadership roles at the school, state, and national levels, including with the Student Nurses' Association at Penn State, the National Student Nurses' Association, and the North Carolina Association of Nursing Students.

As a Board-Appointed Consultant, Julia brings a strong background in nursing leadership, professional development, and student engagement. She is passionate about empowering future nurse leaders, strengthening the nursing profession through mentorship and advocacy, and fostering collaboration across North Carolina. Through her clinical experience and continued graduate education, Julia is committed to advancing initiatives that support nursing students and improve healthcare outcomes