My advocacy work begins with evidence and ends with changed policy, expanded access, and a stronger workforce. Below is a record of where that translation has happened — and what it produced.
Concrete changes that followed directly from research and advocacy.
I was the only nurse invited to testify before federal advisory committees in support of nirsevimab for prevention of severe RSV disease in young children.
RSV is the leading cause of infant hospitalization in the United States. Nirsevimab offers protection to infants who cannot yet receive vaccines. I provided evidence to the FDA and CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices — the bodies that determine which interventions reach children through federal programs.
From COVID-19 research that preceded a national emergency declaration, to federal testimony, to a workforce training program that reached 12,000 clinicians.
Published outcomes of the NAPNAP Cares initiative, documenting enrollment of over 12,000 PNPs in post-pandemic mental health training and the program's contribution to expanding pediatric behavioral health access nationally.
12,000+ PNPs trainedProvided expert testimony — the only nurse invited — before both the FDA and the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices in support of nirsevimab for prevention of severe RSV disease in young children.
Nirsevimab approved · Added to VFCFollow-up national study with Dr. Jessica Peck documenting the lasting effects of the pandemic on PNPs and child health — extending the workforce evidence base and calling for sustained structural response.
President's Choice Award 2023Served a three-year presidential cycle with NAPNAP, representing 8,000 pediatric APRNs through the post-pandemic period. As President (2022–23), oversaw NAPNAP's 50th anniversary as the first pediatric nurse practitioner professional organization in the world, launched NAPNAP Cares, directed federal advocacy priorities, and led publication of multiple national position statements including updated immunization guidance, NP prescriptive privileges, PNP workforce pipeline, and prevention of firearm violence in children.
Provided testimony to US Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra on child mental health and pediatric provider burnout — representing the intersection of workforce science and child health advocacy at the highest federal level.
Title VIII expanded 2022 & 2023Developed two national position statements advocating for PNP workforce resiliency and promoting the workforce pipeline — translating COVID-19 workforce research findings into formal policy positions disseminated through NAPNAP.
With Dr. Jessica Peck, rapidly implemented a national study documenting previously unrecognized impacts of COVID-19 on children and the PNP workforce — published before the declaration of a national pediatric mental health emergency. Disseminated through the American Academy of Nursing, NAPNAP General Assembly, and national media.
Best Article 2021 · INANE Hall of FameNAPNAP President (2022–23) — representing the national pediatric APRN workforce and directing the organization's most significant post-pandemic initiatives.
Served as President-Elect, President, and Past-President of NAPNAP across a three-year cycle during the post-pandemic period — representing 8,000 pediatric APRNs and directing a consequential era of federal advocacy and workforce development.
Launched NAPNAP Cares — a multiyear educational initiative preparing the PNP workforce to meet the post-pandemic mental and behavioral health needs of children and families. Developed in direct response to COVID-19 workforce research findings.
Oversaw NAPNAP's golden anniversary in 2023 — marking 50 years as the first pediatric nurse practitioner professional organization in the world, during the 44th National Conference on Pediatric Health Care in Orlando, FL.
Orlando · 2023Recognized with the NAPNAP President's Award twice (2021, 2026) and the 2026 Loretta C. Ford Distinguished Nurse Practitioner Award — named for the founder of the NP movement, awarded by NAPNAP.
Loretta C. Ford · 2026