Leadership

Sarah M. Killian, DNP, RN, NEA-BC

National President

skillian@chietaphi.org

Dr. Killian is a nationally recognized nurse leader in education, administration, and practice. She holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree and is board certified as a Nurse Executive, Advanced. She recently retired as a Clinical Associate Professor, from a 14-year stent at Georgia State University, where she was instrumental in designing and implementing the Doctor of Nursing Practice Program. Although Dr. Killian completed her career in education, more than half of her work in nursing was spent in the practice setting as a nurse administrator and clinical nurse educator.

Dr. Killian also has a special interest in global nursing. She has participated in healthcare delegations to the former Soviet Republic of Georgia, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic. The delegations focused on assessing and implementing healthcare practices to improve healthcare delivery systems and outcomes. The Dominican Republic delegation was coupled with a student nurse group immersion experience.

Dr. Killian’s research interest is formal mentoring of nurses in the practice, academic, and professional organization settings. The focus of research is on mentoring of nurses and retention in the three settings. Publications of this research include but is not limited to: “Examining Mentoring for Nurses” (NBNA News, Spring 2016) and “Examining Mentoring Relationships for Nurses: A Pilot Study” (JOCEPS, Fall 2015/2016).

Dr. Killian has given lifelong service as a volunteer, advisor, and or consultant to organizations for the improvement of health services within the community. While serving, she has assumed leadership roles in professional organizations on the local, regional, national, and international levels.

Her vision for Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Incorporated is to “Embrace, Honor, Elevate, & Empower the Core of Chi,” “Embracing our Legacy with Honor; Elevating our Presence in the Community; and Empowering Visionaries to Lead us into the Future. She states, “It is about our organization and the community, and I will do my best to maximize efforts of actualizing the organization’s vision, mission, and beyond.”

Deborah Stamps, EdD, MBA, MS, RN, GNP, NE-BC, CDE®, FAAN

First National Vice President

dstamps@chietaphi.org

Dr. Deborah Stamps is the founder and chief executive officer of Deborah Stamps Consulting, LLC. Dr. Stamps has over thirty years of progressive healthcare leadership and is an internationally recognized authority on workforce development, diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, nursing education, and leadership. She has held a variety of roles, from LPN, RN, Chief Nursing Officer, Vice President of Quality, Patient Safety, and Innovation, including founding President of the Rochester General College of Health Careers and the inaugural Chief Diversity Officer at Rochester Regional Health.

Dr. Stamps created the professional academic workforce (PAW) model to advance the educational and economic mobility of underrepresented minorities in nursing through establishing partnerships between healthcare, community, and academic organizations.

Fall 2023, Dr. Stamps received the NYS Center for Nursing Driscoll Award, which is their highest honor given to an individual who stands out through their dedication and determination in supporting the mission of the Center for Nursing in their efforts to increase public knowledge and understanding of nursing, the nursing profession, and the arts and sciences upon which human health depends.

October 2023, Dr. Stamps was selected to be a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing (Academy). Through a competitive, rigorous application process, the Academy’s Fellow Selection Committee reviewed nearly 400 applications to select the 2023 Fellows. The 2023 Fellows represent 40 states, the District of Columbia, and 13 countries.

In November 2022, Dr. Stamps was inducted into the Marquis Who’s Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into accountduring the selection process.

In 2021 Dr. Stamps was named among 50 of the nation’s most influential diversity leaders, receiving the prestigious Leadership Excellence Award at the 2021 National Diversity and Leadership Conference.

As a speaker and trainer, she uses her expertise and influence to deliver engaging training to teams and individuals. Dr. Stamps is the co-lead for the NYS Action Coalition and chairs the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee. She is a member of the AARP’s Historically Black College and University’s Learning Collaborative for Diversifying the Nursing Workforce.

She is a life member of the National Council of Negro Women, the National Black Nurses Association, and Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc. Dr. Stamps has published in peer-reviewed journals on the innovative, collaborative nurse leadership model, the Chief Nursing Officer Council and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, workforce development and academic clinical practice partnerships.

She earned her associate degree in nursing from Monroe Community College, bachelor’s degree in nursing from SUNY College at Brockport, master’s degree in the Gerontological Nursing Practitioner program at Nazareth College, a master’s degree in business administration from Rochester Institute of Technology, and an education doctorate in executive leadership from St.

John Fisher College. She is nationally certified as a Nurse Executive by the American Nurses Credentialing Center and recently achieved the credentials of Certified Diversity Executive (CDE®) through the Institute for Diversity System at the Society for Diversity. Dr. Stamps became an independent certified coach, teacher, and speaker with the John Maxwell Team.

Samantha Agee, MSN-Ed, RN, APRN, CRNA

Second National Vice President

sagee@chietaphi.org

Mrs. Agee is a servant leader with over 20 years of leadership experience. A member of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Incorporated® over 13 years serving in leadership roles and contributing to education on the local, regional, and national levels. Her immediate past position as Assistant Regional Director of the Southwest Region of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Incorporated® has granted an insiders look of the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) accreditation process and requirements.

A native of Georgetown, Guyana and reared in New York, she enlisted in the Army in 1997, served as a Medic and License Practical Nurse (LPN), then entered a Reserve Officer Training Commissioning (ROTC) Program in 2001. Since commissioning to active duty in 2004, as a Distinguished Military Graduate from Hofstra University (NY), Lieutenant Colonel Agee serves in the Army Nurse Corps as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist.

Mrs. Agee received a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Adelphi University, Garden City, NY (2004), a Master of Science in Nursing Education from Grand Canyon University, Phoenix, AZ (2010), and a Master of Science in Nursing Anesthesia from the U.S. Army Graduate Program in Anesthesia Nursing and Northeastern University, Boston, MA (2013).

Mrs. Agee held numerous civilian and military staff and leadership positions in Telemetry and Orthopedic Units at Nassau County Trauma Hospital, Long Island, NY; Post Anesthesia Care Unit at Eisenhower Army Medical Center (EAMC), Fort Gordon, GA; Intensive Care Units (ICU) while deployed with the 21^st Combat Support Hospital to New Orleans, LA and Camp Bucca, Iraq, conducting Detainee Healthcare in austere environments; Surgical Intensive Care/Open Heart Recovery Unit at EAMC; and Nursing Anesthesia in operating rooms in Hawaii, Kentucky, and South Korea.

In the ICU, Mrs. Agee earned national certification as a Critical Care Registered Nurse, while serving as staff and charge nurse, the unit scheduler, and preceptor of ROTC nursing cadets and medics. Her additional duties were President of the Junior Officer Council for two consecutive years with emphasis on officer development via mentorship and leadership.

Thru the Hospital Education and Training Department, she served as coordinator and assistant instructor of a two-day Pediatric Workshop and presented continuing education courses on topics to include Guillain Barre Syndrome and Detainee Healthcare. As the senior nursing officer of a Forward Resuscitative Surgical Team, she developed and implemented a clinical rotation system which ensured Soldiers remained medically proficient and competent.

While serving as Assistant Chief of the Anesthesia Department in South Korea, Mrs. Agee developed and implemented policies governing anesthesia services to a 60,000-patient population. She is serving a second term of Chapter Presidency (HI and KY) for ROCKS, Incorporated, an internationally recognized military mentorship organization.

Mrs. Agee published and served as keynote speaker on topics to include The Effects of QuikClot Combat Gauze on Hemorrhage Control in The Presence of Hemodilution in The AMEDD Journal of Medicine and the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists. She earned multiple awards and attended numerous military and civilian leadership and communication courses to include COL C.J. Reedy and Command and General Staff College.

Working to improve the community, increase awareness, and decrease disparities, she continues active membership in St. Anselm Episcopal Church; American Association of Nurse Anesthetist; Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society; National Black Nurses Association, Life Member; NAACP, Life Member; ROCKS, Incorporated, Life Member; The Order of the Eastern Star; Daughters of the Imperial Court; and The Order of the Golden Circle.

Mrs. Agee became a member of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Incorporated® with an invitation and induction by the phenomenal Phi Chi Chapter of Augusta, GA in 2008; chartered Kappa Chi Chi Chapter of Honolulu, HI with 12 dynamic nurses in 2015; and provides “Service for Humanity” as a member of the awesome Alpha Chi Chapter of Nashville, TN.

Mrs. Agee is most proud of being married to Willie Agee III, MD, PhD and parenting their two daughters.

Chayla Avery, BSN, RN

Third National Vice President

cavery@chietaphi.org

Chayla M. Avery embodies the mission, vision, and values of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Incorporated. A new-to-practice nurse in the Neonatal ICU, Chayla received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree with a minor in Health Education from Howard University in May 2022. In the future, she plans to continue her education in hopes of becoming a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner focused on underserved populations.

Chayla remains highly active in the community of her alma mater and back home in the Metro Detroit area. Her extracurricular activities include membership in the National Council of Negro Women and continuing to mentor underclass nursing majors whom she was paired with through the Health Connects program.

Since induction into the Alpha Delta Beta Chapter of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Incorporated in Spring of 2019, she has committed herself fully to “Service for Humanity”. At the local level, she served as the President and Vice President of her undergraduate chapter.

Although relatively new to the Sorority, her dedication has afforded her numerous scholarships, including the National Aliene Carrington Ewell Scholarship, the regional Henrietta Chisholm Scholarship, and several other chapter-sponsored awards. In addition, her commitment to extraordinarily compassionate patient care and outstanding clinical skills afforded her the regional Daisy in Training and Sandra Fisher Beta Image Awards. During the 2021 Sorority conference, Chayla received the National Beta Image Award for excellence in academics, creativity, leadership, and volunteer service.

As the Third National Vice President, her overarching goal is to serve as an advocate for all undergraduate members. She envisions stronger sisterly/brotherly relationships between chapters, mentorship for undergraduate presidents, increased participation in Sorority events, greater retention of undergraduate members after graduation, and additional interactive programs focusing on character development, education, and professionalism.

Stacey Johnson, DNP, RN, CCM, SAFE

National Secretary

sjohnson@chietaphi.org

Stacey Johnson started in Chi Eta Phi in the spring of 1996 at Hampton University, Hampton VA as a Beta (Tau Beta 96). She has 25 years of nursing with a multifaceted skill set and experience in clinical areas ranging from Acute care, Community Care and Executive Administration.

She currently is the Senior Clinical Strategic Nurse Consultant at CareSparc Consulting Inc.; Chair of the Board at The Institute for Health and Social Equity, Inc. a 501(c)(3) designated organization whose mission is to reduce health disparities by improving the health and social equity of vulnerable populations and underrepresented groups.

Stacey Johnson has held several roles in Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc. Locally she was her chapter’s Epistoleus, Anti-Basileus and charter President of the first Westchester County, NY Chapter in the Northeast Region.

Regionally she held positions as the Assistant Regional Director and Regional Tamias. Nationally she has held co chair positions on committees and is now the National Secretary of Chi Eta Phi Sorority Inc. She is an active member of the Westchester County Alumnae chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., National Black Nurses Association and CMSA.

Erica Underdown Palmer, MS, BSN, RN

National Treasurer

epalmer@chietaphi.org

Erica Underdown was initiated into the Prince George’s County, Maryland chapter in March 2007. She has served as Dean of Pledgees, Financial Secretary, Treasurer and President of Lambda Phi Chapter, Incorporated. She has also served as the Financial Secretary for the Northeast Region of Ch Eta Phi Sorority, Incorporated.

Nationally she has served as the Nominating Committee chair, Financial Secretary and currently serves as the National Treasurer. She serves on numerous committees on the local, regional and national levels.

Erica received her BSN at Villa Julie College and her Master of Science in Administration from Trinity University in Washington, DC. She serves as an Ambassador for the DC Diaper Bank and is an active member of the Prince George’s County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Professionally she is the Senior Manager, Risk Management for Marriott International.

She serves on numerous committees on the local, regional and national levels. Ms. Underdown Palmer received her BSN at Villa Julie College and is currently pursuing her Masters of Science in Administration at Trinity University in Washington, DC. Professionally, she is the Senior Manager Associate Health at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center.

Karen Rabb, MSN, RN, CCRA

National Financial Secretary

krabb@chietaphi.org

Karen Rabb has been a member of Xi Phi Chapter of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Incorporated® since March 2005. A registered nurse for over 33 years, Mrs. Rabb has vast experiences in numerous therapeutic areas, including peri-operative nursing, cardiac and medical/surgical intensive care, home health, rare diseases (adult and pediatric), and over 20 years’ experience in clinical trial research.

Mrs. Rabb has a propensity for leadership and mentoring, and has served in positions as unit manager, supervisor, director of nursing/quality assurance, NIH project manager, and her current role as a Senior Clinical Trial Manager, overseeing a gene therapy study at a rare-disease biopharmaceutical company.

Leadership positions within Chi Eta Phi includes Middlesouth Regional Director (Immediate Past), Middlesouth Regional Secretary, Local Chapter President, Student Nurse (Beta) Sponsor, Chaplain, National Public Relations/Marketing Committee Chair, and National Protocol Committee Chair.

Collaborations with National Partners/Affiliates include American Nurses Association, Texas Nurses Association, American Red Cross, NCNW, Nurses on Boards Coalition, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, VITAS, Black Women’s Agenda, AARP, and the NAACP.

Mrs. Rabb graduated from El Centro Community College with an Associate of Applied Arts and Sciences Degree in Nursing in 1989. She completed a RN-to-MSN bridge program and obtained her Master of Science in Nursing with a Specialization in Leadership and Management from Walden University in 2014. She currently holds an active certification in research monitoring- Certified Clinical Research Associate (CCRA), and has held previous certifications as a CCRN, CPAN, and CCRC.

Mrs. Rabb has been tremendously blessed, due above all else to her strong faith and love of people. She believes that in order to be a good leader, you must be a good follower. She believes people will follow you if you have a sense of direction and purpose.

Her purpose in life is to be the best Christian, wife, mother, nurse, leader, and friend that she can be. She attends worship services regularly, she is a Deaconess at her church, she loves to read, and she used to travel quite a bit for her job (pre-pandemic ). She is a native of Detroit, MI and resides in DeSoto (Dallas), TX, has been married 37 years, has 3 adult children and one 17-year-old grandson. She is indoctrinated with the notion that “Service for Humanity” is her true calling.

Zenobia Richbourgh, MSN, RN, FNP, CPN

National Organizer

zrichbourgh@chietaphi.org

Zenobia Richbourgh has been a member of Chi Eta Phi Sorority Incorporated for over 16 years. As a member of Kappa Eta Chapter, she has served on many committees, and has held the offices of Dean of Membership, Vice-President, and President. In addition to her role as National Organizer, she also serves as Nominating Committee Chair for the Northeast Region.

A nurse for over 17 years, Zenobia received her ASN from Nassau Community College in 2006 and a Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner from Molly College in 2016. She also holds a BS in Biology. Her specialty is pediatrics.

Nutrena Tate, PhD, MBA, APRN, CPNP-PC

National Dean of Membership

ntate@chietaphi.org

As a Life Member of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Incorporated®, Dr. Tate has served in several capacities across all levels of the organization. On the local level, she has served as President, Vice President, Beta Sponsor, Parliamentarian, and Executive Assistant to the President. She chaired several committees including, Founders Day, Mary Stewart Retreat, Technology, Program and Projects, Bylaws, Mentoring, and Education.. Regionally, Dr Tate served as the 16^th Middlewest Regional Director and chaired several committees including E-Commerce, Historical Publication and Protocol.

On a National level, she served on the National Board of Directors as Middlewest Regional Director and currently as the National Dean of Membership. Dr Tate has served as chair of National Bylaws, Regional Conference Guidelines Task Force and Grant writing committees. She has received several awards from Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Incorporated including Mabel Keaton Staupers National Award, Helen S. Miller National Award, Organizational Expansion National Award, and Lambda Chi Chapter Excellence in Community Service Award.

Dr. Tate is a funded and published researcher, whose area of expertise includes health disparities and self-management behaviors in historically underrepresented populations. She has served as a consultant through her role as President and CEO, Brand Nu Consulting, Inc. As a pediatric nurse practitioner, she managed several school based health and community clinics, including a homeless shelter for teens.

Dr. Tate has received numerous awards for her exemplary community service and exceptional nursing practice. She has over 30 years of board and committee leadership experience in non-profit, service, academic, and professional nursing organizations.

Dr. Tate has provided over 75 peer-reviewed poster/podium presentations, invited featured and keynote speaking engagements, and panel discussions within academic, hospital, and community systems.

She is also a missionary whose pediatric health care has spanned to Lesotho, Africa and St. Marc, Haiti. Current memberships include American College of Health Care Executives, National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners, Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society, National Association of Parliamentarians, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and The Links, Incorporated.

Angela Hunt, MSN, BSN, RN

National Dean of Sponsors

ahunt@chietaphi.org

Angela Hunt was born in Brooklyn, New York. She graduated from Glen High School Kernersville, NC. Currently she resides in Winston Salem, North Carolina and has four grown children and eight grandchildren. Her loving and supportive husband’s name is Tim, and she has two sisters.

Mrs. Hunt received her bachelor’s in arts (BA) from Winston Salem State University in 1999, Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from North Carolina A&T University in 2001, and Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Walden University. She currently is enrolled at Grand Canyon University for a Doctorate in Nursing Practice.

Angela has 30 years of experience in healthcare. Her clinical areas include Med-surg, Acute Care, Geriatrics, Psychiatry, Community health, and Jail nursing. Mrs. Hunt has held the following positions: Assistant Director of Nursing, Charge nurse of Long-term Acute Care hospital (LTAC), charge nurse for Psychiatric Unit, charge nurse at a jail, Staff Development Coordinator, and Clinical Instructor.

She is a member of Chi Eta Phi Professing Nursing Sorority, Order of the Eastern Star, Sigma Theta Tau, ANA, and National Women of Achievement. These memberships allow Angela to continue her passion to serve in the community. Angela was featured in POWER Magazine, Marquis Who’s Who Publication because of my contributions to the nursing profession.

Angela loves to dance, travel, and spend time with my family. She is an active member of St Paul United Methodist Church where she serves on Ushers board and health and wellness committee. Nursing allows her to be comfortable communicating, collaborating, and caring for people in different areas.

Angela loves Chi Eta Phi Nursing Sorority, Inc because of the sisterhood and brotherhood. The members came from various aspects of nursing professions and the networking allows us to learn and be supportive of one another. Chi Eta Phi communicates and collaborates with other organizations that are all working for the same goal to serve humanity.

Akia Blandon, DNP, APRN, AGPCNP-C, PMHNP-BC

Northeast Regional Director

Ablandon@chietaphi.org

Dr. Akia Sheema Blandon began her healthcare journey in 1993 in Long Island, New York, by pursuing her nursing license. Amidst raising her five exceptional children, she demonstrated resilience and excellence in nursing. Dr. Blandon now holds roles as an Adult Geriatric and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Doctor of Nursing Practice, serving as the President and CEO of New Beginnings HealthCare, PLLC—a holistic practice catering to the NY, NJ, and PA area.

In addition to her clinical endeavors, she has been an Associate Professor and Assistant Dean of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Helene Fuld College of Nursing since 2014. Beyond academia, Dr. Blandon contributes to her community by participating in health fairs, healthcare education, and scholarship awarding, through Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Incorporated. In April 2024, she was elected Regional Director for the Northeast Region, Inc. of Chi Eta Phi Sorority Inc., focusing on service for humanity. She also serves as the Sorority’s National Technology Chairperson.

Actively engaged in her local community, Dr. Blandon assumes the role of a Small Group Leader at Christ Church in Rockaway, New Jersey, driven by her passion for faith. She believes that she can accomplish all things through Christ, drawing inspiration from Philippians 4:13.

In 2017, Dr. Blandon founded Pearls of Promise, a non-profit organization with a mission to empower women and girls who have faced life’s most devastating circumstances, including abuse. The organization supports a girls’ home in Jamaica, offering empowerment days, educational sessions, and financial assistance.

Balancing her professional, educational, and community commitments, Dr. Blandon remains a proud single mother of five. Committed to personal wellness, she frequents the gym five days a week, having shed over 80 pounds in recent years. Dr. Blandon follows a plant-based lifestyle, inspiring colleagues, patients, and friends to join her pursuit of wellness.

Adding to her achievements, Dr. Blandon published her memoir, “Triumphant: My Journey, His Call.”

Regional Jurisdiction: Washington District of Columbia, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Maine, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, and Massachusetts.

S. Elaine Leonard, MHA, BSN, ADN

Southeast Regional Director

SELeonard@chietaphi.org

S. Elaine Leonard is not just a registered nurse; she is a compassionate healer, a tireless advocate for health equity, exemplary leader in the healthcare community and now, fearless leader of the Southeast Region of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Incorporated. With an illustrious career spanning over 37 years, Ms. Leonard’s journey has been marked by her unwavering commitment to providing empathetic care, particularly in the realm of Mental Health – her true calling.

Ms. Leonard holds an Associate and Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing, as well as a Master of Science Degree in Health Care Administration from Webster University. She has traversed various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and home healthcare. Her exceptional communication skills and ability to connect with patients and their families have set her apart throughout her career.

Beyond her professional achievements, Ms. Leonard is an active member of prestigious nursing organizations such as the American Nurses and SC Nurses Association. For 22 years, she has been an integral part of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc, serving as the Charter President of Zeta Eta Eta Chapter, Orangeburg, SC. Her leadership extends beyond the local chapter; she served as the Interim Southeast Regional Director from 2020 to 2021.

Ms. Leonard’s dedication to health equity is further evident in her roles on the Board of Directors for the Action Council for Cross-Cultural Mental Health & Human Services and the Bethlehem UMC Church Council. As the chairperson of The Parish Nurse and Healthcare Ministries for three churches within the Orangeburg Circuit United Methodist Church, her impact resonates deeply within the community.

Additionally, she is a Charter member of both Phi Phi Chapter (2000), Sumter, SC, and Zeta Eta Eta Chapter (2017), Orangeburg, SC, exemplifying her commitment to sustained service and leadership. A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc, Beta Zeta Omega Chapter, Orangeburg, SC, Ms. Leonard is not only a professional trailblazer but also a mentor. Her dedication to nurturing the next generation of nurses is reflected in her commitment to mentorship and knowledge-sharing. Ms. Leonard is currently employed at W. J. Dorn VA Healthcare Center, as a Mental Health Treatment Coordinator/ Nurse Case Manager. She has 4 children and 4 grandchildren.

Regional Jurisdiction: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and US Virgin Islands.

Sylvia Page, MSN, RN, MBA

Middlewest Regional Director

spage@chietaphi.org

Sylvia attended Purdue University Fort Wayne for her nursing degree. She also holds a graduate certification in informatics, a master’s degree in business administration from Indiana Wesleyan University, and a master’s degree in nursing education from Western Governors University (WGU).

Sylvia has been an active member of the Zeta Eta Chapter of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc. since 1991. She has held several positions on the local level, including President, Vice President, Dean of Membership, and Secretary. On the Regional level, she held the position of Treasurer for six years and served as the Assistant Regional Director.

Sylvia has been in nursing for over 30 years and has always gone where opportunities have taken her. Her previous professional roles include Director of Clinical Services of homecare, Director of Nursing of Long-Term Care, Business Director of Perioperative Services, Quality and Outcomes Coordinator, Associate Consultant Case Manager of Clinical Trials, Clinical Trainer of Case Management, and Nurse Educator.

She also launched NJAN, which stands for Not Just A Nurse, where she does video clips on Facebook and YouTube to help others not to be defined by only what they do professionally but showcase their other talents. From the birth of NJAN, Sylvia was approached to be an on-air personality for WQSW 100.5 FM in Fort Wayne, IN, and in January 2017, the first live show was aired. Sylvia’s genuine love for people and her gift to gab made it a perfect fit to interview local healthcare professionals, community activists, and anyone with an exciting story to share (personally or professionally) that can help someone else.

She is an active member of the African-American Healthcare Alliance, VP of Operations Black Chamber of Commerce, and board member of Metro Youth Sports.

Family is significant to Sylvia; she has three children, Greg, Madison, and Jordan, and was married to minister LeRoy Page for 21 years before his passing. Her mother, Gertrude Timberlake, just celebrated her 100-year birthday.

Regional Jurisdiction: North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebrasaka, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio.

Bridgett Sterling, DNP, MSN, MHA, RN

Middlesouth Regional Director

bsterling@chietaphi.org

Dr. Bridgett Sterling, a San Antonio native, has over 30 years of diverse nursing experience. She currently serves as a Registered Nurse Liaison at the Audie Murphy Veteran Administration Hospital, stationed at San Antonio Military Medical Center (SAMMC). In this role, she provides critical support to wounded warriors and severely injured service members.

In addition to her primary role, Dr. Sterling is an adjunct faculty member at the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio and Alamo Community College, where she has been teaching Licensed Vocational Nursing (LVN) and Registered Nursing (RN) students since 2007.

Her extensive nursing background includes experience in medical-surgical, telemetry, burn care, orthopedics, and step-down intensive care units. She also has a strong foundation in case management, managed care, home health, internal medicine, family practice, and nursing education.

Education

Associate of Applied Science in Nursing – San Antonio College
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) – University of the Incarnate Word
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) & Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) – University of Phoenix
Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP) – Capella University
Currently pursuing a second Doctorate in Healthcare Administration – Virginia University of Lynchburg

Leadership & Community Involvement

Dr. Sterling is deeply committed to professional service and leadership. She currently serves as the 17th Middlesouth Regional Director of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc. and is the immediate past president of Theta Eta Chapter, Inc. located in San Antonio, Texas.

Beyond her professional and academic achievements, Dr. Sterling takes great pride in her role as a parent to three children.

Norlissa M. Cooper, PhD, MSN, BSN, RN

Southwest Regional Director

ncooper@chietaphi.org

Norlissa M. Cooper, PhD, MSN, BSN, RN, earned her B.S. in nursing from the University of Rochester, her M.S. in nursing with a concentration in education from Georgetown, and her PhD in nursing with a concentration in health policy from the University of California, San Francisco. Dr. Cooper works as a Registered Nurse at San Francisco General in San Francisco, California. She has over 13 years of experience in the acute care setting working as a staff nurse, charge nurse, nurse educator, and continuing education committee co-chair.

Dr. Cooper is trained as a critical ethnographer and her research agenda focuses on examining the intersections of policy, practice/implementation, and community impact with the purpose of identifying policies that create and/or reinforce institutional and structural racism and contribute to health disparities. Dr. Cooper’s area of expertise is perinatal illicit substance screening policies and practices in the acute care setting.

Regional Jurisdiction: Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Nevada, New Mexico and Utah.

Priscilla J. Murphy, MS, MEd, BSN, RN, LPCMH

Immediate Past National President

pmurphy@chietaphi.org

Ms. Murphy is a subject matter expert in counseling, education and healthcare training. Ms. Murphy has prided herself in understanding her community and the people she serves. During her many years as a Registered Nurse and Healthcare Advocate, she is dedicated to equity outcomes.

In 1999, she followed her passion moving into the field of mental health counseling. She works tirelessly to make her clients understand that their voice is heard. As a strong advocate for eliminating mental health stigma, she focused on educating various populations to seek professional services and manage their life changes.

Appointed to National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC) Examination Sensitivity and Bias Review Committee for five (5) years. She served as grant reviewer for the National Advisory Center for Healthcare Strategies Inc. for Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, where she worked to improve asthma outcomes for children with asthma.

Ms. Murphy’s experience working multiple nursing specialties and internal counseling, has led her to motivational speaking and training. As an international trained mental health advocate, she emphasized “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion” before it was the “popular” topic of discussion. Armed as a compassionate presenter, she challenges individuals to tackle the issues head on.

Ms. Murphy presented to the Wills Group, International Foundation of Accountants, QVC, Wilmington University, Chipotle, Newell Group, AIDS Delaware, and many other business and professional organizations on various sensitive topics. As a motivational speaker, she conducts seminars for higher educational systems, corporations and universities.

Through her dynamic presentation style, she individualizes the presentation specifically to align with the organization’s mission, value and goal. Ms. Murphy is an Employee Assistant Program facilitator for 3M Company and provides training for Health Advocate Companies throughout the United States on various topics such as mindfulness mediation and civility in the workplace and more.