About Us

Dr. Gloria Beriones RN, NEA-BC
President-Elect, Philippine Nurses Association of America

A transformational nurse leader with over forty years of exemplary contributions to nursing practice, leadership, education, and research. Currently, the Staff Development Coordinator of Primary Care Clinics at Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affair Medical Center, Houston, Texas. She is passionate in her role as a leader, change agent, educator, consultant, facilitator, and researcher. She is a Coldiron Senior Nurse Executive Fellow at Marian K. Shaughnessy Nurse Leadership Academy at Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio.

EDUCATION
Her life-long learning includes: Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Science at Texas Woman’s University, Houston, Texas. Her research study was on Adaptation Experiences of Internationally Educated Filipino Nurses Employed in the United States. She graduated her Master of Science in Nursing at the University of Texas Health and Science Center, Houston, TX, major in Clinical Nurse Specialist Program and Nursing Administration, her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Riverside College of Nursing, Bacolod City, Philippines. A proud graduate of Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Hospital School of Nursing, Graduate Nurse Program, Bacolod City, Philippines. She graduated ranking number 2 among 84 graduates.

CONTRIBUTIONS TO NURSING
She is a member of AARP Foundation / Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Future of Nursing Campaign for Action on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Steering Committee 2022.

She participated at the AARP Foundation / Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Future of Nursing 2020-2030 Campaign for Action Virtual Summit, June 3-4, 2021, that developed action plans and measurable outcomes on Major Recommendation # 3 – Promoting Nurses’ Health and Well -Being and Recommendation # 8 Preparing Nurses to Respond to Disasters and Public Health Emergencies. On September 9, 2021, she participated at the Future of Nursing Campaign for Action Summit to discuss the priority recommendations and sub-recommendations aligned the most to own organization.

She is a member of the Alliance Advisory Board, from 2022-2024. In 2022, she participated in the revision of the Code for Health Care Professionals. She is the PNAA Foundation / PNAA Infection Prevention Control (IPC) Lead Champion, CDC Project Firstline, 2020-2022. The CDC Project Firstline was supported by 6NU38OT000295-02-06 from the Department of Health and Human Services / Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The PNAAF/PNAA is a Partner of the Asian Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) CDC Project Firstline. Together with two PNAAF /PNAA IPC Champions, they conducted and coordinated three Infection Prevention and Control Education and Training Series: January 23, 2021; February 20, 2021; & March 20, 2021. Total of 325 nurses attended the education/ training using the train the trainer teaching strategy to prevent & control the spread of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. The 325 educated and trained nurses / healthcare workers are now teaching and training co-workers, families, friends, and communities on CDC infection prevention and control principles. She collaborated with APIAHF Partners such as New York University Center for the Study of Asian American Health, Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations, Papa Ola Lokahi, and Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance to bring the CDC Project Firstline education and training to the frontline healthcare workers and public health personnel. She presented at the International Council of Nurses (ICN) Congress Nov 2-4, 2021. The podium presentation title, “Promotion of COVID-19 Infection Prevention and Control through Culturally Tailored Interventions and Collaborations with Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander Communities.

She is a faculty of the PNAA Online Leadership Development Program (iLDP) for three years since 2019 -2021. The 8-week leadership program is free for President, President-Elect, and any officers or members of the 55 chapters. The intensive leadership program is to provide the chapter leaders the education, tools, and mentors in leading their organizations. To this date there are over 100 graduates of iLDP who are contributing to the mission, vision, and goals of PNAA and PNA Chapters.

PROFESSIONAL WORK and ACHIEVEMENTS
She was a Nursing Director at Houston Methodist Hospital (HMH) for 14 years in General Surgery, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Units. The recipient of Houston Methodist Hospital Nursing Leadership Award for her exemplary Nursing Leadership. She was honored for her stellar leadership endeavors in building the first shared governance nursing unit at Houston Methodist Hospital. She was one of the top 20 Outstanding Nurses by Texas Nurses Association District 9 for excellence in nursing leadership, education, and community outreach services. She was a recipient of Dr. Jose Rizal Excellence Award for Nursing Leadership and Service by Knights of Rizal, Houston, TX.

She was the Manager of Education, Research, Professional Excellence at Saint Francis Hospital Bartlett, Tennessee. Her impactful contributions were: organizing and strengthening of the shared governance councils, staff professional development, and creating the hospital RN Residency Program. She has been a speaker in local, state, national, and international levels. She has presented numerous topics on leadership, clinical practice, education, and research;

has written articles and publications. Her greatest passion in life as a leader is mentoring and making a difference in the lives of people particularly fellow nurses.

Contributions to Philippine Nurses Association of America (PNAA) include:

• PNAA President-Elect 2020-2022
• PNAA South Central Region (SCR) Vice President (VP) 2018-2020
• PNA Corpus Christi, TX and PNA of Alabama were organized and became PNAA Chapters December 11, 2019, under her leadership and mentorship.
• Organized the Philippine Nurses Association of Nashville Tennessee and became a PNAA Chapter on October 17, 2018.
• Organized the Philippine Nurses Association of Tennessee on March 19, 2016, became a PNAA Chapter in June 2016
• PNAA Education Committee Co-Chair 2014-2016
  • Conducted four Regional Conferences, two National Conventions, and an International Nursing Conference in Manila, Philippines.
• PNAA South Central Region Vice President – 2010-2012
• Philippine Nurses Association of Metropolitan Houston Foundation Treasurer 2009-2014
• PNAA Board Member and Chair of PNAA Education Committee – 2008-2010
  • Conducted four regional conferences, two National Conventions, and International Nursing Conference in Cebu, PH.
• PNAA Board Member and SCR Region Liaison Officer -2006- 2008
• PNA Metropolitan Houston President 2004-2006
• PNA Metropolitan Houston Board Member 2002 -2004

Sinead Carbery
Brand President, Nurse Staffing Solutions – International (Formerly O’Grady Peyton International)
AMN Healthcare

Sinead Carbery brings almost 30 years of experience to her role as President of AMN Healthcare’s international nursing division. She completed her nursing education in Ireland, immigrated to the U.S. through the OGP Program in 1994, and completed nursing assignments in California and Georgia before joining the O’Grady Peyton corporate team. She has held roles in Clinical Management, Clinical Support, Account Management, Sales and Account Management Leadership, and Leadership of the international business since 2015. Sinead has served on the Board of The Alliance since 2019.

Annie Coughlin, MSN, CRNP, NNP-BC
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

Annie Coughlin, MSN, CRNP, NNP-BC is a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner in the Division of Neonatology at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

Annie completed her BSN at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, MN and her MSN at MSN – Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, PA.

Mercy Ekpoudom, BSN, RN, BC
National Association of Nigerian Nurses in North America

I am a dedicated Registered Nurse committed to healthcare excellence with over 30 years of experience in Emergency Care and Intensive Care Unit. I take pride in being a dedicated spouse and parent of six children and four grandchildren, balancing my professional commitment with a fulfilling family life. I am a graduate of Georgia Perimeter College of Nursing and South University College of Nursing. I find deep fulfillment in rendering my services at esteemed organizations such as Grady Memorial Hospital along with Emory and Davita Dialysis centers to name a few. As the founder of Benchmark Home Care, LLC, I am passionate about delivering top-notch personalized healthcare services in the comfort of client’s homes. Additionally, I’m a proud founding member and a board member of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses in North America (NANNNA), and the visionary co-founder of the Nigerian Nurses Association of Georgia (NNAG), contributing significantly to the nursing community.

Kathy Harris, MS, RN, CENP, FACHE(R)
American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL)

Kathy Harris, MS, RN, CENP, FAONL, FACHE(R), has been a nurse for 50 years including more than 40 years in a variety of leadership positions, including as a front-line leader, a service line director, a Chief Nurse Executive, and as a corporate nurse executive. She currently works as a consultant and provides expertise in legal cases. Kathy has also acted in the role of Chief Executive Officer in a number of different settings. Kathy has presented on nursing leadership to a broad spectrum of audiences, nationally and internationally. She is a Wharton Fellow and a past member of the AONL board of directors, the Colorado Organization of Nurse Leaders and the Center for Nursing Excellence, the last of which she served as a board member and Chair. Kathy currently represents AONL on the Alliance Advisory Board. In addition, she has worked closely with the Colorado Health and Hospitals Association and several affiliate members. She earned her Master of Science from the University of Colorado in 1984, her Bachelor of Science from Metropolitan State College in 1981, and her Diploma in Nursing from the Henry Ford Hospital School of Nursing in 1972. In addition to her professional certifications, she is as Just Culture Master certified.

Patty Jeffrey, MBA, RN
Executive Vice President, International Operations, MedPro International

Patty Jeffrey, MBA, RN, has 30 years of experience in the healthcare industry and is recognized as an industry leader in international healthcare recruitment. Jeffrey is a founding member, current President, and active regulatory committee member of the American Association of International Healthcare Recruitment (AAIHR).

Experienced in licensing, credentialing, training, and immigration, Jeffrey used her skills to turn MedPro International into the industry leader in the international recruitment, training, and staffing of foreign-educated healthcare professionals. She celebrated her 10th anniversary with the company in 2023.

Jeffrey started her career as a staff nurse and earned her MBA at Nova Southeastern University. Still, her affinity for problem-solving led her to assist facilities with The Joint Commission requirements and quality control and eventually to international recruitment work. Before joining MedPro, she worked for one of the largest health systems in the US, opening recruitment offices in the Philippines and India.

Today, much of Jeffrey’s work is done on Capitol Hill, working on legislation to expedite the immigration of foreign-educated healthcare professionals into the United States.

Kaye Mendoza RN BSN CNOR
Nurse Advocate and Contract Nurse Mentor
Lefora Filipino Nurses to US

Her 19 years nursing journey began after completing her nursing education at the University of Santo Tomas in the Philippines. In 2005, she took the opportunity to work as a foreign nurse recruit in New York City. Unfortunately, she faced unethical recruitment practices and challenging employment conditions at the start of her US career despite her academic preparations. However, this experience fueled her determination to learn about different contracts and assignments, leading her to become a traveling nurse for 18 years.

Throughout her career, she gained invaluable work experience in several prominent health systems in the US, including Johns Hopkins, Hackensack Meridian, MassGeneral-Brigham, University of Maryland, New York City Health and Hospital Corporation, Yale New Haven Health, and many other facilities. Her expertise spans across various healthcare sectors, including government, non-profit, private for-profit, academic/teaching, community, rehabilitation, long-term care, satellite facilities, ambulatory facilities, and clinics. Working with over 40 staffing agencies has given her a comprehensive understanding of the nursing contracting landscape.

Her role as a nurse advocate and contract nurse mentor was critical in supporting and guiding thousands of local US nurse contractors through expedited and efficient transition during the COVID-19 pandemic. She developed a nurse survival guide that gained recognition and was shared with BBC News, benefitting nurses worldwide.

She is committed to her professional growth and dedicated to promoting ethical and professional recruitment practices in the nursing industry. Through the social media platform with 190,000 community members in Lefora Filipino Nurses to the US, she advocates for education, transparency, and informed decision-making among aspiring and current contract nurses. Her passion for teaching and advocating for nurses led her to attain her Negotiation Mastery Certificate from Harvard Business School Online. As a volunteer, she invests her time helping contract nurses navigate their employment offers, ensuring they make informed choices that are aligned with their goals.

As a philanthropist, she nurtures a “pay it forward” culture by being a long-time supporter of Catholic Women’s League outreach programs in the Philippines for children and the elderly.

Cheryl Peterson, MSN, RN
American Nurses Association

Cheryl Peterson, MSN, RN is the Vice President of Nursing Programs at the American Nurses Association. In this role, she is provides senior leadership to the Directors of the departments of Health Policy, the Center for Ethics and Human Rights, and the Minority Fellowship Program. These departments are responsible for guiding policy development, as well as advising the ANA CEO, President, and Membership, on the full range of policy and practice issues facing the nursing profession. As part of her policy portfolio, Ms. Peterson is responsible for managing ANA’s participation within the International Council of Nurses, as well as supporting the development and implementation of quality indicators affecting patients, nurses, and the entire health care team. Since coming to ANA in 1990, Ms. Peterson has developed expertise in several areas including political education and campaign involvement; lobbying issues related to labor, employment, trade and immigration; and policy development on the supply of and demand for nursing services. She has a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing from the University of Cincinnati and a Master’s of Science in Nursing from Georgetown University.

Jeremy Sadlier
Executive Director, American Society for Healthcare Human Resources Administration

Jeremy Sadlier serves as a Vice President for MCI-USA and the Executive Director of the American Society for Healthcare Human Resource Administration (ASHHRA). Prior to taking on the role of Executive Director for ASHHRA, Jeremy was the Director of Human Resource Initiatives and healthcare human resource subject matter expert for ASHHRA and the American Hospital Association (AHA). He is a seasoned health care executive having spent much of his career with one of the Midwest’s largest health care systems Advocate Aurora Health (AAH). In his role, Jeremy has contributed content and expertise to both the AHA and SHHRA that was operationalized by health care systems and hospitals across the nation.

During his more than two decades with AAH Jeremy participated as a member of the Human Resources Team, Site and Market Executive Teams, and managed strategic and operational assignments. 12 years of Jeremy’s years with AAH as part of the HR leadership team, filling the role of South Chicago Market-Human Resource Director with oversight for Advocate Christ Medical Center-a quaternary tertiary medical center, 2 community hospitals, Regional Laboratory Division (ACL), and the systems 14 pediatric hospital locations.  Jeremy’s experience in both human resources and hospital operations were sought by the American Hospital Association (AHA) when they recruited him in to join their team in 2019.

Jeremy holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Northern Illinois University and a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership from Lewis University. He also holds a CHHR Certification in health care human resources. Since childhood Jeremy has always been an avid cyclists and has taken mountain biking trips to Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Tennessee, until COVID-19 forced him to reevaluate his space, he had an entire room in his garage dedicated bicycles, bike equipment and tools.