Region 1 (Morris, Passaic, Sussex, Warren)
Rebecca Thomlinson MSN, FNP- c; NJSNA Region 1 VP of Communications & Social Media
Nurses are promoting nursing throughout communities in New Jersey’s Region1. We are displaying NJSNA information and memorabilia at Louise Childs Library in Sussex County.
Daniel Misa RN attended 2026 ENA Day on the Hill event in April. He had the opportunity to meet with the staff at the offices of Senators @senbooker and @senatorandykim to discuss key healthcare legislation. Dan Misais serving as the @newjerseyena President Elect advocating on behalf of our colleagues in the Emergency Nurses Association #ENAinDC.
Region1 participated in the 2026 Hackettstown Memorial Day Parade on May 25, 2026. It was a great event that promoted Nursing support of our military personnel who sacrificed their lives in service to our country and for our freedom to choose. We had 15 participants and 1 dog! The spectators applauded as we went by yelling to us “We love nurses” and “Thank you nurses” enthusiastically!
Ruth Ochoa RN attended AWHONN on Capitol Hill and advocated for women’s health and safe staffing.
For awareness of human trafficking education Francesca Nordin RN attended www.safernj.org Law Enforcement Conference March 4&5 then https://worldcupact.org/ on May 30. Both workshops focused on raising awareness of and prevention of labor and sex trafficking at the FIFA play-off games in NJ. As part of another team she visited area hotels/motels on June 6 with https://www.canfreedom.org/ to educate staff to identify missing and exploited children and report their findings to the National Human Trafficking Hotline 888-373-7888 or TEXT “Be Free” to 233733
Naomi Fox RN with colleagues published in the Journal for Nurses in Professional Development (JNPD)
Fox, Naomi DNP, RN, NPD-BC, CCRN; Harper, Mary G. PhD, RN, NPDA-BC; Robertson, Bethany DNP, CNM. Developing Our Own: Fifteen Cohorts of Leadership and Evidence-Based Practice Academies. JNPD():10.1097/NND.0000000000001264, June 1, 2026. | DOI: 10.1097/NND.0000000000001264
Fox, Naomi DNP, RN, NPD-BC, NEA-BC, CCRN. What Professional Development Do You Need? JNPD ():10.1097/NND.0000000000001256, May 19, 2026. | DOI: 10.1097/NND.0000000000001256
Region 1 Open Positions for 2027-2028:
- Secretary
- Treasurer
- Vice-President for Communications
- Warren County Coordinator
- Nominations Committee (4)
- Passaic County Coordinator.
Candidates or those who Nominate a person for one of these positions must be NJSNA members. The deadline to submit the ballot to State NJSNA is September 30 for the Election in November 2026. Please contact Francesca Nordin—fan.pnp@gmail.com or via cell (973) 902-7140 for information on the duties of the positions or how to prepare your ballot. Enter “Region 1 Position Info Request” in the subject line.
Region 1 Upcoming Events
Annual Education Dinner
Thursday, September 24 at 6 pm.
Presentation: AI in Life, Healthcare, and Nursing: Shaping the Future of Care
Region 1 is registered to participate in the fundraising walk on October 25, 2026, at 8:00am in Parsippany. The name of our team is” Nurses on a Mission (Pink Edition)”
If you would like to join our Breast Cancer Walk – visit our Team Page Making Strides of Parsippany: NURSES ON A MISSION (PINK EDITION)
Region 2 (Bergen & Hudson)
Gerri Kiefer-Necklen, PhD, RN, CCRN, CNE; Director of Communications
Our May meeting’s guest speaker, Gerri Kiefer-Necklen, PhD, RN, CCRN, CNE, presented on The Effects of a Pilot Virtual Simulation Intervention on Critical Thinking and Clinical Judgment Abilities. In partnership with the Board of Health, Region 2 was represented at Glen Rock’s Pride Day celebration in June. This event was attended by approximately 200 community members.
The president’s position will be open for the fall election. Please contact Maggie Hopkins for additional information at julejess@gmail.com.
Region 3 (Essex, Union Counties)
Ndidiamaka Ezuma, DNP, APN, FNP-C, WHNP-BC; Vice President of Communications, Region 3
I hope everyone enjoyed a restful and relaxing summer. The Region 3 Board Members strive to strengthen our professional community and support the success of our members.
Recent Awards and Honors
Please join us in congratulating NJSNA Region 3 members on their outstanding achievements.
Damilola Fenwa recently graduated from Rutgers University, earning recognition through multiple awards, including the Jenna Lynn Wallace Memorial Scholarship, in honor of her dedication, academic excellence, and hard work. In addition, she successfully passed the ANCC Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Certification Examination, adding another impressive accomplishment to her growing list of achievements.
Bola Ladeji-Kuku successfully passed the ANCC Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Certification Examination, marking a significant milestone in her professional journey and demonstrating her commitment to excellence in advanced nursing practice.
Tanisha D. McGriff was honored for 30 years of participation in the Black Women’s Health Study, recognizing her dedication and valuable contributions to research on the health and well-being of Black women.
Elsie A. Rivera, PhD, DNP, APN, FNP-C, is the recipient of the Henrietta Villaescusa Community Service Award of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses for her contributions to the Hispanic community.
Congratulations, everyone! Best wishes for continued success and many more accomplishments throughout your nursing careers.
We commend Dr. Lois V. Green, DHA, MBA, BSN, RN for her informative and inspiring presentation on “Built for the Storm”, on nurses’ resilience and the Code of Ethics during the Annual Membership Meeting.
We extend our sincere appreciation to Ada Elizabeth Gbanite, LL.B., B.L., MSN, PMHNP, for her presentation, “Recharge Hub: Self-Care for Nurses,” during our meeting and Nurses Week celebration on May 12, 2026. Thank you for your valuable insights and commitment to promoting nurses’ well-being
Call for Nominations – 2026.
The Region 3 Nominations Committee has called for member suggestions for the November 2026 elections. Members would take office in January 2026.
President-Elect, Treasurer, Essex County Member-at -Large (1), Union County Member-at-Large (1), Nominating Committee (3).
All nominations are due before the close of the NJSNA business meeting at the annual meeting. For additional questions or information, please email Pamela Parson-Williams, Chair, Nominations Committee, pfparson@icloud.com
Membership meetings for 2026 are held quarterly; the next meeting is scheduled for September 23 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Visit the Region 3 website https://njsna.org/region-3/ for more information on the location. December 2 – Holiday Celebration (details to follow)
Please email njsnar3@gmail.com with any news or updates you would like to share—we would love to highlight your accomplishments.
We also value your feedback. Complete the Region 3 NJSNA Member Feedback Survey at: Membership Survey. Your input helps improve events, communications, and the overall membership experience. Stay connected with us for updates and announcements by following NJSNA Region 3 on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. We also have a WhatsApp group where members can receive updates and stay engaged—email us to request the link.
Region 4 (Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Somerset, Bucks)
Emily Fernandes MSN, FNP-BC; Director of Communications, Region 4
Member Spotlight Celebrating Maureen Clark-Gallagher
This year marks an exciting milestone for Maureen Clark-Gallagher as she celebrates both her retirement from Thomas Edison State University and her recognition as a recipient of the 2026 Institute for Nursing Diva Award. To honor her achievement, ten members of Region 4 attended the Diva & Don Gala, joining colleagues and friends in celebrating a nurse whose career has been defined by leadership, service, and a commitment to advancing the profession.
Throughout her distinguished career, Maureen has worn many hats—nurse, educator, administrator, mentor, and advocate. Most recently, she served as Assistant Dean and Director of Distance Learning at Thomas Edison State University, where she helped shape nursing education and support future generations of nurses. Her work reflected a passion for lifelong learning and a belief that quality education strengthens the profession and improves patient care.
Over the years, Maureen’s career spanned clinical practice, nursing education, administration, and organizational leadership. From supporting nurses at the bedside to shaping nursing programs and mentoring future leaders, she consistently focused on strengthening the profession and creating opportunities for others to succeed.
Her dedication extends beyond the workplace. Maureen has been an active member of the American Nurses Association, the New Jersey State Nurses Association, Sigma Theta Tau, and the Institute for Nursing. She currently serves as Treasurer and Board member for both NJSNA and the Institute for Nursing and previously served as President of NJSNA Region 4. Throughout the years, she has championed nursing advocacy, diversity and inclusion initiatives, and professional development opportunities for nurses across New Jersey.
Colleagues know Maureen not only for her accomplishments but also for her willingness to mentor others, share her expertise, and give back to her community. Her volunteer service includes work as a Eucharistic Minister, election judge, blood donor, and participant in numerous civic and religious organizations.
The Institute for Nursing Diva Award is a fitting recognition of Maureen’s many contributions to nursing. As she begins this new chapter, Region 4 congratulates her on a remarkable career and thanks her for the lasting impact she has made on students, colleagues, patients, and the nursing profession.
Region 5 (Burlington, Camden, Cumberland, Gloucester, Salem)
Christine Savini MSN, RN, CMSRN, CNL, CPPS, NPD-BC,
VP Communications
Falling into Focus: A Look Back at Summer
As we reflect on the past summer, beyond enjoying the beautiful weather, Region 5 is proud to highlight a season marked by strong engagement, collaboration, and meaningful support for our future nurses!
One of the standout events took place at the end of May, when Region 5 hosted a well-attended Trivia Night and Silent Auction. The evening brought together us for a fun and energizing opportunity to connect outside of the clinical settings. Our Region 5 Board members contributed creatively to the success of the event by assembling a variety of themed baskets for the silent auction. Their efforts played an important role in the event’s overall success and fundraising impact. Beyond the enjoyment and camaraderie, the event had a powerful impact—raising over $1,000 to support our nursing students! These funds continue to contribute to educational resources and opportunities that help strengthen the next generation of the profession.
Throughout the summer, Region 5 also saw continued growth in our member engagement, with nurses coming together to share ideas, build professional connections, and celebrate the collective impact of nursing across our communities. These moments reinforced the importance of staying connected and involved at the regional level.
Looking back, participation in Region 5 meetings has remained an important avenue for staying informed and engaged. For members who have not yet attended, meetings offer valuable opportunities to network, contribute to regional initiatives, and help shape the direction of our organization. Please connect with us on social media or via email us at njsnaregion5@gmail.com for more information on how to get involved!
Region 5 is grateful for the dedication and enthusiasm of its members and looks forward to building on this momentum in the months ahead! n
Region 6 (Atlantic, Cape May, Monmouth, Ocean)
Kathleen Mullen, DNP, MA, RNC-MNN, CNE, Secretary
The Annual Meeting of Region 6 was held on Tuesday, June 2 at 6pm in Ocean County, at Harbor Point overlooking the Manasquan River in Point Pleasant Beach. Nursing Professional Development (NPD) credits were offered for the evening’s presentation, “Supportive and Palliative Care: Exploring the Nurses’ Role and Increasing Competency for the Tough Discussion” by Suzanne Penna, MSN, RN, ONC. See our group photo.
Watch for Save the Date / Announcements about our upcoming meetings. Anticipate NPD for all our programs.
In October, INPAC will present a program centered on RN Advocacy in Action.
In January, Kathy Mullen DNP, MA, RNC-MMN, CNE and Laurie Hyurk, MSN, RN, NI-BC, will reprise “Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Nursing from Education through Practice” virtually.
In April, Danielle L. Regan, MBA, MSN, RN, NI-BC, will present The Financial Side of Care: Understanding Healthcare Economics, Patient Impact, and the Nurse’s Role, in Atlantic City.
The Region 6 Board is reaching out to RNs in Atlantic and Cape May counties: join NJSNA and come to our Region 6 meetings to network with colleagues and attend our in-person and virtual events! Use the Region 6 microsite to find out about the Region’s upcoming events. How to connect? Click on your county on the NJ map on the NJSNA home page or bookmark: https://njsna.org/regional-site/region-6/. Tell us about the content you’d like to see on the microsite: email Kathy Mullen, Secretary, at kmmullen@comcast.net. If you’d like to become a member of Region 6, or if you are a member but have not received email blasts about recent Region 6 meetings, contact Director of Membership Helen Heinmets at hheinmets@brookdalecc.edu.
Every year, Region 6 awards the Beulah Eglantine Miller Scholarship for Nursing Education to four nursing students. Eligible candidates are enrolled in a nursing school as a prelicensure entry level student (AAS, ADN or BSN), an RN to BSN student, an MSN student, or a doctoral student. Check the Region 6 microsite for details on the next application cycle – DEADLINE for applications is October 15, 2026.
Call for Nominations: It’s never too early to think about taking on a leadership role in Region 6. Contact Suzanne Penna, Chair of Nominations, at pennas@mskcc.org to learn more about the many Region 6 leadership positions. At the end of 2026, the term of office will expire for the positions of Secretary, Director to Congress on Policy and Practice, and County Chairs. There are always opportunities to participate in Region 6 committees: Meeting planning, Nominating, or Scholarship. Support Region 6 by joining a committee. It’s a great way to learn more about leadership in Region 6.
Look for us at the Summit!.
