Powerful stories from this year’s APNA Annual Awards recipients
The 2025 APNA Annual Awards Recipients profiles are here! These written pieces paired with video interviews highlight each honoree’s journey, impact, and vision for psychiatric-mental health nursing.
Matthew Tierney, Psychiatric Nurse of the Year
A leading voice for expanding access to care, he has built groundbreaking nurse-led addiction programs and been a tireless advocate for advancing addiction treatment. Matt’s Story
Geraldine Pearson, Award for Distinguished Service
Over her decade leading JAPNA, she grew the journal’s readership, global reach, and influence, all while mentoring PMH nurse scholars. Geri’s Story
Cornelius Metili, Award for Excellence in Practice – RN
Advancing trauma-informed care, reducing stigma, and empowering nurses across Dallas-Fort Worth, he meets patients with humanity, compassion, and innovative practice. Cornelius’s Story
Gabrielle Abelard, Award for Excellence in Practice – APRN
She leads a multi-language, nurse-led community mental health clinic and created a fellowship training program to expand care to underserved populations. Gabrielle’s Story
Maxine Smalling, Award for Excellence in Leadership – RN
As a Chief Nursing Officer in New York, she built nurse residency and NP fellowships, ensured professional development pathways, and secured historic raises for the nurses she leads. Maxine’s Story
Elizabeth Archer-Nanda, Award for Excellence in Leadership – APRN
She founded and expanded a behavioral oncology team, and continues bridging mental health care into cancer treatment and wellness. Elizabeth’s Story
Joanne Patterson, Award for Innovation – Individual
Through her innovative Nurse Practitioners on Wheels® mobile clinic, she brings cozy, mobile mental health care to women and children where they are. Joanne’s Story
Kerry Peterson, APNA Award for Excellence in Education
At the University of Colorado, she has developed PMH simulation scenarios, mentored more than 150 students, and maintained a 100% pass rate on PMH-NP student certification exams. Kerry’s Story
Kathryn Phillips, Award for Excellence in Research & Scholarship
Leading a HRSA grant, she’s driving innovation in telehealth, resilience competencies, and trauma-informed education for future PMH nurses. Katy’s Story
Know someone who should be honored? The call for nominations for the 2026 APNA Annual Awards opens soon!
