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APNA Annual Awards Recipients

CELEBRATE INSPIRING NURSES

The APNA Annual Awards recognize APNA members who demonstrate excellence in psychiatric-mental health nursing practice, education, research, leadership, community efforts, and more. Recipients are nominated by their peers and recognized at the APNA Annual Conference and in communications throughout the year.

2026 APNA Annual Awards Recipients

Okoli 1

Chizimuzo (Zim) Okoli, PhD, MPH, MSN, PMHNP-BC, FAAN
Psychiatric Nurse of the Year
Nominated by Lora Peppard, PhD, DNP, PMHNP-BC
“Dr. Okoli demonstrates an uncanny ability to see, understand, and respond to needs within our profession in unique, well-received ways. [He] continually moves psychiatric-mental health nursing beyond convention by implementing bold, evidence-based innovations in settings where traditional practice has stagnated.”

Delaney

Kathleen Delaney, PhD, APRN, PMH-NP, FAAN
Award for Distinguished Service
Nominated by Matthew Tierney, MS, CNS, ANP, PMHNP, FAAN
“An APNA member since 2003, Dr. Delaney skillfully collaborates with APNA leadership utilizing APNA’s visible national platform to drive PMH Nursing initiatives.”

20240910_Karen.Corcoran-Headshot

Karen Corcoran, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC, CHSE
Award for Excellence in Education
Nominated by Katy Phillips, PhD, APRN, CHSE
“Karen has a unique ability to see what is coming in practice and create innovative, effective educational content to meet the needs of the rapidly changing clinical environment.”

Kubanick

Valerie Esposito-Kubanick, PhD, RN, PMH-BC
Award for Innovation – Individual
Nominated by Jasmine Bratton-Robinson, PhD, RN, MSN-Ed, PMH-BC
“Dr. Kubanick has demonstrated a distinguished commitment to innovation in psychiatric-mental health nursing by pioneering new models of care that bridge clinical practice, specialized education, and provider wellness. Most notably, she has developed and implemented a Service/Therapy Dog program currently in practice at two hospitals and a skilled nursing facility.”

Jennifer Jimenez

Jennifer Jimenez, DNP, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC
Award for Excellence in Leadership – APRN
Nominated by Bethany Phoenix, PhD, RN, CNS, FAAN
“Dr. Jiminez has become well known in Indiana as a go-to person for PMHNP students and new graduates who are seeking to connect with others for clinical placements, development of project ideas, and career advice.”

Morris

Lynnette Morris, MSN, RN, PMH-BC, NE-BC
Award for Excellence in Leadership – RN
Nominated by Joshua Moran Jimenez, DNP, PMHNP, CARN, CPHQ, NE-BC
“She advanced employee engagement from the lowest to highest tier within one year, sustaining it for three years.”

Morante

Pedro Morante, DNP, PMHNP-BC,FNP-BC, LNC, FSIEN, FADLN, GERO-BC, Medsurg-BC, PMH-BC, APRN, EDS-C
Award for Excellence in Practice – APRN
Nominated by Rohzan Altre, BSN, RN
“Pedro has developed innovative, scalable treatment pathways for depression, anxiety, and ADHD, leading to measurable improvements in patient functioning and quality of life.”

Headshot Mathis 2026

Gabbie A. Mathis MSN- Ed, RN, PMH-BC, CPN, CPHQ, CNEcl
Award for Excellence in Practice – RN
Nominated by Marcus Henderson, MSN, RN, FNAP
“She has been instrumental in establishing a comprehensive safety and quality infrastructure and culture, and integrating evidence-based practices into daily operations.”

H. Lee

Heeyoung Lee, PhD, PMHNP-BC FAAN
Award for Excellence in Research and Scholarship
Nominated by Jung-Ah Lee, PhD, MN, RN, FAAN, FGSA, FADLN
“As one of the very few nurse researchers specializing in schizophrenia, a population often underrepresented in nursing science, she continues to lead innovative work…”

Past Recipients of APNA Annual Awards

Recipients of the APNA Psychiatric Nurse of the Year Award:

2025: Matthew Tierney, MS, CNS, ANP, PMHNP, CARN-AP, FAAN
2024: Kathleen Schachman, PhD, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC, PPCNP-BC, FIAAN, FAANP 
2023: Bethany Phoenix, PhD, RN, CNS, FAAN
2022: Joyce Shea, DNSc, APRN, PMHCNS-BC
2021: Evelyn Parrish, PhD, APRN-BC, FAANP
2020: Linda Beeber, PhD, PMHCNS-BC, FAAN
2019: Susie M. Adams, PhD, APRN, PMHNP-BC, PMHCNS-BC, FAAN
2018: Mary Moller, DNP, ARNP, APRN, PMHCNS-BC, CPRP, FAAN
2017: Jaclene A. Zauszniewski, PhD, RN-BC, FAAN
2016: Barbara Jones Warren, PhD, RN, PMHCNS-BC, FNAP, FAAN
2015: Kathleen Delaney, PhD, PMH-NP, RN
2014: Katherine Baltazar, PMHNP
2013: Jocelyn Perez BSN, RN, MA
2012: Mary Ann Nihart, MA, APRN, PMHCNS-BC, PMHNP-BC
2011: Barbara L. Drew PhD, PMHCNS-BC
2010: Kathleen Buckwalter , PhD, RN, FAAN
2009: Marlene Nadler-Moodie, MSN, APRN, PMHCNS-BC
2008: Kevin Huckshorn, RN, MSN, RCADC
2007: Lynn DeLacy, PhD, RN, CNAA
2006: Kris A. McLoughlin, MSN, APRN, BC, CSAC
2005: Judith Haber, PhD, APRN, BC, FAAN
2004: Kevin Gournay
2003: Dorothy E. Hill RN, C
2001: Karen Babich, PhD, RN, FAAN
2000: Barbara E. Wolfe, PhD, RN, CS
1999: Gail W. Stuart, PhD, RN, CS, FAAN
1998: Suzanne Lego, PhD, RN, CS, CGP, FAAN
1997: Grayce M. Sills RN, PhD, FAAN
1996: Virginia Trotter-Betts, MSN, JD
Other past recipients include Victoria Conn, MSN, RN and Claire Giffin-Francell, MS, RN.

Recipients of the APNA Award for Distinguished Service:

2025: Geraldine Pearson, PhD, APRN, FAAN
2024: Diane Allen, DNP, PMHRN-BC, FACHE(R)
2023: Mary Ann Nihart, MA, APRN, PMHCNS-BC, PMHNP-BC
2022: Gail R. Stern, MSN, RN, PMHCNS-BC 
2021: Carol Essenmacher, DNP, NCTTP
2020: Barbara J. Limandri, PhD, PMHCNS-BC
2019: Marlene Nadler-Moodie, MSN, APRN, PMHCNS-BC
2018: Michael Rice, PhD, APRN, BC, FAAN
2017: Cheryl Puntil, MN, APRN, PMHCNS-BC
2016: Julie Carbray, PhD, FPMHNP-BC, PMHCNS-BC, APN, FAAN
2015: Jeanne Clement, EdD, APRN, PMHCNS-BC, FAAN
2014: Ruth “Topsy” Staten, PhD, ARNP-CS
2013: Helen M. Birkbeck APRN
2012: Mary Moller, DNP, ARNP, APRN, PMHCNS-BC, CPRP, FAAN
2011: Shirley A. Smoyak PhD, RN, FAAN
2009: Gail W. Stuart, PhD, RN, CS, FAAN
2008: Edna Hamera, PhD, ARNP
2007: Fernando A. Duran RN, MS, FAAN
2006: Grayce M. Sills RN, PhD, FAAN
2005: Patricia Brown, PhD, ARNP
2004: Jane A. Ryan RN, MN, CNAA
2003: Marybeth L. O’Neil RN, MS, NES
2002: Rosanne M. Radziewicz RN, PMHCNS-BC
2001: Rebecca A. Sherwood DNSc, PMHCNS-BC, RN

Recipients of the APNA Award for Innovation – Individual:

2025: Joanne Patterson, DNP, MSN, PMHNP-BC
2024: Diane Vines, RN, PhD, CNS, RRT
2020: Georgia L. Stevens, PhD, APRN, PMHCNS-BC
2019: Joseph Giovannoni, DNP, PMHCNS-BC, APRN-RX
2018: Connie Mele, MSN, RN, PMHCNS-BC, CARN-AP
2017: Richard Ray, MS, RN, PMH-BC
2016: Elaine McGrane Olmstead, RN MS, PMHCNS
2015: Angela Thomas, MSN, BSN, PHN, RN
2014: Sharon Katz, RN, FPMH-NP, PMH-CNS, BC
2013: Marian W. Roman PhD, PMHCNS-BC
2012: Nidhi Chabora, APRN, RX, BC
2011: Michael Terry, DNP, FNP, PMHNP
2010: Dawn Vanderhoef , DNP, RN, PMHNP/CNS-BC
2009: Kathleen M. Regan, RN, MHA, CNA, BC
2008: June Esser, MSN, PMHCNS-BC
2006: Lesley Lynn Arle, RN, MN

Other past recipients include Verna Carson, PhD, RN, CS; Susan Napier, RN; Rose E. Constantino, PhD, JD, RN, FAAN; Marilyn Verhey, PhD, RN, CS; Captain Lisa Davison and Captain Mary Moore; and Margot S. Gorske, RN, MSN, Barbara Olesko, MSN, RN, CS, NP; and Sharon Valente, PhD, RN, FAAN.

Recipients of the APNA Award for Innovation – Chapter:

2020: Arizona
2019: Kentucky
2018: Florida
2016: Colorado
2012: Pennsylvania
2010: Minnesota
2009: California
2008: Pennsylvania
2007: South Dakota
2006: Oregon

Other past recipients include the Iowa, Pennsylvania, and California Chapters.

Recipients of the APNA Award for Excellence in Leadership – RN:

2025: Maxine Smalling, MS, RN
2024: Gretchen Johnson, DNP, MSN, RN-BC
2023: Leigh Lackey, BA, RN, BHCMII
2022: Donna Ecklesdafer, MSN, RN
2021: Stephanie Verdeflor, MSN, RN-BC
2020: Suzie Marriott, MS, BSN, RN-BC
2019: Brynne Delaney Calleran, MSN, BSN, BS, NE-BC, IN/RN-BC, PMH/RN-BC
2018: Jacqueline Lopez, BS,
2017: Marybeth McManus, MPA, BSN, RN-BC
2016: Kristen Kichefski, MSN, MBA, RN-BC
2015: Diane Allen, MN, RN-BC, NEA-BC
2014: Michele Moreau, BA, RN-BC
2013: Judy S. Linn BS, BSN, MS
2012: Anne Kelly, RN
2008: Margaret Edwards, RN, MSN, NEA, BC
2007: Sue Odegarden, BSN, RN
2006: Gretchen Sandvik, RN, BSN
Other past recipients include Susan M. Griffin RN, MSN , PMH-BC; Kathleen Waters, M.Ed., RN; Brenda Kamel, RN, C; and Marilyn Dennis, RN, C.

Recipients of the APNA Award for Excellence in Leadership – APRN:

2025: Elizabeth Archer-Nanda, DNP, PMHCNS-BC, FAPOS
2024: Lt. Col. Regina Owen, DNP, PMHNP-BC
2023: Kathleen T. McCoy, DNSc, APRN-BC, PMHNP-BC, PMHCNS-BC, FNP-BC, FAANP
2022: Major Renel Ramos, DNP, MSN, RN, NPP, PMHNP-BC 
2021: Barbara (Bambi) Carkey, DNP, PMHNP-BC, NPP
2020: JoEllen Schimmels, DNP, RN, PMHNP-BC, FAAN
2019: Matthew Tierney, MSN, PMHNP-BC, FANP-BC, FAAN
2018: Tess Judge-Ellis, DNP, ARNP, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC, FAANP
2017: Lora Peppard, PhD, DNP, PMHNP-BC
2016: Kathy Johnson, MSN, PMHCNS-BC, PMHNP-BC
2014: Christine Tebaldi, MS, PMHNP-BC
2013: Gail R. Stern MSN, PMHCNS-BC
2012: Margaret Halter, PhD, APRN
2011: Lisabeth Johnston, PhD, APRN, CS
2010: Mary Rosedale, PhD, PMHNP-BC, NEA-BC
2009: Nancy P. Hanrahan, RN, PhD
2008: Nancy Dillon, PhD, RN, CNS
2007: Carole Farley-Toombs, MS, RN, CNAA, BC
2006: Shari Y. Baron, MSN, CS, CGP
2005: Barbara Jones Warren, PhD, APRN, BC

Other past recipients include Nancy Valentine, PhD, RN, CNAA, FAAN; Patricia A. Chiverton, EdD, RN; Kenneth Larson, RN, BSN, MPA; Suzanne Luongo, RN, C, BSN; Ellen M. Flowers, MS, RN; Elizabeth Wackerman Carter, DrPH, MS, RN; Sue Scipione, MSN, RN, C; and Lynn C. Delacy, RN, MSN, CNAA, Luc R. Pelletier, MSN, RN, CS, CPHQ; and Regina L. Ashwill, MSN, RN.

Recipients of the APNA Award for Excellence in Practice – PMH-APRN:

2025: Gabrielle Abelard, DNP, PMHNP, PMHCNS-BC, APRN, FNAP, FAAN
2024: Helen Rodriguez-Romanacce, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC, FNP-C
2023: Joy Lauerer, DNP, APRN, PMHCNS-BC
2022: Kristen Bomboy, DNP, APRN-CNP, PMHNP
2021: Donna Gaffney, BSN, MA, MS, DNSc, PMHCNS-BC
2020: Michelle Giddings, DNP, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC
2019: Francine Pingitore, PhD, PMHCNS-BC
2018: Jess Calohan, DNP, PMHNP-BC
2017: Julie Worley, PhD, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC
2016: Mindy Cohen, RN, APN, CGP, DRCC, CARN
2015: Mary Conklen, MSN, APN, PMHCNS-BC
2014: Ellen Blair, DNP, APRN, PMHCNS-BC, NEA-BC, FAAN
2013: Joanne M. Matthew MS, RN, PCNS
2012: Pamela Marcus, RN, APRN, PMH-BC
2011: Patricia Cunningham, DNSc, APN PMHNP/CNS-BC, FNP-BC
2009: Ann M. Wilkinson, MSN, APRN, PMHCNS-BC
2008: Kathleen Wheeler, APRN, PhD; Susan O’Toole, PhD, RN, CS
2006: Ann Bispo, MS, RN, CNS
2005: Mary J. Reed, PhD, APN, CS, BC
Other past recipients include Mary Harpe; Vivien Dee, DSNc, RN, FAAN; Mary Moller, MSN, ARNP, CS; Naomi R. Carey, MSN, RN; Kimberly Littrell, MS, RN, CS; Marcia L. Clark, RN, C; Nancy P. Hanrahan, MS, RN, CS; Carolyn V. Billings, MSN, RN, CS; Beverly S. Richards, DNS, RN; and Carol K. Witherington, PhD, RN, CS , Diana C. Nelson, MSN, RN, CS, GNP; and Sandra Talley, PhD, APRN, BC.

Recipients of the APNA Award for Excellence in Practice – RN-PMH:

2025: Cornelius Metili, BSN, RN, PMH-BC
2024: Capt. Thi Lua, BSN, PMHN-BC
2023: Maj. Francis Ugoh, RN
2022: Sarret Seng, RN, BSN, BA
2021: Asneth Thomas-Rowe, BSN, RN
2020: Heather McCormick, BSN, RN-BC, PHN
2019: Vanessa H. Barlow, MBA, BSN, RN
2017: Aimee-Lynn Sheltry, BSN, RN-BC
2016: Heike Barnett, BSN, RN
2015: Janette O’Connor, BS, BSN, MS, RN-BC
2014: Michael Polacek, MSn BSed RN
2013: Donna M. Riemer RN-PMHN
2012: Martin Bosch, RN
2011: Marcia Melby, RN-BC, PMH
2010: Sherry Davis, RN
2009: Regina F. Janney, RNC, MS
2006: Elizabeth Moore, BSN, RM-PMH
2005: Robert Billman, RN, BSN
Other past recipients include Linda M. Jacobs, RN, BSN, and Colleen L. Eccleston, BSN, RN.

Recipients of the APNA Award for Excellence in Education:

2025: Kerry Peterson, PhD, DNP, PMHCNS-BC, PMHNP-BC, CNE, FAANP
2024: Jennifer Graber, EdD, APRN, PMHCNS-BC
2023: Kate Pfeiffer, DNP, APRN, PMHCNS-BC, PMHNP-BC
2022: David Foley, PhD, MSN, RN, CNE, MPA
2021: Michael Terry, DNP, FNP, PMHNP
2020: Rosalind De Lisser, APRN, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC
2019: Diane Esposito, PhD, ARNP, PMHCNS-BC
2018: Teena McGuinness, PhD, PMHNP-BC, FAAN
2017: Sattaria “Tari” Dilks, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC, FAANP
2016: Joy A. Lauerer, DNP, PMHCNS-BC, RN
2015: Dawn Vanderhoef, PhD, DNP, RN, PMHNP/CNS-BC
2014: Carole Shea, PhD, RN, FAAN
2013: Merrie J. Kaas DNSc, RN, PMHCNS-BC, FAAN
2012: Brenda Marshall, EdD, NP-BC
2011: M. Jane Suresky, DNP, PMHCNS-BC
2010: Michael Rice, PhD, APRN, BC, FAAN
2009: Bethany J. Phoenix, RN, PhD
2008: Susan Adams, PhD, APRN, BC; Genevieve Chandler, RN, PhD
2007: Kathryn Hoehn Anderson PhD, ARNP, LMFT
2006: Anne Bateman, EdD, APRN, BC
2005: Sharon Valente, PhD, APRN, FAAN
Other past recipients include Carole A. Shea, PhD, RN, CS; Margery Chisholm, EdD, RN, CS; Robert Anders, DrPH, RN, CS; Shirley Smoyak, PhD, RN, FAAN; and Mary Ann Boyd, DNS, PhD, RN, Anne Hopkins Fishel, PhD, RN, CS; and Elizabeth Poster, PhD, RN.

Recipients of the APNA Award for Excellence in Research:

2025: Kathryn E. Phillips PhD, APRN, CHSE
2024: Jamie Zelazny, PhD, MPH, RN
2022: Mercy Ngosa Mumba, PhD, RN, CMSRN, FAAN
2021: Ursula Kelly, PhD, APRN, ANP-BC, PMHNP-BC, FAANP
2020: Olimpia Paun, PhD, PMHCNS-BC
2019: Janet Ann York, PhD, PMHCNS-BC, FAAN
2018: Brenda Marshall, EdD, PMHNP-BC, ANEF
2017: Jill Bormann, PhD, RN, PMHCNS-BC, FAAN
2016: Janice H. Goodman, PhD, PMHCNS-BC
2015: Jane Mahoney, PhD, RN, PMHCNS-BC
2014: Jeanne Marie Stacciarini, PhD, RN
2013: Genevieve E. Chandler RN, PhD
2012: Karen Farchaus Stein, PhD, RN, FAAN
2010: Lora Beebe, PhD, PMHNP-BC
2009: Nancy G. Buccola, MSN, APRN, PMHCNS-BC
2008: Nancy Hanrahan, PhD, RN, CS; June Horowitz, PhD, RN, CNS-BC, FAAN
2007: Lora Beebe, PhD, APRN
2006: Linda Chafetz, RN, PhD
2005: Judith Haber, PhD, APRN, BC, FAAN
Other past recipients include Carol A. Glod, EdD, RN; Geoffry McEnany, PhD, RN, CS; Michelle Laraia, PhD, RN; Sharon Tucker, DNSc, RN; Kathryn R. Puskar, DrPH, RN, CS, FAAN; Linda Napholz, PhD, RN; and Jaclene Annette Zauszniewski, PhD, RN, C, Kathleen C. Buckwalter, PhD, RN, FAAN; and Claire Burke Drauker, PhD, RN, CS.

Recipients of the APNA Award for Media:

2018: Karen Foli, PhD, RN, FAAN
2016: Jeannine S. Loucks, MSN, RN-BC PMH
2014: Nancy Hanrahan, PhD, RN, FAAN
2009: Margaret B. Halter, PhD, APRN
2008: Kathleen Wheeler, APRN, PhD
2007: Diane Wieland, PhD, APRN, BC
2006: Betty Vreeland, MSN, APRN, NP-C, BC
2005: Ruth “Topsy” Staten, PhD, ARNP-CS

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