Through the APNA Memorial Scholarship, we honor the legacies of nurses whose dedication to psychiatric-mental health nursing and persons with mental health needs made a lasting impact.
By funding scholarships to the APNA Annual Conference in their honor, the psychiatric-mental health nursing community – and those whose lives have been impacted by PMH nurses – invite today’s nurses to forge their own legacies through lifelong learning and advancement of the profession.
The APNA Memorial Scholarship was founded in honor of Marlene Nadler-Moodie and continues with generous donations of those remembered by our PMH nursing community.
Recipients of the 2026 scholarship, funded in memory of Beverly Ann Benfer, Lucille Gambardella, Robyn Griffin Hatch, Judith J. Jaheriss, Karlene Kerfoot, Jamie (White) Legget, Marlene Nadler-Moodie, and Donna Rolin, receive complimentary registration, travel, and lodging to the APNA 40th Annual Conference on October 28-31, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
Director of Quality at the Rehabilitation Hospital of the Pacific
“I am passionate about strengthening trauma-informed approaches, promoting early recognition
of behavioral health needs, and integrating mental health awareness across healthcare settings.”
Assistant Clinical Lecturer of Nursing at Miami University
“My passion in psychiatric-mental health nursing is rooted in preparing nurses to deliver compassionate, evidence-based care while strengthening resilience in both patients and the healthcare workforce.”
Recipients of the 2025 scholarship, funded in memory of Beverly Ann Benfer, Lucille Gambardella, Judith J. Jaheriss, Karlene Kerfoot, and Marlene Nadler-Moodie, receive complimentary registration, travel, and lodging to the APNA 39th Annual Conference on October 15-18, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Clinical Resource Nurse
Mayo Clinic
“From the very beginning of nursing school, I knew that I wanted to be a psychiatric nurse. I have a passion for working with the unique patient population and care environment. I am constantly excited by the creativity that is needed to work through the nuances of patient care in an inpatient psychiatric setting.”
Registered Nurse
Penn Medicine Princeton House Behavioral Health
“As a PMH nurse, I am motivated by the chance to break down barriers, promote understanding, and offer the support necessary for individuals to live fulfilling lives. My goal is not only to provide clinical care but also to empower patients by creating an environment where they feel seen, heard, and understood.”
Recipients of the 2024 scholarship, funded in memory of Marlene Nadler-Moodie, MSN, APRN, PMHCNS-BC, receive complimentary registration, travel, and lodging to the APNA 38th Annual Conference on October 9-12, 2024 at the Kentucky International Convention Center in Louisville, Kentucky.
*Scholarship criteria varies year to year.
“I dream of making a lasting impact that prepares nurses to take a proactive therapeutic approach that is patient-centered with the therapeutic relationship as the foundation and seek to reinforce the plan of care, coping skills, and reducing the need for seclusion or restraint as well as workplace violence instances.”
“My professional goal is to continue taking on more demanding roles in psychiatric nursing leadership, where I can be most effective in advocating for and facilitating changes in the profession of psychiatric nursing to improve the structure of safety, support, and retention.”
Recipients of the 2023 scholarship, funded in memory of Marlene Nadler-Moodie, MSN, APRN, PMHCNS-BC, received complimentary registration, travel, and lodging to the APNA 37th Annual Conference last October 4-7, 2023 at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.
“I believe that my lasting impact on PMH nursing will be in promoting a culture of safety and care that empowers patients and reduces the stigma associated with mental health. By championing evidence-based practices and innovative solutions, I hope to continue making a meaningful impact on the field of psychiatric nursing.”
“I strive to educate others about the importance of advocating for and ways we can decrease the stigma associated with mental health. I educate others about person-first language and why we must see people as people and not see them as a diagnosis. I hope to educate my community that it truly is ‘OK to not be OK’ and that [our community] is rich with resources for help.”
Recipients of the scholarship, funded in memory of Marlene Nadler-Moodie, MSN, APRN, PMHCNS-BC, received complimentary registration, travel, and lodging to the APNA 36th Annual Conference on October 19-22 in Long Beach, CA.
“One of my superpowers is owning my weirdness, and it allows me to share out-of-the-box solutions with clients and validate their authenticity.”
“I hope to help those who feel stigmatized by the ‘shame’ of addiction find their voice, their value, and the proper treatment to allow them to recover and live a full and satisfying life.”
Your generous donations to the APNA Memorial Fund will be used to fund scholarships for APNA members to attend the APNA Annual Conference each year. Those you are remembering with your donation will be honored on the APNA website and in communications about the scholarship.
Connect with fellow psychiatric-mental health nurses, be the first to know about evidence-based resources and programs, and participate in exclusive opportunities to advance the care and treatment of those with mental health & substance use needs.
