FHCA Announces 2025 Class of Executive Nurse Leadership Academy

Training Designed to Expand Knowledge of Nurses and Enhance Quality in Florida's Skilled Nursing Centers

Tallahassee, Fla. - Florida Health Care Association (FHCA) today announced the 2025 Class of the Executive Nurse Leadership Academy. FHCA’s Executive Nurse Leadership Academy (Academy) is designed to help nurses working in Florida’s skilled nursing centers with taking the next step in their career and continue providing high-quality care to Florida’s frail elders and people with disabilities. A select group of rising nurse leaders from across the state are selected for the Academy, which involves a three-day intensive training, informative webinars, resource tools and networking opportunities.

The following individuals have been accepted into the 2025 Class of the Executive Nurse Leadership Academy:

• Agnes Stanley, RN Director of Nurses at Tierra Pines Center
• Amanda Justice, ADON at Crestview Rehabilitation Center
• Amber Zock, RN, Director of Nursing at Diamond Ridge Health and Rehab 
• Angela Williams, Director of Nursing at TimberRidge Center for Rehabilitation & Healing
• Anila Xhaho, RN, Assistant Director of Nursing at Tierra Pines Center
• Anita Kinser, Regional Nurse Consultant at The Lilac Health Group
• Archangele Mauger, Director of Nursing at Ruleme Center
• Brittany Harris, RN, Assistant Director of Nursing at Aspire at Big Bend
• Brittney Haigler, Director of Nursing at Ormond Rehabilitation and Nursing Center
• Carmen, Melendez, Director of Nursing at Kissimmee Health and Rehabilitation
• Carol Manley, Clinical Executive Nurse at Bedrock Care
• Hanna Nash, Regional Nurse Consultant at The Lilac Health Group
• Heidi Fox, Senior Quality Improvement Consultant at RB Health Partners, Inc.
• Jeffrey Hand, Regional Nurse Consultant at Aston Health
• Jennifer Boyle, Regional Director of Nursing at Aspire at Jacksonville
• Karina Spaugh, Director of Nursing at Coral Bay at Pensacola 
• Katherine, Williams, Director of Nursing at Highlands Lake Center
• Katrin Whitlock, Director of Nursing at Jacksonville Center for Rehabilitation & Healthcare
• Katrina Smith, Assistant Director of Nursing at Palatka Center for Rehabilitation & Healing
• Kellyanne Rodriguez, Director of Nursing at Anchor Care and Rehabilitation Center
• Kimberly Scott, Director of Nursing at Cypress Cove Health Park
• Leah Melvin, Regional Nurse Consultant at Aspire Health Group
• Leshana Clark, Director of Nursing at Lake Mariam Health and Rehabilitation Center
• Leslie Wolfe, Director of Nursing at Sunrise Point Health and Rehabilitation Center
• Lisa Marin, Director of Nursing at Laurelwood Post Acute and Rehab
• Megan Fulton, Regional Nurse Consultant at Aston Health
• Monica Sullivan, RN, Director of Nursing at Aspire at Big Bend
• Patty Gutierrez, Director of Nursing at Regents Park of Winter Park
• Tammy King- Charles, Director of Nursing at Jacksonville Nursing & Rehabilitation 
• Veronica Walker, Manager of Education at RB Health Partners, Inc.

“Leadership in nursing plays a critical role in a skilled nursing center’s performance and all its people - from staff to residents,” said Emmett Reed, FHCA Chief Executive Officer. “We’re excited to have another group of compassionate nurses participating in the Executive Nurse Leadership Academy. These caregivers are at the frontline of impacting resident outcomes and helping Florida remain the gold standard in quality, long term care.” 

The Executive Nurse Leadership Academy was established by FHCA in 2019 with a goal to help rising nurse leaders cultivate strong leadership skills that can be used to manage and motivate their care teams. The education and resources that participants receive throughout the program are designed to not only enhance their knowledge to improve the health and well-being of residents, but also to increase their job satisfaction and support workforce retention.

FHCA’s Executive Nurse Leadership Academy, which is sponsored by Medline Industries and RB Health Partners, Inc., includes a three-day kick-off event at the FHCA Training and Education Center in Tallahassee. Participants include Directors of Nursing (DON), Assistant Directors of Nursing (ADON), supervisor nurses on the career path of a DON or ADON, and RN licensed nurses holding senior leadership positions. The program concludes with an Executive Nurse Leadership Academy Class of 2025 graduation ceremony at FHCA’s annual Nurse Leadership Program in June 2025.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 18, 2024

PRESS CONTACT:
Kristen Knapp, APR
850-510-4389 or kknapp@fhca.org