FHCA Announces 2026 Class of Executive Nurse Leadership Academy

Training Supports Long Term Care Nurses' Knowledge of Delivering Gold Standard Care

Tallahassee, Fla. - FHCA today announced the 2026 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 take the next step in their career and strengthen the high-quality care they deliver to Florida’s frail elders and people with disabilities. A select group of rising nurse leaders from across the state were chosen 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 2026 Class of the Executive Nurse Leadership Academy:

• Amanda Miller, Regional Clinical Reimbursement Manager at Aston Health
• Berthona Guerrier, Director of Nursing at Lake Mariam Health and Rehabilitation Center
• Bradley Despaigne, Director of Nursing at Vivo Healthcare Gateway
• Carol Henry, Director of Nursing at Vivo Healthcare Ft. Pierce
• Christine Morales, Director of Nursing at Sun Harbor Healthcare 
• Holly Irvin, Director of Risk Management at Excelsior Care Group
• Janette Nealy, Director of Nursing at The Lilac at Bayview
• Janice Boatwright, Assistant Director of Nursing at Pines of Sarasota
• Kayla Elverd, Director of Nursing at Chatham Glen Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center
• Kevin Mimbs, VP Clinical Operations at Eagle Point Healthcare
• Kristin Robbins, Regional Nurse Consultant at The Lilac Health Group
• Lindsay Dulaney, Life Care Centers of Citrus County
• Lori O'Berry, RN, Director of Nursing at Sun Terrace Rehabilitation
• Pamela Bianchi, ADON/IPC at Haines City Rehabilitation and Nursing Center 
• Patricia Burey Walker, Director of Nursing at Palm Beach Nursing Center
• Rebecca Williams, RN & East Unit Manager at Marianna Health & Rehabilitation
• Roderick Luckett, Director of Nursing at Bayshore Pointe Nursing and Rehab Center 
• Sandie Espada, Director of Nursing at Riviera Palms Rehabilitation Center 
• Shavonna Baxley, RN & West Unit Manager at Southern HealthCare Management
• Shawn Muldowney, Director of Nursing at Palm Garden of Tampa
• Stephanie Canales, Director of Nursing at Aviata at Fletcher
• Tamara Dolloff, Senior Quality Improvement Consultant at RB Health Partners, Inc
• Tiffany Ray, Harborview of Sarasota
• Tiki Martinez, Director of Nursing at Sabal Palms Health Care Center
• Whitney Milton, Freedom Plaza 

“Nurse leaders play an integral part in maintaining Florida’s reputation as the gold standard in quality, long term care,” said Emmett Reed, FHCA Chief Executive Officer. “We’re thrilled to have another group of outstanding nurses participating in the Executive Nurse Leadership Academy this year. Their leadership, dedication and commitment continue to elevate health care standards and improve the lives of our state's seniors and people with disabilities."

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 2026 graduation ceremony at FHCA’s annual Nurse Leadership Program in May 2026.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 30, 2025

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