FHCA has announced the members of its 2026 Executive Nurse Leadership Academy class. The program is designed to support nurses working in Florida’s skilled nursing centers as they advance their careers and improve care for elderly and disabled residents.
The Academy selects a group of nurse leaders from across Florida to participate in a series of educational activities, including a three-day intensive training session, webinars, resource sharing, and networking events. Participants hold roles such as Directors of Nursing, Assistant Directors of Nursing, supervisor nurses aiming for leadership positions, and registered nurses in senior roles.
Those chosen for the 2026 class are:
Amanda Miller (Aston Health), Berthona Guerrier (Lake Mariam Health and Rehabilitation Center), Bradley Despaigne (Vivo Healthcare Gateway), Carol Henry (Vivo Healthcare Ft. Pierce), Christine Morales (Sun Harbor Healthcare), Holly Irvin (Excelsior Care Group), Janette Nealy (The Lilac at Bayview), Janice Boatwright (Pines of Sarasota), Kayla Elverd (Chatham Glen Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center), Kevin Mimbs (Eagle Point Healthcare), Kristin Robbins (The Lilac Health Group), Lindsay Dulaney (Life Care Centers of Citrus County), Lori O’Berry (Sun Terrace Rehabilitation), Pamela Bianchi (Haines City Rehabilitation and Nursing Center), Patricia Burey Walker (Palm Beach Nursing Center), Rebecca Williams (Marianna Health & Rehabilitation), Roderick Luckett (Bayshore Pointe Nursing and Rehab Center), Sandie Espada (Riviera Palms Rehabilitation Center), Shavonna Baxley (Southern HealthCare Management), Shawn Muldowney (Palm Garden of Tampa), Stephanie Canales (Aviata at Fletcher), Tamara Dolloff (RB Health Partners, Inc.), Tiffany Ray (Harborview of Sarasota), Tiki Martinez (Sabal Palms Health Care Center) and Whitney Milton (Freedom Plaza).
Emmett Reed, FHCA Chief Executive Officer, stated: “Nurse leaders play an integral part in maintaining Florida’s reputation as the gold standard in quality, long term care. 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.”
FHCA created the Executive Nurse Leadership Academy in 2019 to help nurse leaders develop skills necessary for managing care teams effectively. The program aims not only to increase participants’ clinical knowledge but also improve job satisfaction and help retain skilled staff within the workforce.
The current Academy is sponsored by Medline Industries and RB Health Partners, Inc., beginning with a three-day event at FHCA’s Training and Education Center in Tallahassee. The program will conclude with a graduation ceremony during FHCA’s annual Nurse Leadership Program scheduled for May 2026.
