Board of Directors
President - Cami Peterson-Devries
Cami is currently is the VP of Corporate Compliance & Ethics and Leadership Development at St. Francis Health Services of Morris. Her background includes working in various parts of healthcare as a nurse
including acute care, clinic, urgent care, home care, hospice, assisted living, and skilled nursing facilities. Along with her current position she is also an adjunct professor at Rasmussen University and works in a small women's health clinic in rural Minnesota.
In her spare time, Cami wrote a management book "Roll to Role: The Toilet Paper Theory of Teams" which offers an exploration of teamwork and collaboration, using toilet paper as a metaphor to enhance understanding of team dynamics. (which is a 4-star book on Amazon.)
Cami is currently is the VP of Corporate Compliance & Ethics and Leadership Development at St. Francis Health Services of Morris. Her background includes working in various parts of healthcare as a nurse
including acute care, clinic, urgent care, home care, hospice, assisted living, and skilled nursing facilities. Along with her current position she is also an adjunct professor at Rasmussen University and works in a small women's health clinic in rural Minnesota.
In her spare time, Cami wrote a management book "Roll to Role: The Toilet Paper Theory of Teams" which offers an exploration of teamwork and collaboration, using toilet paper as a metaphor to enhance understanding of team dynamics. (which is a 4-star book on Amazon.)
First Vice President - Christy Waltz (Barich)
Christy currently works for Hennepin County in Long-Term Services and Supports where she supports people with chronic conditions and
disabilities. Christy has over twenty years of experience working across healthcare in primary care, managed care, county government, and a Federally Qualified Health Center.
Christy is passionate about equity and all people achieving their optimal health. She serves on the American Nurses Association Innovation (Policy and Determinants of Health) Advisory Committee. She serves on the
Associate Board and the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, & Access (IDEA) Committee for Women's Health Leadership TRUST. Christy will soon begin service on the University of Minnesota School of Nursing Alumni Society Board of Directors.
A first-generation college graduate, Christy earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice (Health Innovation and Leadership) and Master of Education (Youth Development Leadership) degrees from the University of Minnesota. Her initial nursing degree was from Minneapolis Community and Technical College. She earned a Bachelor of Arts (Anthropology, Women’s Studies) from Hamline University. Christy is also a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES).
Christy currently works for Hennepin County in Long-Term Services and Supports where she supports people with chronic conditions and
disabilities. Christy has over twenty years of experience working across healthcare in primary care, managed care, county government, and a Federally Qualified Health Center.
Christy is passionate about equity and all people achieving their optimal health. She serves on the American Nurses Association Innovation (Policy and Determinants of Health) Advisory Committee. She serves on the
Associate Board and the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, & Access (IDEA) Committee for Women's Health Leadership TRUST. Christy will soon begin service on the University of Minnesota School of Nursing Alumni Society Board of Directors.
A first-generation college graduate, Christy earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice (Health Innovation and Leadership) and Master of Education (Youth Development Leadership) degrees from the University of Minnesota. Her initial nursing degree was from Minneapolis Community and Technical College. She earned a Bachelor of Arts (Anthropology, Women’s Studies) from Hamline University. Christy is also a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES).
Second Vice President - Patrick Soria
Patrick is an Assistant Clinical Nurse Manager at Abbott Northwestern Hospital, with over 20 years of nursing experience. In addition to his
clinical role, he serves as an Adjunct Professor in two Master's programs. Patrick holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Regis University, a Master of Healthcare Administration from the University of Minnesota, a Master of Arts in Nursing from the Philippine Women's University, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Ateneo de Davao University. He also
completed a healthcare leadership specialty at Harvard Medical School as a scholar. Patrick is a Certified Global Nurse Consultant, Certified Nurse Manager, and Certified Hospital Administrator.
A trailblazer in his field, Patrick is the first Filipino American member of the Minnesota Board of Nursing. He is the President-elect of the Philippine Nurses Association of Central Minnesota and actively represents the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities on the Minnesota Equitable Healthcare Taskforce. Outside of his professional commitments, Patrick enjoys traveling with his wife and kids, as well as watching movies and trying out the best food places in the Twin Cities.
Patrick is an Assistant Clinical Nurse Manager at Abbott Northwestern Hospital, with over 20 years of nursing experience. In addition to his
clinical role, he serves as an Adjunct Professor in two Master's programs. Patrick holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Regis University, a Master of Healthcare Administration from the University of Minnesota, a Master of Arts in Nursing from the Philippine Women's University, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Ateneo de Davao University. He also
completed a healthcare leadership specialty at Harvard Medical School as a scholar. Patrick is a Certified Global Nurse Consultant, Certified Nurse Manager, and Certified Hospital Administrator.
A trailblazer in his field, Patrick is the first Filipino American member of the Minnesota Board of Nursing. He is the President-elect of the Philippine Nurses Association of Central Minnesota and actively represents the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities on the Minnesota Equitable Healthcare Taskforce. Outside of his professional commitments, Patrick enjoys traveling with his wife and kids, as well as watching movies and trying out the best food places in the Twin Cities.
Treasurer - Niki Gjere
Niki Gjere is a Psychiatric Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist. She currently works at Allina Health in the Mental Health and Addiction Clinical Service Line. She is a co-chair of the System Violence Prevention Council and Restraint Committee, and a member of the Allina Health IRB. She is an affiliate faculty at the University of Minnesota School of Nursing.
Niki has her PhD in Nursing. She has been a nurse for decades as staff nurse and nurse leader in inpatient psych mental health nursing. Her passions include workplace violence prevention and advocacy for patients and nursing staff.
She enjoys time with her husband, their adult children, grandchild, and chocolate lab Grizzley. She also enjoys time at her cabin up north.
Niki Gjere is a Psychiatric Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist. She currently works at Allina Health in the Mental Health and Addiction Clinical Service Line. She is a co-chair of the System Violence Prevention Council and Restraint Committee, and a member of the Allina Health IRB. She is an affiliate faculty at the University of Minnesota School of Nursing.
Niki has her PhD in Nursing. She has been a nurse for decades as staff nurse and nurse leader in inpatient psych mental health nursing. Her passions include workplace violence prevention and advocacy for patients and nursing staff.
She enjoys time with her husband, their adult children, grandchild, and chocolate lab Grizzley. She also enjoys time at her cabin up north.
Secretary - Linda Zarrett
Patrick is an Assistant Clinical Nurse Manager at Abbott Northwestern Hospital, with over 20 years of nursing experience. In addition to his
clinical role, he serves as an Adjunct Professor in two Master's programs. Patrick holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Regis University, a Master of Healthcare Administration from the University of Minnesota, a Master of Arts in Nursing from the Philippine Women's University, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Ateneo de Davao University. He also completed a healthcare leadership specialty at Harvard Medical School as a scholar. Patrick is a Certified Global Nurse Consultant, Certified Nurse Manager, and Certified Hospital Administrator.
A trailblazer in his field, Patrick is the first Filipino American member of the Minnesota Board of Nursing. He is the President-elect of the Philippine Nurses Association of Central Minnesota and actively represents the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities on the Minnesota Equitable Healthcare Taskforce. Outside of his professional commitments, Patrick enjoys traveling with his wife and kids, as well as watching movies and trying out the best food places in the Twin Cities.
Patrick is an Assistant Clinical Nurse Manager at Abbott Northwestern Hospital, with over 20 years of nursing experience. In addition to his
clinical role, he serves as an Adjunct Professor in two Master's programs. Patrick holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Regis University, a Master of Healthcare Administration from the University of Minnesota, a Master of Arts in Nursing from the Philippine Women's University, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Ateneo de Davao University. He also completed a healthcare leadership specialty at Harvard Medical School as a scholar. Patrick is a Certified Global Nurse Consultant, Certified Nurse Manager, and Certified Hospital Administrator.
A trailblazer in his field, Patrick is the first Filipino American member of the Minnesota Board of Nursing. He is the President-elect of the Philippine Nurses Association of Central Minnesota and actively represents the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities on the Minnesota Equitable Healthcare Taskforce. Outside of his professional commitments, Patrick enjoys traveling with his wife and kids, as well as watching movies and trying out the best food places in the Twin Cities.
Director - Nikule Abel
Nikule Abel is a Cardiovascular and Surgical Transplant ICU nurse at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. In 2021, she graduated with a BSN with honors and the Clinical Excellence Award from the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV). Nikule held several director positions including Board of Director for the National Student Nurses’ Association where she served as the Committee Chair of Health Policy and Advocacy and Ethics and Governance. She also served on UNLV’s School of Nursing Association Board.
Nikule continues to immerse herself, in her passions, both seen in healthcare and everyday life; including racial injustices and DEI work for both underserved communities and the LGBTQIA+ community. She is currently an elected Director for MNORN and Director at Large – Recent Graduate for the American Nurses Association.
She is a knowledgeable patient-focused nursing leader who embodies a passion for learning and growing professionally in the field of nursing. Nikule devotes her time to being a mentor to nursing students, serving her community through volunteering, and advancing the profession of nursing through her endeavors.
Nikule is a dedicated wife and mother to her three beautiful children.
Nikule Abel is a Cardiovascular and Surgical Transplant ICU nurse at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. In 2021, she graduated with a BSN with honors and the Clinical Excellence Award from the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV). Nikule held several director positions including Board of Director for the National Student Nurses’ Association where she served as the Committee Chair of Health Policy and Advocacy and Ethics and Governance. She also served on UNLV’s School of Nursing Association Board.
Nikule continues to immerse herself, in her passions, both seen in healthcare and everyday life; including racial injustices and DEI work for both underserved communities and the LGBTQIA+ community. She is currently an elected Director for MNORN and Director at Large – Recent Graduate for the American Nurses Association.
She is a knowledgeable patient-focused nursing leader who embodies a passion for learning and growing professionally in the field of nursing. Nikule devotes her time to being a mentor to nursing students, serving her community through volunteering, and advancing the profession of nursing through her endeavors.
Nikule is a dedicated wife and mother to her three beautiful children.
Director - Melissa Gleaves
Melissa has over 14 years of experience as a nurse practitioner in family practice. In addition to clinical practice, Melissa has demonstrated leadership in the ambulatory healthcare setting, contributing to
improvements in patient care, workflow efficiency, and team collaboration. Melissa has held several leadership roles, driving initiatives that enhance both patient outcomes and the overall healthcare experience.
Melissa is also deeply passionate about educating the next generation of healthcare providers. With teaching experience in the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at the University of Minnesota and Metropolitan State University, she mentors aspiring nurse practitioners, combining clinical wisdom with evidence-based teaching strategies. In 2023 she earned a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree, further advancing expertise in healthcare delivery and leadership.
Outside of work, Melissa is a spouse and mother of three, with a deep love for family adventures. Passionate about travel, she enjoys glamping across the country, exploring national parks, and embracing the beauty of the great outdoors.
Melissa has over 14 years of experience as a nurse practitioner in family practice. In addition to clinical practice, Melissa has demonstrated leadership in the ambulatory healthcare setting, contributing to
improvements in patient care, workflow efficiency, and team collaboration. Melissa has held several leadership roles, driving initiatives that enhance both patient outcomes and the overall healthcare experience.
Melissa is also deeply passionate about educating the next generation of healthcare providers. With teaching experience in the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at the University of Minnesota and Metropolitan State University, she mentors aspiring nurse practitioners, combining clinical wisdom with evidence-based teaching strategies. In 2023 she earned a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree, further advancing expertise in healthcare delivery and leadership.
Outside of work, Melissa is a spouse and mother of three, with a deep love for family adventures. Passionate about travel, she enjoys glamping across the country, exploring national parks, and embracing the beauty of the great outdoors.
Director - Sarah Simons
Sarah has been a Registered Nurse for 14 years as a second career. She currently works as an oncology RN at the VA Comprehensive Cancer Center in Minneapolis and formerly worked in oncology at Hennepin Health System. She is involved in VA’s journey to achieve the ANCC’s Pathway to Excellence through Professional Governance, quality improvement projects, and a commitment to the principles of
High Reliability Organizations within her immediate unit and beyond.
Sarah has experience as a Union leader, representing the 1400 RNs at HHS for nine years. She also served a term on the MN Board of Nursing as an RN member, completing the certificate program from the International Center for Regulatory Scholarship through the NCSBN during her tenure.
Sarah is mother to seven adult children, one who is a nurse, and another who is a nursing student. Professional nursing was life changing for her family, and the legacy is profoundly satisfying. Her mom and wife are nurses, too! She enjoys camping with her wife, Kim, in Minnesota’s State Parks and playing Scrabble with friends as well as reading great books by a variety of authors.
Sarah has been a Registered Nurse for 14 years as a second career. She currently works as an oncology RN at the VA Comprehensive Cancer Center in Minneapolis and formerly worked in oncology at Hennepin Health System. She is involved in VA’s journey to achieve the ANCC’s Pathway to Excellence through Professional Governance, quality improvement projects, and a commitment to the principles of
High Reliability Organizations within her immediate unit and beyond.
Sarah has experience as a Union leader, representing the 1400 RNs at HHS for nine years. She also served a term on the MN Board of Nursing as an RN member, completing the certificate program from the International Center for Regulatory Scholarship through the NCSBN during her tenure.
Sarah is mother to seven adult children, one who is a nurse, and another who is a nursing student. Professional nursing was life changing for her family, and the legacy is profoundly satisfying. Her mom and wife are nurses, too! She enjoys camping with her wife, Kim, in Minnesota’s State Parks and playing Scrabble with friends as well as reading great books by a variety of authors.
Director - Sarah Stevens
Sarah Stevens currently is a public health nurse manager in family home visiting for Olmsted County Public Health. Her background includes working as a nurse in the areas of orthopedic trauma, hyperbaric medicine, and maternal/child home visiting. Sarah has found her passion in public health and loves that she can connect and advocate for health from the individual all the way up to the community level, recognizing that there are multiple determinants and intersections to health and well-being.
Sarah has her Doctor of Practice in Nursing (DNP) in health innovation and leadership from University of Minnesota. Sarah has a passion for mentoring and leading through involvement with local, regional, and state organizations and boards.
Sarah lives with her husband and two kids in Rochester, MN where they engage in all sorts of outside activities. Current favorites include- Nordic skiing, swimming (inside and outside), hiking, biking, disc golfing, soccer, canoeing, and skijoring with our hound mix (definitely a work in progress).
Sarah Stevens currently is a public health nurse manager in family home visiting for Olmsted County Public Health. Her background includes working as a nurse in the areas of orthopedic trauma, hyperbaric medicine, and maternal/child home visiting. Sarah has found her passion in public health and loves that she can connect and advocate for health from the individual all the way up to the community level, recognizing that there are multiple determinants and intersections to health and well-being.
Sarah has her Doctor of Practice in Nursing (DNP) in health innovation and leadership from University of Minnesota. Sarah has a passion for mentoring and leading through involvement with local, regional, and state organizations and boards.
Sarah lives with her husband and two kids in Rochester, MN where they engage in all sorts of outside activities. Current favorites include- Nordic skiing, swimming (inside and outside), hiking, biking, disc golfing, soccer, canoeing, and skijoring with our hound mix (definitely a work in progress).