NATIONAL association of travel Healthcare organizations

Amber Barna, BSN, RN - Medical Solutions

Amber has been a registered nurse for over 20 years, holding several key positions in nursing leadership, regulatory compliance, and infection control. Amber currently serves as VP, Clinical and Quality Services at Medical Solutions. She also volunteers her time as a member on the Joint Commission Advisory Committee for Healthcare Staffing Services. Amber earned her ASN from College of St. Mary, BSN from University of St. Mary, BSBA from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, and graduated in July 2021 with her MSN in Executive Leadership.

Amber Sprengard, Vice President of Governmental Affairs - Health Carousel

As Vice President of Government Affairs, Amber is focused on the continued regulatory challenges and opportunities that Health Carousel faces, especially in dealing with federal legislation and administration oversight that effects the business each day. She manages the relationships with international governments and regulators of international healthcare staffing agencies and communicates Health Carousel's ethical, honest, socially responsible work in all our business relationships. Additionally, she represents Health Carousel's interest on several industry associations including the AAIHR, NALTO, and CGFNS and played a key role in Health Carousel's approval as a Certified Ethical Recruiter with CFGNS. Prior to joining Health Carousel, she spent 11 years as  Vice President of Municipal Investment Banking for RBC Capital Markets.

Brooke Coppock, Manager of Clinical Performance - Medical Solutions

Brooke Coppock joined Medical Solutions in 2018 and brings with her over 20 years in the healthcare field. She spent most of that time as a registered nurse in the Emergency Department at a trauma center. During that time, she was a nurse supervisor and educator. Before the ER she worked in a Stepdown Unit, both at Magnet facilities. Currently she is the Manger of Clinical Performance with Medical Solutions. She oversees many areas of performance improvement for travelers as well as joint commission readiness. Brooke received her ADN from Iowa Western Community College and will be attending the WGU MSN program. Brooke is a certified ER Nurse and was a trained Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner. Brooke has been awarded the Daisy award in 2017 as well as the Iowa ENA Frontline Nurse of the year award in 2016.

Brooke Thielen joined Medical Solutions in 2020. Brooke has worked in healthcare for over 20 years. Brooke has worked in all areas of the hospital throughout her tenure, however over the past 10 years has worked in Emergency and Trauma, where she has also held positions of Team Lead and Supervisor.  Brooke worked in Nursing Administration as the Interim Director of the Nursing Services pool, and as House Supervisor of a very busy Level I Trauma Center prior to coming to Medical Solutions, at Medical Solutions she has worked as Clinical Nurse Manager, Supervisor of Clinical Services, and Manager of Clinical Services.  Brooke currently pursuing her MSN in Nursing Leadership at Western Governors University.  In addition to her duties at Medical Solutions, Brooke’s love for emergency nursing and trauma care is apparent as she has obtained her advanced ER certification as a Certified Emergency Nurse, and Trauma Certified Registered Nurse, she is also a trained Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner, she can be found still moonlighting in her local ER/trauma center where she also teaches trauma classes-TNCC, ENPC, and ATCN.  Brooke currently is the Nebraska State ENA Chairperson for IQSIP (Institute for Quality, Safety, and Injury Prevention). Brooke also currently is on the committee for the Nebraska Statewide EMS for Children Advisory Committee. 

Candy Wetherell, RN BHSA, MSHR, VP Quality and Compliance - TotalMed

I currently live in Florida and have a part - time residence in Texas. I have been in the health care field for over 35 years. My work and passion have allowed me the opportunity to work in Hospice, Post-Acute Care, Acute Care Hospital Systems and Healthcare Staffing Services. My primary responsibilities have included Vice President of Quality and Compliance, Healthcare Administrator, Director of Risk Management, Ancillary Director, Director of Nursing and Vice President of Operations. I am a member of the Florida Nurses Association, the National Association for Health Care Quality and NATHO. I am a member of NATHO's (CEC) Clinical Excellence Committee. I plan to graduate in November of 2022, with my Master’s in Nursing (MSN) with concentration in Nursing Informatics.

Denise Carlson, MBA, MSN, RN, Clinical Director/Risk Manager - Jackson Nurse Professional

Denise Carlson, MBA, MSN, RN, joined Jackson Healthcare this year. As Clinical Director, Denise, provides her expertise relating to quality, risk, and clinical support for our clinicians. She brings more than 30 years of nursing experience in a variety of settings to the Orlando team. In addition, she serves as a member of the NATHO Clinical Executive Council and Health Care Staffing Services Advisory Council.

Donita Ross, MSN, RN, NE-BC, CGNC Associate Chief Nurse Officer - Health Carousel International

CEC Vice-Chair

Donita is a former nurse leader of perioperative, medical surgical, and oncology services for a 320-bed acute care facility in Cincinnati, OH. She has given conference presentations on leadership and best practices in the gastroenterology/perioperative setting as well as regional, national and international conference presentations on the nursing shortage and international workforce solution. Donita developed and led several multi-state educational conferences and specialty certification review courses. She has also administrated educational scholarship programs to support advanced educational opportunities and certification in nursing along with multiple evidence-based practice policies focused on safety and improved patient outcomes. Donita is also the recipient of the Mount Saint Joseph University Distinguished Leadership Award and the Cincinnati Business Courier’s Health Care Hero Award.

Doreen Donohue, DNP, RN NEA-BECAUSE, CPHQ - The Joint Commission

Dr. Donohue is the Field Director for the Disease Specific/Health Care Staffing Certification program at The Joint Commission. She has over 35 years of nursing leadership experience in a variety of hospital operations roles. Dr. Donohue received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the College of Mount St. Vincent in Riverdale, NY, her Master of Science in Nursing Administration from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, and her Doctor of Nursing Practice from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Earl Dalton, MHA, MSL, RN, NEA-BC - Health Carousel

NATHO Director

Earl currently sits as chair of the Clinical Executive committee for the National Association of Travel Healthcare Organizations (NATHO) and membership in the Joint Commission’s Staffing advisory council and technical council. In 2018 Earl keynoted the Philippines Nurse Association’s Annual conference and events in South Korea and UAE. Dalton recently was a contributing author on “Building a Culture of Safety: A National Nursing Licensure Model” published in Beckers 2021. Dalton was published in Customer Care News for innovation in customer experience in 2015 and won the Mount St Joseph Distinguished Nurse Administrator award for Cincinnati.

Jaclyn Neilly, BSN, BA, RN - Amare Medical Network

Jaclyn has been a nurse for six years, having worked med surg for a year and OB for four. Jaclyn joined Amare in September 2021 as an RN Care Manager, and was promoted to the Director of Clinical Services in January, 2022.

Jana O'Hara, MSN, RN, CPHQ, CPPS - Trusted Health

Jana O'Hara is the Director of Clinical Operations and Quality Assurance at Trusted Health. Her background in the patient care setting includes adult intensive care and procedural areas. She worked in quality and patient safety at the hospital and health system level for seven years before transitioning into the staffing industry. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Biola University and Master of Science in Nursing Systems Management at the University of Texas at El Paso. 

Jenny Palmgren - Medical Staffing Solutions Inc.

Jenny Palmgren, BSN, RN is an accomplished nurse leader with over 16 years of hospital experience. Currently, Jenny serves as the Clinical Nurse Manager for MSSI. Over her career Jenny has held several nurse leadership roles including Clinical Nurse Manager of a Float Pool, Staffing Office, Nursing Supervisor Department, Educational Coordinator and Float Pool RN. Jenny has years of experience in working with travel nurses and their onboarding. Jenny earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from University of Wisconsin - La Crosse and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee.

Jillene Eliassen, RN, BS, BSN, Vice President of Clinical Services - Travel Nurse Across America

CEC Co-Chair

Jill Eliassen proudly serves as vice-chair of NATHO’s clinical executive council and as the vice president of clinical services at TNAA, one of the fastest-growing healthcare traveler agencies in the country. With more than 20 years in the healthcare industry, her professional career includes tenure in bedside nursing at a level-one trauma ICU, service as an RN paralegal, and work in rapid response staffing. In 2013, Jill joined TNAA and brought a unique skill set combining one-to-one clinician care, risk mitigation, and policy management. She is responsible for building TNAA’s clinical department to its full functionality and leads a team of more than a dozen people, including clinicians and referencing specialists who support thousands of healthcare travelers. She is involved at every step of an assignment’s creation and placement, ensuring that each assignment meets the facility’s needs and the traveler’s goals. Jill, who also holds a bachelor’s degree in healthcare sciences, joined NATHO in 2015 and was appointed vice-chair in 2021. She is also a member of The Joint Commission. She lives in Colorado with her husband, her two children, and their dogs. She enjoys the beautiful Colorado outdoors as she boats and skis with her family in her free time.

JoEllen Ryan, Chief Nursing Officer - Theodore Drew & Associates

JoEllen Ryan is the Chief Nursing Officer of Theodore Drew & Associates. JoEllen is the CNO of Healthcare Staffing Hire, a division of Theodore Drew & Associates. She worked for Joint Commission as a Healthcare Staffing and Disease-Specific reviewer for 16 years. JoEllen was a Nursing Instructor at Northern Illinois University, retiring after 20 years in 2019. Currently, she holds a PRN position in a Pediatric Unit at Swedish American Hospital. A co-owner and President of ABC Staffing until 2000. Previous to teaching at the university, JoEllen was a manager of a Pediatric and PICU in Rockford, Illinois. She currently is the Founder/President of Latortuga Foundation, which has coordinated at least yearly a medical mission trip to assist the Mayan communities in Chiapas, Mexico.

Kelly Gunn, MBA, RN, NE-BC - Accountable Healthcare Staffing

Kelly Gunn is a nurse executive and consultant in healthcare staffing. For over 15 years, she has been providing clinical support and expertise to healthcare staffing organizations. She assists organizations with preparation for The Joint Commission, acts as a clinical resource, and serves as a liaison between the client and healthcare professionals. Kelly joined Accountable Healthcare Staffing in 2019 and as the Director of Clinical Services, supports the Travel division as well as all branches across the country to achieve mutual goals. She earned her BSN from Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI and her MBA from Rutgers University in New Jersey. Kelly currently lives in Illinois and is a member of the IONL

Katie Lang, BSN, RN - Fusion Medical Staffing

Katie is a clinical leader with 20 years of healthcare experience. Katie joined Fusion Medical Staffing in the Spring of 2022, bringing her clinical and sales experience to the newly created role as Director of Clinical Services. Prior to joining Fusion Medical Staffing, she served as a certified diabetes educator and clinical sales manager for global sales organizations, and managed the training and creation of programs within the diabetes space. Katie has her BSN in nursing (2003), certified diabetes educator (CDCES), and received her Masters in Business Administration (MBA) in 2021. Katie and her husband, Dave, a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, live in Omaha, NE with their five children and Golden Retriever.

Kim Robinson, RN, BSN - Medical Solutions

Kim has been a registered nurse for 15 years and currently serves as the VP of Operations at Medical Solutions. She has experience in a variety of specialties including Healthcare staffing, Emergency department, Cath Lab/IR, and MedSurg/Neuro/Ortho. Kim is currently finishing her MSN in Nursing Executive Leadership.

Meghan Stimmler, RN, BSN - Stability Healthcare, Inc

Meghan has been a registered nurse for almost 25 years. As the Director of Nursing, Meghan provides clinical support for nurses and Allied Health professionals, as well as develops policies and procedures for standards of care. Meghan received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Southern California in 1998. She lives in California with her husband and four children.

Melissa Knybel, BSN, RN - Randstad Healthcare

As the VP of Clinical Practice within Randstad's risk management team, Melissa support all field branches and operations related to workplace safety, quality, and risk within healthcare environments. As the clinical expert, she provides support during the sales & client engagement process with clients looking to Randstad to support their clinical and non-clinical staffing needs. Prior to joining Randstad, Melissa was employed as a Registered Nurse working in a variety of settings. She has over ten years of clinical experience, primarily in the critical care setting. Melissa currently serves on the board of NATHO as well as on NATHO's Clinical Executive Committee. Additionally, she is one of the education coordinators for TravCon (Travelers Education Group) and serves on the conference planning committee.

Merry Fort, BS, RN - Health Advocates Network

Merry has extensive experience in hospitals ranging from CCU staff to Assistant Hospital Administrator and in healthcare staffing having owned and operated two nurse staffing businesses. She joined MSN’s management team and served in various roles including VP Southeastern Division and CNO before leaving the company in 2012. Prior to joining AHS in January 2013, she worked at Atrium Navicent Health as an Administrative Supervisor where she continued as needed until 2016. Merry has 24 years of staffing industry expertise and is currently Executive Clinical Advisor for Health Advocates Network. In 2015 Ms. Fort was appointed to the Georgia Board of Nursing as a Nursing Administration representative and currently serves as Board Vice President.

Michelle Brudigan, RN, BSN - Fastaff, US Nursing Corporation, trustaff

As Senior Vice President of Clinical Services, Michelle Brudigan oversees the hiring and professional standards for Fastaff and U.S. Nursing Coporation. maintaining the company’s Joint Commission Certification for Healthcare Staffing Services. Since joining the organization in 2001, Michelle has served in many roles, including Director of Credentialing and Regional Sales Director.

Peter J. Mecouch, MBA, MSN, RN - General Healthcare Resources

Mr. Mecouch currently represents General Healthcare Resources as Chief Clinical and Compliance Officer. He has been in nursing for 30 years and has a clinical background in nephrology and critical care nursing. For the last 16 years, he has served in varying clinical and administrative leadership roles in the acute care realm. At GHR, Peter manages all aspects of clinical oversight, Joint Commission accreditation, credentialing compliance, and works closely with senior leadership on Governmental affairs and Corporate compliance.

Sally Porter, RN, BSN, Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer - Supplemental Health Care

Sally Porter has maintained the highest standards, keeping the welfare of the patients she cared for at the forefront of everything she does. As Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer for Supplemental Health Care, she has the opportunity to take that philosophy across the country. The standards, policies, and procedures she has developed ensure the highest levels of screening and service from the thousands of healthcare professionals SHC places in hospitals, schools, clinics, and therapy centers nationwide. Sally is a past member of the Health Care Staffing advisory board of the Joint Commission and a current member of ASHRM.

Sara Spanjer, BSN, RN, Chief Operating Officer - GetMed Staffing, Inc

Sara Spanjer has over 15 years of experience in the healthcare industry. Her experience has included patient care and clinical sales as well as healthcare staffing recruiting, compliance, and operations. Prior to joining GetMed, she held a variety of leadership and executive roles that allowed her to influence the growth and scaling of another successful healthcare staffing agency. She was recognized in SIA's 40 Under 40 in 2021 for her leadership in the industry as well as the Omaha Inspire women’s leadership awards where she was recognized as a finalist in the Excellence in Large Business category. She lives in Omaha, NE with her husband and three daughters and enjoys traveling and the outdoors.

Stacy Laue, RN BSN - RTG Medical

As the Director of Clinical and Compliance Services, Stacy develops policies and procedures to elevate the staffing initiatives at RTG Medical while providing experienced clinical support. Stacy has been a registered nurse for over 20 years. Her clinical experience is grounded in Intensive Care with specialty expertise in open heart surgery. Prior to her work in the travel nursing industry, she was the Director of Supply Chain for large 16 hospital health system. She also has experience as a Value Analysis Manager overseeing products implemented by the group purchasing organization. She has trained new employees and was responsible for reviewing and strategic planning and implementation as a Territory Manager for a global medical device company.

Susan Collier, Vice President of Quality Management and Operational Services - CHG

Susan Collier has over 30 years of risk and quality management experience. Susan joined CHG in 1986 to assist with the licensing, scheduling, and recruiting of physicians for CompHealth—CHG’s largest division and the nation’s largest provider of locum tenens physicians. In 1995, she officially launched CHG Credentialing (fka CompHealth Credentialing), a Credentials Verification Organization (CVO) at the request of temporary staffing clients, helped implement CHG’s risk management and quality management programs. Susan provides consultative services to clients for development, implementation, and evaluation of the delegated credentialing program. Susan accepted her current role in 2007, which involves ensuring the delivery of quality healthcare through oversight and maintenance of CHG’s credentialing, payor enrollment and quality management programs as well as directing all aspects of The Joint Commission’s HCSS program. Susan received a Master of Health Administration degree from Washington University. 

Tammy Dilley, M.A.C/Ed., Director of Clinical and Risk Management - TRS Healthcare

Tammy is a prior acute care nurse leader and travel ER RN. She also has extensive experience in healthcare staffing as a clinical expert supporting allied and nursing travel professionals. Her broad experience in finance and nursing, across several specialties, has prepared her to support her clinical team, internal sales/credentialing partners, external stakeholders, and travel clinicians, from varying perspectives. Tammy has experience in stepdown trauma/rehab, MS/Cardiac Pedi/Pedi research, MS, outpatient triage/clinic, Neuro ICU, and all ER levels/settings. Tammy has a MA in Communications/Education, a BSN, and a BS in Applied Psych/Human Relations.

Terim L. Dortch, MSN, RN - Medical Solutions

CEC Co-Chair

Terim joined Medical Solutions in 2018. As the Manager of Clinical Services, Terim manages a large performance management and clinical services team of nurse managers who interview and oversee the performance of several thousand contingent clinicians working in facilities nationwide. Terim also meets with facility partners to develop an understanding of their hiring expectations and provides insights into onboarding policies for facility partners. Currently, she is co-vice chair of the Clinical Executive Committee for the healthcare travel industry and co-authored a paper to call to action a National Compact License. Prior to joining Medical Solutions, Terim worked as the Emergency Department Clinical Nurse Supervisor at a major Magnet pediatric trauma facility in Omaha, NE. A former travel nurse herself, she is also an experienced pediatric trauma and Med/Surg nurse leader. Terim received her MSN in Executive Leadership from Nebraska Methodist College and BSN from the University of Nebraska Medical Center-Lincoln.