APNA 40th Annual Conference: Program & Speakers

Alirio Olmedo, DNP, MSN, RN, MICN, CEN · Sonny Okundolor, DNP, PHN, APRN, PMHNP-BC · Maria Capiral, DNP, MSN, RN · LaShonna Jackson-Freeman, PhD, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, PMHNP-BC

Deep dive on de-escalation training and behavioral emergency response team competencies to build nurse confidence in crisis situations and improve workplace safety.

Allyce Jones, DNP, MSN, PMHNP-BC, APRN, CNE, NCMP, PMH-C · Joni Lybbert, DNP, PMHNP-BC, APRN

Walks through the psychological stages patients experience during infertility treatment, with trauma-informed assessment and safety strategies for PMH nurses.

Naomi Myrick, MSN, PMHNP-BC

Interactive clinical workshop preparing PMH-APRNs to recognize, evaluate, and manage adult ADHD, including diagnostic bias and comorbid conditions.

Joanne Iennaco, PhD, APRN, PMHNP-BC, FAAN, FFNMRCSI, FNYAM

Synthesizes current deprescribing recommendations across drug classes and age groups, integrating both RN and APRN roles. Pharmacology-eligible.

Justin Alves, RN, FNP-BC, ACRN, AACRN, CARN, CNE · Megan Hudson, RN, PMHNP-BC · Vanessa Loukas, RN, FNP-BC, CARN-AP · Annie Potter, RN, FNP-BC

Crash-course workshop on folding addiction treatment into everyday psychiatric practice, taught by an addictions nursing faculty team. Pharmacology-eligible.

Jacque Williams, MSN, RN, NC-BC

Examines how generative AI can streamline nursing education while weighing ethical, equity, and environmental trade-offs.

Renee Nauful, DNP, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC

Explores PMH-APRN scope in autism diagnosis, covering assessment instruments and differential diagnosis approaches.

Natasha Carew, DNP, ACNP-BC, PMHNP-BC

Looks at the growing use of GLP-1 agonists in psychiatric settings and the scope-of-practice, regulatory, and liability questions they raise.

Jeffery Ramirez, PhD, PMHNP-BC, CARN-AP, CNE, FIAAN, FAANP, FAAN · Amy Berg, DNP, PMHNP-BC · Carol Kottwitz, DNP, PMHNP-BC, FNAP

Traces psychedelics in psychiatric treatment from historical use through current evidence and emerging nursing roles.

Deborah Salani, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC, NE-BC · Beatriz Valdes, PhD, APRN, PMHNP-BC, CHSE · Deana Goldin, PhD, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC

Overview of medetomidine appearing as an adulterant in the fentanyl supply, its potency, and implications for overdose management. Pharmacology-eligible.

Kristen Kichefski, DNP, MBA, RN, PMH-BC, NEA-BC · Linda Beeber, PhD, PMHCNS-BC, FAAN

Panel from APNA's workplace safety task force presenting evidence-based recommendations for addressing violence against psychiatric nurses.

Jamie Zelazny, PhD, MPH, RN · Jessica M. Gordon, PhD, APRN, CPNP-PC, PMHNP-BC, IMH-E · Isabel Grace Buckingham, MSN, ARNP, PMHNP-BC · Michaela K Hogan, DNP, PMHNP-BC, APRN, CNE

First half of a two-part intensive covering developmental foundations, psychiatric assessment, safety evaluation, and crisis management in youth.

Mary Moller, PhD(h), DNP, ARNP, APRN, PMHCNS-BC, CPRP, FAAN

A veteran nurse expert witness dissects real malpractice cases against PMH nurses, with charting-error analysis and risk-management takeaways.

Kayla Cross, MSN, MA, ARNP, PMHNP-BC

Covers combining buprenorphine-based medication for opioid use disorder with harm-reduction approaches to stabilize patients. Pharmacology-eligible.

Laura Leahy, DRNP, APRN, PMH-CNS/FNP, CARN-AP, FAANP, FAAN · Susan Caverly, PhD, ARNP · Lee Moore, DNP, MEd, CRNP-PMH, PMHNP-BC, CNE

Connects neuroplasticity science and environmental determinants to youth substance use, recovery pathways, and clinician resilience.

JoEllen Schimmels, PhD, DNP, PMHNP-BC · Aparna Kumar, PhD, MSN, MPH, MA, PMHNP-BC · Kristen Holder, DrPH, PMHNP · Kayla Mays, DNP, PMHNP

Teaching strategies that build nursing student confidence in suicide and violence risk assessment while protecting psychological safety.

Joseph Giovannoni, DNP, PMHCNS-BC, APRN-RX

Applies the Risk, Need, and Responsivity model within a caring-science framework to sexual abuse prevention work.

Austin Corsmeier, RN, PhD, CPN

Multi-year safety overhaul of a pediatric neurobehavioral unit that cut staff injuries and restraint use.

Jessica Gordon, PhD, APRN, CPNP-PC, PMHNP-BC, IMH-E · Jamie Zelazny, PhD, MPH, RN · Isabel Grace Buckingham, MSN, ARNP, PMHNP-BC · Michaela K. Hogan, DNP, PMHNP-BC, APRN, CNE · Tracee Ridley-Pryor, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC

Second half of the youth psychiatry intensive, focused on evidence-based treatment, medication decision-making, and combined therapy approaches.

Stacey Molle, ACNS-BC, FNP, PMHNP

Practical billing and coding course for APRNs running or launching their own practices.

Jeremy Mills, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC

Full update on benzodiazepine prescribing trends, safety evidence, and structured discontinuation strategies. Pharmacology-eligible.

Julie Perry, DNP, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC · Shane Gallagher, DNP, PMHNP-BC · Queen Henry-Okafor, PhD, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC · Rosemary Smentkowski, DNP, MSN Ed., PMHNP-BC, CARN

Combines neurobiology and resilience frameworks to improve treatment of substance use with co-occurring psychiatric conditions. Pharmacology-eligible.

Brianna Jackson, PhD · MScN, RN, CPMHN

Hands-on introduction to arts-based research methods with practice facilitating and planning implementation.

Sara Jones, PhD, APRN, PMHNP-BC, FAANP, FAAN

How internet and social media culture drives patient self-diagnosis, and how clinicians can engage with non-DSM symptom language.

Lisa Patterson, DNP, APRN, PNP-PC

Distinguishes antidepressant withdrawal from relapse and introduces hyperbolic tapering for safer discontinuation. Pharmacology-eligible.

Megan Hudson, MSN, PMHNP-BC · Justin Alves, MSN, FNP-BC, ACRN, CARN, CNE · Ogo George, MSN, PMHNP · D'Arcy Gebert, MSN, PMHNP

Practical starting points for stimulant use disorder care, including overamping, stimulant-induced psychosis, and medication options. Pharmacology-eligible.

Anne Troy, FNP-BC

Addresses childhood pornography exposure, technology-enabled grooming, and screening and protection strategies.

Erica Ramey, PhD, DNP, PMHNP-BC

Debunks perimenopause myths and gives nurses tools to fold hormonal health into women's psychiatric care.

Blaine Winters, DNP, PMHNP-BC · Julianne Williams, Student Nurse · Emma Gilbert, Student Nurse · Kylie Phillips, Student Nurse · Lauren Toronto, Student Nurse

Case-based practice weaving Solution-Focused Brief Therapy techniques into psychiatric medication appointments.

Jared Vega, JD, PMHNP-BC

Reviews real malpractice and licensing-board cases to highlight legal pitfalls and documentation best practices in prescribing. Pharmacology-eligible.

Kayla Cross, MSN, MA, ARNP, PMHNP-BC

Positions harm reduction as core nursing practice, drawing on a year-long collaborative program serving high-risk communities.

Queen Henry-Okafor, PhD, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC · Matt E. Schroer, DNP, PMHNP-BC · Regina G. Russell, PhD, MA, MEd

Explores the APRN role in steering ethical AI use in mental health while protecting therapeutic relationships.

Allyson Matney Neal, DNP, PMHNP-BC, PMHCNS-BC, PNP

APNA President frames resilience as a science-grounded practice, arguing for a shift from trauma-informed toward resilience-informed care.

Jennifer Schneider, PhD, PMHNP-BC · Charolette Collins, DNP, PMHNP-BC

Holistic therapeutic and psychotropic strategies for childhood irritability and aggressive behavior.

Amy Berg, DNP, PMHNP-BC · Carol Kottwitz, DNP, ARNP, PMHNP-BC, FNAP

Evidence-informed strategies for optimizing care when depression fails to remit with standard treatments.

Kateleen Collins, RN, BSN · Natalie Ramirez, BSN, RN, PMH-BC · Kenneth Pierce, Lead Mental Health Technician

Reviews rTMS evidence and shows how multidisciplinary teams can expand neuromodulation access in acute settings.

Brenda Mayfield, DNP, CRNP, PMHNP-BC · Diana Kathryn Cerice, MSN, CRNP, PMHNP-BC

Presents a protocol for identifying veteran status and screening for operator syndrome using allostatic-load frameworks.

Kelsey Kent, PhD, PMHNP-BC, CNE

How psychiatric treatment strategies can improve symptoms of gastrointestinal disease in PMHNP practice.

Jennifer Jimenez, DNP, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC

Covers the neurobiology of trauma-related sleep disturbance and evidence-based sleep interventions that reduce hyperarousal.

Vanessa Loukas, FNP-C, MSN, CARN-AP

Guideline-informed approaches to prescribing psychiatric medications safely for patients with active substance use. Pharmacology-eligible.

Mary Moller, PhD(h), DNP, MSN, APRN, ARNP, PMHCNS-BC, CPRP, FAAN

Part two of the malpractice workshop reviewing lawsuit trends against PMH RNs and APRNs with practical risk-management strategies.

Colleen Loehr, MD

Interactive introduction to breathing practices grounded in autonomic nervous system research for stress reduction and emotional regulation.

Erica Mann, MSN, PMHNP-BC

Reviews lithium's evidence for reducing suicidality in adolescent bipolar disorder with practical prescribing and monitoring guidance. Pharmacology-eligible.

Diane Greenberg, DNP, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC, PMH-C

Distinguishes perinatal OCD as its own clinical entity and argues for better provider education and screening protocols.

Marcus Boutte, RN

Evidence for standardized ED buprenorphine induction protocols that lower precipitated-withdrawal risk and improve engagement.

Adam Markel, JD

Resilience author Adam Markel reframes burnout recovery for psychiatric nurses around recovery, awareness, and connection.

Kathleen Delaney, PhD, APRN, PMH-NP, FAAN

Presents relational de-escalation models for inpatient settings as a needed practice change in violence prevention.

Antoinette Flowers, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC

Symptom-driven prescribing framework illustrated with real-world cases to improve medication fit. Pharmacology-eligible.

Bernadette Melnyk, PhD, APRN-CNP, FAANP, FNAP, FAAN

Randomized controlled trial of 501 nurses showing the MINDBODYSTRONG program reduced burnout, mental distress, and suicide risk.

Mark Crawford, PMHNP-BC · Kevin Paschall, PA-C

Low-barrier buprenorphine strategies adapted to how fentanyl has changed opioid use disorder treatment. Pharmacology-eligible.

Constance Noll, DNP, MA, PMHNP-BC, CRNP

Individualized slow-taper strategies for benzodiazepine deprescribing in older adults, accounting for social context. Pharmacology-eligible.

Christopher Wojnar, MSN, APNP, PMHNP-BC

Theory-informed framework identifying high-risk transitions in nurse suicide risk, paired with measurable system-level interventions.

Chizimuzo Okoli, PhD, MPH, MSN, PMHNP-BC, FAAN

Case-based look at compassionate leadership as a core element of PMH nursing practice and staff wellbeing.

Kristen Munyan, DNP, RN, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC · Natalie Jones-Brown, DNP, RN, AGPC-NC, PMHNP-BC

Mood-first medication sequencing approach for comorbid ADHD and bipolar disorder to reduce destabilization risk. Pharmacology-eligible.

Ursula Kelly, PhD, APRN, ANP-BC, PMHNP-BC, FAANP, FAAN · Natalie Whitaker, MSN, PMHNP-BC

Findings from the NURSES Study on how nurses experience suicide loss, viewed through a socio-ecological prevention lens.

Courtney Miller, RN, ADN, BA · Paula Bolton, MS, CNP, ANP-BC · Jonathan Foley, RN

Two published ketamine clinic studies: memory effects of treatment and IV versus intranasal efficacy comparison.

Symposium breakfast covering LAI antipsychotic guidelines, shared decision-making, and hands-on injection technique via 3D simulation.

Nkem Chiedu, MSN, RN

Systematic review of deprescribing and Beers Criteria use, highlighting psychiatric nurses' role in spotting medication risks in older adults. Pharmacology-eligible.

Staci Burrell, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, MSCP

Strategies for assessing and managing menopause-related mood changes with hormone-informed psychiatric interventions.

Nicole Perez, PhD, RN, PMHNP-BC · Rose Mary Xavier, PhD, MS, PMHNP-BC, FAAN, FAANP

Foundation for integrating genomics and precision-health concepts into person-centered psychiatric nursing practice.

Jennifer Tustison, DNP, PMHNP-BC

Introduces psycho-oncology for psychiatric nurses, including cancer-specific psychiatric presentations and psychopharmacology considerations. Pharmacology-eligible.

Brayden Kameg, PhD, DNP, PMHNP-BC, CARN-AP, CNE, FAAN, FIAAN · Rezvaneh Manzour, MSN, BSN

National study mapping clozapine knowledge gaps and prescribing patterns among advanced practice psychiatric nurses. Pharmacology-eligible.

Kristin Demmert, BSN, RN, MSN, WHNP, PMHNP

Examines the interplay between endometriosis and mental illness with tailored psychiatric treatment approaches.