Sruti Vyas is a child of immigrant parents and a first generation American. Health and wellness were not a priority in her household due to life obstacles and financial constraints; her parents were focused on making sure the family’s basic needs of food and shelter were met. Observing this, Sruti always craved better health for … Continue reading Sruti Vyas, 2021

Valli’s Quaker parents instilled in her, by instruction and example, the importance of always striving to leave the world a better place than she found it. At 20 years old she felt a calling to become a midwife, a profession integral to women’s rights, health, nutrition, global equality in access to healthcare, and social justice. … Continue reading Valli Barrioz, 2020

Nikki knows firsthand how difficult it is facing adverse life issues, as she was once part of the vulnerable population she seeks to help. Though she was not addicted to drugs, cigarettes, or alcohol and took care of herself during pregnancy, she still gave birth too early, resulting in four out of her six children … Continue reading Nikki VanDeCasteele, 2019

Janet Pouncy, RN, BSN, MA, earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in 1984. She practiced as an intensive care nurse for three years before joining the Air Force in 1987. She was introduced to oncology nursing in 1989, a specialty she grew to love and practice in for 17 years. Her passion for … Continue reading Janet Pouncy, 2018

Courtney Pladsen, MS, FNP-BC, RN, is a Family Nurse Practitioner who has spent the majority of her career providing medical care and advocating for underserved populations. After obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Boston College in 2007, she went on to work as a registered nurse in the emergency department. She annually participates in medical … Continue reading Courtney Pladsen, 2017

During her time as the 2016 ELB Foundation Fellow Aleisha Rosso was pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree at Vanderbilt University. Her research was focused on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) diagnosis, and meeting quality measures in the Medicare/Medicaid and other underserved populations. She was also a Family Nurse Practitioner at Genesee Community Health Center in … Continue reading Aleisha Rosso, 2016