Bios of candidates for MNA office, 2010 Editor’s note: These bios were provided by the our Association and will support policies Education: MS, UMass Amherst, 2005; BS, candidates and appear exactly as submitted. that secure a fair and equal process that will American International College, 1997; encourage all members to speak out and have Diploma, Baystate Medical Center, 1973 Vice President their voices be heard. Present/Past MNA Activities: Congress on Karen Coughlin, RN, BC Health Care Policy & Legislative, BOD, Treasurer Mansfield, MA Co-chair Legislation Committee, Regional Employment: Department of Mental Health, Ann Marie McDonagh, RN 1 Council Canton, MA Candidate Statement: First I would like to say Education: Associates, Massasoit Community Employment: thank you for electing me to the Board of College, 1984 Education: BSN, Northeastern University, directors, two years ago. It is a very exciting Present/Past MNA Activities: MNA BOD: 1996 time to be on the Board and I appreciate the Vice President Nov ’09-present, MNA BOD: Present/Past MNA Activities: MNA BOD, opportunity to represent my region, Region Directors Oct ’05-Nov ’09, Unit 7 Execu- Treasurer 2008-present, Finance Commit- one, as well as the rest of the state. tive Board; Vice President, Taunton State tee, Chair 2008-present, Finance Committee, We joined National Nurses united, which Hospital-Vice Chair, MNA Stat Team, MNA member 2005-2008, Region 5, Treasurer made us a stronger organization and will finance committee, MNA PAC, Recipient of 2006-present, Region 5, Director at Large continue to make us strong and benefit our MNA Elaine Cooney Labor Relations Award 2004-present, NNU 2010 Organizing Insti- members. Being a member of the NNU has 1995. tute, Graduate, NNU founding convention, given us a national voice. We, staff nurses, Candidate Statement: This is what we have Delegate, MNA Labor School, Graduate. will have input into the national debate on been seeing in our workplaces: Profits before Candidate Statement: I have been a member healthcare and staffing issues. Having the patients, greed before need, and working con- of the MNA since 1997 when I began work- Massachusetts Nurses Association be part ditions that place your professional license ing at Morton Hospital and Medical Center. of this national discussion is an absolute at risk and endanger the health and safety In 2001, I moved to Tufts Medical Center. I necessity in today’s healthcare environment. of not only your patient, but frequently, that attended my first MNA convention in 2004. Partnering with NNU is the fulfillment of you and your colleagues. These are the My experience at that convention opened me of a request from the membership. With issues that we see not only across our state up to a world of activism both in my profes- that partnering we have not lost our own but across our nation. As a RN of 26yrs, I sion and in the larger labor movement that I identity as MNA. We are just as strong and continue to be an active MNA member. I have eagerly remained committed to. powerful as always. We continue to nego- have stood with you on your picket lines, My first leadership role was serving on tiate, implement, and monitor individual repeatedly testified and lobbied on your the Region 5 council as a Director-at-Large. contracts. MNA has negotiated good con- behalf at the State House. I have worked I then became treasurer of Region 5 Coun- tracts in spite of difficult economic times. extensively on and will continue to actively cil. As treasurer of the MNA Board, I have The Workplace Violence Prevention Bill has pursue solutions to the escalating problem worked with the MNA Finance Department just passed thanks to Congress on Health of workplace violence, whether it is at the and board to maintain the fiscal health of and Safety with the support of our Legisla- local unit level, through the media, the court our organization so we can continue to be tive Department. system or our legislature. I am proud of our the voice of nursing and healthcare in our We are also continuing in our commitment MNA, the work that we have done, and as Commonwealth. to Single Payer Health Care in Massachusetts your Vice President, will continue to address As hospitals and healthcare institutions and on the national level with NNU. your issues as we move forward. I respect continue to push towards corporate based With your vote I hope to continue to work you and the work that you do. I know that agendas, it is more important than ever for our members, look for ways to involve in supporting each other, we can still face that we as an organization remain united, more members and listen to concerns of the whatever challenges may lie ahead of us. I not only within MNA but with direct care whole organization. am inspired by the MNA members who seek nurses across the country. As a participant in Region 2 and work for change collectively not only at the early negotiations to found our national Ellen Smith, RN their own facility but in collaboration with union, I felt an urgency to successfully com- Douglas, MA others within our Union, across the state plete our task. We needed to empower the Employment: UMass Memorial-University and this nation. Together we can change our collective voice nurses present and future to Education: ADN, Cape Cod community Col- present conditions and create a better future combat the industry. lege, 1994 for those who are just coming into our hon- In partnership with our brothers and sis- Present/Past MNA Activities: Board of Direc- ored profession. I respectfully request your ters in the NNU, I believe that we can effect tors 2008-2010, VP of Region Council 2, vote. Thank you. real change that that will allow us to provide Awards Committee 2009, Region Council Barbara Norton, RN safe care to our patients, defend our collec- BOD since 2000, Negotiating Team (UMass Portsmouth, RI tive bargaining rights and bring the benefits University), Grievance Co-chair-UMassUni- Employment: Brigham & Women’s of union membership to the unorganized in versity. Education: Associate, Laboure Jr College, 1983 our Commonwealth and beyond. Candidate Statement: There are many chal- Present/Past MNA Activities: Chairperson, Director, Labor lenges in healthcare in nursing today. Many BWH, BOD 2000-2008 of these are affecting our patients in Mas- Region 1 Candidate Statement: Democracy, trans- sachusetts and in the United States. Patients parency and free speech should be the Sandra Hottin, RN, MS deserve better quality of care than what they foundation of our union. If elected, I pledge Agawam, MA are receiving with all the cutbacks that have to work on behalf of all members throughout Employment: Mercy Medical Center been done. 8 July/August 2010 Massachusetts Nurse As an RN working in a hospital in Worces- Michael Savoy, RN, BSN MNA Board of directors, having served ter, MA I feel that nurses need to get back to Dartmouth, MA my first term as a director and having been more patient care and less paperwork. The Employment: Brigham& Women’s Hospital active in my local bargaining unit for several bedside nurses are getting more work put on Education: BSN, University of Massachusetts years, currently as Chair at Tufts Medical them and less staff to help take care of our Boston, 1996 Center. I would like to continue to work for patients in our hospitals. Present/Past MNA Activities: Brigham Nego- nurses in our local bargaining units, across There are many current issues that are tiating Committee at Large 2003-Present, our state and nation for better working affecting the nurses in Massachusetts and MNA Diversity Committee. conditions and a stronger voice in health in the United States. We face challenges on Candidate Statement: Democracy, trans- care. Nurses need to have a voice in how a daily basis on how our patients are going to parency and free speech should be the patients are cared for, and as a director on get the best quality of care and how to do it foundation of our union. If elected, I pledge the Board I will continue to work hard to safely and effectively with what the hospitals to work on behalf of all members throughout support and empower nurses at every level give us to work with. our Association and will support policies to work towards better working conditions If re-elected to this position on the MNA that secure a fair and equal process that will and contracts that reflect protections and Board of Directors I will continue to fight encourage all members to speak out and have compensation for the hard work that they do for patients rights to quality care. I will also their voices be heard. every day. Nurses, standing together, at the continue to fight to help the nurses in Mas- Region 4 local, state and national level, can make this sachusetts and the united States so they can happen. MNA, having been a significant part Tiffany Diaz Bercy, RN, MSN provide safe quality patient care. of the formation of National Nurses United Lynn, MA (NNU), has been completely empowering Region 3 Employment: North Shore Medical Center for me and the nurses who have attended Donna Dudik, RN, BSN Education: MSN, University of Phoenix, 2005; our first nurses Rally in Washington, D.C. I Weymouth, MA BSN, Salem State College, 2000 have attended many different functions and Employment: Present/Past MNA Activities: Bargaining unit met many different nurses from across this Education: BSN, Thomas Edison State College, Secretary state and this country. Times in healthcare 2010; Diploma, St. Peter’s School of Nursing Candidate Statement: I am running for a are tough, sharing and utilizing what has Present/Past MNA Activities: Congress on seat on the Board of Directors because I been successful in other places and standing Health Care Policy & Leg; PAC- STAT believe in the profession of nursing and as together, we can only be stronger than we TEAM; BOD Director at Large a young, energetic RN of 10yrs, I feel I can have ever been here in Massachusetts and Candidate Statement: I am running again reach out to the younger nurses and help abroad for our patients and ourselves. with the attitude of no, no to unsafe staff- them to get involved and become excited ing for our patients, no to the adding of about the future of nursing. Nursing as a Michael Robinson technology without adding some one there profession is still evolving and I want myself Dorchester, MA to use it, no to work place violence, no to and other nurses like me to be an active part Employment: BWH unsafe patient lifting, and no to take aways. of that evolution. I believe all nurses have Education: Diploma, School No when nurses are losing their jobs and a voice and some may just need a hand in of Nursing, 1982 administrators are getting bonuses. No to getting that voice heard. Nursing is such a Present/Past MNA Activities: Vice-chair hospitals, who are making profits, and then great and respected profession; it is flexible, BWH committee try to open contracts and freeze wages or independent, and incredibly necessary to Candidate Statement: Democracy, trans- cut pensions. I have walked pickets at vari- health care and the changes it will see in the parency and free speech should be the ous hospitals with the understanding that to near future. As an educator I pride myself in foundation of our union. If elected, I pledge fight for one is to fight for all. teaching student nurses that there is so much to work on behalf of all members throughout This year has brought personal and more to nursing than vital signs and admin- our Association and will support policies professional accomplishments. I have com- istering medications, it’s a sisterhood and that secure a fair and equal process that will pleted my BSN and working along with the brotherhood of amazing people from many encourage all members to speak out and have staff of MNA and nurses from around the backgrounds from which you can learn. The their voices be heard. state for the three bills in the violence pro- MNA is a great and strong organization that Director At-Large, Labor tection package, our efforts were rewarded gives a voice to nursing and I am proud to Mary Lou Stock, RN with the passage of one of the bills. With be a part of that organization. I want to be a great excitement, I witnessed the found- part of that voice for nursing. As a member Pembroke, MA ing of the NNU in Arizona. Seeing bedside of the Board of Directors I hope to learn from Employment: Brigham & Women’s nurses come together gives me hope as a other board members as well as offer fresh, Education: Associates Science Nursing, front line nurse that this collective body of new points of view and hopefully serve the Massasoit Community College, 1992; Whit- nurses will be able to influence health care members of MNA to the best of my ability. man-Hanson Regional High School; Indian Head/Hanson policy nationally. Region 5 I will continue work hard for MNA nurses Candidate Statement: Democracy, trans- Barbara S Tiller, RN, BSN and our issues. The mission of the leader- parency and free speech should be the Wrentham, MA ship of the MNA is and always will be the foundation of our union. If elected, I pledge Employment: Tufts Medical Center members. I ask for your vote. I urge you to to work on behalf of all members throughout Education: BSN, Alfred University, 1986 vote for those who are doing likewise, for it our Association and will support policies Present/Past MNA Activities: Board of Direc- is through collective action that we meet the that secure a fair and equal process that will tor 08-10 needs of our nurse members and the patients encourage all members to speak out and have Candidate Statement: I am running for the that they serve. their voices be heard.

Massachusetts Nurse July/August 2010 9 Beth Amsler, RN tracts that ensure that our working lives are Care areas. An active member of MNA since Ashland, MA enhanced by fair and equitable agreements, graduation, I started by participating on Employment: Newton-Wellesley Hospital including the provision of adequate and sus- the STAT–TEAM, picketing lines and state Education: Diploma, The Jewish Hospital of tainable retirement benefits that other larger house events in solidarity. These early assign- St. Louis School of Nursing, 1969 unions have enjoyed. ments with the MNA helped me understand Present/Past MNA Activities: Congress on We are all the beneficiaries of a profes- both loyalty to my nursing colleagues and Nursing Practice 200-2009, Mass Nurses sional organization that has a dynamic and the MNA organization’s mission. This PAC-Board of Directors-2003-present, MNA respected presence in the state of Massachu- inspiration led to my involvement in the board of Directors 2008-present. setts, and beyond. We must now embrace our Regional Council 5 as a designee of Boston Candidate Statement: I am a staff nurse in the national identity. I hope to have the opportu- Medical Center’s negotiation committee. At special Care Nursery at Newton Wellesley nity to serve our membership again. the Regional Council meetings, I learned Hospital. I have been a nurse for over forty In Solidarity, how both the officers and the structure of years and a member of MNA since 1982. Marie Rittacco, RN organization benefit all MNA nurses. I was For the last ten years I have been actively MNA Board of Directors, (At-Large- elected to the Board of Directors at MNA as involved in MNA in various capacities, both Labor) 2008-2010 Director-at-Large where I have been active local and statewide. I represent the Special Jean G. Cabral, RN, BSN in complex discussions and decision making Care Nursery Unit for our local bargaining Belmont, MA for the members. My major accomplish- unit, member board of directors for the Mas- Employment: Brigham & Women’s Hospital ments after election included taking part sachusetts Nurses PAC, and for eight years Education: BSN, University of Massachusetts/ in the editorial board for the Nurse Advo- I was on the Congress for Nursing Practice. Boston, 2002; Diploma Peter Bent Brigham cate and, most recently, becoming chair of I’m currently completing my first term as a School of Nursing, 1976 Regional Council 5-Greater Boston. I have member of the Board of directors. It has been Present/Past MNA Activities: Brigham & represented the interest of all nurses at the my privilege to work with nurses from across Women’s Bargaining Committee 2006-2010 bed side to provide safer care and protection the state. It is clear that we face similar issues Candidate Statement: Democracy, trans- for not only today’s, but also for future nurs- and demands although we work for different parency and free speech should be the ing practices. I am running for re-election types of institutions. MNA’s role as a found- foundation of our union. If elected, I pledge of Director-at-Large and I am seeking your ing member of National Nurses united has to work on behalf of all members throughout vote. I am also asking you to elect from the made this challenging and exciting for me. our Association and will support policies group of candidates the ones that have a We need to stand together and speak with a that secure a fair and equal process that will positive direction for your practices and the united voice. When elected I will continue encourage all members to speak out and have future of the MNA. to work passionately to improve working their voices be heard. Deborah Donahue, RN conditions. Your vote would be greatly Paula Asci, RN Newton, MA appreciated. Plympton, MA Employment: Brigham & Women’s Hospital Marie Ritacco, RN Employment: Brigham & Women’s Education: BSN, Emmanuel College, currently Auburn, MA Education: Associate, Massasoit Community enrolled; Diploma, Newton-Wellesley Hos- Employment: St. Vincent’s Hospital College, 1976 pital, 1976 Education: ADN, Q.C.C., 1983 Present/Past MNA Activities: Chair Good Present/Past MNA Activities: BWH Negotiat- Present/Past MNA Activities: BOD, At- Samaritan Hospital ing Committee 97-05 Large, Labor 2008-2010, Negotiating Team, Candidate Statement: Democracy, trans- Diane Michael SVH(x3), Past Grievance Chair (6yrs) parency and free speech should be the Springfield, MA Candidate Statement: It has been an honor foundation of our union. If elected, I pledge Employment: SPBHS for me to serve as a board member for the to work on behalf of all members throughout Education: Diploma, Children’s Hospital MNA since October, 2008. I seek a second our Association and will support policies School of Nursing, 1974 term because I believe I can help to advance that secure a fair and equal process that will Present/Past MNA Activities: BOD-Region the work that has been started on the state encourage all members to speak out and have 1, BOD at Large Labor, Board Policy Com- and national level. Nurses have much to add their voices be heard. mittee, Treasurer Region 1, BOD Region 1 to the debate over how best to care for our Thomas M Adams, RN patients and I am passionate about being Director At-Large, General Marshfield Hills, MA part of the voice for bedside nursing, not Fabiano Bueno, RN Employment: BWH only in Massachusetts, but in Washington South Boston, MA Education: AD, Massasoit Community Col- and beyond. Employment: Boston Medical Center lege, 1984 It is my sincere desire to help this organi- Education: Lawrence Memorial/Regis Col- Candidate Statement: Democracy, trans- zation build its membership and embrace all lege, 2001 parency and free speech should be the points of view, as each of us has something Present/Past MNA Activities: Director At- foundation of our union. If elected, I pledge of value to add to the discussion. I believe a Large, Chair Regional Council 5 to work on behalf of all members throughout board member is a guardian of the welfare of Candidate Statement: Fabiano Bueno, R.N. our Association and will support policies an organization as a whole. If elected, I will Lawrence Memorial /Regis College. I have that secure a fair and equal process that will continue to fight for safe and appropriate been a Registered Nurse at Boston Medical encourage all members to speak out and have staffing in all of our facilities. Patients and Center since graduating in 2001. I have also their voices be heard. nurses everywhere deserve this. We must worked at TUFTS Medical Center in Boston. Katie Murphy RN, BSN, CCRN, CNRN also continue to focus on our membership Staff nurse assignments have included the Framingham, MA and its ability to effectively negotiate con- Step-Down, Emergency Care and Critical Employment: Brigham & Women’s Hospital

10 July/August 2010 Massachusetts Nurse Education: BSN, Boston University, 1985; important to support your fellow coworkers me and my colleagues’, on our slate. Please ASN, Vermont College, 1975 as well as nurses in other bargaining units. send them back with me to Canton to con- Candidate Statement: The years I have spent As a member of the MNA STAT team, I have tinue this strong push towards growing our at the bedside have given me a tremendous supported other bargaining units and other membership and getting recognized on the respect for my colleagues at that bedside. unions walking their picket lines and boycot- national stage. Throughout my entire career, it has been ting venues. I have been to the State House Trish Powers clear to me that the entire focus needs to be and have talked with my Representatives in Dorchester, MA on the patient and the nurse is the crucial the hopes to make a difference in the fight Employment: Brigham & Women’s Hospital member of that team. for safe staffing and safe working environ- Education: Diploma, New England Baptist The issues that we face today could not ments for the nurses of Massachusetts. I want Hospital, 1985 make that message more profound: our to continue making positive changes in my Present/Past MNA Activities: Brigham & patients are sicker and families are more profession with my contributions towards Women’s Committee, 1995-present involved and require more support than the future the MNA and the NNU. Candidate Statement: Democracy, trans- ever before. The information and technol- Meredith Scannell, RN,CNM,MSN,MPH parency and free speech should be the ogy available to us today make us constantly Hudson, NH foundation of our union. If elected, I pledge aware that ours is an art and science. We are Employment: Brigham & Women’s Hospital to work on behalf of all members throughout called on, every day, every shift, to utilize all Education: MSN, University of Medicine & our Association and will support policies the science at our disposal, while the art of Dentistry of NJ, 2007; MPH, BU School that secure a fair and equal process that will compassion and humanity are more critical Public Health, 2006; Diploma, St. Elizabeth’s encourage all members to speak out and have than ever. Hospital School of Nursing, 1995 their voices be heard. With historic changes to health care hap- Candidate Statement: Democracy, trans- At-Large Regional pening every day, it is vital that our voices, parency and free speech should be the speaking for our patients and our profession, foundation of our union. If elected, I pledge Region 2 are heard at every level. We need to speak up to work on behalf of all members throughout Tami Hale at the bedside, in the nursing councils at our our Association and will support policies Worcester, MA institutions, to our local legislatures and in that secure a fair and equal process that will Employment: City of Worcester the hall of Congress. encourage all members to speak out and have Education: BSN, Regis College, 2010; ADN, If elected, I would use my experience as a their voices be heard. Quinsigamond Community College, 2000 bedside critical care nurse, as well as that of Gary Kellenberger, RN Present/Past MNA Activities: PAC member, an elected and appointed public official to Blackstone, MA MNA Delegate & Vice President of the work tirelessly on the issues of Safe Staffing, Employment: Westborough State Hospital- Central MA AFL-CIO, Region 2 Council mandatory overtime, workplace violence, DMH Delegate, Secretary for Worcester Public among others, and keep the needs of patients Education: ASN, Quinsigamond Community School Nurses bargaining unit and nurses foremost in my mind. College, 1994 Candidate Statement: My name is Tami Hale. I respectfully ask for your vote in the MNA Present/Past MNA Activities: Finance Com- I have been a member of the MNA since General Election. mittee 2000. I’m proud that over the past year and Ginny Ryan, RN Candidate Statement: I am a current employee a half, I have functioned in various MNA Marshfield, MA of Westborough State Hospital which will activist and leadership capacities and am Employment: Faulkner Hospital cease to exist on June 30, 2010 and I will be eager to be able to continue to do so. I am a Education: BSN, Simmons College, present; joining the Taunton State Hospital family of Worcester Public School Nurse and service ADN, Mass Bay Community College, 1985 nurses. I understand the upheaval in Health- as Secretary of our MNA bargaining unit. I Present/Past MNA Activities: MNA BOD care as I am directly affected. I was part of the have been a member delegate of the Region 2006-present, STAT team 2006-present, Department of Mental Health’s downsizing 2 Council since October 2008. I am honored Convention Committee 2006-present, initiative and closed Medfield State Hospital. to serve as an MNA delegate to and am Vice Regional Risk Force 2006, Region 5 Vice Now again, we are being downsized with the President of the Central MA AFL-CI0 (Labor President 2009-present. closing of Westborough State Hospital. We Council) and have served in this capacity Candidate Statement: After 25 years in this need to keep fighting these cuts and attacks since December 2008. Because I feel that it profession, my philosophy on Nursing is on Unit 7 of the MNA. It directly affects our is vital to our profession that our nurses are still the same: I want to take great care of patients and fellow RN’s. Not only do we politically active, in October 2009, I ran for my patients and to be the best Nurse I can need to fight here locally but we need to look and won a seat on the MNA PAC. I work possibly be. It is a very exciting time in our at the big picture nationally as well. I have hard as a leader to build and foster relation- profession with the development of the proudly served on the Board of directors ships with other MNA members, members National Nurses Union and the presence for the last 2 years as an At-Large Direc- of other unions, political leaders and within of a national voice for the bedside nurse. I tor. I would like to go back and continue to the community. I am not afraid to stand up cannot wait to see what the future brings serve the membership. As a member of the for what is right. I take my leadership role for MNA and for the NNU. I have been a BOD, I have attended the picket at Morton very seriously and am dedicated to being an member of MNA since 1985 and I believe Hospital. I participated in round table talks advocate for nurses, our patients, and for the that unity and solidarity begins at home in regarding the National Union, voiced the labor community. My involvement in the our bargaining units. I have been very active memberships’ wishes to our congressional MNA is a great source of pride and I look in mine as a co-chair, encouraging others delegation in Washington D.C. and Boston. I forward to continuing this work by serv- to become more involved and by building also serve as a member of the Finance Com- ing as an At-Large member of the Region up morale throughout the hospital. It’s very mittee and Executive Board. Please vote for 2 Council.

Massachusetts Nurse July/August 2010 11 Cathy Watterson, RN,BSN, NCSN about10yrs ago when Beth Piknick man- Region 5 Worcester, MA aged to muster a few brave nurses to try Jim Moura, RN Employment: Worcester Public Schools to revive a flailing region. The group of us Dorchester, MA Education: BSN, Worcester State College, 2002 worked together to rebuild an organization Employment: West Roxbury VA Medical Present/Past MNA Activities: Region II Board that stands proudly today as Regional Coun- Center Member cil 3. My varied tasks have included Board Education: BSN, University of Rhode Island, Candidate Statement: As an at-large candi- member of Region 3, Secretary, Chairperson, 1974 date I would bring experience as a former convention Committee, and currently Vice Present/Past MNA Activities: Secretary of chairperson for one of the largest school Chair of Region 3. MNA, MNA BOD, President Region V nursing unions in Massachusetts. As a Throughout my affiliation with MNA, I Candidate Statement: Democracy, trans- union board member (2005-2008) I worked have supported the diligent effort to see Safe parency and free speech should be the towards negotiating pay parity for school Staffing become a reality. By attending ral- foundation of our union. If elected, I pledge nurses. I have just recently been appointed lies and events to support MNA sponsored to work on behalf of all members throughout the vacated position of Historian on the candidates, I have learned much about the our Association and will support policies current union board. I am a Nationally Cer- political process. Attendance at conven- that secure a fair and equal process that will tified School Nurse. As a council member tion always reminds me that MNA is an encourage all members to speak out and have I would bring a voice for many hardwork- amazing group of tireless individuals who their voices be heard. ing school nurses in the region. The MNA work toward a common goal: improving School Nurse Summit has brought school the health and safety of every person in Congress on Health and Safety nurses together to share ideas and strate- our care. Rachel Slate, BSN, BA, RN gies with MNA support towards achieving If elected, I will continue to focus my Stoughton, MA our contract goals and building alliances energy on supporting Safe Staffing levels and Employment: Brigham & Women’s Hospital with other school nurses. As a WPS/MNA work with Region Council 3 to inform our Education: MSN-Nursing Leadership, Fram- member I am proud to speak on the impor- members about the numerous continuing ingham State College, 2010; BSN, University tance that school nurses make in the lives of educational programs available to them. I of Massachusetts, Boston, 2006 children every day and work with MNA on will encourage all nurses to work as a cohe- Present/Past MNA Activities: Education issues affecting the region. School nurses are sive entity in striving to prevent and abolish Committee Member the frontline and safety net for many chil- Workplace Violence. Kathy Sperrazza, RN, MS dren providing nursing and referral services. Respectfully submitted, Wellesley, MA School nurses coordinate care with many Peggy Kilroy, R.N. Employment: Partners Hospice region nurses such as St. Vincent and UMass Paula Asci, RN Education: ScD(candidate), University of hospitals to provide a community healthcare Plympton, MA MA, Lowell, 2005-current; MS, University resource. As an at-large candidate I would Employment: Brigham & Women’s of Rhode Island, 2004; BSN, Northeastern bring the passion I have for my work and my Education: Associate, Massasoit Community University, 1976 colleagues to contribute towards improving College, 1976 Present/Past MNA Activities: Congress on communication on issues affecting all nurses Present/Past MNA Activities: Chair Good Health & Safety and I ask for your support in my candidacy Samaritan Hospital Candidate Statement: As an injured worker for Region II at Large position. Stephanie Stevens, RN, CNOR I was involved in the development of the Debra Holmes Sandwich, MA 02563 MNA Health and Safety Program. My own Auburn, MA Employment: Jordan Hospital experience with a work related illness has Employment: UMass Memorial Education: Diploma, , led me to have a unique understanding of Education: ADN, Mt Wachusett Community 1971 the importance of providing prevention pro- College, 1998 Present/Past MNA Activities: BOD, Region grams to minimize the hazardous effects of Present/Past MNA Activities: UMMC HHH 3 Chairperson(current), Region 3 Treasurer our complex work environment on nurses. PNU-Secretary (interim), Region 3 Vice President I have been proud to be a Member of the Region 3 Region 4 Congress on Health and Safety and to work collaboratively with the MNA staff, and Peggy Kilroy, RN Mary Wignall, RN, BS Centerville, MA other nurses from varied backgrounds who Peabody, MA share a passion for improving the environ- Employment: Cape Cod Healthcare Employment: NSMC Salem Hospital Education: Diploma, Boston City Hospital, ments we work in and minimizing the risks Education: BS, St Joseph’s College/Maine, we face every day. 1968 1994; Diploma, Quincy City Hospital, 1958 Present/Past MNA Activities: Regional Coun- The focus of the Congress is to identify Present/Past MNA Activities: At-Large potential hazards to nurses and to share that cil 3, Vice Chair, Regional Council 3, Former Regional Council Chair, Finance Committee information through programs, and articles Marie Freeman, RN, CCRN, BSN Candidate Statement: As a diploma graduate with employers, nurses and others health- Goveland, MA from Boston city Hospital, I have spent my care workers. Additional focus is on gaining Employment: Beverly Hospital entire career doing various types of bedside better understanding of what is happening Education: BSN, Salem State College, 1992; nursing. Working in the E.R. for 18 years in the work environment and what we can Associates, North Shore Community Col- was both rewarding and frustrating. I cur- do to prevent risk. MNA and members of the lege, 1988 rently work in the Endoscopy Dept. at Cape Congress collaborate with national, state, Present/Past MNA Activities: Grievance Cod Hospital. and local organizations dedicated to health Chair for 8 years, Co-chair for 2 years I began to get involved with MNA and safety. We also work closely with bar-

12 July/August 2010 Massachusetts Nurse gaining unit members in their facilities to the areas of preventing workplace violence Present/Past MNA Activities: Congress for provide support, information and resources and abuse, safe patient handling, assist- Nurse Practice to address identified health and safety con- ing nurses with workers’ compensation, Marianne Chisholm, RN cerns. We have made great strides to protect workplace hazards, air quality, chemical S. Boston, MA you in your workplace and to inform you of exposures, and contract language. Unfor- Employment: Tufts Medical Center potentials that threaten your health, your tunately our work is not done. New health Education: BSN, Rhode Island College, 1983 profession and your livelihood. and safety issues continue to affect our Present/Past MNA Activities: Congress on I would be honored if you would re-elect membership. Now, with the advent of the Nursing Practice me to this position so that I may represent National Nurses union, we intend to work you at MNA and continue this vital work on with them to nationalize these issues. I hope Bylaws Committee occupational safety and health. to continue working with this Congress to William Fyfe, RN Terri Arthur, BS, MS meet the challenges of health and safety Berkley, MA East Falmouth, MA for our nurses. Employment: Taunton State Hospital Employment: Medical Education Systems, Elizabeth A. O’Connor, RN Education: AD, Massasoit Community Col- Jordan Hospital Milton, MA lege, 1977 Education: MSM, Lesley College, 1985; Diploma, Employment: Brigham & Women’s Hospital Present/Past MNA Activities: BOD, Labor Greenville Hospital School of Nursing, 1971; Education: BS, Fitchburg State College, 1976 Education Task Force, By-Laws Committee BS, Bob Jones University, 1967 Present/Past MNA Activities: Congress on Janet Spicer, RN Present/Past MNA Activities: Mem & former Health and Safety, Past Board Region 5 Newton, MA chair Congress on Health & Safety; Chair Mary Anne Dillon, RN, BSN Employment: Faulkner Hospital Committee for Health & Safety contract Brookline, MA Education: BSN, BU School of Nursing, 1976 language; Nsg Dir. For SEAK seminars occu- Employment: Brigham & Women’s Hospital Present/Past MNA Activities: Convention pational health & safety Education: BSN, UMass Boston, 2003; ADN, committee, Board Policy Committee Candidate Statement: During my member- FMCC New York, 1977 Nomination Committee ship on the Congress on Health and Safety, I Present/Past MNA Activities: Member of have been proud to be a part of making our H&S Congress Elizabeth Kennedy occupational department at MNA become South Easton, MA the best of any state nursing association. Congress on Nursing Practice Employment: City of Brockton This has been achieved by the work of our Linda Winslow, RN, BSN, IBCLC Education: RN, Faulkner Hospital, 1956 leadership and dedicated members of the Walpole, MA Present/Past MNA Activities: Bylaws, Nurs- Congress on Health and Safety. Over the last Employment: Newton Wellesley ing Practice, Nominations Committee few years we have been a strong advocate Education: BSN, UMass/Boston, 1988; for workplace safety achieving success in Diploma, St. Luke’s Hospital MNA Final Ballot, 2010 Vice President, Labor* Marie Ritacco Region 2 At-Large Position in Regional 1 for 2 years Jean Cabral Region 3 Council, 2 for 2 years Karen Coughlin Paula Asci William Fyfe Region 1 Barbara Norton Diane Michael Region 4 Region 2 Treasurer, Labor* Director At-Large, General* Region 5 Tami Hale 1 for 2 years 4 for 2 years Janet Spicer Cathy Watterson Ann Marie McDonagh Fabiano Bueno Congress on Nursing Practice Debra Holmes Region 3 Director, Labor*, 5 for 2 years Deborah Donahue 4 for 2 years Peggy Kilroy (1 per Region) Thomas Adams Linda Winslow Katie Murphy Marianne Chisholm Paula Asci Region 1 Stephanie Stevens Sandra Hottin Ginny Ryan Congress on Health Policy Meredith Scannell Region 4 Region 2 4 for 2 years Mary Wignall Ellen Smith Gary Kellenberger Trish Powers Congress on Health & Safety Marie Freeman Region 3 6 for 2 years Region 5 Nominations Committee Donna Dudik Rachel Slate Jim Moura 5 for 2 years (1 per Region) Michael Savoy Kathy Sperrazza Region 4 Region 1 * General means an MNA member Terri Arthur in good standing and does not Tiffany Diaz Bercy Region 2 Elizabeth O’Connor have to be a member of the labor Region 5 Region 3 Mary Anne Dillon program. Labor means an MNA Barbara Tiller Elizabeth Kennedy member in good standing who is Michael Robinson Region 4 Center for Nursing Ethics & Human Rights, 2 for 2 years also a labor program member. Director At-Large, Labor* Region 5 Labor Program Member means a 3 for 2 years Bylaws Committee non-RN Healthcare Professional Mary Lou Stock 5 for 2 years who is a member in good standing Beth Amsler Region 1 of the labor program.

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