ISAPN is excited to welcome our newest Board Members! These leaders bring diverse expertise, dedication, and passion for advancing the APRN profession in Illinois. Get to know them and their incredible journeys below.

President-Elect: Chris Gill

Chris began his nursing career as a Trauma ICU nurse at Vanderbilt and later worked as a Rapid Response nurse at the Detroit Medical Center while completing anesthesia school at Wayne State. He has held staff CRNA positions at Northwestern, Mass General Hospital, and Brigham and Women’s. Transitioning into leadership roles, Chris served as Chief CRNA at NAPA Southcoast Health System before becoming the Chief Credentialing Officer of NBCRNA.

Chris’s unique blend of clinical and leadership experience positions him to lead ISAPN into a future that supports both clinical excellence and healthcare policy advancement. “This journey has given me a diverse perspective and a deep understanding of both clinical practice and healthcare leadership.”

As a proud ISAPN member since 2021, Chris joined the Board to advocate for APRNs and foster a strong, united community. “Being an ISAPN Board Member is an incredible honor and responsibility. It means advocating for APRNs and working to improve access to care in Illinois while shaping the future of our profession.”

Secretary: Mya Yee Nandar

Mya’s nursing journey is a testament to resilience and dedication. She graduated from the School of Nursing at the University of Hawaii in 2016, where she served as Vice President of the UH International Students Association and was awarded the University Awards for Leadership and the Promotion of Transcultural Nursing.

Mya moved to Indiana to gain professional critical care nursing experience and pursue her FNP degree from IUSB. Afterwards, she earned a post-master's Psychiatry-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certification.

With critical care experience and dual board certifications in Family Medicine and Psychiatric-Mental Health, Mya currently serves in a Chicago community clinic focusing on underserved populations.

Joining ISAPN two years ago, Mya found an organization that shared her values. Inspired by ISAPN’s advocacy, she is now motivated to lead. “Nursing has been characterized by a strong ethic of service. To honor the past and envision a better future is my goal.”

Government Relations/PAC Chair: Raechel Ferry-Rooney

Raechel Ferry-Rooney, DNP, APRN, ANP is a passionate health care clinician educator with over 25 years of clinical leadership and experience. She is committed to evidence-based practice and knows the value of informed policy and advocacy. As a nursing educator, Raechel understands the importance of mentorship, and works to increase participation within ISAPN. 

“As regional chair, my goal is to foster increased participation with the East Central Region through connection and outreach. I would also like to showcase ISAPN members in this region and help to improve networking.”

Membership Chair: Hannah Holmes

Hannah Holmes, MS, APRN FNP-BC, serves as Interim Director and Lead APP at Rush Community Based Practices. With experience in general medicine and leadership roles, Hannah has been an ISAPN member for five years.

Hannah was involved in NSNA as a student and helped found a constituency chapter at her school of nursing. After graduation, she knew continuing her involvement in professional organizations was important and found ISAPN to be the perfect place for her. Working with ISAPN, Hannah has learned the importance of advocacy and visibility at the state level. 

“Serving on the ISAPN Board has helped me grow as a leader while also building my professional network and advancing the APRN profession,” Hannah shared. As Membership Chair, she is dedicated to amplifying the voices of APRNs across Illinois.

CNS Representative: Cheryl Herrmann

Cheryl Herrmann, APRN-FPA, CCRN, CCNS-CSC-CMC, has a rich background in Cardiology, Critical Care, and Labor and Delivery. A member of ISAPN since 2002, Cheryl sees her new role as an opportunity to give back and advocate for APRNs.

“I’m very excited to be on the Board to learn how to advocate for our APRN practice and CNSs,” Cheryl said. Her passion for professional growth aligns with ISAPN’s mission to support Advanced Practice Nurses.

 

CRNA Representative: Maiko Yamashita

Maiko Yamashita, DNP, CRNA, serves as the Program Director for the Nurse Anesthesia Program at Rush University and as a CRNA at Rush University Medical Center. With experience in emergency care, trauma, and SICU, Maiko brings invaluable insights to the ISAPN Board.

“It is my honor to serve as the CRNA Representative of ISAPN to promote the collective CRNA voice and collaborate with all APNs to improve patient health outcomes,” Maiko shared. As an ISAPN member for three years, Maiko is committed to fostering professional development and advancing nursing practice.

North/Northeast Region Chair: Rozina Virani

Rozina Virani, MSN APRN-FPA, FNP-BC, brings extensive clinical and educational experience to her role as North/Northeast Region Chair. Currently at JC Medical Group’s Internal Medicine Department, Rozina also teaches at DePaul University and other institutions.

Rozina joined the ISAPN Board to help elevate the voices of nurse practitioners, advocate for stronger policies, and support the profession's growth across Illinois. Her experience in teaching and healthcare leadership enables her to merge education with policy influence, inspiring future nurse practitioners and addressing critical issues impacting their training and careers. 

“As an ISAPN Board Member, I am honored to advocate for our profession and empower nurses to elevate their practice. This role signifies a commitment to collaboration, innovation, and service, allowing me to contribute to the advancement of nursing in our communities. Together, we can shape the future of healthcare, ensuring that our voices are heard and our impact is felt.”

East Central Chair: Amy Odell

Amy Odell, DNP, APRN, AGPCNP-BC, GS-C, is an Advanced Practice Provider for the Skilled Nursing Facility Department at Carle Health in Urbana. 

Amy values advancing the profession of the Advanced Practice Nurse. “ISAPN works to support legislation, networking, education, and development to help the APRN be successful.”

She believes in ISAPN’s mission, vision, and values and hopes to participate more in advancing the profession. By being East Region Chair, Amy hopes to network and help to advance the goals of the Eastern Region APRNs.  “I hope to be a trusted voice,” said Amy.

Amy’s leadership ideals are defined by a quote from Douglas Adams, “Make every interaction count. Even the small ones. To give real service you must add something which cannot be bought or measured with money, and that is sincerity and integrity.”

South Region Chair: Ann Altgilbers

Ann Altgilbers joins ISAPN’s leadership team with extensive experience and a commitment to advocating for nurse practitioners. 

Ann’s nursing journey started in high school where she became a CNA. She also worked at the local nursing home as an activity aid. From there, she attended SIUE and obtained her BSN. She worked in both adult and pediatric MedSurge while going to NP school at SIUE. In 2014, Ann became a Family Nurse Practitioner. She worked in Family Practice for five years before transitioning to endocrinology practice. 

During nursing school, Ann’s instructors advised her to be a part of both state and national advocacy organizations. “I became involved and love the advocacy work ISAPN provides for all APRN’s in Illinois. I hope to bring ISAPN to more APRNs in Southern Illinois.”

Welcome New Board Members!

Join us in congratulating and welcoming these incredible leaders to the ISAPN Board of Directors! Their expertise and passion will serve to better our organization and expand our advocacy of advanced practice nursing across Illinois! 

Be a part of building a brighter future for APRNs, join ISAPN today!