Karen McKerihan, MSN, NP-C

President

Director of Infusion Services
Articularis Healthcare
Charleston, SC

Karen McKerihan currently resides in Charleston, South Carolina where she works as the Director of Infusion Services at Articularis Healthcare. She studied at the University of Tennessee, Walden University, and graduated Magna Cum Laude . She began her nursing career in 1987 and worked as an RN in women’s care and pain management until 2016. Since then she has worked as an FNP in rheumatology and is currently the Director of Infusion Services for Articularis Healthcare. She is a member of the AANP, ARP, INS, and the RNS. As the daughter of educators, she grew up in India, speaks Hindi, and in her spare time plays the bagpipes for the Charleston Pipe Band.close

Teri Puhalsky, BSN, RN, CRNI

President-Elect

Registered Nurse
Medstar Orthopaedic Institute
Brandywine, MD

Teri Puhalsky currently resides in Maryland, where she works as an infusion RN at Medstar Orthopaedic Institute. She studied nursing at Excelsior College School of Nursing and has been practicing rheumatology since 2011. Teri received the Outstanding Clinical Performance Award as an LPN, earned her RN degree in 2007, obtained her CRNI in 2012, and is a member of Sigma Theta Tau International Phi Pi Chapter. She strives for positive patient outcomes and firmly believes that collaboration with the healthcare team is critical for chronic disease management. With a patient-focused and evidence-based nursing practice, she knows all patients can receive quality, safe, and effective care.close

Barbara Kienzle, BSN, RN

Historian, Chapter Development Co-Chair & Membership Development Committee

Registered Nurse
Wellstar MCG Health
Augusta, GA

Barbara Kienzle currently resides in Augusta, Georgia where she works as a pediatric rheumatology nurse navigator. She studied nursing at Iowa Wesleyan College and has been practicing rheumatology since 2010. Barbara contributed to the Rheumatology Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice, 2nd Edition, and serves as the Pediatric Chair on the RNS Chapter Development Team. Barbara serves as the Medical Director of Camp Joint Venture, a summer camp for children with rheumatic conditions. She firmly believes in being the voice for her patients, and their families, to ensure they get the medications and services necessary to treat their disease and cope with chronic illness. Her hope is to help bring the pediatric rheumatology nursing community together to be a strong united voice, raising awareness of the unique needs of the pediatric rheumatology population.close

Joni Fontenot, RN

Treasurer

Registered Nurse
Ochsner Health System-The Grove-Infusion/Rheumatology Infusion
Baton Rouge, LA

Joni Fontenot currently resides in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where she works as an RN Staff Nurse at Ochsner Health System - The Grove - Infusion/ Rheumatology Infusion. She studied nursing at Louisiana State University Eunice, and has been practicing rheumatology since 2017. Nursing is her passion, and believes that rheumatology is a hidden gem within the medical field. Joni and her husband, Luke, have been married since 2015, and have twin boys, Jack and Owen. In her spare time, you can find her starting a new DIY project, sewing, working in her flower beds, or cooking delicious cajun meals.close

Nick Manwaring, MSN, APRN, FNP-C

Diversity & Inclusion Chair

Nurse Practitioner
Alaska Native Medical Center, Commissioned Corps of the United States Public Health Service (USPHS)
Anchorage, Alaska

Nick Manwaring currently resides in Alaska, where he works as a nurse practitioner at Alaska Native Medical Center, Commissioned Corps of the United States Public Health Service (USPHS), in Anchorage, Alaska. He studied at Ricks College, as well as the University of Alaska Anchorage, and has been practicing rheumatology since 2017. Nick graduated in the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Magna Cum Laude, and with a Peer Award. He is fluent in Spanish and volunteers time with several community organizations. As a child, traveling and acting with a Broadway production allowed him to act in community theaters as an adult. Nick, and his wife Charity, have three kids and have been married since 1998. After a long day, he looks forward to spending time with family, biking, and barbecuing.close

Gwendolyn Robinson, RN

Member at Large

Supervisor & Infusion Nurse Specialist
Texas Rheumatology
Texas City, TX

Gwendolyn (Gwen) Robinson currently resides in Texas City, Texas where she works as a Supervisor and Infusion Nurse Specialist for three sites in South Texas (League City, Pearland, and Pasadena). Gwen began her nursing quest in 1990 at UTMB Hospital where she worked as a patient care technician (PCT) before earning her LVN from Galveston College in 1996. From there she transitioned to the Telemetry and Pediatric Units at Mainland Hospital, and later to the Emergency Department after receiving her RN from Alvin Community College in 2001. Gwen’s career in Rheumatology began in 2006, when she began working part time as an IV infusion nurse for Genezen (Dallas, Texas). This opportunity led to her current full-time position at Texas Rheumatology (formerly Clear Lake Rheumatology). Gwen is a member of ANA, TNA, and RNS. She is very involved in her church and local community, volunteering whenever possible, including collecting shoes, socks and blankets for the homeless throughout the year. For rest and relaxation, Gwen enjoys days at the beach, swimming in pools, and traveling.close

Devin Weidman, MSN, APRN-C

Member at Large

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
Rheumatology Associates, PA
Stuart, FL

Devin Weidman, an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, has been serving with Rheumatology Associates, PA in Stuart, Florida, since 2002.  She earned her master's degree in nursing from the University of Florida.  She has advanced training in diagnosing and treating rheumatologic diseases, preventive care, and health maintenance. Devin is a proud member of the Rheumatology Nurses Society and Association of Rheumatology Health Professionals. Devin and her husband are parents to three children, one of whom is still at home. Devin is an avid runner and completed her first marathon in March 2021. She is training for the Space Coast half marathon this November.  She also enjoys hiking and boating when the weather in south Florida permits. In contrast, you will find her curled up with a good book during any downtime. close

Rebekah Garrard, FNP-C

Member at Large

Family Nurse Practitioner
Lafayette Arthritis and Endocrine Clinic

Rebekah Garrard has been a Family Nurse Practitioner for over 10 years and practices rheumatology full-time at Lafayette Arthritis and Endocrine Clinic. In 2006, Rebekah graduated from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette with her bachelor's in nursing. From there she began her nursing career focusing on Burn ICU and emergency nursing. She became certified in trauma nursing and advance burn life support, later becoming an instructor for the American Burn Association. In 2012, she graduated with her master’s degree in nursing from Northwestern University and obtained board certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner from American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. She is an active member of Rheumatology Advance Practice Provider (RhAPP) and Rheumatology Nurse Society (RNS). She lives on a farm with her husband and three children, which includes a set of boy/girl twins. Her “free” time is usually spent reminding the dogs that the geese DO NOT want to be their friend in addition to corralling the chickens, children and husband, but she does remember a time when she enjoyed leisurely reading.close

Laura Dickmann, BSN, RN

Member at Large

Registered Nurse
Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin
Delafield, Wisconsin

Laura currently resides in Delafield, WI where she has been working as a nurse in the Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin Rheumatology Clinic since 2021. She studied nursing at Cardinal Stritch University and has been practicing nursing since 1999. Her nursing journey has taken her many places including ICU, hospice, and float pool where she was introduced to Rheumatology. Laura is devoted to truly connecting with patients and providing accessible and compassionate care. She works in partnership with the lupus specialist to provide this type of care for patients with lupus, including many underserved patients. She organized her clinic's participation in the Lupus Foundation of America Wisconsin Chapter's Walk to end Lupus Now each year. She is committed to being an expert in Rheumatology and enjoys connecting with others who are passionate about rheumatology nursing.close