Cathy Patty-Resk, MSN, RN-BC, CPNP-PC

President

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Wayne Pediatrics
Detroit, MI

Cathy Patty-Resk currently resides in Michigan where she works as a nurse practitioner at Wayne Pediatrics. She studied nursing at Wayne State University and has been practicing rheumatology since 2009. Cathy is recognized as a board-certified pediatric nurse practitioner, board-certified rheumatology nurse, President of the RNS, and an active member of the advocacy committee. She has served as the co-editor of and a contributor to the Core Curriculum for Rheumatology Nursing. Cathy currently serves as a founding executive board member of The Alliance for Transparent & Affordable Prescriptions (ATAP) and an advisory board member to The Pediatric Rheumatology Collaborative Study Group (PRCSG). She enjoys teaching pediatric rheumatology to her nurse practitioner students, getting them actively involved in real legislative advocacy, and continues serving as a mentor assisting with ongoing professional development and leadership.close

Carrie Beach, BSN, RN-BC

President Elect

Staff Rheumatology Nurse
Columbus Arthritis Center
Columbus, OH

Carrie Beach currently resides in Ohio where she works as a rheumatology nurse at Columbus Arthritis Center. She studied nursing at the Ohio State University College of Nursing and has been practicing rheumatology since 2003. Carrie was recognized by the Arthritis Foundation in 2015 as the Walk to Cure Arthritis Medical Honoree and continues to work closely with the Arthritis Foundation to advance her passion in rheumatology education. She firmly believes in serving her patients and peer nurses as a leader of thought, subject matter expert, and coach in the application of best practices for patient and nursing education. close

Carolyn Zic, MSN, FNP-BC

Treasurer

Nurse Practitioner
Comer Children’s Hospital
New Lenox, IL

Carolyn Zic currently resides in the Chicago area where she works as a rheumatology nurse practitioner at Comer Children’s Hospital at the University of Chicago Medicine. She studied nursing at Madonna University and obtained her nurse practitioner degree in 2019 from the University of St. Francis. In 2018, Carolyn was recognized as the Chicago area Arthritis Foundation Medical Honoree for her excellence and compassionate care to patients and their families. She firmly believes in patient advocacy and treasures the bond that she has created with her patients over the years.close

Barbara Kienzle, BSN, RN

Historian

Registered Nurse
Augusta University’s Children’s Hospital of Georgia
Augusta, GA

Barbara Kienzle currently resides in Georgia where she works at the Augusta University’s Children’s Hospital of Georgia. She studied nursing at Iowa Wesleyan College and has been practicing rheumatology since 2010. Barbara contributed to the 2nd Edition of Rheumatology Scope and Standards of Practice and serves as the Medical Director of Camp Joint Venture, a summer camp for children with rheumatic conditions. As she continues in this role, Barbara 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, especially to pharmaceutical companies and insurance carriers.close

Nancy Eisenberger, MSN, APRN, FNP-C

Member at Large

Nurse Practitioner
Arthritis, Rheumatic and Back Disease Associates
Voorhees, New Jersey

Nancy Eisenberger currently resides in Voorhees, New Jersey where she works as a nurse practitioner at Arthritis, Rheumatic and Back Disease Associates. She studied nursing at Misericordia University and graduate nursing at the Medical University of South Carolina. She has been practicing rheumatology since 2006. Nancy has 3 amazing adult children and recently added a granddaughter to her life. She is passionate about her family and her career and loves taking care of the people around her.close

Joni Fontenot, RN

Member at Large

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

April Johnson, MSN, APRN, CNP

Member at Large

Nurse Practitioner
McBride Orthopedic Hospital
Edmond, Oklahoma

April currently resides in Edmond, Oklahoma, where she works as a nurse practitioner at McBride Orthopedic Hospital. She studied nursing at the OU Health Science Center graduating in 2003 and obtained her nurse practitioner degree in 2013 at Midwestern State University. While in graduate school, she worked on and presented an evidence-based project on pain management that was chosen as a poster presentation. April has been working in rheumatology since 2016. Derrick and April have been married since 2004, and they have two daughters. She enjoys spending time with her family, cooking up new recipes, and caring for and decorating her home. close

Laura P. Kimble, PhD, RN, FNP-C, CNE, FAHA, FAAN

Research Chair

Clinical Professor and Assistant Dean of Clinical Advancement
School of Nursing, Emory University
Atlanta, GA

Laura P. Kimble currently resides in Georgia, where she works as a Clinical Professor and the Assistant Dean of Clinical Advancement at Emory University’s School of Nursing. She has been in this position since 2017 and has been in rheumatology since 2019. Laura studied at the University of Rochester in Rochester, New York, where she obtained her PhD in nursing. The Rheumatology Nurses Society is excited to have her join the board as the Research Chair, where she will be able to help expand the resources and education the RNS provides. Laura enjoys mentoring in the field of rheumatology, and in her off time, reading and listening to music.close

Nick Manwaring, MSN, APRN, FNP-C

Member at large

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

Nick Manwaring 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 and 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 also 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 3 kids and have been married since 1998. After a long day, he looks forward to spending time with family, biking, and barbecuing. close

Karen McKerihan, MSN, NP-C

Member at Large

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 worked as an RN in women's care and pain management since 1991. She has worked as an FNP in rheumatology since 2016 and for the past 2 years has been the Director of Infusion Services for Articularis Healthcare. She is a member of the AANP, ARP, INS, and the RNS. She grew up as a missionary kid in India, speaks Hindi, and in her spare time plays the bagpipes for the Charleston Pipe Band.close

Teri Puhalsky, BSN, RN, CRNI

Member at Large

Registered Nurse
Medstar Orthopedic Institute
Alexandria, VA

Teri Puhalsky currently resides in Maryland where she works as an Infusion RN at Medstar Orthopedic Institute. She studied nursing at Excelsior College School of Nursing and has been practicing rheumatology since 2007. Teri received the Outstanding Clinical Performance Award as an LPN, obtained her CRNI in 2012, and is a member of Sigma Theta Tau International-PhiPi 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