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

Carrie Beach, BSN, RN-BC

Immediate Past-President

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, 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

Chapter Development Chair

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

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

Research Chair

Associate Dean for Academic Operations and Clinical Professor
School of Nursing, Emory University
Atlanta, GA

Laura P. Kimble currently resides in Georgia, where she works as a Clinical Professor and the Associate Dean for Academic Operations at Emory University’s School of Nursing. She has been in this position since 2017. Laura received a BSN from Berea College, an MSN from the University of Kentucky, and a PhD from the University of Rochester in 1992. Laura's academic career as a nurse educator and researcher has focused on how patients manage the symptoms of chronic illness. She has been funded by the National Institutes of Health and the American Heart Association and authored/co-authored more than 60 peer-reviewed publications. Her current research focuses on understanding the biological basis for fatigue in women with systemic lupus erythematosus using metabolomics. Laura enjoys mentoring early career faculty and graduate students and in her off time enjoys listening to novels on Audible while taking long walks.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

Teri Puhalsky, BSN, RN, CRNI

Membership Development Chair

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

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