Meet the 2026 Candidates
Serving on the APSNA Board of Directors is both an honor and a responsibility. Our Board members are dedicated to advancing APSNA’s Vision—to be the leading authority for the nursing care of pediatric surgical patients—and our Mission—to be the voice that shapes pediatric surgical nursing through advocacy, collaboration, mentorship, and leadership.
With this in mind, it is our great honor to introduce the 2026 APSNA Board of Directors candidates.
President-Elect
Jennifer Berkbigler, MSN, RN, CPNP-AC
It is with great enthusiasm and a strong commitment to APSNA’s mission that I have decided to run for the position of President-Elect of the American Pediatric Surgical Nursing Association (APSNA). I previously served as Secretary from 2022 to 2024. Currently, as Director of Programs, I have had the privilege of serving on the APSNA Board for nearly four years. During this time, I have worked alongside dedicated colleagues to advance our organization’s goals of excellence in education, collaboration, and advocacy for pediatric surgical nursing.
Through my Board service, I have helped lead the planning and execution of our 34th Annual Scientific Conference, expanded innovative programs like the Colorectal Pre-Conference at this past event, and am currently organizing the Trauma Pre-Conference and Clinical Pathway Bootcamp for the upcoming event. I have also promoted member engagement through open communication and a shared vision. These experiences have deepened my appreciation for APSNA’s strength as a professional community that connects, supports, and empowers nurses and advanced practice providers caring for surgical patients.
In my role as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner in Pediatric Surgery at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, I deliver comprehensive care to children with complex surgical conditions, working closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure safe, evidence-based, and family-centered outcomes. Working in a high-acuity pediatric surgical setting has strengthened my dedication to clinical excellence, teamwork, and innovation. This position has enabled me to bridge inpatient surgical care and leadership—bringing real-world clinical insights into APSNA’s educational programs and advancing initiatives that mirror the realities of pediatric surgical nursing today.
As President-Elect, my priorities will focus on continuing to strengthen our firm foundation—promoting leadership development, broadening educational outreach, and enhancing partnerships with nursing organizations with which we have an MOU, as well as with our surgical colleagues. I am committed to mentoring emerging leaders, fostering collaboration, and elevating APSNA’s profile as the national voice for pediatric surgical nursing.
I am honored to be considered for this role and am committed to serving APSNA’s membership with integrity, transparency, and enthusiasm. Thank you for considering my nomination. I look forward to continuing to contribute to APSNA’s growth and success.
Dear Members of the Nominations Committee,
It is with great pride and heartfelt enthusiasm that I write in support of Jennifer Berkbigler’s nomination for President-Elect of the American Pediatric Surgical Nurses Association (APSNA). I have had the privilege of working alongside Jen for the past 10 years at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, and throughout this time, she has consistently exemplified the leadership, professionalism, and innovation that define an exceptional nursing leader.
Jen has been an active and influential member of APSNA for many years, serving most recently as Secretary (2022–2024) and currently as Director of Program (2024–2026). In each of these leadership roles, she has brought vision, organization, and a collaborative spirit that have strengthened the association’s operations and programming. Her attention to detail, commitment to communication, and ability to anticipate the needs of members have contributed greatly to APSNA’s ongoing success and impact.
Jen is a visionary and creative leader who approaches every challenge as an opportunity for growth and innovation. Whether developing new educational content, enhancing communication processes, or mentoring peers, she consistently demonstrates the ability to think strategically while remaining grounded in the realities of patient care. Her work reflects a clear understanding of both the immediate and long-term goals of pediatric surgical nursing—and her initiatives have elevated the quality and visibility of our profession.
One of Jen’s most admirable qualities is her professional communication. She engages others with empathy, respect, and clarity, whether she’s leading a meeting, presenting to a national audience, or collaborating across disciplines. Her approachable nature and genuine interest in others’ perspectives make her an effective and trusted leader.
Throughout our decade of working together, I have seen Jen’s remarkable self-direction, accountability, and integrity. She sets high standards for herself and consistently delivers outstanding results. No matter how demanding the workload or timeline, Jen meets deadlines with thorough, thoughtful, and high-quality work. Her professionalism is matched by a deep sense of ethical responsibility and commitment to excellence—qualities that inspire confidence in everyone who works with her.
Jen’s leadership, creativity, and dedication make her an ideal candidate for APSNA President-Elect. She has a proven record of service to the organization, a clear vision for its continued growth, and a steadfast commitment to advancing pediatric surgical nursing. I am confident that, under her leadership, APSNA will continue to flourish and empower nurses to deliver the highest standard of care to children and their families.
It is an honor to recommend Jennifer Berkbigler for President-Elect of APSNA.
With sincere respect and enthusiasm,
Nicole Hayes, APRN, MSN, CPNP-AC
Pediatric General Surgery
Nationwide Children's Hospital
Director of Practice and Quality
Cherie Rothaupt DNP, RN, CPN
I am writing to express my interest in serving as the Director of Practice and Quality with the American Pediatric Surgical Nurses Association (APSNA) Board of Directors. With 19 years of dedicated experience in pediatric nursing, including significant involvement in developing and implementing quality improvement initiatives, I am eager to contribute to APSNA’s mission of shaping nursing care through leadership and advocacy.
My professional background has centered on advancing evidence-based practice and ensuring the highest standard of patient- and family-centered care.
I am drawn to continuing this director role to use my skills to support APSNA’s strategic goals, particularly in standardizing and elevating the quality of care across all member institutions. My commitment to the core values of excellence, integrity, and scientific inquiry aligns directly with APSNA's foundational principles.
I am confident that my leadership experience and proactive approach to quality management will be a valuable asset to the Board.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to APSNA's continued success
To the APSNA Nominating Committee,
It is with the utmost enthusiasm that I recommend Cherie Rothaupt for a position on the APSNA Board of Directors. Over the course of more than twenty‑five years in pediatric nursing, Cherie has distinguished herself as an exemplary clinician, an influential professional practice leader, and a steadfast advocate for the highest standards of pediatric patient care. Her breadth of experience and depth of commitment make her exceptionally well‑qualified for this important leadership role.
Throughout her career, Cherie has demonstrated consistent and meaningful contributions to pediatric nursing. She has been a visible and engaged leader, advancing practice standards, mentoring emerging nurse leaders, and actively participating in professional development initiatives that strengthen the nursing community as a whole. Her willingness to share expertise, guide interdisciplinary teams, and support evidence‑based practice initiatives reflects the leadership values that APSNA strives to uphold.
One of Cherie’s most notable strengths is her vision, creativity, and capacity for innovation. Whether designing improved clinical workflows, advocating for safer and more effective care models, or championing new educational resources for nurses and families, she consistently brings forward forward‑thinking ideas grounded in practicality and compassion. Her professional communication skills are clear, respectful, and highly effective, and allows her to build consensus, facilitate collaboration, and inspire colleagues across all levels of an organization.
In every role she has held, Cherie has demonstrated exceptional self‑direction, reliability, and an unwavering ability to meet deadlines. She is highly organized, intrinsically motivated, and consistently delivers work that exceeds expectations. Whether leading a large‑scale practice initiative or managing complex clinical responsibilities, she approaches each task with discipline, efficiency, and a solutions‑oriented mindset.
As a bedside nurse, she has provided thousands of pediatric patients and families with outstanding, compassionate care. As a leader, she has elevated practice standards, improved clinical outcomes, and strengthened the teams she serves. Her work is meticulous, evidence‑based, and always guided by a deep sense of responsibility to children and their families.
Equally important, Cherie is an individual of accountability and professional integrity. She models ethical practice in every interaction, ensures high standards for herself and those around her, and does not hesitate to advocate for what is right, even when doing so requires courage and persistence. Her integrity has earned her the respect of colleagues, providers, and leaders who trust her judgment and value her principled approach to decision‑making.
In summary, Cherie embodies the qualities essential to effective service on the APSNA Board of Directors. Her leadership, experience, creativity, work ethic, and integrity will enable her to bring meaningful insight and lasting value to the organization. I recommend her without reservation.
Thank you for your thoughtful consideration.
Darcy Batchelor, MSN-Ed, RN, NPD-BC
Manager-Clinical Development | Learning & Development
SAMARITAN HEALTH SERVICES
Director of Education
Ashley Noboa, APRN, MSN, FNP-C, CPNP-AC
I believe I would be a strong national leader for APSNA because my professional identity, academic work, and daily clinical practice are deeply aligned with APSNA’s mission to advance the care of pediatric surgical patients and support the nurses and nurse practitioners who care for them. As a pediatric acute care nurse practitioner in pediatric surgery and trauma, I practice at the intersection of clinical excellence, systems improvement, and family-centered care. I have developed a clear understanding of the challenges our specialty faces nationally—including workforce development, care standardization, advocacy for the NP role, and the need to elevate nurse-led scholarship.
Over the past several years, I have demonstrated leadership through both practice and scholarship. I currently serve as the lead APP for several quality initiatives, including my DNP project on same-day discharge for pediatric appendicitis, which involves interdisciplinary coordination, protocol development, and effective communication across surgery, anesthesia, nursing, and hospital leadership. I also authored our institution’s Massive Transfusion Protocol, contributed to CLABSI and trauma-related QI efforts, and frequently mentor newer NPs and residents. These roles have strengthened my ability to maintain organized, transparent communication—core skills for a Secretary—and have reinforced the importance of an engaged, informed, collaborative membership.
I also bring a strong academic and policy foundation. As a DNP student focused on evidence-based quality improvement, I regularly engage with frameworks such as the Iowa Model, CFIR, and SQUIRE 2.0, which ensure that the work I lead is rigorous, reproducible, and oriented toward sustainability. My involvement in professional organizations—including NAPNAP, Texas Nurse Practitioners, and APSNA’s Trauma and Colorectal SIGs—has given me insight into how national groups can influence standards of care, promote education, and elevate the visibility of our specialty. I am currently applying to serve as a Legislative Ambassador for Texas Nurse Practitioners, reflecting my commitment to advocacy at both the state and national level.
As Director of Education, I would bring strong organizational skills, exceptional attention to detail, and a passion for representing the voices of pediatric surgical nurses and NPs across the country. More importantly, I am dedicated to strengthening our community—supporting members, communicating clearly, and ensuring that APSNA remains a respected leader in pediatric surgical nursing practice, education, and scholarship.
To the APSNA Board of Directors,
It is with great enthusiasm that I write this letter in support of Ashley Noboa, APRN, MSN, FNP-C, CPNP-AC for the position of Director of Education for the Association of Pediatric Surgical Nurses (APSNA) Board of Directors. I have had the privilege of working closely with Ashley for 3 years, and I can state with confidence that she possesses the qualifications, leadership capacity, and professional integrity necessary to excel in a board-level leadership position.
Ashley has consistently demonstrated strong leadership abilities and a deep commitment to advancing pediatric surgical nursing. Her contributions to APSNA include committee membership in the Trauma Special Interest Group and the Colorectal Special Interest Group.
Beyond APSNA, Ashley has held leadership roles within our institution and professional community, where she has successfully guided interdisciplinary teams, mentored nurses and advanced practice providers, and influenced practice through evidence-based initiatives. She was involved in the development of a protocol guideline for massive transfusions that was adopted at our institution.
As a nurse practitioner, Ashley brings a forward-thinking vision to nursing education. She consistently demonstrates creativity and innovation in developing educational content that is relevant, engaging, and grounded in current evidence and best practices. Her ability to translate complex clinical concepts into accessible, high-quality educational content speaks to her exceptional professional communication skills. This strength will be invaluable in shaping APSNA’s educational offerings to meet the evolving needs of its members.
Ashley is highly self-directed and dependable, with a proven ability to manage multiple priorities while consistently meeting deadlines. She approaches projects with organization, focus, and follow-through. The quality of her work is exemplary—thorough, thoughtful, and reflective of a strong commitment to excellence in nursing education and professional development. Currently, she is spearheading a major change in practice at our institution for same day discharge for patients who have undergone an appendectomy for acute appendicitis.
Accountability and professional integrity are hallmarks of Ashley’s practice and leadership style. She takes ownership of their responsibilities, welcomes feedback, and upholds the highest ethical and professional standards. Colleagues and learners alike trust her judgment, value her transparency, and respect her consistent alignment of actions with professional values.
In summary, Ashley embodies the qualities essential for effective service on the APSNA Board of Directors. Her clinical expertise and educational leadership make her an outstanding candidate for Director of Education. I offer my strongest recommendation and am confident she will make meaningful and lasting contributions to APSNA in this role.
Sincerely,
Dani O. Gonzalez, MD FACS
Pediatric Surgeon, Austin Pediatric Surgery
Secretary
Marissa Capogna, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC
I am an ANCC board certified Family Nurse Practitioner. I have served on the APSNA Nominations Committee for 2 years, 2022-2024.
I look forward to getting more involved within the APSNA community along with collaborating with other members on the board as well. I believe my involvement as Secretary will help me grow both professionally and personally.
During my time working as a RN in both the NICU and Med/ Surg Units I have worked as a charge nurse and also oriented multiple new nurses to the units. My experience as a charge nurse has helped me grow both as a leader and mentor. Throughout my experience I have learned how to effectively navigate through some difficult situations.
My communication skills have evolved as I started working as a nurse practitioner. Communicating with families and patients is extremely important and I have noticed my communication skills grow since I have started my role as a nurse practitioner. Collaborating with other specialties was a learning curve that I have also grown into as well.
I am a team player and truly believe in working together. In the healthcare world it is extremely important to work together to pull from other professional’s experiences to help care for the patients and their families. I look forward to working alongside the other members of APSNA and gaining knowledge from their own experiences.
I am strongly committed to the nursing profession and especially in helping the field of pediatric nursing grow. I strive to provide high-quality, evidence-based care while continuing to expand my knowledge. I hope my involvement within APSNA can help me continue to reach my goals as a pediatric surgical nurse practitioner.
My current position as a Pediatric Surgery Nurse Practitioner consists of seeing patients in the outpatient setting during their pre-operative and post-operative period. I also care for patients, helping manage their bowel regimen as well. Assist with procedures in the clinic including circumcisions, tongue and lip tie procedures and suction rectal biopsies. Provide gastrostomy and colostomy care and education to patients and their families. Coordinate care with other pediatric subspecialties throughout our institution, along with collaborating with other healthcare professionals in our institution as well.
To the APSNA Nominations Committee,
It is with great enthusiasm that I recommend Marissa Capogna, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, for the position of Secretary of the American Pediatric Surgical Nurses Association (APSNA). I have had the pleasure of working alongside Marissa as Registered Nurses in the NICU and have witnessed firsthand her exceptional professionalism, leadership, and dedication to advancing pediatric practice.
Marissa is an outstanding clinician and colleague—someone who consistently goes above and beyond to support her patients, families, and team. She brings a high level of organization and attention to detail to everything she does, which makes her exceptionally well-suited for the Secretary role. Her communication skills are second to none; she is approachable, thoughtful, and always ensures that every voice on the team is heard and valued.
Beyond her clinical expertise, Marissa is a true advocate for professional growth and
education. She actively mentors newer nurses, fosters collaboration across disciplines, and contributes meaningfully to quality improvement and research initiatives. Her commitment to excellence reflects the very best of APSNA’s mission and values.
Marissa is dependable, conscientious, and deeply passionate about advancing the field of pediatric surgical nursing. I have no doubt that she will bring these same qualities to the APSNA Executive Board and serve as a highly effective and dedicated Secretary.
It is an honor to endorse her candidacy.
Warm regards,
Ryan O’Gara, MSN, APRN, NNP-BC
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
Lenox Hill Hospital