Members who vote within the first 100 hours (Tuesday, November 4th through Saturday, November 8th 4:00 PM EST) will be placed in a drawing for the following prizes: 

• 2026 Annual AHNA Conference Registration
• $100 worth of AHNA Gift Certificates (Can be used for CE!)

All members who vote by the deadline of Sunday, November 30th will be placed in a drawing for the following prizes:

• 2026 Virtual AHNA Conference Registration
• Holistic Nursing: Scope & Standards of Practice 3rd Edition
• $50 worth of AHNA Gift Certificates (Can be used for CE!)
• One Set of Pain Relief Tools for Patients and Self-Care (Pack of 25)

Responsible for ensuring that the Association is well managed and financially responsible. In addition, the Board creates the policies that provide the parameters for the Association’s programmatic activities including education, practice, research, publications and communications. To be elected are two (2) AHNA members to serve a 2-year term.

To be elected to serve for two years soliciting candidates for AHNA elected positions, preparing a slate of candidates for the membership to vote on, overseeing the election and reporting the election results to the membership. The committee participates in leadership development activities.

Jean Marie McKinnon is a compassionate Registered Nurse and Healthcare Professional with experience caring for patients living with homelessness. She is an award-winning leader, skilled in initiating and developing programs and events to educate and improve nursing services and patient care. Jean is known for excellent communication and organizational skills, as well as the ability to identify and solve problems, build teams, and plan events.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing, 2010 – University of Massachusetts

Registered Nurse - Massachusetts

Board Certified Holistic Nurse (HNB-BC)

BLS for Healthcare Providers

Integrative Nursing: The Art of Healing

The Birch Tree Center: Integrative Healing Arts

American Holistic Nurses Association

American Heart Association

For the past 12 years, I have served patients through my work at Boston Healthcare for the Homeless. I have always worked within a multidisciplinary team. I walk beside patients as they navigate both chronic illness and lack of housing. I work with each patient to remove road blocks to healthcare and to smooth their way to optimal health. I am submerged in the social determinants of health. I use my assessment skills, my presence, my compassion, humility, and my love with each patient. As patients are threatened by healthcare crises such as shelter closures, disease outbreaks, and addiction, my fellow nurses and I serve as boots on the ground providing valued feedback to our administration with concrete policy advice.

Throughout my nursing career I have carried in my heart the Core Values of the American Holistic Nurses Association, AHNA. I came to the AHNA in my Junior year of nursing school and earned my HNB-BC in 2013. I am in the process of my second re-certification.

I feel called home to the AHNA with a passion to serve. My passion is to assess the road blocks and smooth the way to the passion of holistic nursing for all nurses.

Carmen Noonan, BSN, is a Registered Nurse with 14 years of experience, currently working as an Operating Room nurse. She is passionate about holistic health and is pursuing her Doctorate in Family Nurse Practitioner, focusing on treating the whole person—mind, body, spirit, and soul. A graduate of Naropa’s Certified Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy program, Carmen has educated clients on harm reduction and remains deeply curious about the reemerging therapeutic use of psychedelics. Carmen is dedicated to creating lasting lifestyle changes through mindful, steady progress, with a holistic approach to patient care.

Doctor of Nursing Practice – Family Nurse Practitioner (Expected Aug 2027), Samuel Merritt University, Sacramento, CA

Bachelor of Science in Nursing, 2024 – Samuel Merritt University

Associate Degree in Nursing, 2009 – Merced College

Current Student – Fall 2025 Cohort, California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS)

Student – Synthesis Institute, Psychedelic Practitioner Training Program

Massage Therapist Certification – Essential Health School of Massage

Naturopathy Certification – Scholistico

CPAT Certification – Naropa University

Somatic Cognitive Behavior Practitioner Certification- Embody Lab

Curanderismo Courses – University of New Mexico

Queering Psychedelics – Chacruna Institute

Critical Perspectives on Knowledge Production in Psychedelic Science- Chacruna Institute

Cannabis Nurse Health Coach– Holistic Caring

American Holistic Nurses Association

Society of Latinx Nurses

National Association of Hispanic Nurses

California Association of Nurse Practitioners

DNPs of Color Association

American Cannabis Nurse Association

Holistic nursing is not just a specialty—it is a way of being that honors the whole person: mind, body, spirit, and soul. As healthcare continues to face challenges of burnout, inequity, and over-reliance on symptom-based treatment, I believe holistic nursing offers a path back to compassionate, culturally attuned, and integrative care. My nursing practice and leadership work are grounded in trauma-informed care, cultural humility, and advocacy for marginalized communities. I have served on boards, led DEI initiatives, organized large-scale educational and community events, and published works that bridge traditional healing with modern nursing science. If elected to the AHNA Board of Directors, I will bring over 14 years of diverse nursing experience, a deep commitment to advancing holistic nursing education, and the ability to engage communities across backgrounds. I am dedicated to strengthening AHNA’s voice in shaping policy, expanding educational access, and fostering a network where holistic nurses can thrive and lead.

JoAnne Veith is a board-certified holistic nurse with 20 years of experience spanning healthcare and state government. Her deep passion for empowering others to unlock their healing potential inspired her to become a Healing Touch Certified Practitioner and Instructor. As the manager of the Healing Touch Integrative Care Program, JoAnne is dedicated to integrating Healing Touch into healthcare settings and beyond. She also oversees integrative therapies at a community hospital, providing Healing Touch and Aromatherapy to patients, families, and staff. In addition, she operates a private energy healing practice, offering personalized care to her community.

JoAnne is a dedicated educator who regularly teaches Healing Touch classes and workshops in hospitals and community settings. Known for her authenticity and warmth, she balances her professional work with her roles as a wife, mother, and holistic caregiver for her aging father, reflecting a life grounded in service and compassion.

Associate in Applied Science (AAS) – Registered Nurse – Maria College – Albany, NY

Associate in Applied Science (AAS) – Business Administration – HVCC – Troy, NY

Holistic Nurse Board Certified – AHNCC - 2023

Healing Touch Instructor – L1 2021; L2 2023

Healing Touch Practitioner –2018 Healing Touch Program -Certified Practitioner

Healing Touch Worldwide Foundation – Board Member at Large

American Nurses Association

American Holistic Nurses Association

Healing Touch Professional Association

Rensselaer County Chamber of Commerce

I believe holistic nursing is at the heart of transforming healthcare by honoring the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—while advancing practices that promote resilience, compassion, and integrative healing. At a time when healthcare faces challenges of burnout, inequity, and fragmentation, holistic nursing offers a unifying approach that restores meaning and balance to both caregivers and patients.

If elected, I will bring a unique blend of clinical, administrative, and policy experience. As a Healing Touch Certified Practitioner and Instructor and a Board-Certified Holistic Nurse, I have seen firsthand how holistic practice elevates patient care. My leadership roles—as Integrative Care Program Manager for the Healing Touch Program, former Director of a hospital-based Complementary and Integrative Therapy Department, and Health Program Administrator for the NYS Department of Health—have strengthened my skills in program development, policy writing, compliance, and advocacy.

These experiences equip me to support AHNA in shaping policy, expanding knowledge of integrative practices, current research, and cultivating future leaders to carry holistic nursing forward with vision, integrity, and heart.

Kelly's 20-year career is marked by extensive experience in both holistic and emergency/trauma nursing. Her unique qualifications include graduating with high honors with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA), complemented by her graduation from the BirchTree Integrative Healing Arts Academy. Kelly holds certifications in Holistic Nursing and Patient Safety. She is a Reiki Master and Stress First Aid trainer. Kelly co-leads the AHNA Coastal Chapter of NJ, won the 2021 Holistic Nursing Rising Star award, and was a 2022 NJBiz Nurse of the Year finalist. She has presented at national conferences on wellbeing and patient safety. Currently, Kelly is the Director of Team Member and Clinician Wellbeing for her healthcare network.

Master of Business Administration, 2025 – Arizona State University

RN-BSN, 2023 – Chamberlain University

RN-BSN, 2020 – Rutgers University

Diploma in Nursing, 2004 – Charles E. Gregory School of Nursing

Registered Nurse - New Jersey

National Certifications: CPSS, HN-BC

HRO Train the Trainer & Super Trainer

Safety Officer

WeCare certified

Stress First Aid Train the Trainer Certified

IV certified, BLS, ACLS, PALS, TNCC, Critical Care Certifications

Respiratory, Cardiac, GI/Hematology and Neuro, NIHS, ICS100, Charge Nurse Workshop

Graduate of Birchtree's Integrative Healing Arts Academy 2019

Nursing Workplace Environment Staffing Council (NWESC) Certified

American Holistic Nurses Association

New Jersey State Nurses Association (NJSNA)

American Nurses Association

AHNA local Chapter Leader for AHNA Coastal Chapter of NJ

NJSNA Practice Act – Position Statement

Holistic nursing is the framework for a sustainable healthcare future. To realize this vision, we must address the urgent issues facing our members: epidemic-level burnout, increasing workplace violence, and a lack of organizational support for caregiver wellbeing.

 As a Director of Wellbeing and a Certified Professional in Patient Safety, I have significant experience in tackling these challenges head-on. I don’t just advocate for change; I help build it. I have designed and implemented scalable emotional support models, developed violence prevention strategies, and used data to secure leadership buy-in for systemic improvements. My expertise lies in translating our holistic ideals into measurable, impactful programs.

 As an AHNA Board member, I will leverage this experience to develop practical toolkits for our members, strengthen our advocacy for psychologically safe workplaces, and ensure our organization is at the forefront of creating concrete solutions for the complex problems our nurses face daily.

Samalie Rivera is a Holistic Personal Development Coach with a background as a Mental Health Nurse. As a holistic nurse, nurse coach, and registered yoga teacher, she is passionate about advancing the holistic nursing profession.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), 2021 – Quinnipiac University

Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN), 2019 – Gateway Community College

Associate of Arts, Liberal Arts and Sciences, 2017 – Gateway Community College

Registered Nurse (RN), Connecticut

Health & Wellness Nurse Coach - Board Certified

Basic Life Support (BLS)

 Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT)

Crisis Prevention Invention (CPI)

American Holistic Nurses Association

American Psychiatric Nurses Association

Connecticut Nurses Association

National Association of Hispanic Nurses

National Nurses in Business Association

Yoga Alliance

My perspective on holistic nursing is centered on recognizing the profound interconnectedness of our mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual selves. It’s an approach that sees beyond a diagnosis to the whole person. Currently, our greatest challenge is a deep societal disconnection that leaves humanity feeling distracted, unfulfilled, and unhealthy. This lack of inner connection is the root of widespread burnout and distress within our profession. As a board-certified health and wellness nurse coach, yoga teacher, somatic coach, and experienced psychiatric nurse, my expertise is in rebuilding that vital connection. If elected, I will work to inspire, motivate, and empower our members to reconnect with themselves first, so they can better guide others toward healing. I aim to equip our organization with resources that foster resilience and personal well-being. By healing ourselves, we create a powerful foundation to more effectively heal the world, one person at a time.

Bridget began her career in healthcare with undergraduate training as a Registered Nurse and has spent over a decade working in critical care, where high acuity, complexity, and compassion intersect daily. This frontline experience has deeply shaped her understanding of patient needs, health systems, and the importance of timely, evidence-based care.

Driven by a passion for whole-person healing, Bridget pursued a Master’s degree in Holistic Nursing and holds a Board Certification in Holistic Nursing. This perspective continues to inform her work, grounding her research in human-centered approaches to care. Bridget earned her PhD in Nursing Research with a focus on health outcomes, evidence-based care models, and the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) with big datasets. Her research explores how data-driven insights and innovative technologies can be leveraged to improve patient outcomes, optimize care delivery, and transform healthcare systems.

She is passionate about bridging nursing expertise with emerging technologies to shape a future where healthcare is both smarter and more compassionate.

PhD in Nursing, 2024 – West Virginia University

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), 2019 – Tennessee State University

Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN), 2010 – Stevenson University

Registered Nurse (RN), Maryland, Pennsylvania, Tennessee

Advanced Holistic Nurse - Board Certified

Boxtox for Beginners, ProMD Health Academy

AHNA

ANA

Pennsylvania State Nurses Association

Sigma Theta Tau

Commission for Nurse Reimbursement

In today’s healthcare environment, where burnout, inequities, and rapid technological change intersect, holistic nursing offers a vital framework to preserve human connection, resilience, and integrative practice. Emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), present both opportunities and challenges. While AI can improve efficiency, decision-making, and access to care, it also raises concerns about depersonalization, equity, and ethical use. Holistic nursing is uniquely positioned to ensure that as technology advances, the essence of caring and presence remains central to patient care.

If elected to the AHNA Nominating Committee, I will bring my experience in education, leadership, and collaborative service to help guide the association’s future. My background on the Education Committee as an NPR has strengthened my skills in communication, teamwork, and strategic planning. I am committed to fostering a transparent and inclusive process that identifies and supports diverse leaders who can address today’s complex issues by balancing innovation with the core values of holistic nursing.