Sabrina Norcia
President

My name is Sabrina Norcia and I am currently a NUR 450 student. I am also a group exercise instructor at Grand Valley’s Campus Recreational Center in Allendale, and I hope to continue this hobby of mine forever as well as simultaneously pursuing my Nursing profession in the Detroit area, or as a Travel Nurse, after graduation. I teach a variety of high-intensity exercises such as cycling, cardio kickboxing, and boot camp—hence my thirst for energy and passion. I hope to bring a lot of new and thrilling changes to this Association, as well as continue the many great things SNA has established. Fun facts about me: I am Canadian and currently a “permanent resident alien” of the United States, so being the President of something in America brings me joy! Also, I am 100% Italian, so if you ever need zestful recipes, love letters written in Italian, or study abroad tips—do not hesitate to ask. Lastly, I am a huge health nut and have a wide collection of books, tips, and exercise regimens that I would love to share with you.  I am eager for the winter semester to begin, and I cannot wait to get the show on the road!

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Brooke Shelton

In my free time I absolutely love to be outdoors and active. I love kayaking, snowboarding, dancing, and playing lacrosse whenever I have the opportunity. My goals after graduation are to work for a few years to find my niche in the nursing world and then go back to further my education. I am so excited to see what the upcoming semester has to bring and I cannot wait to see all the changes the new SNA board of directors will bring to improve the organization!

Lauren Schreiner
Treasurer
Hey there!  My name is Lauren Schreiner and I am your new Treasurer for the Winter 2013 semester!  I am currently a NUR 450 student and SUPER excited to be out in the professional world in a few short months! I am a Sigma Kappa alumna and I currently work for GVSU Campus Recreation in the Intramural department.  During the day, you can find me in the office doing all sorts of paperwork, and at night you’ll find me out on the basketball courts officiating games! 

I am actually in the process of figuring out what I want to do after graduation.  I know I do want to continue school sometime in my life (hopefully by specializing in pediatrics), but deciding to take a year off or push right through for 2-4 more years is making for a difficult decision.

Other than that, I’m a typical girl.  I love shopping, dancing, and I absolutely LOVE to cook and bake!  I also love playing basketball and soccer.  I grew up on the outskirts of Grand Rapids (Byron Center- 20 min south of GR), and attended both private and public schools growing up. I am super excited to serve as the new Treasurer for this Winter 2013 semester and I hope to make a difference by sharing ideas and implementing changes that benefit SNA.  Good luck to everyone this semester and feel free to email me if you have any questions about ANYTHING!!  =)

Carolyn Olmsted
Communications Director
My name is Carolyn Olmsted and I’m currently in Nursing 450. As I’ve progressed through KCON, each semester I’ve added more SNA responsibility and participation to my schedule. As a general member (315), ambassador (320), delegate (350), and now on the board of directors for my second semester, I have loved being a part of this awesome organization in each role. As the Resolutions Committee Chair, I look forward to continuing work on our 2013 Resolution: In Support of Implementing Holistic Health Programs for the Promotion of Student Nurses Own Health Behaviors.

Outside of nursing school I keep myself busy with cooking, reading, exercise, friends, and family.  I love to learn, meet people, and try new things. After graduation in April my plan is to start a career back in Ann Arbor, my hometown. At this point, I’m still exploring my options for what field of nursing I want to work in. However, I do know that I want to include graduate school, traveling, adult ICU, ER, or surgical nursing in my future.

Go Lakers!

Kristie Kowalski
Community Wellness Director

Hello! My name is Kristie Kowalski and I am currently in NUR 366. I am very excited to be the new community wellness director and I can’t wait to find new and exciting volunteer opportunities. I love volunteering but had never left enough time aside to do as much as I wanted so I decided to make a change and dedicate a large portion of my time to make sure I am able to do what I want and help others, by making opportunities available.  I am in Grand Valley’s new curriculum and it is challenging to say the least, but the reward is definitely worth it.

When I graduate in August of 2013, I hope to remain at St. Mary’s hospital where I work now, and work in the ICU. It is my passion to help those who truly need it most. Also I enjoy being able to care for the families of those who are sick because I feel it brings in a whole new aspect of holistic care. I am really pumped for what these semesters to come will bring and ready to take it on!

Penelope Fryling
Curriculum Director
My name is Penelope Fryling and I am currently a 416 student. I was a delegate during 266 and began my position as the Curriculum Director at NUR 316. As the Curriculum Director I have been able to work closely with the faculty and student body to assist in making our nursing program as wonderful of an experience as it can be. For the duration of this semester, I plan on focusing a lot of my efforts into fully developing the Student Assist Committee so that it may in return meet the needs of the student body as we all prepare for exams, capstones, and the NCLEX. I will also be working closely with the resolutions committee to develop new ways to help the students make healthy choices to handle stress developed from their seemingly endless course load.

When not studying, in class, or at clinical I can be found attending varies educational presentations, volunteering at church, or playing games with my two boys. After graduating, I plan on returning for the DNP program so that I may specialize in pediatrics. I love working with kids in general and hope one day to become a pediatric oncology nurse at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo.

I am very excited for this semester and cannot wait to work with all of you!

Jason Scholten
Membership Director
My name is Jason Scholten and I am currently a NUR 316 student. Last semester I was a delegate of SNA on the Elderly Actions Committee and really enjoyed being a part of the volunteering opportunities SNA provided for me. Seeing the impact SNA has on the community influenced me to take the position as Membership Director in order to work with the board to maintain the great qualities of this association as well as help it grow. I am excited to work along nursing students to reach out and provide new ways to promote the health and well-being of the elderly population.

When I am not studying for classes, going to clinical, or attending lecture, I live an active life. I like to play sports, even if I am terrible at them, and enjoy going on backpacking trips whenever I get the chance. I also love spending time with my family and friends and cherish every moment I have with them. As far as nursing goes, I am currently interested in being an ED nurse after nursing school and eventually becoming a CRNA, but I am still open-minded as to what kind of nurse I want to be.

To all the nursing students, please feel free to approach me with any questions or concerns. I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for SNA!

Julie Collins
Breakthrough to Nursing Director
My name is Julie Collins and I am excited to be the new Image and BTN director. I was a delegate for the past two semesters and have had the opportunity to be a part of the Community Wellness and Break Through to Nursing committees.  I am currently in NUR 416 and I am eager to become even more involved with SNA and plan volunteer events this semester.

In my free time I enjoy being active outside with friends. I like to run, camp, swim, water ski, and snowboard depending on the season. After graduation in August I plan to search for jobs in the Grand Rapids area. I have enjoyed many of my clinical experiences so far and I am still exploring what type of nursing I want to pursue.

Erin Craft-Otterbacher
Evaluations Director
My name is Erin Craft-Otterbacher and this is my second semester in the nursing program. Last semester I was actively involved in the Community Health Project Committee. This semester I look forward to chairing the committee and working with community organizations to help students make a positive difference in our Grand Rapids neighborhood. I was born and raised in Grand Rapids and love this community. I cannot wait to give back to the city that has given me so much and I look forward to meeting lots of amazing peers in the process!

When I am not at school or working with SNA, I love to read, do art, be active outside, or hang out with friends and family. My favorite way to relax is walking on the shores of Lake Michigan or in the woods by my parents’ house.

 I am not totally decided on what type of nursing I want to do when I graduate but I am leaning towards public health nursing. Mainly right now I just want to focus on having an open mind to all types of nursing and learning the most that I can.

   Angela Caruso, Staff Advisor