Illinois Nurses Foundation
2026 40 Under 40 Emerging Nurse Leader Award Winners
Congratulations to the 2026 honorees. These emerging nurse leaders represent excellence in practice, leadership, education, advocacy, research, innovation, and service.
Ann AltgilbersMSN,APRN,FNP-BC,BC-ADM,CPNAnderson Medical Group
Krishna AminDNP, RN, CNLRush University Medical Center
Meghan Battista-MuellerDNP, APN, CNP, OCNRush University Medical Center
Haley BeachBSN, RNAdvocate Sherman Hospital
Mia BianchiBSN, CMSRNNorthwestern Memorial Hospital
Tori BoyerDNP, APRN, CPNP-PCSt. Louis University
Kelly CalcagnoMSN, MBA, RNAdvocate Christ Medical Center
Amanda ChowMSN, RN, CNL, CCRNRush University
Catherine CookeMSN, RN, CPNEmployer to be confirmed
Keith De Los SantosMSN, RNSinai Chicago
Alyse FluryDNP, RN, CNESaint Anthony College of Nursing
Theresa FrawleyMSN, RN, CPNAdvocate Children’s Hospital
Mary FrazierPhD, RNSIUE School of Nursing
Feby GeorgeAPRN, MSN, FNP-C, CCRN-CMCCook County Health
Susan GraysonPhD, MPH, RNLoyola University Chicago
Casey GreenMSN, RN, CCRN-CMC, CTRN, CFRN, CEN, TCRN, CPEN, CNRN, NRPNorthwestern Memorial Hospital
Michelle GrivaljaBSN, RNWest Suburban Women’s Health
Brittany HollidayBSN, RN, MEDSURG-BC, GERO-BCAdvocate Sherman Hospital
Hannah HolmesDNP, APRN, FNP-BCRush University Medical Center
Caitlin HozieBSN, RN, VA-BCOSF Saint Elizabeth Medical Center
Jennifer JohnsonBSN, RN, NPD-BC, CNRNRush University Medical Center
Jessica KibbleM.Ed., BSN, RN, PEL-CSNIndian Prairie School District 204
Daniel KingDNP, CRNA, CPPS, CNE, FNAPRosalind Franklin University
Anthony LambertMSN, RN, NE-BCAdvocate Christ Medical Center
Jacqueline ManiscalcoMPH, BSN, RN, CICNorthwestern Memorial HealthCare
Moranda “Mo” MathesonMBA, MSN, RNIroquois Memorial Hospital
Randa MelmsMSN-EdNorthwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital
Kelsey NiketopoulosMSN, RN, CPHON, CPNAdvocate Children’s Hospital
Paige OxleyBSN, RN-BCAdvocate Health
Sagar PatelMSN, FNP-BC, MS, BSN-RNEmployer to be confirmed
Danielle PrateRN, MSN, CPNAdvocate Children’s Hospital
Jessica SchomerRN, BSN, SCRNMorris Hospital
Erica SlackDNP, APRN, FNP-BC, CNLAdvocate Health Care
Ophelia StackBSN, RNTownship District 214, Wheeling High School
Amanda TamMSN, RN, CCRN, NPD-BCAdvocate Children’s Hospital
Grace TervinMSN, RN, CHPPN, CPNAdvocate Children’s Hospital
Leesa ThompsonRN, DNPWestern Illinois University
Anthony TiraboschiMSN, RN, NPD-BCOSF HealthCare
Lauren YarkonyDNP, CPNP-PC, CPNLa Rabida Children’s Hospital
Melissa ZofkieBSN, RN, MEDSURG-BCAdvocate Christ Medical Center
Premier Sponsor: Advocate Health Care
Event Experience: VIP tables, priority seating, cash bar, and heavy hors d’oeuvres in the Atrium of the Sheraton Lisle.
Sponsorships Available: Support emerging nurse leaders and gain visibility with Illinois nursing leaders.