chapter officers
Dewi Brown - DeVeaux, DNP, BS, RN-ONC -- President
Jose Perpignan, Jr., RN, MSN, FNP --- 2nd Vice President
Betty Boyle-Duke, DNP, CPNP, RN --- 1st Vice-President
Dr. Brown-DeVeaux is a Director of Nursing at NYU Langone Health. She earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice from Yale University, M.S., from New York University, BSN from Molloy College and BS from Stony Brook University. She has over 16 years of professional nursing experience as a leader, educator, consultant, policy specialist and clinician.
Betty Boyle-Duke, DNP, CPNP, RN --- 1st Vice-President
Jose Perpignan, Jr., RN, MSN, FNP --- 2nd Vice President
Betty Boyle-Duke, DNP, CPNP, RN --- 1st Vice-President
Dr. Boyle-Duke is a nurse practitioner specializing in Pediatric and Adolescent Primary care for over 20 years. She completed her nursing education at Simmons College (now University) and earned a terminal degree, Doctor of Nursing Practice at New York
University in 2015. As a clinician, she recently worked at the NYC Department of Health
Dr. Boyle-Duke is a nurse practitioner specializing in Pediatric and Adolescent Primary care for over 20 years. She completed her nursing education at Simmons College (now University) and earned a terminal degree, Doctor of Nursing Practice at New York
University in 2015. As a clinician, she recently worked at the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene providing technical support and health services to NYC high school students. Most recently, during the height of COVID, her efforts shifted to helping with the NYC Health Department’s pandemic response among residents with
developmental disabilities who lived in NYC congregate care facilities. Currently she is the Associate Director of Nursing at Barnard College in Manhattan. She also teaches at Long Island University’s School of Nursing, since 2019 in the graduate program. Dr. Boyle-Duke holds a multitude of professional organization memberships, co-authored textbook chapters and has presented her scholarly efforts at Allied Health conferences. She currently serves as the chapter’s Corresponding Secretary and as lead for the chapter’s ANA Project Firstline IPC Grant.
Jose Perpignan, Jr., RN, MSN, FNP --- 2nd Vice President
Jose Perpignan, Jr., RN, MSN, FNP --- 2nd Vice President
Jose Perpignan, Jr., RN, MSN, FNP --- 2nd Vice President
Jose Perpignan, Jr. is a dedicated healthcare professional and co-founder of the GNYCBNA, with over 13 years of experience in healthcare and patient advocacy. He holds a Master of Science in Nursing as a Family Nurse Practitioner from the University of Rochester and is set to earn his Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in 2026. As Co-C
Jose Perpignan, Jr. is a dedicated healthcare professional and co-founder of the GNYCBNA, with over 13 years of experience in healthcare and patient advocacy. He holds a Master of Science in Nursing as a Family Nurse Practitioner from the University of Rochester and is set to earn his Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in 2026. As Co-Chair of the Men's Health Committee for the National Black Nurses Association, Jose actively promotes health initiatives. Additionally, he serves as an adjunct clinical instructor at Mercy University, shaping the next generation of nurses. His clinical experience includes roles as a registered nurse in the Cardio-Thoracic Intensive Care Unit (CT-ICU), Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU) and Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU), as well as serving as a transplant coordinator, where he has made significant contributions to patient care and outcomes.
Julius Johnson III, DNP, RN, FNP-BC ---Immediate Past President & Parliamentarian
Julius Johnson III, DNP, RN, FNP-BC ---Immediate Past President & Parliamentarian
Jose Perpignan, Jr., RN, MSN, FNP --- 2nd Vice President
Dr. Johnson has been a RN for 19 years and is home-based primary care/high intensity transitional care expert. He received his Doctor of Nursing Practice from The University of Miami (The U!!!), and his BS and MS in nursing from Binghamton University. He is currently a FNP Program Director and Assistant Professor of nursing at Long Island
Dr. Johnson has been a RN for 19 years and is home-based primary care/high intensity transitional care expert. He received his Doctor of Nursing Practice from The University of Miami (The U!!!), and his BS and MS in nursing from Binghamton University. He is currently a FNP Program Director and Assistant Professor of nursing at Long Island University-Brooklyn, practicing in house calls, and the co-founder of DrNurses.com
Caroline Austin-Mattison, DNP, RN, FNP-BC --- Treasurer
Julius Johnson III, DNP, RN, FNP-BC ---Immediate Past President & Parliamentarian
Caroline Austin-Mattison, DNP, RN, FNP-BC --- Treasurer
Dr. Caroline Austin-Mattison is Director of Advanced Practice Nursing at Mount Sinai Hospital and an adjunct professor at Pace University. Dr. Austin-Mattison is a certified family nurse practitioner with over 20 years of nursing experience and is passionate about improving cardiovascular health and health literacy especially in under
Dr. Caroline Austin-Mattison is Director of Advanced Practice Nursing at Mount Sinai Hospital and an adjunct professor at Pace University. Dr. Austin-Mattison is a certified family nurse practitioner with over 20 years of nursing experience and is passionate about improving cardiovascular health and health literacy especially in underserved communities. Dr. Austin- Mattison serves on the National Black Nurses Association Health Policy Committee. Her focus is on on primary prevention, screening and increasing access through her community service initiatives. Currently working with multiple organizations, addressing social determinants and increasing access locally and globally.
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Julian Mohammed, BSN, RN, CPhT --- Recording Secretary
Julius Johnson III, DNP, RN, FNP-BC ---Immediate Past President & Parliamentarian
Caroline Austin-Mattison, DNP, RN, FNP-BC --- Treasurer
Julian Mohammed has recently embarked on his nursing career as a staff nurse at Mount Sinai Morningside Emergency Department. Alongside his clinical duties, Julian holds the roles of Recording Secretary and Chair of the Student Committee. With a forward-looking perspective, Julian envisions laying down a robust groundwork in bedside
Julian Mohammed has recently embarked on his nursing career as a staff nurse at Mount Sinai Morningside Emergency Department. Alongside his clinical duties, Julian holds the roles of Recording Secretary and Chair of the Student Committee. With a forward-looking perspective, Julian envisions laying down a robust groundwork in bedside nursing while nurturing aspirations to transition into a Family Nurse Practitioner role. He is driven by a passion for advocating lifestyle medicine and promoting culturally informed nutrition choices, reflecting his commitment to holistic patient care and community wellness.
Monique McKnight-Meacham, MSN, RN-BC --- Historian
Sheldon D. Fields PhD, RN, FNP-BC, AACRN, FAANP, FNAP, FAAN --- Past Founding President & NBNA President
Monique McKnight-Meacham, MSN, RN-BC --- Historian
Monique McKnight-Meacham is the Clinical Nurse Education Manager for the Mount Sinai Health System Ambulatory Care Network. She obtained her MSN-Ed in 2010 and MSN in Advanced Clinical Management and Leadership from Columbia University in 2023. She is an expert in Nursing Education and is passionate about mentoring nurses and nursing stud
Monique McKnight-Meacham is the Clinical Nurse Education Manager for the Mount Sinai Health System Ambulatory Care Network. She obtained her MSN-Ed in 2010 and MSN in Advanced Clinical Management and Leadership from Columbia University in 2023. She is an expert in Nursing Education and is passionate about mentoring nurses and nursing students. She is a member of several organizations including Greater New York City Black Nurses Association and Chi Eta Phi, Incorporated. In 2020 Monique received the Clinical Nurse of the Year Award from Greater New York City Black Nurses Association for her dedication to caring for patients and families during the pandemic.
Alana Cromer, BSN, RN --- Corresponding Secretary
Sheldon D. Fields PhD, RN, FNP-BC, AACRN, FAANP, FNAP, FAAN --- Past Founding President & NBNA President
Monique McKnight-Meacham, MSN, RN-BC --- Historian
Alana Cromer is a recent graduate of New York University Rory Meyers College of Nursing, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. As a new graduate nurse, Alana is passionate about improving maternal health outcomes, particularly in Black communities, and is dedicated to addressing postpartum depression. She actively cont
Alana Cromer is a recent graduate of New York University Rory Meyers College of Nursing, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. As a new graduate nurse, Alana is passionate about improving maternal health outcomes, particularly in Black communities, and is dedicated to addressing postpartum depression. She actively contributes to public health initiatives and is committed to fostering connections and driving meaningful change in the nursing profession.
Sheldon D. Fields PhD, RN, FNP-BC, AACRN, FAANP, FNAP, FAAN --- Past Founding President & NBNA President
Sheldon D. Fields PhD, RN, FNP-BC, AACRN, FAANP, FNAP, FAAN --- Past Founding President & NBNA President
Sheldon D. Fields PhD, RN, FNP-BC, AACRN, FAANP, FNAP, FAAN --- Past Founding President & NBNA President
Dr. Fields is the Immediate Past Founding Chapter President, NBNA President, and has been a RN for 30 years and is an HIV/AIDS prevention research expert. He received his PhD in nursing science from the University of Pennsylvania, and his BS and MS in nursing from Binghamton University. He is the founder and President of his own healthcar
Dr. Fields is the Immediate Past Founding Chapter President, NBNA President, and has been a RN for 30 years and is an HIV/AIDS prevention research expert. He received his PhD in nursing science from the University of Pennsylvania, and his BS and MS in nursing from Binghamton University. He is the founder and President of his own healthcare consultant firm known as "The S.D.F Group, LLC" http://www.thesdfgrp.com/about.html
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Josephine A. Agyei, BSN, RN --- Director at Large
Gwen Anderson, RN,MSN, SCRN,CEN,NE-BC –-- Director at Large
Daphne Lysius, MS, RN, NI-BC, CHSE –-- Director at Large
Josephine A. Agyei is a clinical nurse in the Cardiac Surgery/Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit at Mount Sinai Hospital. She earned her Bachelor's degree from The College of New Rochelle and is currently enrolled in a dual-degree program at Johns Hopkins University, pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing Healthcare Organizational L
Josephine A. Agyei is a clinical nurse in the Cardiac Surgery/Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit at Mount Sinai Hospital. She earned her Bachelor's degree from The College of New Rochelle and is currently enrolled in a dual-degree program at Johns Hopkins University, pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing Healthcare Organizational Leadership and a Master of Business Administration. She is passionate about improving healthcare in underserved communities.
Daphne Lysius, MS, RN, NI-BC, CHSE –-- Director at Large
Gwen Anderson, RN,MSN, SCRN,CEN,NE-BC –-- Director at Large
Daphne Lysius, MS, RN, NI-BC, CHSE –-- Director at Large
Daphne Lysius has 16 years of nursing experience ranging from medical surgical nursing, neonatology, nursing informatics, to nursing simulation in higher education. She is currently the Director of Clinical Learning and Simulation Lab at Pacific College
of Health and Science. She received her BS from Long Island University’s Brooklyn Camp
Daphne Lysius has 16 years of nursing experience ranging from medical surgical nursing, neonatology, nursing informatics, to nursing simulation in higher education. She is currently the Director of Clinical Learning and Simulation Lab at Pacific College
of Health and Science. She received her BS from Long Island University’s Brooklyn Campus, her MS in Nursing Administration with Informatics from Molloy University and
is currently an EdD candidate at D’Youville University working on her dissertation. She is passionate about improving maternal health outcomes and mentoring the youth in under-represented communities.
Gwen Anderson, RN,MSN, SCRN,CEN,NE-BC –-- Director at Large
Gwen Anderson, RN,MSN, SCRN,CEN,NE-BC –-- Director at Large
Gwen Anderson, RN,MSN, SCRN,CEN,NE-BC –-- Director at Large
Gwen Anderson is a dedicated and accomplished nursing professional with extensive experience in critical care and leadership. She began her nursing journey at Rockland Community College, earning her Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), and later advanced her education at Chamberlain University, where she obtained both her Bachelor of Sc
Gwen Anderson is a dedicated and accomplished nursing professional with extensive experience in critical care and leadership. She began her nursing journey at Rockland Community College, earning her Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), and later advanced her education at Chamberlain University, where she obtained both her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).
With multiple certifications, including Stroke Certified Registered Nurse (SCRN), Certified Education Nurse (CEN), and Nurse Executive Board Certified (NE-BC), Gwen is committed to excellence in patient care, clinical leadership, and professional development. She is an active member of several professional nursing organizations and generously volunteers her time to support and uplift her community.
Passionate about advancing nursing practice and fostering the next generation of healthcare professionals, Gwen continues to lead and inspire through her expertise, dedication, and service
Nickisha Mortimer, MS, RN --- Director at Large - Student
Gwen Anderson, RN,MSN, SCRN,CEN,NE-BC –-- Director at Large
Gwen Anderson, RN,MSN, SCRN,CEN,NE-BC –-- Director at Large
Nickisha Mortimer is a Doctor of Nursing Practice student specializing in Psychiatric-Mental Health at Columbia University School of Nursing. She is passionate about mental health
advocacy, mentorship, and advancing access to quality care.
Nickisha began her nursing career as a Licensed Practical Nurse before earning her Bachelor of Arts in
Nickisha Mortimer is a Doctor of Nursing Practice student specializing in Psychiatric-Mental Health at Columbia University School of Nursing. She is passionate about mental health
advocacy, mentorship, and advancing access to quality care.
Nickisha began her nursing career as a Licensed Practical Nurse before earning her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Brooklyn College and later her Master of Science in Nursing from Columbia University. Her clinical experiences include working in inpatient psychiatric settings
and community mental health organization, where she provided care to individuals with complex psychiatric and substance use disorders.
As Student Director-at-Large for the Greater New York City Black Nurses Association, she is dedicated to supporting Black nurses and fostering professional development. She is also an academic coach, teaching assistant, and Opioid Response Network consultant, training
individuals in harm reduction strategies. Through leadership and advocacy, Nickisha strives to empower future nursing professionals and expand access to mental health services.
COMMITTEE CHAIRS
J’Adore Larosa-Mattis, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC --- PR/Social Media Chair
Talitha Douglas, BS(N), RN --- Programming and Community Service Chair
Talitha Douglas, BS(N), RN --- Programming and Community Service Chair
J’Adore Larosa-Mattis has been an RN for 7 years. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Nursing from Long Island University-Brooklyn Campus. He is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner and currently works as a Family Nurse Practitioner at the Mount Sinai Health System. His belief that discrimination and disparity of any k
J’Adore Larosa-Mattis has been an RN for 7 years. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Nursing from Long Island University-Brooklyn Campus. He is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner and currently works as a Family Nurse Practitioner at the Mount Sinai Health System. His belief that discrimination and disparity of any kind do not belong in healthcare propels him to be a patient advocate and an active change agent to help eradicate preventable illnesses in the community.
Talitha Douglas, BS(N), RN --- Programming and Community Service Chair
Talitha Douglas, BS(N), RN --- Programming and Community Service Chair
Talitha Douglas, BS(N), RN --- Programming and Community Service Chair
Talitha Douglas is a Registered Nurse at Montefiore Medical Center currently working in the Operating Room. She has worked previously in Med-Surg Telemetry, various vaccination clinics, and school nursing. Talitha has a passion to promote health and wellness to her community. She completed her BS degree in Nursing at Long Island Univ
Talitha Douglas is a Registered Nurse at Montefiore Medical Center currently working in the Operating Room. She has worked previously in Med-Surg Telemetry, various vaccination clinics, and school nursing. Talitha has a passion to promote health and wellness to her community. She completed her BS degree in Nursing at Long Island University - Brooklyn. Additionally, she is a member of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Incorporated and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated.
Akia Blandon, DNP, APRN, AGPCNP-C --- Scholarship & Awards Chair
Talitha Douglas, BS(N), RN --- Programming and Community Service Chair
Diane Ennefils, MSN, RN, AGACNP-BC, CNOR, CSMRN --- Membership Chair
Dr. Akia Sheema Blandon began working in the healthcare industry in 1993 as a Nurse Attendant in Long Island, New York while pursuing her nursing license. She persevered and excelled in nursing while raising her five exceptional children! She is an Adult Geriatric Nurse Practitioner and a Doctor of Nursing Practice. She is the Preside
Dr. Akia Sheema Blandon began working in the healthcare industry in 1993 as a Nurse Attendant in Long Island, New York while pursuing her nursing license. She persevered and excelled in nursing while raising her five exceptional children! She is an Adult Geriatric Nurse Practitioner and a Doctor of Nursing Practice. She is the President and CEO of New Beginnings HealthCare, PLLC. Akia also works as an NP for Essen, providing urgent and primary care throughout the tri-state area. She also serves as an Associate professor and Assistant Dean of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Helene Fuld College of Nursing since 2014.
Dr. Blandon is the Assistant Regional Director for the Northeast Region, Inc. of Chi Eta Phi Sorority Inc., whose mission is Service for Humanity. She is also the Sorority's National Technology Chairperson.
She recently published her memoir entitled "Triumphant… My Journey, His call"
Diane Ennefils, MSN, RN, AGACNP-BC, CNOR, CSMRN --- Membership Chair
Diane Ennefils, MSN, RN, AGACNP-BC, CNOR, CSMRN --- Membership Chair
Diane Ennefils, MSN, RN, AGACNP-BC, CNOR, CSMRN --- Membership Chair
Diane Ennefils has over 14 years of nursing experience. She completed her graduate studies at NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing. Diane currently works as a nurse clinician at NYU langone and as a nursing instructor at Columbia School of Nursing.
Caroline Austin-Mattison, DNP, RN, FNP-BC --- Health Policy Chair
Diane Ennefils, MSN, RN, AGACNP-BC, CNOR, CSMRN --- Membership Chair
Caroline Austin-Mattison, DNP, RN, FNP-BC --- Health Policy Chair
Dr. Caroline Austin-Mattison is Director of Advanced Practice Nursing at Mount Sinai Hospital and an adjunct professor at Pace University. Dr. Austin-Mattison is a certified family nurse practitioner with over 20 years of nursing experience and is passionate about improving cardiovascular health and health literacy especially in under
Dr. Caroline Austin-Mattison is Director of Advanced Practice Nursing at Mount Sinai Hospital and an adjunct professor at Pace University. Dr. Austin-Mattison is a certified family nurse practitioner with over 20 years of nursing experience and is passionate about improving cardiovascular health and health literacy especially in underserved communities. Dr. Austin- Mattison serves on the National Black Nurses Association Health Policy Committee. Her focus is on on primary prevention, screening and increasing access through her community service initiatives. Currently working with multiple organizations, addressing social determinants and increasing access locally and globally.