Dr. Elaine Smith is a nursing professional development specialist and educator with more than two decades of experience in neonatal, pediatric, and academic nursing education. She currently serves as a Staff Development Specialist and Student Placement Coordinator at the University of Kentucky HealthCare, where she leads onboarding, competency development, and clinical placement operations for nursing staff and students across the state. Dr. Smith also teaches as adjunct clinical faculty in the RN-BSN SimPath Program at American Sentinel College of Nursing and Health Sciences. Her work includes national presentations, research in preceptor development, and ongoing contributions to professional nursing organizations.

Josh Bryan is an accomplished nurse leader with extensive experience in emergency services management, clinical operations, and staff engagement within high-acuity academic medical centers. He currently serves as the Patient Care Manager for Adult Emergency Services at the University of Kentucky HealthCare, overseeing an 84-bed emergency department with more than 94,000 annual visits. With a proven record in throughput optimization, process improvement, and leadership development, Josh has led initiatives that increased engagement scores, improved patient-centered outcomes, and enhanced operational efficiency. A certified emergency, pediatric emergency, and trauma nurse, he is also an ENA national presenter and dedicated mentor to emerging nurse leaders. His career is rooted in a commitment to patient-centered care, evidence-based practice, and developing resilient, high-performing teams.

Lesley Lay is an experienced perioperative and critical care nurse with more than two decades of service at the University of Kentucky Chandler Medical Center. Throughout her career, she has cared for pediatric and adult patients across acute, progressive, ICU, and perioperative settings, providing comprehensive assessment, monitoring, pain management, and patient education. Lesley is nationally certified in perianesthesia nursing and holds ACLS, PALS, and BLS credentials. Her commitment to clinical excellence has been recognized through multiple honors, including the ABPANC National Advocacy Award, the Daisy Award, and the Clinical Nurse Excellence Award.

Gloria Okorley is an accomplished ambulatory care nurse leader with extensive experience in pediatric primary care, specialty clinics, and mobile health services. She currently serves as a Nurse Manager for UK HealthCare’s General Pediatrics and Pediatric Mobile Clinic, where she oversees clinic operations, staff development, patient care coordination, and workflow optimization. Gloria has previously led the Congenital Heart Clinic and has held diverse clinical roles across rehabilitation, acute care, and outpatient pediatrics. She is board-certified in ambulatory care nursing and is recognized for her contributions to staff engagement, clinic efficiency, and equitable care. A dedicated advocate for inclusion and community health, she serves as Chair of the AAACN Inclusion and Belonging Committee and Co-Chair of UK HealthCare’s Health Disparities Nursing Strategic Plan Committee. Gloria has presented multiple podium and poster sessions at national AAACN conferences, highlighting innovations in clinic operations, staff engagement, and DEI-focused initiatives.

Dr. Michelle Van Outer is an experienced psychiatric nurse leader and educator with more than a decade of progressive leadership in acute behavioral health settings. She currently serves as a Nurse Manager at Eastern State Hospital, where she oversees a 28-bed acute psychiatric unit, leads a multidisciplinary team of more than 40 staff, and drives initiatives focused on patient safety, quality outcomes, and workforce development. Dr. Van Outer has a strong background in management, clinical instruction, and operational leadership, with previous experience directing business operations in a large OB/GYN practice. She has presented her work at APNA, UK HealthCare, and regional nursing conferences, with her research on nurse retention selected for a Magnet® application. Dedicated to advancing psychiatric nursing and supporting future clinicians, she also serves as a clinical instructor for Morehead State University and Berea College.