GNCSGNA Board of Directors 2025
Election Winners!!
Election Winners!!
Get to know the Nominees
Sherri Brown Scott:
I believe I am the best person for this GNCSGNA position for a number of reasons. I have been a Registered Nurse for 24 years, 21 years as a GI nurse. I have been on the GNCSGNA Board for 2 years. Being on the board this far has been a pleasure. It allows me to share knowledge with my fellow GI professionals. I would say my passion is Education. I value education because it equips us with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide high quality patient care. Education ensures we are up-to-date with the latest medical practices, technologies and resources which is critical for effective treatment and patient safety. Additionally a well educated workforce can better handle complex medical situations, improve patient outcomes and contribute to a more efficient and effective healthcare system. I would be honored to continue providing educational opportunities with the GNCSGNA
I believe I am the best person for this GNCSGNA position for a number of reasons. I have been a Registered Nurse for 24 years, 21 years as a GI nurse. I have been on the GNCSGNA Board for 2 years. Being on the board this far has been a pleasure. It allows me to share knowledge with my fellow GI professionals. I would say my passion is Education. I value education because it equips us with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide high quality patient care. Education ensures we are up-to-date with the latest medical practices, technologies and resources which is critical for effective treatment and patient safety. Additionally a well educated workforce can better handle complex medical situations, improve patient outcomes and contribute to a more efficient and effective healthcare system. I would be honored to continue providing educational opportunities with the GNCSGNA
Ally Naro:
Having served on the Region 42 board (GNCSGNA and ENCSGNA) off on and since 2015 as a board member and then as the most recent secretary, I would like to continue to develop my skills in this role. I believe serving as the secretary has greatly improved my leadership skills. This is a big role on the board and I feel I am finally gaining a true understanding of what is expected. The secretary role is one that requires time to understand and develop. During my time as secretary, I have encouraged more online availability of documents, including scholarship applications. I have also helped with some of the marketing materials including the membership table covers, thank you cards, and travel mugs. I have also been the zoom monitor for the virtual conferences for the past couple years. In the past year I have travelled to Guatemala on a medical mission to help perform GI procedures to an underserved population. I have since taken that mission and created a poster with former board member, Aleta English. That poster won second place in the educational poster contest at the SGNA annual conference. We have presented this poster at our most recent fall conference in Charlotte and will be presenting this poster virtually to a group on nurses in Nigeria and Ghana this February. It is my intention to use these experiences to help develop new and innovative ways to gain support for endoscopy staff to have the ability to help the underserved populations. I hope to use the connections made at conferences such as the leadership conference and annual conference to potentially develop different standards for resource poor countries. I would also like to use these connections to help find financial support from the SGNA and from employer organizations in the way of scholarships and paid education time instead of having to use vacation time. If re-elected as secretary I would like to further help GNCSGNA move forward in its mission to support its members education and professional development.
Having served on the Region 42 board (GNCSGNA and ENCSGNA) off on and since 2015 as a board member and then as the most recent secretary, I would like to continue to develop my skills in this role. I believe serving as the secretary has greatly improved my leadership skills. This is a big role on the board and I feel I am finally gaining a true understanding of what is expected. The secretary role is one that requires time to understand and develop. During my time as secretary, I have encouraged more online availability of documents, including scholarship applications. I have also helped with some of the marketing materials including the membership table covers, thank you cards, and travel mugs. I have also been the zoom monitor for the virtual conferences for the past couple years. In the past year I have travelled to Guatemala on a medical mission to help perform GI procedures to an underserved population. I have since taken that mission and created a poster with former board member, Aleta English. That poster won second place in the educational poster contest at the SGNA annual conference. We have presented this poster at our most recent fall conference in Charlotte and will be presenting this poster virtually to a group on nurses in Nigeria and Ghana this February. It is my intention to use these experiences to help develop new and innovative ways to gain support for endoscopy staff to have the ability to help the underserved populations. I hope to use the connections made at conferences such as the leadership conference and annual conference to potentially develop different standards for resource poor countries. I would also like to use these connections to help find financial support from the SGNA and from employer organizations in the way of scholarships and paid education time instead of having to use vacation time. If re-elected as secretary I would like to further help GNCSGNA move forward in its mission to support its members education and professional development.
Emma Rogers:
I respectfully request to be reconsidered for the Associate Board Member position with the Greater North Carolina Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates. For seven years, I have been a dedicated member of SGNA and GNCSGNA, advancing professionally as a GI associate and earning my Advanced GI Associate recognition from SGNA in 2019. My commitment to staying current with best practices has driven me to attend both regional and national SGNA conferences, as well as utilize the online educational resources for my ongoing professional development. I began my GI career in 2012 as a Certified Nursing Assistant II, later earning my Registered Medical Assistant certification. Through our internal medical assistant clinical ladder program, I advanced to RMA IV, a level I achieved by consistently demonstrating my commitment to the GI field. From the moment I stepped into a hospital-based GI procedural clinic, I have been passionate about this work and have not looked back since. For the past six years, I have been involved in my regional society as the Associate Board Member at Large. At the national level, I served as Co-Chair of the Associate/Technician SGNA Community Group for five years, during which I had the privilege of learning from exceptional nurses and associates who equipped me with the knowledge and support to reach new professional heights. Locally, I am highly engaged, serving on the Unit Practice Council, the Ambulatory Professional Governance Committee, the Work Culture Committee, and the Advanced Endoscopy Procedural Core Team. My contributions to Duke GI Endoscopy include creating the “What’s the Scope” GI Technician Newsletter, leading GI Educational Series procedural presentations, and developing specialized equipment guides. I also serve as an RN/Tech preceptor and an ad-hoc equipment resource for my team. I believe my experience, leadership skills, and deep-rooted passion for our field make me an excellent candidate for this position. Since joining GNCSGNA, I have gained invaluable leadership and knowledge that I carry with pride. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute further as an Associate Director, bringing my enthusiasm and dedication to the ongoing success of our organization. Thank you for your consideration.
I respectfully request to be reconsidered for the Associate Board Member position with the Greater North Carolina Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates. For seven years, I have been a dedicated member of SGNA and GNCSGNA, advancing professionally as a GI associate and earning my Advanced GI Associate recognition from SGNA in 2019. My commitment to staying current with best practices has driven me to attend both regional and national SGNA conferences, as well as utilize the online educational resources for my ongoing professional development. I began my GI career in 2012 as a Certified Nursing Assistant II, later earning my Registered Medical Assistant certification. Through our internal medical assistant clinical ladder program, I advanced to RMA IV, a level I achieved by consistently demonstrating my commitment to the GI field. From the moment I stepped into a hospital-based GI procedural clinic, I have been passionate about this work and have not looked back since. For the past six years, I have been involved in my regional society as the Associate Board Member at Large. At the national level, I served as Co-Chair of the Associate/Technician SGNA Community Group for five years, during which I had the privilege of learning from exceptional nurses and associates who equipped me with the knowledge and support to reach new professional heights. Locally, I am highly engaged, serving on the Unit Practice Council, the Ambulatory Professional Governance Committee, the Work Culture Committee, and the Advanced Endoscopy Procedural Core Team. My contributions to Duke GI Endoscopy include creating the “What’s the Scope” GI Technician Newsletter, leading GI Educational Series procedural presentations, and developing specialized equipment guides. I also serve as an RN/Tech preceptor and an ad-hoc equipment resource for my team. I believe my experience, leadership skills, and deep-rooted passion for our field make me an excellent candidate for this position. Since joining GNCSGNA, I have gained invaluable leadership and knowledge that I carry with pride. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute further as an Associate Director, bringing my enthusiasm and dedication to the ongoing success of our organization. Thank you for your consideration.
Thelma Barraza:
As a seasoned nursing professional with nearly six years of experience in the field of gastroenterology, I am confident in my capacity to contribute meaningfully to the Greater North Carolina Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates (GNCSGNA) as a Board Member at Large. My extensive background encompasses general GI, advanced GI practices, and bronchoscopy procedures across both adult and pediatric populations. This diverse clinical experience equips me with a holistic understanding of the challenges and innovations in gastroenterology nursing, enabling me to advocate effectively for our profession and the patients we serve. My recent involvement in hosting the Fall 2024 GNCSGNA conference alongside Sherri Brown, who is also a current Board Member at Large, was an eye-opening experience. Through this collaboration, I gained insight into the operational aspects of the society and the vital role that board members play in shaping our field. The enthusiasm I felt during the event solidified my desire to join the board and expand on the initiatives that are crucial for advancing nursing practices in gastroenterology. It was not just a professional engagement; it was a cornerstone moment that reinforced my commitment to our community and its development. If elected as a Board Member at Large, I intend to leverage my clinical expertise and leadership skills to drive strategic initiatives that enhance our practices. My commitment to excellence in patient care has always been at the forefront of my nursing philosophy. I believe that upholding the highest standards in our clinical practices is essential, and I am eager to contribute to developing guidelines and educational programs that emphasize quality and safety in patient care. By fostering a culture of continuous improvement, we can ensure our nurses are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills to excel in their roles. In addition to my clinical experience, I recognize the importance of collaboration and communication among our members. As a board member, I would prioritize empowering our members to foster a collaborative environment where innovative ideas can flourish, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes and professional satisfaction. I am passionate about expanding access to educational resources for gastroenterology nurses. With advancing healthcare, it is vital that we stay ahead of new technologies and treatment modalities. I envision being a part of workshops, seminars, and mentorship programs that address these emerging trends while providing our members with valuable networking opportunities. By investing in our workforce, we strengthen our collective capacity to deliver high-quality care to our patients. In conclusion, my extensive experience in gastroenterology, enthusiasm for collaboration, and commitment to excellence position me as an ideal candidate for the Board Member at Large role within the GNCSGNA. I am eager to bring my skills and insights to this esteemed organization, contributing to the growth and advancement of gastroenterology nursing. Together, we can elevate our practices, enhance the education of our members, and ultimately ensure the highest standards of care for our patients. I would be honored to serve in this capacity and look forward to the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on our profession.
As a seasoned nursing professional with nearly six years of experience in the field of gastroenterology, I am confident in my capacity to contribute meaningfully to the Greater North Carolina Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates (GNCSGNA) as a Board Member at Large. My extensive background encompasses general GI, advanced GI practices, and bronchoscopy procedures across both adult and pediatric populations. This diverse clinical experience equips me with a holistic understanding of the challenges and innovations in gastroenterology nursing, enabling me to advocate effectively for our profession and the patients we serve. My recent involvement in hosting the Fall 2024 GNCSGNA conference alongside Sherri Brown, who is also a current Board Member at Large, was an eye-opening experience. Through this collaboration, I gained insight into the operational aspects of the society and the vital role that board members play in shaping our field. The enthusiasm I felt during the event solidified my desire to join the board and expand on the initiatives that are crucial for advancing nursing practices in gastroenterology. It was not just a professional engagement; it was a cornerstone moment that reinforced my commitment to our community and its development. If elected as a Board Member at Large, I intend to leverage my clinical expertise and leadership skills to drive strategic initiatives that enhance our practices. My commitment to excellence in patient care has always been at the forefront of my nursing philosophy. I believe that upholding the highest standards in our clinical practices is essential, and I am eager to contribute to developing guidelines and educational programs that emphasize quality and safety in patient care. By fostering a culture of continuous improvement, we can ensure our nurses are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills to excel in their roles. In addition to my clinical experience, I recognize the importance of collaboration and communication among our members. As a board member, I would prioritize empowering our members to foster a collaborative environment where innovative ideas can flourish, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes and professional satisfaction. I am passionate about expanding access to educational resources for gastroenterology nurses. With advancing healthcare, it is vital that we stay ahead of new technologies and treatment modalities. I envision being a part of workshops, seminars, and mentorship programs that address these emerging trends while providing our members with valuable networking opportunities. By investing in our workforce, we strengthen our collective capacity to deliver high-quality care to our patients. In conclusion, my extensive experience in gastroenterology, enthusiasm for collaboration, and commitment to excellence position me as an ideal candidate for the Board Member at Large role within the GNCSGNA. I am eager to bring my skills and insights to this esteemed organization, contributing to the growth and advancement of gastroenterology nursing. Together, we can elevate our practices, enhance the education of our members, and ultimately ensure the highest standards of care for our patients. I would be honored to serve in this capacity and look forward to the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on our profession.
Aleta English:
I submit my intention to run for the position of board member of GNCSGNA. I have over 12 years of GI experience and I'm currently CN-IV at UNC Hospital at Chapel Hill. I am involved in staffing of our GI endoscopy suite in all kinds of procedures be they simple or advanced. I am passionate about staff education because I believe that well informed, well-trained personnel contributes to better staff engagement and job satisfaction, and goes a long way in running an efficient unit. I have thoroughly enjoyed my past involvement in the GNCSGNA board and would love to be included again. My membership in the board would enable me to widen my knowledge base and bring back to my unit lessons learned. Additionally, I would love to encourage membership in the organization to further promote GI education, sharing of knowledge, and networking.
I submit my intention to run for the position of board member of GNCSGNA. I have over 12 years of GI experience and I'm currently CN-IV at UNC Hospital at Chapel Hill. I am involved in staffing of our GI endoscopy suite in all kinds of procedures be they simple or advanced. I am passionate about staff education because I believe that well informed, well-trained personnel contributes to better staff engagement and job satisfaction, and goes a long way in running an efficient unit. I have thoroughly enjoyed my past involvement in the GNCSGNA board and would love to be included again. My membership in the board would enable me to widen my knowledge base and bring back to my unit lessons learned. Additionally, I would love to encourage membership in the organization to further promote GI education, sharing of knowledge, and networking.