We are pleased to present the slate of candidates for chapter officers and board of directors for 2021/2022.  Please take a few moments to read their election statements.  

Voting will take place Sunday, May 16 - Wednesday, May 26.  An email with a link to vote will be sent to each member.

Candidates for the office of Co-President:

Alice Erskine

Every nurse in the Operating Room is a leader at some time during the workday.  When the nurse initiates the Time Out, or starts the count or assesses the patient.  But we cannot lead alone, we need our teammates, so we collaborate and the work gets done.  This is my leadership style, working with others, asking no more of them than myself and encouraging them to take the lead where it might be helpful.  I am asking for your support so that we can be an effective chapter, one that works for all of us.

 

Colleen Fiammengo

As a peri-operative nurse for 36 years I appreciate the contributions our professional organization has made to improve patient safety, promote professional status of peri-operative nurses, and use a scientific evidence base to determine best practice. 

A goal for this year of service is to navigate through the “Return to Normal” of the Covid 19 pandemic to maintain and build upon our chapter’s connection to its members. It is my hope we can motivate members to become involved with educational activities offered and participate as board members at our chapter level in the future.

As a past Co-President I am versed in the responsibilities of the office and am enthusiastic to work for our chapter membership.

Candidate for the office of Vice - President:

Kayla Chin

I began my OR career in 2008 as a surgical tech and quickly discovered that this was an environment that is ever changing and requires a devotion to learning. Shortly thereafter, I became a proud OR RN. I have maintained a strong desire to continue to build my knowledge base by utilizing resources such as those provided to me by AORN.

In recent years, a goal of mine has been to become involved with AORN at the local level. As a life-long learner, the role of Vice President is appealing to me as it will enable me to provide educational opportunities to our members! I would be honored to be elected the Vice President of the Bay Area Chapter.

Candidate for the office of Recording Secretary:

Tennille Parsons

The AORN organization is a leader in advocating for excellence in perioperative practice and healthcare. As a perioperative educator, I am passionate about promoting and advocating for excellence. I believe it is vital for perioperative nurses to be engaged in their profession, and to support and contribute to changes in best-practice. Functioning as one the AORN of the SF Bay Area Officers is one of the best ways I can think of to accomplish that at a local level.

Each Officer and Board Member has a vital role in the success of our chapter. As recording secretary, it is critical to have organized record keeping, effective communication, and thorough reporting. I will utilize my attention to detail, organization skills, and skilled communication as an educator to successfully carry out all responsibilities of the role. I will also represent the Membership Committee with unwavering dedication.

Candidates for Board Members:

Alexa Mefford

AORN has been the driving force behind my nursing practice since first becoming a student member during nursing school at the University of Texas Medical Branch. After obtaining my BSN, I completed AORN Periop 101 at Sequoia Hospital, and later, CNOR. While I am newer in my nursing career, I hope to bring a fresh perspective to the SF Bay Area chapter. As a board member, I look forward to engaging with my peers and participating in various committees throughout my time of service.

 

Margina Villatoro

I have worked in the Operating Room for 18 years: 15 years as a Surgical Technician & 3 years as a Registered Nurse.  In my current position as an RN, I scrub, circulate and assume the role of Charge Nurse.  I enjoy all aspects of the OR from being able to scrub and circulate cases to strategizing as a charge nurse. 

For the past 18 years, I have had the privilege to mentor new nurses and technicians.  I find sharing my knowledge a rewarding experience and I enjoy teaching and mentoring others.

Though I have been in the OR for quite some time, I am still passionate about learning and broadening my knowledge base to achieving clinical competency.  In addition to clinical experiences, I decided to pursue higher education and recently graduated with my BSN last April.  I completed the Periop 101 Course and I am a member of AORN.  Periop 101 has provided an excellent foundation that has aided in my ability to practice a safe and competent nurse.  I would consider the opportunity to join your board and represent AORN an absolute privilege.