Jesse Horner, a 2024 NAPF Scholarship recipient, is a second-year NAR at the University of Louisville, graduating in 2026. Originally from West Virginia, he worked in a medical ICU before moving to Louisville. He is class president of the program's inaugural cohort. Horner joined NAPF community soon after starting school and aspires to advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community in healthcare. As a Health and Social Justice Scholar at UofL, he focuses on LGBTQIA+ care in anesthesia, specifically care for transgender patients. He is also active in KyANA, participating in committees and advocacy at state and national levels. The future Dr. Horner believes advocacy is vital for CRNAs and is grateful for the NAPF scholarship, which has enabled him to continue to advocate at all levels for marginalized communities. He looks forward to continuing to grow with and learn from others in the field as we work to make anesthetic care a safe and caring environment for all.

Dr. Gartee graduated with a DNP from the University of Pittsburgh in 2025. His DNP project focuses on improving postoperative nurse knowledge and confidence in foundational anesthesia concepts to optimize continuation of care and communication. He obtained his ADN from Oakland Community College and his BSN from the Baptist Health System School of Health Professions. Before attending Pitt’s Nurse Anesthesia Program, he was a registered nurse in Detroit, Michigan, for a decade, where he learned and developed a passion for caring for diverse and vulnerable population groups. He will continue to care for underserved communities after graduation, when he joins UPMC Mercy, a Level 1 trauma and burn center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He plans to give back to NAPF community and further its mission of fostering LGBT+ nurse anesthesiologists.

Dr. Pasquale, DNP, CRNA graduated from the University of Detroit Mercy in May 2025. Kevin's Capstone project was “Implementation of Support Systems for CRNAs who Experience Second Victim Syndrome”.

My name is Caleb Martin, and I recently graduated from the University of Pittsburgh’s DNP program in December of 2024, and started working as a CRNA at Children's Hospital Colorado (CHCO) in Denver, Colorado! Receiving a NAPF scholarship in my final semester of school allowed me some mental and monetary relief to truly focus on finishing school and eased the financial burden of CRNA school. I will forever be grateful for this assistance and hope to assist in providing the same relief to others. I hope to bring a safe space for children receiving anesthesia care, and to be an open and proud member of the anesthesia team at CHCO. Even just small acts, such as wearing rainbow flag pins or a rainbow scrub cap, can go a very long way, to welcome everyone from all walks of life. I also hope to be a confident example of what being out and proud can be to any children who are wondering or questioning their sexuality and are searching for an adult role model of what life can be like. I don’t feel like I had many examples of that growing up, so I hope to be that example for someone else. Outside of work, I love being outdoors in nature and participating in all the Colorado hobbies such as hiking, backpacking, rock climbing, and whitewater rafting. When it’s too cold outside for those things, I love staying inside and playing my substantial board game collection, cooking, and reading. I have also visited most of the National Parks in the United States (49), which has been another joy to explore the states and see the beautiful nature that our country has.

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Dr. Cooper graduated from the University of Michigan, Flint Nurse Anesthesia Program in 2025.

Dr. Solomon, DNP, CRNA graduated from The Baylor College of Medicine Doctor of Nursing Practice Program-Nurse Anesthesia in 2024.

Dr. Corless recieved his DNP from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN (2023) and BSN from Utah Tech University, St. George, UT (2018).

Dr. Rentz graduated from the University of Detroit Mercy Graduate Program of Nurse Anesthesia in 2023.

Jacob Bonnema, DNP, APRN-CRNA, graduated from the NorthShore University HealthSystem School of Nurse Anesthesia. Jacob writes: “I grew up in Chicago, IL and spent time in Michigan completing my undergraduate nursing studies. When I returned to Chicago, I worked in the CVICU at University of Chicago before I was accepted into anesthesia school. I was inspired to become a CRNA by a family friend, who pointed out the autonomous role we play in the OR. I found the emphasis on critical thinking, technical skills, and communication to be exciting components of this job. Receiving the NAPF Scholarship is not only financially helpful to me, but an honor to represent the LGBTQ+ community in our profession. I am proud to represent one small section of our colorful community; diversity has always been important to me, both personally and professionally. I am very grateful to the NAPF for their support of students like me and hope to give back to the next generation of LGBTQ+ SRNAs in the future. After graduation, I plan to be involved in the state association in Illinois. Advocacy is a passion of mine and I want to learn new ways to get involved to advance our profession. When I’m not in the OR, I like staying active along the lakeshore trail in Chicago, baking, and taking care of my plants. I also love traveling – a fun fact about me is that I visited Antarctica right before I began anesthesia school, which was my seventh and final continent to visit.” Dr. Bonnema now serves as Director, Region VII, Illinois Association of Nurse Anesthesiology CRNA-PAC Committee, AANA

Taylor Crittenden, originally from Saint Charles, Missouri, earned her DNP from the Goldfarb School of Nursing Anesthesia and is now a practicing CRNA. She received her BSN from Maryville University and spent five years in the ICU at Mercy Hospital St. Louis, where she served on the professional development committee and became an ACLS instructor. Taylor completed her anesthesia training at Barnes Jewish Hospital, an LGBTQ Healthcare Equality Leader, and is committed to creating inclusive, judgment-free spaces for all SRNAs and CRNAs. She is passionate about evidence-based practice and advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community and other underserved populations in healthcare. Taylor hopes to educate others about health disparities through future conference presentations and outreach. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her 7-year-old son, her girlfriend, and their dogs, often traveling, hiking, or cooking vegetarian meals. She is honored to be a recipient of the NAPF scholarship and looks forward to giving back to support future LGBTQ+ SRNAs.

Dr. Bronsen Orta is originally from the small town of Mililani, Hawaii. He first learned of CRNAs back in high school. Bronson writes: "The thought of being able to one day provide general anesthesia to people undergoing surgery fascinated me. I started my nursing career as an aide while completing my undergraduate studies. After graduating, I spent a few yearsas a RN at a small community hospital on Oahu before leaving the island in 2018 to gain the critical care experience. I have worked in critical care units in Phoenix, NYC, and LA. I will graduate with a DNP in August 2023 from the Kaiser Permanente School of Anesthesia. I have been awarded a NAPF scholarship for speaking to the importance of advocating for LGBTQ+ community both within the healthcare system and the CRNA profession. Far too often, I hear of LGBTQ+ friends withholding information from their healthcare providers out of a fear of being judged. Much of this fear stems from communication issues and a lack of awareness of our community's unique challenges and lifestyles. I am so grateful to have been selected for this scholarship, as it will alleviate some of the tremendous financial burden that receiving this education carries. As graduation nears, I hope to continue this advocacy and representation in my future practice. Thank you for this amazing opportunity, Bronsen K. Orta, BSN, RN, CCRN-CMC, CEN, SRNA

Edgar Escobar, MSN, CRNA is a first-generation Mexican American. Edgar writes: “My parents migrated to the United States from Mexico, and I was the first in my family to attend college and earn a bachelor's degree. While completing my undergraduate nursing program, I worked part-time to pay for school out of pocket. I later attended an out-of-state university to obtain a Master of Science degree in Nurse Anesthesia. Thanks to the support of the NAPF Scholarship, I was able to continue my educational pursuits and achieve both my personal and professional goals. I grew up in Las Vegas, NV, where I currently practice as a CRNA. I graduated from the Minneapolis School of Anesthesia's CRNA program in December 2022. Outside of anesthesia, I enjoy traveling and exploring new cities and countries. I have a passion for cooking, playing video games, and watching movies. I am a gay Latino CRNA working in a county hospital that serves a large Latine population. Latine communities remain largely underrepresented in many healthcare professions, and as a member of both the LGBTQIA+ and Latine communities, I bring a unique perspective to my field. My background allows me to contribute to cultural competency and advocate for more inclusive and equitable care for diverse patient populations.”

Dr. Walker earned a DNP from The University of Tennessee Health Science Center in 2022.

Jake Forrester, MS, CRNA serves as Chair of the Liberty District for NYSANA which includes the areas of Bronx, Kings, NYC, Queens, and Richmond. Jake is active in LGBTQ+ advocacy and presented "Anesthesia considerations for patients on PrEP for HIV prevention" at the 2023 AANA Annual Congress in San Diego. He graduated from Columbia University in 2021 with a Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia.

Dr. Benjamin Watlington, earned his DNAP from Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia, TN. In 2021 he joined an anesthesia group in Austin, TX providing anesthesia to adult and pediatric patients.

Teddy Wong, DNP, CRNA, graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) in 2021. After his partner finished his PhD, they immediately moved from Alabama to San Francisco, CA where Teddy works “with an amazing group of anesthesia providers in the Bay Area and l do independent anesthesia work as well”. Teddy & his partner enjoy cooking, traveling, and increasing their collection of monsteras.

Chris earned his Masters of Science in Nurse Anesthesia from the Newman University Nurse Anesthesia Program, KS in 2020.

Dr. Barnwell earned his DNP from The University of Alabama at Birmingham Doctor of Nursing Practice Pathway in Nurse Anesthesia, AL in 2021. Barnwell’s clinical specialty is cardiothoracic anesthesia in adults, with a newfound interest and opportunity at Mayo Clinic for heart and lung transplants. He previously taught pathophysiology as an adjunct faculty member in the UAB School of Nursing’s DNP Nurse Anesthesia Pathway.

Dr. Artley graduated with a DNP in May 2020 from the Louisiana State University Health Science Center Anesthesia program.

Dr. Burroughs received his DNP from the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in May 2020.

Dr. Cooper earned her DNP from Marian University Nurse Anesthesia Program, IN in 2020.

Dr. Bozelka is a member of the MY2025 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. An advocate for mental health ketamine use she writes: "After obtaining my Doctorate of Nurse Practice in Anesthesia from University of Wisconsin, I feel privileged to have continued my training and knowledge to be able to help treat patients with mental health imbalances. I gain satisfaction in seeing patients feel better with ketamine therapy and create a new, healthy normal. In helping others along their mental health journey I find my own quality of life is improved." Jessie earned her DNP from the University of Wisconsin.

A 2019 graduate of Midwestern University, Matt transitioned from school to independent practice in rural California serving in a critical access hospital throughout COVID. He now serves as Chief for a CRNA-only practice at a community hospital in Eastern Washington. Matt and his husband welcomed a baby girl into their world through surrogacy in 2024 and hope to welcome a second child in 2026. Congrats to the Simonetti family!

Chris earned his MSN from University of South Florida in 2018.

Dr. Nygard earned his DNP from the Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science Nurse Anesthesia Program in 2020.

Krista graduated in 2018 with an MSN from the Medical University of South Carolina Anesthesia for Nurses Program.

Lynn graduated in 2018 with an MSN from the Kaiser Permanente School of Anesthesia California State University in Fullerton, CA.

Alisha is a 2018 MSN graduate from the Medical University of South Carolina Anesthesia for Nurses Program in SC.

Dr. Amy Suralis is a dedicated Nurse Anesthesiologist working in all areas of surgery including private independent practice, office based anesthesia, and regional trauma centers. She has served as a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Nurse Anesthesiology doctoral program at UNF since 2021. She is passionate about student success through the program. Her main focus in the nurse anesthesiology program is board preparation and holistic test prep and success.

Dr. Fuchs is a 2020 graduate from the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine Mayo School of Health Sciences Nurse Anesthesia Graduate Programs, MN

Dr. Ventura graduated with a DNP in 2019 from the Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science Nurse Anesthesia Program.

Dr. Morris graduated in 2018 from the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center with a DNP in Nurse Anesthesia.

Dr. Justin Mullaney, DNP, CRNA is a 2018 graaduate of the University at Buffalo, SUNY Nurse Anesthetist Program. His DNP Capstone project was titled, "The Role of Integrated Pulmonary Index Monitoring Versus Capnography for the Detection of Opioid Induced Respiratory Depression".

Alisha is a 2018 MSN graduate from the Medical University of South Carolina Anesthesia for Nurses Program in SC.

Dr. Cabral, DNP, CRNA, resides in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He earned a Master of Science in Anesthesiology from Barry University in 2002 and a Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nursing from Florida Atlantic University in 2015. Richard writes: "My philosophy of providing anesthesia is from the philosophy of Caring Science. I am an international author published in 2 peer reviewed journals. My research interests are communication, teamwork, safety and leadership from a Caring Science perspective. I've been practicing in acute care nursing for 31 years as a Registered Nurse (RN) and 23 years as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)/Certified Registered Nurse Anesthesiologist (CRNA)." In addition, his leadership roles include Adjunct Faculty/Clinical Coordinator/Lecturer of Nurse Anesthesiology, CRNA Coordinator/Leader and a CEO.