2026
Member Spotlight
Teri Grothaus, MS, APRN, CPNP-PC
An Advocate Among Us
Teri Grothaus, MS, APRN, CPNP-PC, lives in a small rural community in Northwest Ohio, where she has served children and families as a pediatric primary care nurse practitioner for more than 10 years. Her nursing career spans 32 years and has always been centered on caring for the child and family unit.
In 2015, Teri completed the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner program at Wright State University and began pursuing a lifelong dream: opening her own pediatric primary care practice. Like many nurse practitioners, she quickly discovered that passion and preparation were not enough. State mandates created significant barriers to opening and sustaining her practice.
To care for patients, Teri was required to secure a collaborating physician. That physician needed to be affordable and independent of large hospital systems, which often restrict collaboration outside their networks. After months of searching, Teri found a retired, previously local pediatrician living in South Carolina to review her charts once a year and be available for consultation as needed. Since opening her practice in 2022, she has spoken to him once for clinical advice.
Today, Teri’s practice provides care for more than 900 children in her community. Yet her practice remains fragile. If her collaborating physician fully retires, Teri would be forced to close her practice, leaving nearly a thousand children without a primary care provider.
New to grassroots advocacy, Teri shared her story with the Ohio House Medicaid Committee on November 4, 2025, when she delivered proponent testimony in support of Ohio House Bill 508. She continues to advocate not only for her patients, but for the future of pediatric care and the nursing profession.
2025
Margaret Harrison, BSN, RN, CPHONI am a certified pediatric hematology oncology nurse working at Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital in Cleveland. Currently, I work as an RN in the inpatient pediatric hematology/oncology unit. Additionally, I serve on the Rainbow Handoff/Transfer Committee, striving to reduce the challenges patients and caregivers face when transferring between divisions. I also volunteer in planning a prom for adolescent and young adult oncology patients. where they are and listen carefully to the patients’ caregivers – they know their children best and have invaluable information to share!
As a compassionate nurse, I am committed to delivering exceptional care and staying informed on advancements in pediatric healthcare to ensure the best outcomes for every child. I am currently pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing at Case Western Reserve University, specializing in Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, building on my experience as an RN in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Akron Children’s Hospital. Joining the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners will support my dedication to professional growth and collaboration in advancing pediatric nursing practice.
I have enjoyed my nursing career so far working in many different areas and places. I find this profession there are any number of ways to expanding my nursing knowledge. Born and raised in Cincinnati but really enjoy traveling around the United States and the world. I support the local soccer team FC Cincinnati and enjoy spending time with my dogs. Currently working towards an APRN and getting myself ready to take that next step.
I am a current Pediatric Nurse Practitioner student at Kent State University. I am in my f inal semester and will graduate in May 2025. I have been a NICU nurse for over 5 years in Cleveland, OH. In my unit, I serve in many roles including precepting new staff members, attending high risk deliveries, serving as a central line nurse, charge nurse and more. I love working with our littlest patients, but wanted more out of my career, and so I chose to pursue pediatric primary care for my MSN. My goal as a provider is to help children of all ages as they grow and develop. Children and their families deserve to have access to healthcare providers who listen and work together to keep children safe and healthy. I want to continue serving the Cleveland area in the provider role and help bridge the gap in our healthcare system.
I am currently finishing my last semester of Pediatric Nurse Practitioner School at Kent State University. I previously travel nursed for 3 years and absolutely loved immersing myself in the culture of different areas and hospitals. I am hoping to work with underserved and rural communities to increase access to healthcare. I believe being part of this Chapter will help me reach my goals and be an incredible resource for delivering high quality care to all communities.
2024
Member Spotlight
2024 National Conference Scholarship Recipient
Jennifer Stefanich, MSN, APRN, CPNP-PC
Member Spotlight
2024 National Conference Scholarship Recipient
Jecika C. White
Attending NAPNAP’s 2024 National Conference in Chicago was an incredible experience and a true highlight of my professional journey. This marked my first time participating in a national NAPNAP conference in person, and it far exceeded my expectations.
Over the course of 3 1/2 days, I was immersed in a wide range of topics, from the latest immunization updates to new guidelines for antibiotic prescribing. The sessions were not only highly informative but also inspiring. I was particularly intrigued by advancements in technology, including innovative apps for mapping bruising locations, expanded educational resources for clinicians and caregivers, and updated processes for requesting clinical samples.
The conference offered a variety of engaging learning formats, such as films, hands-on demonstrations, and thought-provoking lectures. The speakers were passionate, knowledgeable, and truly motivating. I left feeling energized and full of ideas, especially after the research-focused sessions, which sparked several quality improvement project ideas relevant to my specialty. I also appreciated the emphasis on professional growth. The leadership sessions provided valuable insight into the many ways nurse practitioners can develop and thrive in leadership roles.
Outside of the conference, I had the opportunity to explore Chicago – visiting Navy Pier, sampling local cuisine, enjoying artwork by local artists, and even experiencing a scenic Segway tour. One of the most memorable moments was attending the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board’s (PNCB) 50th Anniversary celebration, where I gained a deeper appreciation for the rich history of pediatric nursing certification.
Connecting with nurse practitioners from across the country was both refreshing and reassuring. Sharing experiences, challenges, and successes reminded me that we are all working toward a common goal of improving pediatric care. This conference was more than just educational – it reignited my passion for pediatric nursing and strengthened my commitment to pursuing my professional goals. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to attend and for the support provided through this scholarship.