Member Bios

Norma Perez - M.Ed

Norma Perez is an Academic Advisor at the University of Washington Bothell, in the School of Nursing and Health Studies, where she proudly works with prospective and current Nursing students.

Norma has worked in higher education for over 20 years.  The most rewarding part of her current role is building relationships with students of color to help them navigate the admissions process, overcome challenges, and break down barriers to obtaining an education. As a first-generation student daughter of immigrants, relating to the challenges students face is familiar.    

Before working at the University of Washington, Norma assisted with administering the Certified Nursing Assistant exams at Rochester Community & Technical College in Rochester, Minnesota.  

Norma holds a Master’s degree in education from the University of Washington and completed her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Robert Morris College. She is a certified Mental Health First Aid Responder. She serves on multiple school-level committees, including the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. She is a member of the Community of Professional Advisors (CPA). 

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David J. Garcia - MBA, MSN, RN, PCCN

David, who goes by Jacob, Garcia is a Registered Nurse with diverse experience. He works for Providence Health Services as a clinical informatics specialist and for Astria Sunnyside Hospital as a nurse in the medical-surgical department. On top of that, he does Clinical Instructing for nursing students at Heritage University.  

Before working for his current jobs, he was a Nurse at Kadlec Regional Medical Center in their Clinical Decision Unit for five years. Some of his accomplishments during his time at Kadlec were participating in varying committees such as the Nurse Practice Council Staffing Committee, Conference Committee, and Staff Action, and was part of contract negotiations. He ended up co-leading the Staffing Committee with his hospital's CNO. While at Kadlec, he rose to be the Vice Chair of the local bargaining unit.  

Jacob is highly accomplished; he has received the Joanna Boatman Staff Nurse Leadership Award from WSNA, which is presented to an individual who promotes professional development and advancement of the economic and general welfare of nurses. He has also received Alumni of the Year for 2023 from Washington State University, which honors a single distinguished WSU College of Nursing graduate who has made significant contributions to the healthcare field.   

Jacob believes in the professional commitment to the Nursing profession, and he does that by advancing nursing at all levels. At the state level, Jacob is the Washington State Nurses Association (WSNA) PAC chair on the WSNA Labor Executive Council as the Vice-Chair. At the National level, he is on the American Nurses Association Board of Directors as the staff nurse seat.  

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Heleena Hufnagel - BS, MBA-HCA

Heleena Hufnagel is Clinical Quality Coordinator at Health Care Authority, where she supports quality measurement, monitoring, and improvement activities for Medicaid and ERB contracts and the Performance Measures Coordinating Committee.

Prior to coming to WA, Heleena worked for Colorado Health Care Policy and Finance as the Hospital Back Up Program administrator, overseeing ventilator dependent admissions into specialized skilled nursing facilities. 

Over her 11 years in the healthcare industry, Heleena has worked in all facets of the system, from home health to inpatient and ambulatory services, and in state government. 

For Heleena, the most rewarding part of her role is being able to make meaningful, long-term policy changes on behalf of the clients and families she serves. She also recognizes the immeasurable value of the clinicians, home health workers and DME suppliers who make community living possible and she appreciates the relationships she has made.

A nature lover, Heleena enjoys kayaking and road tripping with her dog Tinkerbell.

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Adam Canary - LPN, Secretary/Treasurer

Adam Canary is a Licensed Practical Nurse currently working as a Nursing Home Administrator at Bainbridge Island Health and Rehab. Holding a Bachelors in Developmental Economics as well as being a licensed practical nurse, his drive is to continue to improve the healthcare system through clinical and financial excellence. Adam prides himself on thinking outside the box and looking to move healthcare to new heights, through utilization of new and developing technologies and data collection to ensure optimal patient outcomes are achieved.

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Quiana Daniels - GCertHealthSC, BSN, RN, LPN

Quiana Daniels is the Founder at Childress Nursing Services, where she proudly serves as the Administrator overseeing the daily operations of the licensed home health fertility and maternity care agency and mobile medical laboratory.

For Quiana, the most rewarding part of her role is helping people achieve their dreams of getting pregnant and supporting them through their parenthood journey.

Over her 21 years in the healthcare industry, Quiana has been named ABC World News Tonight’s Person of the Week, appeared on national news channels, newspapers, and magazines for her ability to overcome adversity, and has received numerous academic achievement awards. Her extensive biomedical research background involves research for institutions such as Yale School of Medicine, NIEHS/NIH, and NASA. She is also the author of 3 self-help books and a published scientific author in the American Journal of Physiology for research involving lung transplant rejection.

Quiana is a Registered Nurse (RN) and a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and Graduate Certificate in Health Sciences from Meharry Medical College.

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Kimberley Tucker - PhD, RN, CNE

Kim has been the Director for Nursing Programs at Columbia Basin College in Pasco, WA since 2015.  Kim currently oversees the Nursing Assistant, Associate Degree in Nursing and RN-BSN programs at the College. She will soon be starting a new LPN to BSN program in 2023. Prior to her position as the Director, Kim served as a tenure nursing faculty member at CBC for 18 years. She has also held positions as a Registered Nurse in Bremerton, WA, Moscow, ID, and Kennewick, WA.  She held an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner license and worked in urgent care for several years before moving back to teaching full time. Kim holds a BSN and Master’s in Nursing from Washington State University and a PhD in Nursing Education from the University of Northern Colorado. Her area of research and interest is in the transition from practice to academia.

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MaiKia Moua - RN, BSN, MPH

I am currently a Regional Health Administrator in Community Health Services with Seattle-King County Public Health. My previous experienced has included working in Oregon and Minnesota at local health departments and with the Oregon Health Authority. My professional roles have included acute care nursing, nurse home visiting, supervision, state liaison to local health departments, support with public health accreditation, support for community advisory councils, and public health center operations. I have a deep passion in supporting health equity, particularly with pregnant individuals and families with young children. My best experience has been working with community partners, leading with their interests and needs.

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Jonathan Alvarado - ARNP, CRNA

I'm Jonathan E. Alvarado, ARNP, CRNA, from Seattle, WA. I have been a member of the Nursing Commission since 2021 and am currently the chair of the Advanced Practice Subcommittee. 

I obtained my undergraduate nursing degree at Jackson Memorial/Miami Dade Scholar Program and Florida International University over a decade ago. I practiced nursing as a cardiothoracic intensive care nurse before obtaining a degree in Nursing Anesthesiology at Barry University in Miami. Later, I provided anesthesiology services to various hospitals in Florida and, since 2018, at Providence Regional Medical Center in Everett, WA, while pursuing a Doctorate of Nursing Practice and a Master of Business Administration.   

In the last decade, I have been part of many leadership roles at the state and national levels that have shaped my understanding of collaboration and the importance of kind, empathetic, open-minded, and engaged leadership that is not afraid of getting in the weeds to find solutions. 

I have four kids, love soccer, capoeira, and interacting with people from different and exciting backgrounds.

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Dr. Judy Loveless-Morris , PhD - Public Member

Dr. Judy Loveless-Morris is a Sr. Vice President and Chief Diversity and People Officer at Salal Credit Union. She is responsible for ensuring the integration and impact of equity, diversity, and inclusion across all areas of the credit Union including talent, culture, and community.

Prior to working at Salal, Judy was the Vice President for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) at Tacoma Community College, where her work was honored with the Regional, Charles Kennedy Award for Equity for her and her campus’ work on maximizing the impact of the EDI council, implementing Employee Resource Groups, developing a tool to review and revise policies, working to de-bias HR and talent processes, creating an EDI fellowship program, and co-developing (along with Professors Reid and Bell) a multi-quarter learning pathway that advanced completion and success for students of color, first generational students, and students from low income households.

Judy has been a pioneer in the practical application of research and design to effectively build EDI strategies that deliver measurable results. She does so as the daughter Yi Il Pun, Lee E. Loveless, and Willie C. Bryant, Sr. She is also a benefactor of those that have done this work before her and as a partner and advocate to those that also deserve a voice and a seat at the table. She is regarded as a trusted advisor for community members, national organizations, Executive Leadership Teams, Corporate and Non-Profit Boards, and Community Based Organizations. As such, she works as a consultant and speaker for organizations across multiple industries. 

Judy is certified as a Senior Professional in Human Resources. She also holds a Doctorate and Master’s in Sociology from the University of Washington. She completed her Bachelor’s Degree in both Sociology and Psychology at Pacific Lutheran University and is a proud graduate of Pierce College.

Her husband, Bryan Morris and three sons champion her, shape her as a life long learner, and keep her humble!

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Ajay Mendoza - ARNP, RN, CNM, FAWM, FRSPH

Ajay Mendoza is a trained certified nurse-midwife, and currently practices as a nurse educator. Ajay currently serves on the faculties of Shoreline Community College, and Seattle University. He was born in Northern Virginia, and called Manila & Colorado home before moving to the Seattle area. After nursing school, Ajay served in the US Army Nurse Corps. He practiced in diverse settings while on active duty. Ajay resigned his Army commission to enter midwifery training to pursue his passion in birth care.

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Emerisse Shen - MSN, CNP, FNP, ARNP

Emerisse Shen is an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner with a background in Family Practice and currently working in Urology/Urogynecology at Evergreen Medical Center.

Emerisse has practiced in Family Medicine and Community Health for well over a decade. Prior to becoming an ARNP, Emerisse worked as a Cardiac Care Registered Nurse.

Emerisse was a previous recipient of the National Health Service Corp Program and has also been a member of Sigma Theta Tau. She is certified through American Association of Nurse Practitioners. Emerisse received her Graduate degree from Gonzaga University. 

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Sharon A. Ness - RN, PS

Sharon Ness worked as a staff nurse, primarily in Critical Care, for 50+ years, retiring in November 2020. Diploma trained with degree in Political Science; practiced full time for 17 years, then per diem weekends. Pierce County Nurse of the Year in 1987. She has also been a Union Representative, first with Washington State Nurses Association, then with UFCW, negotiating and administering contracts for Registered Staff Nurses in 22 different hospitals; also worked as a Lobbyist for UFCW for 15 years. Legislation I successfully helped introduce and pass – Class C felony to assault a nurse or healthcare worker, Safe Lift legislation, Bio Hazard Drugs legislation, and working on Staffing legislation with WSNA, UFCW, SEIU, Hospital Association and Nurse Executives through legislation and Ruckelshaus.

Sharon has also worked with the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries as a health care representative on the WISHA Advisory Committee and the Governor’s Industrial Safety and Health Board, including serving a few years as its’ President. She also worked on numerous occupational health regulations, such as, blood borne pathogens, tuberculosis, and workplace violence. In addition, was chair of the first Safety and Health Grant Program. Sharon has also served on the Boards of the American Red Cross Mount Rainier Chapter, and Pierce County United Way Board of Directors and Pierce County Workforce Development Board. Sharon is honored to serve her appointments to the Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission (NCQAC). Sharon brings her spirit for policy development, activism, advocating for quality, safe patient care, high standards of nursing, nursing care, and quality safe working conditions, which also serve to protect the patients we serve.

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Ella Guilford - MSN, M.Ed., BSN, RN

Ella Bernita Guilford is the commissioner for Community and Technical Colleges for the Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission (NCQAC).

Ella is a master's prepared Nursing Professor at Tacoma Community College in Tacoma, WA. Where she proudly engages and embraces diversity and demonstrates respectful and professional collaboration with others.

Ella states the most rewarding part of her job is working directly with students in didactics, simulation, and clinical as a teacher, coach, mentor, and advocate for students. Witnessing their growth and development is very rewarding. Also, it is invigorating to see the manifestation of their growth and abilities to connect theory, skills, and the reality of nursing while engaging clients professionally.

Ella graduated from Randolph County Comprehensive High School, Cuthbert, Georgia as a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) in (1975). Over 47 years in the industry, she started her first job as a CNA at JoAnn Burger Nursing Home, Cuthbert, GA. (1975-1977). After graduating from Chauncey Spark Technical College, she worked as a staff/charge nurse (Licensed Practical Nurse) Medical Surgical Unit at Barbour County Hospital, Eufaula, Ala. (1977-1980). She worked as a staff nurse (LPN) Medical Surgical Unit at Southwest General Hospital, San Antonia, Texas, (1980-1986). Ella has served in the US Army as a Noncommissioned Officer 91C /Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Staff Sergeant/E6 (1986-1995). She worked at William Beaumont Army Medical Center (Active Duty Army) Surgical Intensive Care Unit (1986-1989). Ella PCS to Triple Army Medical Center, where she worked in Cardiac Intensive Care Unit as the units Ward Master (1989-1995), (Active-duty Army) Honolulu, Hawaii. She also worked part-time as a staff registered nurse (RN) in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit and Telemetry Unit for Kaiser Permanente Medical, Honolulu, Hawaii (1990-1993). Ella Permanent Change of Service (PCS) to the 18^th MASH, Ft. Lewis, WA, where she ended the tour of service (ETS) in the US Army (1993-1995). Ella worked as a Critical Care Nurse at Tacoma General Hospital (MultiCare Health Systems) for 25 years (1995-2019) In the Pulse Heart Institute of Tacoma General Hospital.

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Dawn Morrell - RN, BSN, CCRN

Dawn was just appointed to her second term with the Nursing Commission.

Currently works at MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital in the Cardiac Cath Lab. She has worked at Good Samaritan for 38 years with a background in critical care nursing.

Dawn served 10 years in the Washington State House of Representatives representing the 25th Legislative District – She now lives in Lakebay, Washington.

Dawn received her Associate Degrees in Science and Nursing from Solano Community College in 1982 and 1984. She received her BSN from University of Washington, Tacoma in 1996.

Dawn serves as Chair of the NCQAC Licensing Subcommittee and the SUDRUP panel. She also serves on the Discipline Subcommittee and participates in the CDP panel.

In her free time, she likes to hike and travel. She is married to Jim Morrell and has 2 children and 6 grandchildren.

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