Hospitals
10 nursing professional development experts
These ten professionals have directed nursing professional development at hospitals and health systems, with professional development or nurse residency named in their own job titles. A reader can learn how hospitals organize nursing professional development, including nurse residency programs.
Professionals to explore
01—10Christina Llanez MSN, RN, NPD-BC, CNML
LinkedInExperience: Director of Nursing Professional Development · Nicklaus Children’s Hospital
Director of Nursing Professional Development at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital since December 2023, with Horizon Nurse Residency Program Director there since 2016. The profile describes providing direct leadership and oversight of the Horizon Nurse Residency Program. Other listed roles include Nursing Excellence Manager (2021–2023) and Fetal Care Center Nurse Manager & Educator (2019–2021) at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital.
Deborah Young, DNP, RN, NPD-BC, NE-BC
LinkedInExperience: System Director, Nursing Professional Development and Education · UC Health
System Director, Nursing Professional Development and Education at UC Health since June 2023, and Director, Center for Professional Growth and Innovative Practice there from 2021 to 2023. Other listed roles include Clinical Education Manager at UC Health (2020–2021) and System Director, Clinical Education at Bon Secours Mercy Health (2015–2019).
Dr. Tricia Broussard, PhD, MSN, RN, NPD-BC
LinkedInExperience: Director Nursing Professional Development · Ochsner Lafayette General
Director Nursing Professional Development at Ochsner Lafayette General since November 2021, and Director of Clinical Education at Lafayette General Health from 2015 to 2021. The profile describes serving as Director of an accredited RN Residency Program, and the highlight headline names a system Nursing Professional Development director role.
Jennifer Painter
LinkedInExperience: Director Nursing Professional Development & Education · ChristianaCare
Director Nursing Professional Development & Education at ChristianaCare since August 2016, with Vice President Nursing Professional Development & Education Associate Chief Learning Officer there since 2020. The listing also shows Staff Education Specialist at ChristianaCare, listed from 2002 to the present, and the profile describes a nurse executive skilled in nursing education and leadership.
Jennifer Yaden, DNP, RN, NPD-BC
LinkedInExperience: Executive Director, Nursing Professional Development · AdventHealth Central Florida
Executive Director, Nursing Professional Development at AdventHealth Central Florida since January 2026, and Central Florida Division Director of Nursing Professional Development at AdventHealth from 2020 to 2026. Other listed roles include Clinical Education Manager (2016–2020) and Clinical Educator ICU RN (2011–2016) at Florida Hospital Waterman.
Jessica Tolzman
LinkedInExperience: RN Residency & Academic Relations Program Director · Legacy Health
Former RN Residency & Academic Relations Program Director at Legacy Health (2023–2026), and Director of Clinical Education & Professional Development there since May 2026. The profile describes a Nursing Professional Development Specialist with a focus on Transition to Practice programming. The listing also shows Nursing Education & Practice Specialist at Legacy Health (2021–2023).
Laura Ogle, DNP, CENP, CNE, CEN
LinkedInExperience: Director of Nursing Professional Development · MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center
Director of Nursing Professional Development at MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center from 2022 to 2026, and System Senior Director of Nursing Professional Development at MedStar Health since June 2026. The listing also shows Nursing Professional Development Specialist, Emergency Department at MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center (2020–2021).
Michele Reznicek Simmons, JD, MSN, MBA, RN
LinkedInExperience: Regional Director Nursing Professional Development, Simulation, and Magnet Program · Kaiser Permanente
Regional Director Nursing Professional Development, Simulation, and Magnet Program at Kaiser Permanente since November 2015, with Senior Manager Nursing Services Professional Development Magnet at Kaiser Permanente - Ambulatory Care also listed from 2015 to 2022. The highlight headline adds FMEA, workflow optimization and systems training and publication to the regional director role.
Trina Rayle, MSN, RN, NPD-BC
LinkedInExperience: Director - Nursing Professional Development & Nurse Residency Program Director · Parkview Health
Director - Nursing Professional Development & Nurse Residency Program Director at Parkview Health since December 2025, and Manager - Nursing Professional Development there from 2021 to 2025. The profile describes a history of nursing education, competency management, onboarding and role development, and lists mentoring and coaching among skills. Other listed roles include Supervisor, Clinical Staff Development at Parkview Health (2019–2021).
Valarie S. Grumme
LinkedInExperience: Senior Director - RN Professional Development Programs · Memorial Healthcare System
Senior Director - RN Professional Development Programs at Memorial Healthcare System since June 2024, and Director, RN Fellowship Program, Memorial Healthcare System there from 2021 to 2024. Other listed roles include Director Of Education at Memorial Regional Hospital South (2018–2021). The profile describes expertise in classroom, clinical, simulation and virtual educational environments.
Choose the right perspective
Match the person's scope to your setting, since running professional development for one hospital differs from leading it across a multi-hospital system. Also decide whether your question is mainly about nurse residency and transition to practice, ongoing clinical education or programs such as simulation and Magnet, and pick the role closest to it.
Questions to take into the conversation
- 01How do you design a nurse residency program that keeps new nurses in their first year?
- 02How should nursing professional development specialists be assigned across units and hospitals?
- 03How do you measure whether clinical education and onboarding programs are working?
Reaching nursing professional development experts
How can I contact one of these nursing professional development experts?
Pick one of the 10 people on this page and choose "Book a paid call", or describe your project to find others. You offer a fee for a 15-minute call or a written answer, Instant Expert finds the person's work email and sends the invitation, and they decide whether to accept. The list covers 10 companies, including Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, UC Health and Ochsner Lafayette General, based on profile data retrieved on October 4, 2026. Being listed here doesn't mean someone has agreed to take calls.
How much does it cost to reach nursing professional development experts?
You choose the offer, starting at $5 per person. It includes Instant Expert's 20% fee, so an offer that pays the person $100 costs you $125. You're charged only when the person books the call or sends the answer.
What if they don't reply?
You pay nothing. Instant Expert sends follow-up reminders, and if the person hasn't booked or answered within 7 days, the request expires and any hold on your card is released. You can invite several of the 10 people on this list at once and cap your total spend, so you pay only for the ones who accept.
About this directory
This is a professional research starting point based on business profile data retrieved on . Titles and companies reflect that source snapshot and may describe past or present roles. Check the linked profiles for current details. Inclusion does not imply Instant Expert membership or availability.
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