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2026 BOARD ELECTIONS

Meet the Candidates for the TNP Board of Directors

TNP is pleased to present the following individuals for you to consider for election to the Texas Nurse Practitioners Board of Directors.

TNP is pleased to present the following individuals for your consideration for election to the Texas Nurse Practitioners Board of Directors.

TNP members with voting rights (Legacy, Regular, First-Year Graduate, and Retired member types) were sent an email containing the slate of candidates and a linked ballot for voting on Tuesday, April 28, titled “TNP Board Elections: Meet Our Candidates & Vote Today.” If you did not receive an email, please contact Connie at connie@texasnp.org.

The four candidates receiving the most votes will serve on the 2026–2027 TNP Board of Directors. Voting will close at 11:59 p.m. (CST) on May 15, 2026. Results will be posted on www.texasnp.org and shared via email.

BOARD NOMINEE (INCUMBENT)

STEPHANIE ATKINSON DNP, APRN, FNP-C

Dr. Stephanie Atkinson has been a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner since 2011. She received her undergraduate training from the University of Texas at Austin, a Master of Science from Texas Woman’s University-Dallas, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Johns Hopkins University. She is an active member of several professional organizations, including the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, a past President of North Texas Nurse Practitioners, and serves as a Legislative Ambassador for Texas Nurse Practitioners. She has held teaching positions at Texas Woman’s University and Johns Hopkins University and is a past recipient of the NTNP Preceptor of the Year award. Dr. Atkinson is also a contributing author and editor of an interprofessional collaborative care textbook and a proud advocate for nurse practitioners practicing to the full extent of their education. She co-owns her own primary care practice in DFW, which was recently awarded the 2025 Best Primary Care Practice in McKinney. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with her family and golden retrievers, Boris and Willow.

STATEMENT OF GOALS:

  • GOAL 1: Engagement: I strive to expand and innovate member engagement through meaningful networking, modern platforms, and value-driven opportunities that strengthen connection, collaboration, and professional growth.
  • GOAL 2: Advocacy: To advance legislative and regulatory advocacy that protects, elevates, and expands the nurse practitioner profession and ensures patient access to high-quality care.
  • GOAL 3: Service: To serve Texas nurse practitioners by strengthening support systems, addressing practice challenges, and promoting professional growth statewide.
VIEW CAMPAIGN VIDEO

CAMPAIGN MESSAGE:

I would be honored to continue serving on TNP’s Board of Directors. I remain committed to advocating for Texas nurse practitioners and advancing our profession through unity, innovation, and meaningful engagement. I will continue to foster opportunities that connect nurse practitioners and elevate the collective voice of our profession. As clinicians, educators, and advocates, we work tirelessly for our patients, and together our voice is stronger and more impactful. I would be grateful for the opportunity to continue serving on the Board and am committed to representing and incorporating the needs and perspectives of all TNP members.

BOARD NOMINEE (INCUMBENT)

BARBARA CHAPMAN
DNP, MBA, APRN, FNP-C, EBP-C, NHDP-BE, PMHNP-BC

Dr. Barbara Chapman is a nurse leader, educator, and clinician with extensive experience in nursing innovation, workforce development, and healthcare policy. As one of the Founding Faculty members who helped build the first College of Nursing and the first Nurse Practitioner program at the University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, she serves as an Associate Professor and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Program Coordinator. In this role, she advances nursing education through telehealth integration and policy advocacy to expand equitable access to care, particularly for rural and underserved communities across Texas.

Her work has focused on developing and integrating mental health services into primary care settings and advancing statewide nursing policy. She currently serves on the Texas Nurse Practitioners Board of Directors as Treasurer. She also serves on the Texas Nurses Association Regulation and Full Practice Committee, where she has authored and co-authored key position statements, including those addressing Just Culture and Schedule II prescribing authority, both under legislative consideration.

Grounded in Evidence-Based Practice certification and committed to healthcare innovation, her leadership supports the HRSA mission to strengthen the healthcare workforce and improve health outcomes for vulnerable populations.

STATEMENT OF GOALS:

  • GOAL 1: Advocacy must remain central by advancing full practice authority, strengthening year-round legislative relationships, empowering grassroots engagement, equipping members with advocacy tools, and expanding rural visibility.
  • GOAL 2: Workforce development requires academic-practice partnerships, mentorship for early-career NPs, structured leadership pathways, and preparation for emerging healthcare needs.
  • GOAL 3: Member services should continue to provide transparent regulatory updates, provide Nurse practitioner billing education, specialty networking forums, improved digital engagement platforms, and regional leadership councils.
VIEW CAMPAIGN VIDEO

CAMPAIGN MESSAGE:

It is a true privilege to serve on the Texas Nurse Practitioners Board of Directors, and I am excited to seek your support to continue this important work. Our profession is at a pivotal moment, and TNP must remain bold, strategic, and united. As Treasurer, I have worked to ensure strong financial stewardship, so TNP remains stable and is positioned for growth. As a Legislative Ambassador, I actively engaged at the Capitol to advance practice authority for nurse practitioners across Texas. As an educator and program leader, I am invested in developing the next generation of NPs who carry our profession forward.

I believe our future relies on strong advocacy, innovative thinking, and meaningful engagement from every member, whether rural or urban, new graduate or seasoned leader.

Together, we can strengthen our voice, expand opportunity, and shape the future of healthcare in Texas. I would be honored to continue serving you.

BOARD NOMINEE

BRENDA OLMOS
PhD, APRN, FNP-C, CNE-cl

Dr. Brenda Olmos is an accomplished NP, educator, and workforce development leader committed to advancing high-quality, equitable healthcare for Texans. She currently serves as the APP Administrator for Education & Development at Baylor Scott & White Health, where she leads onboarding and continuing education for approximately 900 advanced practice providers across multiple regions, strengthening clinical readiness and professional excellence statewide. Dr. Olmos brings more than a decade of clinical experience in geriatric and adult primary care, along with a strong academic background as a faculty member at multiple universities, where she taught mental health, evidence-based practice, leadership, and advanced assessment courses. Her research focuses on healthcare discrimination, chronic illness, and health disparities among Hispanic older adults, reflecting her commitment to advancing health equity.

A dedicated leader, she has served as President of Austin APNs (2025–26) and was the Founding President of the NAHN Austin Chapter, establishing a lasting platform for mentorship, advocacy, and community health engagement. Her leadership within TNP includes service on the TNP Education Committee (2022–24).

Dr. Olmos is passionate about strengthening the NP profession through education, advocacy, and inclusive leadership, and she remains dedicated to empowering clinicians and improving the health of all Texans.

STATEMENT OF GOALS:

  • GOAL 1: Advance statewide NP workforce education by expanding high-quality, accessible learning opportunities, leveraging my experience overseeing large-scale APP development to strengthen TNP’s mission and member preparedness.
  • GOAL 2: Build a statewide mentorship/leadership pipeline that connects early career and experienced NPs, enhancing membership engagement, fostering diversity, and strengthening local NP groups for long-term organizational success.
  • GOAL 3: Expand TNP’s advocacy impact by mobilizing member participation, strengthening community partnerships, and advancing equitable, culturally responsive policy initiatives that improve holistic, accessible healthcare for Texans.
VIEW CAMPAIGN VIDEO

CAMPAIGN MESSAGE:

I am honored to run for the TNP Board of Directors. As the APP Administrator for Education & Development at Baylor Scott & White, I support onboarding and professional development for nearly 900 advanced practice providers, strengthening clinical excellence across Central Texas.

My background as faculty at Texas A&M, Texas State, and UT Austin reflects my commitment to preparing the next generation of NPs through evidence-based education and mentorship. I bring strong organizational leadership through roles such as President of Austin Advanced Practice Nurses and Founding President of the NAHN Austin Chapter, where I built sustainable programs focused on advocacy, mentorship, and community health. My service on the TNP Education Committee has further prepared me to advance TNP’s mission of empowering NPs and improving the health of all Texans.

If elected, I will champion education, strengthen membership engagement, and elevate advocacy efforts to ensure a strong future for Texas NPs.

BOARD NOMINEE (INCUMBENT)

ILARIA REYES
MSN, APRN, FNP-C

Ilaria “Lala” Reyes began her career after earning her Associate Degree in Nursing from Del Mar College. She practiced as a registered nurse for 13 years across multiple specialties before obtaining her Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner from Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi. She is board-certified through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.

She completed preceptorships throughout the Coastal Bend and previously specialized in Hematology/Oncology. Her clinical experience also includes caring for individuals with disabilities and the elderly in South Texas. She currently practices at QC Clinic & Labs, providing preventive and urgent care services to patients across the Coastal Bend.

She is a dedicated leader and advocate. She has served as President of the Coastal Bend Advanced Practice Nurses and currently serves as Advocacy Chair. She stays active with Mission of Mercy and local healthcare initiatives. At the state level, she has been a member-at-large and previously served as Chair for TNP’s Policy Council.

Her honors include Outstanding Graduate Student (TAMUCC), CBAPN NP of the Year, TNP Community Impact Award, AANP Texas Advocate State Award, Leaders of Impact (AHA), Mission of Mercy Impact Award, and the TNP President’s Leadership Award.

She proudly advocates for Texas nurse practitioners.

STATEMENT OF GOALS:

  • GOAL 1: Strengthen grassroots advocacy by mentoring students and new graduate NPs, expanding political engagement opportunities, and building stronger local-to-statewide networks supporting legislative priorities.
  • GOAL 2: Increase member engagement and retention by fostering inclusive networking environments, encouraging active participation at meetings and events, and ensuring members feel valued and connected.
  • GOAL 3: Expand regional continuing education opportunities by securing specialty conferences, promoting clinical excellence, and improving access to professional development for nurse practitioners across underserved communities.
VIEW CAMPAIGN VIDEO

CAMPAIGN MESSAGE:

My campaign is rooted in service, advocacy, and empowerment. From bedside nursing to advanced practice, I have dedicated my career to improving patient care and now strengthen the voice of nurse practitioners across Texas. With experience in clinical practice, leadership, and policy, I understand both the challenges we face and the opportunities ahead.

Through my work at the local and state levels, I have built strong grassroots networks, mentored new graduate NPs, and actively engaged in legislative advocacy to protect and advance our profession. I believe our strength lies in unity. When we connect locally, we influence statewide.

My vision is to continue expanding advocacy efforts, increasing member engagement, supporting professional development, and ensuring every NP feels valued and represented.

Together, we can build momentum and improve access and outcomes for all Texans.

Let’s move forward.

Stronger, United, and Empowered.

BOARD NOMINEE

ALISSA STRAMBLER-RIOS
DNP, APRN, FNP-C

Dr. Alissa Strambler Rios, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, is a Family Nurse Practitioner with 13 years of experience in family practice, substance use treatment, and pain management. She championed an integrated care model that streamlines medical, behavioral health, and addiction services to improve access and outcomes for underserved populations at a

Federally Qualified Healthcare Center. Dr. Strambler Rios has also contributed to statewide opioid policy efforts, including the filing of Texas House Bill 5521, legislation focused on expanding access to opioid antagonists for overdose emergencies across public venues.

She serves as a Texas Nurse Practitioners (TNP) Legislative Ambassador, working directly with policymakers to advance evidence-based addiction care, improve patient access, and strengthen NP practice authority. As a founding board member of Brazosport Area Nurse Practitioners, she has served as Secretary, Student Liaison, and, currently, Legislative

Ambassador, supporting NP engagement, leadership development, and advocacy across the region.

To broaden her clinical expertise, Dr. Strambler Rios is currently pursuing her Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) certification with an anticipated graduation date in 2026. Dr. Strambler Rios is committed to elevating NP voices, expanding integrated care models, and advancing safe, effective approaches to substance use and pain management throughout Texas.

STATEMENT OF GOALS:

  • GOAL 1: Enhance nurse practitioners’ ability to address substance use disorders by promoting evidence-based treatment, expanding MAT access, and strengthening education to support comprehensive addiction care statewide.
  • GOAL 2: Promote mentorship and professional involvement by empowering nurse practitioners to engage in leadership, advocacy, education, and collaborative growth within Texas Nurse Practitioners.
  • GOAL 3: Support nurse practitioner autonomy by advocating policies that eliminate unnecessary barriers, strengthen practice authority, and expand patient access to timely, high-quality NP-led care.
VIEW CAMPAIGN VIDEO

CAMPAIGN MESSAGE:

As a Family Nurse Practitioner with 13 years of experience in family practice, substance use treatment, and pain management, I am committed to strengthening the future of nurse practitioners in Texas. I have dedicated my career to improving access to safe, evidence-based addiction care and helped develop an integrated care model that expands support for patients across diverse settings. My work as a TNP Legislative Ambassador and advocacy around Texas HB 5521 reflects my dedication to advancing meaningful policy that protects patients and empowers NPs. If elected to the TNP Board of Directors, I will continue to advance NP autonomy, elevate our role in addressing the substance use crisis, and foster mentorship that encourages more NPs to lead, advocate, and engage. Together, we can build a stronger, unified voice that supports our profession, improves patient care, and shapes the future of healthcare in Texas.

BOARD NOMINEE

KATE TAYLOR
DNP, FNP-C, CPPS, FNAP

Dr. Kate Taylor, DNP, FNP-C, CPPS, FNAP, is a board-certified family nurse practitioner with 29 years of healthcare experience and prior service as an Army Nurse Corps officer. Her clinical background includes hospital medicine and outpatient geriatric primary care. She serves as Assistant Dean of Clinical and Outreach Affairs and Associate Professor at the

University of North Texas Health Science Center College of Nursing, with an adjunct appointment at the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Dr. Taylor remains clinically active in both the Center for Older Adults clinic and the House Calls program, caring for medically complex older adults and leading advanced care planning discussions with patients and families.

In her academic leadership role, she partners with health systems and community organizations to expand meaningful clinical training opportunities for nursing students across programs and levels, helping strengthen the future nursing workforce in Texas.

She serves as a Legislative Ambassador for Texas Nurse Practitioners, Secretary of the AACN Practice Leadership Network, and a board member of Dementia Friendly Fort Worth.

Dr. Taylor is a Distinguished Fellow of the National Academies of Practice and recipient of the Mildred O. Hogstel Award and the Texas Nurse Practitioners Visionary Award.

STATEMENT OF GOALS:

  • GOAL 1: Strengthen alignment and communication between TNP leadership and regional chapters to ensure consistent messaging, shared priorities, and responsive member engagement.
  • GOAL 2: Support the development of an advocacy mentorship pipeline that connects experienced ambassadors with early-career nurse practitioners to sustain legislative engagement.
  • GOAL 3: Explore strategic partnerships that elevate the visibility and value of nurse practitioners within Texas health systems and community organizations.
VIEW CAMPAIGN VIDEO

CAMPAIGN MESSAGE:

I am proud to be a Texas nurse practitioner. Let’s move our profession forward. As a practicing NP, educator, and legislative ambassador, I understand how policy decisions, education, and day-to-day clinical care shape our work. I am especially passionate about caring for older adults, serving vulnerable populations, supporting whole-person care, and strengthening nursing education across Texas.

TNP plays an essential role in protecting our practice authority, elevating our voice, and connecting nurse practitioners statewide. If elected, I will focus on steady leadership, clear communication, and preparing the next generation of NP advocates.

Together, we can continue advancing nurse practitioner practice and improving access to quality care for Texans. It would be an honor to serve you.

BOARD NOMINEE

ANTAY WATERS
PhD, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, CNM, CRNFA, CNE, C-OBE, C-EFM,
CNOR-SURG-OB, FNPWH

Dr. Antay Waters serves as an associate professor in academia and practices as a certified nurse-midwife, women’s health nurse practitioner, and certified registered nurse first assist with OB Hospitalist Group in Tyler and Texarkana, Texas. She has been an active TNP member since 2015. Dr. Waters’ research focuses on severe maternal morbidity in Texas.

Her clinical expertise encompasses maternal health equity, healthcare access disparities, rural maternal health, and quality improvement in perinatal care. She authored the Electronic Fetal Monitoring (C-EFM) Certification Review in 2024, which was followed by the accompanying video-on-demand course in 2025, and has published articles on women’s health and quality improvement in multiple professional journals. She is an inaugural Fellow of the National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health (NPWH) and recipient of the 2025 NPWH Inspiration in Women’s Health Award for Policy and the 2025 DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurse Educators. She has presented nationally and internationally on a variety of topics.

Dr. Waters serves as Chair-Elect for NPWH Fellows, Lead Legislative Ambassador for Texas Nurse Practitioners, TexasAIM Implementation Mentor, and on the Texas Perinatal Advisory Council, TNP Policy Committee, NPWH Research and Quality Improvement Committee, and on the CJNPWH Editorial Board.

STATEMENT OF GOALS:

  • GOAL 1: Increase TNP Membership and Elevate Public Awareness of the NP Role
  • GOAL 2: Strengthen Year-Round Legislative Advocacy and Member Engagement in Policy
  • GOAL 3: Expand Accessible, High-Quality Professional Development Offerings
VIEW CAMPAIGN VIDEO

CAMPAIGN MESSAGE:

I am running for the TNP Board of Directors because I believe our organization must be as bold and dynamic as the nurse practitioners we represent. TNP’s future depends on sustained legislative advocacy, accessible professional development, and a growing membership that reflects every NP across Texas. As a nurse practitioner in both academia and clinical practice with board and committee experience, I bring both strategic vision and a proven ability to follow through. I am committed to supporting year-round advocacy infrastructure and virtual education offerings to reach NPs in every corner of our state, as well as forging interprofessional partnerships that amplify our collective voice. Our profession is at a pivotal moment. Texas NPs deserve an organization that is visible, vocal, and relentless in advancing our practice. I am ready to roll up my sleeves and do the work. I humbly ask for your vote and your trust.

BOARD NOMINEE

TRACY WILSON
DNP, MBe, MSN.Ed., APRN, FNP-C, FAANP, FADLN, FNAP

Dr. Tracy R. Wilson is a nurse scientist and medical affairs leader with 23+ years of experience spanning patient advocacy, family nursing, clinical education, and interdisciplinary program design. She earned a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Belmont University, completed post-master Family Nurse Practitioner certification at the University of Kentucky, and holds an MS in Bioethics from Tulane University School of Medicine and an MS in Nursing Education from Bellarmine University.

Dr. Wilson serves as a Medical Science Liaison at Cristcot, supporting a product for GI and Ulcerative Colitis that is pending FDA approval. Most recently, she served as a Medical Science Liaison at ARS Pharmaceuticals, supporting an FDA-approved therapy for allergies and anaphylaxis. She partners with key opinion leaders and clinicians to translate evidence into practice, deliver scientific education, and advance equitable access to emergency care. From 2019–2024, she was a Field Medical Director for antivirals at Pfizer, helping launch 6 products and supporting initiatives to reduce disparities.

A sought-after speaker and panelist, she is a Fellow of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and the Academy of Diversity Leaders in Nursing and has received honors including the NBNA President’s Award, a Patient Impact Award, and the DAISY Award for Nurses Advancing Health Equity. She was recently inducted as a Distinguished Scholar Fellow of the National Academies of Practice in March 2026.

STATEMENT OF GOALS:

  • GOAL 1: Create a short, published list of the top 10 friction points (website navigation, CE access, renewal confusion, response times) and fix them with deadlines.
  • GOAL 2: A simple, repeatable onboarding sequence: welcome email + “How to use TNP” video + roadmap + “who to contact.”
  • GOAL 3: When something breaks (legislation, scope threat, payer change), members want clarity fast. Establish templates + a 48-hour response expectation + single source of truth page.
VIEW CAMPAIGN VIDEO

CAMPAIGN MESSAGE:

I’m running for the TNP Board because Texas nurse practitioners deserve leadership that delivers—on advocacy, education, and the future of our profession. I bring 23+ years of frontline and systems-level experience as a nurse scientist, Family Nurse Practitioner, and medical affairs leader, translating evidence into practice and improving access to lifesaving care.

As your Board member, I will help strengthen TNP’s voice at the Capitol, expand practical, practice-ready education, and ensure every member—across rural, urban, and underserved communities—feels supported, informed, and represented. I will champion a clearer, faster member experience, stronger leadership development pathways, and partnerships that amplify NP impact across Texas.

This isn’t about titles—it’s about outcomes: protecting NP practice, elevating our profession, and advancing equitable care for the people who need us most. Let’s lead with purpose—and win together.