Board Member at Large - Conference Planning (3 positions)
3 candidates

Leslie Harber MHA, BSN, RN, CGRN
Years of GI Experience: 4years
Place of Employment: Cone Health - Mebane Surgery Center
Certifications: CGRN
SGNA Member: 2018 - current
Professional (GI) Involvement:
CAPA
ASGE Quality Star Achievement
Personal Position Statement:
I received my BSN from Central Carolina University and my MHA from Pfeiffer University. I currently lead a Top Tier Team as an Assistant Director at Mebane Surgery Center. I assisted in the development of the GI Program at Mebane Surgery Center and participate in the GI Value Analysis Team. Additionally, I am the facilitator for the system wide Cone Health Nursing, OR, Anesthesia team meeting. I am interested in participating and networking with the SGNA members and board, as I believe creating and building relationships are great for personal growth and to give back to the nursing community. I feel I would be a great candidate for the position of Conference Board Member as I have organized and managed several community events - "Stollin' Colon at Tanger Outlets and created and lead fundraisers for American Heart Association in 2017 and 2018. Thank you for considering me for this board member position.
Years of GI Experience: 4years
Place of Employment: Cone Health - Mebane Surgery Center
Certifications: CGRN
SGNA Member: 2018 - current
Professional (GI) Involvement:
CAPA
ASGE Quality Star Achievement
Personal Position Statement:
I received my BSN from Central Carolina University and my MHA from Pfeiffer University. I currently lead a Top Tier Team as an Assistant Director at Mebane Surgery Center. I assisted in the development of the GI Program at Mebane Surgery Center and participate in the GI Value Analysis Team. Additionally, I am the facilitator for the system wide Cone Health Nursing, OR, Anesthesia team meeting. I am interested in participating and networking with the SGNA members and board, as I believe creating and building relationships are great for personal growth and to give back to the nursing community. I feel I would be a great candidate for the position of Conference Board Member as I have organized and managed several community events - "Stollin' Colon at Tanger Outlets and created and lead fundraisers for American Heart Association in 2017 and 2018. Thank you for considering me for this board member position.

Marie Nagel BSN, RN, CGRN
Years of GI Experience: 16 years
Place of Employment: Duke Raleigh Hospital
Certifications: CGRN (2011), SGNA Infection Prevention Champion
SGNA Member: 2007 - current
Professional (GI) Involvement:
Poster presentation at SGNA National Conference 2010
CEPRG committee member 2016-2018
Coordinator and facilitator for ENCSGNA Fall 2017 Conference
ENCSGNA Board Member: 2016 - current
Team Captain Colon Cancer Coalition: Get Your Rear in Gear 5K Walk/Run 2014-2018
Personal Position Statement:
Please answer why you believe you are the best person for this SGNA position.
One of my many professional goals is to give back to the organization and to my fellow colleagues through my continued involvement as an ENCSGNA Board Member—Conference planning for 2018-2020 term. Attending Regional and National Conferences over the last 11 years has allowed me to grow professionally in GI through advance knowledge, networking and certification. A commitment to continual improvement and incorporation of evidence-based practice is critical to our ability as a profession to demonstrate caring. As a former committee member of the Continuing Education Peer Review Group (CEPRG), I worked collaboratively with a passionate group, contributing to the production of programs important to the professional growth of our specialty. Indeed, my nursing passion extends beyond the patient bedside and into the community. During the last 4 years, I have had the privilege of being Duke University Health System’s Captain for the Colon Cancer Coalition: Get Your Rear in Gear 5K Walk/Run. Through many bake sale fundraisers, my team and I have contributed in many ways to the Coalition to encourage colon cancer awareness and education in the community. For our region, I have had the honor to facilitate and help my Duke Raleigh Hospital Endoscopy team host a fun-filled and educational ENCSGNA Fall 2017 Conference, namely “GI Monster Bash. To you, my name is Marie Nagel but to my unit colleagues, I am known as the “party planner” as I enjoy sharing life’s celebrations with others. If I am re-elected, I will promise to be committed to the development of future ENCSGNA conferences that allow our region to grow together by enhancing each other’s knowledge in order to ensure our future patients receive the best care in the region!
Thanks for your vote!
Years of GI Experience: 16 years
Place of Employment: Duke Raleigh Hospital
Certifications: CGRN (2011), SGNA Infection Prevention Champion
SGNA Member: 2007 - current
Professional (GI) Involvement:
Poster presentation at SGNA National Conference 2010
CEPRG committee member 2016-2018
Coordinator and facilitator for ENCSGNA Fall 2017 Conference
ENCSGNA Board Member: 2016 - current
Team Captain Colon Cancer Coalition: Get Your Rear in Gear 5K Walk/Run 2014-2018
Personal Position Statement:
Please answer why you believe you are the best person for this SGNA position.
One of my many professional goals is to give back to the organization and to my fellow colleagues through my continued involvement as an ENCSGNA Board Member—Conference planning for 2018-2020 term. Attending Regional and National Conferences over the last 11 years has allowed me to grow professionally in GI through advance knowledge, networking and certification. A commitment to continual improvement and incorporation of evidence-based practice is critical to our ability as a profession to demonstrate caring. As a former committee member of the Continuing Education Peer Review Group (CEPRG), I worked collaboratively with a passionate group, contributing to the production of programs important to the professional growth of our specialty. Indeed, my nursing passion extends beyond the patient bedside and into the community. During the last 4 years, I have had the privilege of being Duke University Health System’s Captain for the Colon Cancer Coalition: Get Your Rear in Gear 5K Walk/Run. Through many bake sale fundraisers, my team and I have contributed in many ways to the Coalition to encourage colon cancer awareness and education in the community. For our region, I have had the honor to facilitate and help my Duke Raleigh Hospital Endoscopy team host a fun-filled and educational ENCSGNA Fall 2017 Conference, namely “GI Monster Bash. To you, my name is Marie Nagel but to my unit colleagues, I am known as the “party planner” as I enjoy sharing life’s celebrations with others. If I am re-elected, I will promise to be committed to the development of future ENCSGNA conferences that allow our region to grow together by enhancing each other’s knowledge in order to ensure our future patients receive the best care in the region!
Thanks for your vote!

Calvina Swain, BSN, RN, CGRN
Years of GI Experience: 13 years
Place of Employment: Duke Health System - Duke GI of Raleigh
Certifications: CGRN
SGNA Member: 2015 - current
Professional (GI) Involvement:
Get Your Rear in Gear 5K Run/Walk
CRUSH Colorectal Cancer 5K Run/Walk
Outstanding Student in Global Health Award
Friends of Nursing Nomination
Proud to be GI Award
Personal Position Statement:
Over the past 13 years, I have attended the ENCSGNA conferences and I have appreciated all the time, effort, and dedication it takes to ensure each individual attending the conference has a great experience while learning. As a CGRN and an ENCSGNA member, serving as a conference planning board member will give me the opportunity to support the organization’s goals while providing me with personal and professional growth. I am passionate about GI and would love the opportunity to help the Region plan conferences for its members, guests, and vendors.
Years of GI Experience: 13 years
Place of Employment: Duke Health System - Duke GI of Raleigh
Certifications: CGRN
SGNA Member: 2015 - current
Professional (GI) Involvement:
Get Your Rear in Gear 5K Run/Walk
CRUSH Colorectal Cancer 5K Run/Walk
Outstanding Student in Global Health Award
Friends of Nursing Nomination
Proud to be GI Award
Personal Position Statement:
Over the past 13 years, I have attended the ENCSGNA conferences and I have appreciated all the time, effort, and dedication it takes to ensure each individual attending the conference has a great experience while learning. As a CGRN and an ENCSGNA member, serving as a conference planning board member will give me the opportunity to support the organization’s goals while providing me with personal and professional growth. I am passionate about GI and would love the opportunity to help the Region plan conferences for its members, guests, and vendors.
Board Member at Large - Public Relations

Janet Pickard, CGRN
Years of GI Experience: 25 years
Place of Employment: First Health - Moore Regional Hospital
Certifications: CGRN
SGNA Member: 1995 - current
Professional (GI) Involvement:
ENCSGNA Board Member 2016 - current
Personal Position Statement:
I am currently serving in this position on the ENCSGNA Board. I have been a nurse for 35 years and in GI for 25 years. I achieved my CGRN 20 years ago. I have enjoyed networking with SGNA Members and the ENCSGNA Board and supporting the regional conferences.
Years of GI Experience: 25 years
Place of Employment: First Health - Moore Regional Hospital
Certifications: CGRN
SGNA Member: 1995 - current
Professional (GI) Involvement:
ENCSGNA Board Member 2016 - current
Personal Position Statement:
I am currently serving in this position on the ENCSGNA Board. I have been a nurse for 35 years and in GI for 25 years. I achieved my CGRN 20 years ago. I have enjoyed networking with SGNA Members and the ENCSGNA Board and supporting the regional conferences.
Board Member at Large - Social Media

Tabitha Turner BSN, RN, CNOR, CGRN
Years of GI Experience: 4 years
Place of Employment: Cone Health Medical Center Mebane
Certifications: CGRN
SGNA Member: new member
Professional (GI) Involvement:
AORN Board Member 2018-2019
Personal Position Statement:
I would love to be a part of ENCSGNA because this organization is the driving force behind promoting the GI profession and continuing education among our nurses and associates. I truly enjoy helping others reach their goals in life and careers. My contribution as a board member would be my dedication, an ambitious attitude, and my strong work ethic. I have been a part of many committees over my career and enjoy working with others. For the last two years, I have been the co-coordinator for our facility’s American Heart Association fundraiser. I handled the social media coverage and the local business association to promote our event. I believe it is very important to grow within one’s profession and working on this board would be an amazing opportunity and honor.
Years of GI Experience: 4 years
Place of Employment: Cone Health Medical Center Mebane
Certifications: CGRN
SGNA Member: new member
Professional (GI) Involvement:
AORN Board Member 2018-2019
Personal Position Statement:
I would love to be a part of ENCSGNA because this organization is the driving force behind promoting the GI profession and continuing education among our nurses and associates. I truly enjoy helping others reach their goals in life and careers. My contribution as a board member would be my dedication, an ambitious attitude, and my strong work ethic. I have been a part of many committees over my career and enjoy working with others. For the last two years, I have been the co-coordinator for our facility’s American Heart Association fundraiser. I handled the social media coverage and the local business association to promote our event. I believe it is very important to grow within one’s profession and working on this board would be an amazing opportunity and honor.
Board Member at Large - Associate
2 candidates

Roxana Munoz, CMA (AAMA)
Years of GI Experience: 3 years
Place of Employment: Duke Health System - Duke GI of Raleigh
SGNA Member: 2016 - current
Professional (GI) Involvement:
Poster Presentation SGNA National Conference 2018
SGNA Associates Program - GI Technical Specialist (GTS)
Personal Position Statement:
I believe that I am the best candidate for the associate position because I have a great work ethic. I am driven and motivated and I am detail oriented with excellent organizational skills.
The ENCSGNA Associate board position will be a great opportunity for me to continue to grow in my GI career and support the advancement of the GI professionals in our region. Even though I only have 3 years of experience in the GI specialty I feel that I have grown and learned so much. I like to stay up to date with my education to be able to serve as a resource and a mentor to my fellow GI Associates. I have the right attitude to excel in whatever I put my mind to, as a result:
Thank you for considering my nomination to the position of Associate on the ENCSGNA Board. I would be honored to serve in this role and support the educational advancement of GI professionals in Region 42.
Years of GI Experience: 3 years
Place of Employment: Duke Health System - Duke GI of Raleigh
SGNA Member: 2016 - current
Professional (GI) Involvement:
Poster Presentation SGNA National Conference 2018
SGNA Associates Program - GI Technical Specialist (GTS)
Personal Position Statement:
I believe that I am the best candidate for the associate position because I have a great work ethic. I am driven and motivated and I am detail oriented with excellent organizational skills.
The ENCSGNA Associate board position will be a great opportunity for me to continue to grow in my GI career and support the advancement of the GI professionals in our region. Even though I only have 3 years of experience in the GI specialty I feel that I have grown and learned so much. I like to stay up to date with my education to be able to serve as a resource and a mentor to my fellow GI Associates. I have the right attitude to excel in whatever I put my mind to, as a result:
- I have advanced the Duke University Health System Clinical Ladder Program as a Medical Assistant II.
- I attended the SGNA National Conference in May 2018 with a submitted and accepted poster presentation “One Swallow at a time: A Multidisciplinary Approach in Establishing a Motility Lab”
- I have successfully completed the SGNA Associate Program.
Thank you for considering my nomination to the position of Associate on the ENCSGNA Board. I would be honored to serve in this role and support the educational advancement of GI professionals in Region 42.

Emma Townsend, RMA (AMT)
Years of GI Experience: 6 years
Place of Employment: Duke Health System - Duke Gastroenterology Special Procedures
SGNA Member: 2017 - current
Professional (GI) Involvement:
ENCSGNA Regional Conference 2018 Podium Presentation
SGNA National Conference 2018 Podium Presentation
Personal Position Statement:
May name is Emma Townsend and I am running for the Associate-Board member at large position. For 6 years, it has been my job and privilege to have a positive impact in the lives of every technician and nurse that I precept in GI. I have tried to serve my department by taking a hands-on approach when interacting with Physicians, Fellows and technicians. I have prepared and taught many different learning materials in my department alone.
As an Associate, my goals are to excite, instill knowledge and empower the GI team. If all three goals are met, I am confident that anyone entering this field will become open-minded and capable of embracing what many of I enjoy. I never forget that my enthusiasm for GI started with the nurses, technicians and Physicians that took me by the hand and not only delegated a task, but explained why. So if I were to encounter an issue, I can utilize those skills along with my critical thinking skills to solve it. Another way to generate enthusiasm with staff is by keeping my own interest level high by attending courses and meetings.
My interest in Gastroenterology is dominated by the integration of new innovative techniques, restricting of the Associate role and the importance of critical thinking in this specialty. I want to take part in deciding how we as GI professionals deal with providing the best quality care to our patients. I’ve accepted that anyone interested in success has to learn to value failure as a healthy, inevitable part of the process of getting on top. Leading by example, will help other Associates learn that you are not just a tech, there are multiple opportunities for growth. I look forward to being elected as your next Associate-board member. Together we can enhance the world of GI through teaching, guiding our strong dietetic education programs, and support the mission of GI through mentoring new staff.
Years of GI Experience: 6 years
Place of Employment: Duke Health System - Duke Gastroenterology Special Procedures
SGNA Member: 2017 - current
Professional (GI) Involvement:
ENCSGNA Regional Conference 2018 Podium Presentation
SGNA National Conference 2018 Podium Presentation
Personal Position Statement:
May name is Emma Townsend and I am running for the Associate-Board member at large position. For 6 years, it has been my job and privilege to have a positive impact in the lives of every technician and nurse that I precept in GI. I have tried to serve my department by taking a hands-on approach when interacting with Physicians, Fellows and technicians. I have prepared and taught many different learning materials in my department alone.
As an Associate, my goals are to excite, instill knowledge and empower the GI team. If all three goals are met, I am confident that anyone entering this field will become open-minded and capable of embracing what many of I enjoy. I never forget that my enthusiasm for GI started with the nurses, technicians and Physicians that took me by the hand and not only delegated a task, but explained why. So if I were to encounter an issue, I can utilize those skills along with my critical thinking skills to solve it. Another way to generate enthusiasm with staff is by keeping my own interest level high by attending courses and meetings.
My interest in Gastroenterology is dominated by the integration of new innovative techniques, restricting of the Associate role and the importance of critical thinking in this specialty. I want to take part in deciding how we as GI professionals deal with providing the best quality care to our patients. I’ve accepted that anyone interested in success has to learn to value failure as a healthy, inevitable part of the process of getting on top. Leading by example, will help other Associates learn that you are not just a tech, there are multiple opportunities for growth. I look forward to being elected as your next Associate-board member. Together we can enhance the world of GI through teaching, guiding our strong dietetic education programs, and support the mission of GI through mentoring new staff.