NAPNAP Partners Board of Directors
Felesia Bowen, PhD, DNP, PPCNP-PC, FAAN – President
Dr. Felesia Bowen is a professor and an associate dean at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing. She is a certified pediatric primary care nurse practitioner and nurse scientist. Her clinical interests are pediatric asthma and other conditions associated with pediatric health disparities and equity. Presently she is funded by HRSA and is conducting an upstream intervention to prevent chronic diseases by focusing on healthy lifestyles in children. Dr. Bowen is committed to improving the health and wellbeing of all children, their families, and communities.
James H. Wendorf – Vice President
Along with serving as Partners’ vice president, James H Wendorf serves as chief executive officer of NAPNAP, leading efforts to build on the association’s strengths and develop opportunities to meet the professional needs of its members in the evolving pediatric health care landscape. He also serves as chief administrative officer of the NAPNAP Foundation. Prior to joining NAPNAP in 2020, Jim served for 17 years as executive director of the National Center for Learning Disabilities and then as senior advisor to the Poses Family Foundation, a private philanthropy. During his tenure in non-profit organizations, Jim has worked extensively with boards, funders, teams and consultants to build programs, partnerships and financial resources to meet ambitious goals. He earned degrees from Yale College (B.A.), University of Cambridge (M.A., Honours B.A.) and Cornell University (M.A.).
Dani Sebbens, DNP, CPNP-AC/PC, FAANP, FCCM – Secretary/Treasurer
Dani Sebbens is a seasoned clinical professor with a robust academic and clinical foundation. As the assistant dean for practice and clinical education at Arizona State University (ASU), she has played a pivotal role in advancing nursing education and practice. She founded ASU’s Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (ACPNP) program — the only one in Arizona — addressing a critical gap in pediatric advanced practice nursing education in the state. She maintains an active clinical practice in the pediatric intensive care unit at Phoenix Children’s, ensuring her leadership remains grounded in direct patient care. In addition to her clinical and academic roles, she is a recognized thought leader with numerous peer-reviewed publications and national presentations focused on pediatric acute care and advanced practice nursing. She is the current treasurer of NAPNAP.
Daniel Crawford, DNP, ARNP, CPNP-PC, CNE, FAANP - Director
Dan Crawford is a pediatric nurse practitioner and nurse educator who is committed to improving children’s health and preparing future APRNs. Dr. Crawford is an associate professor (clinical) and director of the Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program at the University of Iowa. He practices clinically in pediatric epilepsy at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital. He is a leader in APRN curriculum design and improving access to and quality of care for children with neurologic disorders. His work has been widely presented, published, and recognized nationally and internationally. He is honored to serve NAPNAP Partners in this role.
Cassandra Newell, MSN, RN, CPNP, CPN – Director
Cassandra Newell is a pediatric nurse practitioner at Children’s Mercy Kansas City Urgent Care. She has practiced in general pediatrics, the pediatric Emergency Department and is adjunct faculty for PNP students at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. She has served in leadership roles for the Greater KC NAPNAP chapter and as PEC SIG secretary. Cassandra hosted four episodes on NAPNAP’s TeamPeds Talks podcast FocusED. She is an ACT Advocate for NAPNAP Partners for Vulnerable Youth. Cassandra presents locally and nationally on pediatric topics and is founder/co-host of NAPNAP’s first book club! Cassandra is grateful to serve on the NAPNAP board.
Jessica Peck, DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC, CNE, CNL, FAANP - Director
Dr. Jessica Peck is an expert pediatric clinician from Houston who has practiced in the general pediatric and newborn population for 18 years. She is currently a Clinical Professor of Nursing at Louise Herrington School of Nursing at Baylor University in Dallas, Texas. A nationally recognized anti-trafficking expert, she is working with the Office of Trafficking in Persons to create a set of core competencies for healthcare professionals caring for persons who are trafficked and are at risk for trafficking. She has several publications and is a sought after national speaker to engage and equip nurses to lead advocacy efforts for vulnerable populations. She is the founding chair of the Alliance for Children in Trafficking. Dr. Peck is currently the president of NAPNAP.
Nutrena H. Tate, PhD, MBA, APRN, CPNP_PC – Director
Dr. Nutrena Tate is a certified primary care pediatric nurse practitioner, nurse scientist, educator, executive, and entrepreneur. With over 28 years of experience, Dr. Tate leads at the intersection of clinical care, research, and health equity. As director of nursing research at a major health system and a tenured professor, she advances nursing science through clinical inquiry and mentors emerging nurse leaders. Her scholarly work focuses on health disparities among vulnerable populations, particularly children. Through Brand Nu Enterprises, she empowers organizations with strategic solutions in leadership, program development, and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Dr. Tate is a visionary leader committed to transforming health care and academic excellence.
Staff
Eileen Arnold-Ley, CAE, CFRE - NAPNAP Manager of Executive Office & Resource Development
Eileen Arnold-Ley has been with NAPNAP since 2013, providing guidance and support to the executive director and board. A trained fundraiser with more than 15 years’ management experience, Eileen manages fundraising and projects for NAPNAP Partners for Vulnerable Youth. She also serves as grant writer and project manager for NAPNAP’s cooperative agreements with the CDC. She is proud to have earned ASAE’s CAE (certified association executive) credential. Prior to joining NAPNAP, Eileen spent more than 10 years as a professional stage manager, and she still loves attending theater with her husband, Darren.