Member Spotlights
Shout-out to our members who have been spotted getting media attention recently!
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Adrienne Olszewski
Adrienne Olszewski is July 2025 IAFN Member of the Month! She is the co-founder and co-director of the Canadian Forensic Health Corporation, a national leader in forensic nursing education and practice. She is currently completing her DNP with a clinical project focused on improving the identification and care of patients who experience non-fatal strangulation in the context of violence.
Rachel Fischer
Explained various elements of human trafficking in this article related to the Sean “Diddy” Combs trial. She highlights the power struggle, fear and intimidation typical in trafficking.
Ashley McAree
Has been recognized as a one of Baltimore’s top nurses! She received the Excellence in Nursing Award for community care/ambulatory care from Baltimore Magazine. Awardees were selected by an advisory panel of fellow registered nurses.
Katherine Scafide
Received funding from the George Mason University College of Public Health for her IPV-related research, Improving Detection of Inflicted Bruises Using Ultrasound Imaging. The study is focused on racial disparities in injury documentation, which could offer clinicians a more objective, accessible tool. Read more.
Jessica Cannon
Explains trauma-informed care SANEs provide to patients as well as an overview of the process of the exam and evidence collection, including the chain of custody, in this TV news story.
Betsy Holzworth
Describes her work with patients who are victims of violence in this article related to proposed legislation in Virginia. The story also explains Denim Day.
Morgan Wood
Authored this blog published by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses. It highlights the implementation of a program to support healthcare workers who experience violence.
Dr. Irene Mageto
Described her nursing journey from the lowest level to earning her PhD in forensic nursing and becoming assistant professor at the School of Nursing and Midwifery at Aga Khan University in Nairobi, Kenya. Read more, including her advice to nurses early in their journeys.
Carla Idrees
Authored this article to answer questions about sexual assault and programs designed to empower patients who have survived and assault and the role of the SANE.
Joni Owens
Emphasized the importance of giving patients the opportunity to heal by giving them control in this extensive article about Colorado’s backlog of DNA evidence testing.
Vicky Reilly
Described sexual violence or abuse in the geriatric populations and its impacts on individuals in this article and this magazine feature (with Heather Owen).
Shalotta Sharp
Provides insight into treating patients who have experienced sexual assault, nurse training and staffing, and teleSANE options in this extensive coverage of the nursing shortage and sexual assault patient needs.
Julie Leblanc
Received the 2025 Maine SAFE Award from the Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault, in recognition of her statewide clinical leadership and exceptional patient care for patients in their communities. Read more.
Sheree Ford
Described the use of technology in documenting injuries that patients may experience from sexual assault, domestic violence or other forms of violence in this article.
Carolyn Porta
Carolyn is the editor of the Journal of Forensic Nursing, a forensic nurse, and professor characterized by a sharp wit and a heart for justice. She describes herself as a truth-seeking, trauma-savvy nerd who thrives at the messy intersections of healthcare, nursing, real-world messes, and human grit. Read more.
Stacy Stellflug
Described the impact of the addition of more SANEs in Montana and its relationship to suicide rates among young people in this coverage.
Heather Owen
Described physical injuries older patients experience as a result of sexual violence or abuse and the compassionate care SANEs deliver in this article and this magazine feature (with Vicky Reilly).
Selena McCormick
Highlighted in her team’s work creating the state of Kentucky’s strangulation prosecution manual here (with Jill Brummett).
Amanda Kallmeyer
Described how the state of Kentucky’s strangulation prosecution manual can help empower victims and bring them justice and validation in this article.
April Rasmussen
Spoke about the importance of sexual assault exams within hospital practices and shared her career journey during a Forensic Science Club meeting at Liberty University. Read more.
Stacy Tom, Brooke Krall, Rebecca Adams
Featured in this article announcing a donation to the forensic nursing team at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Wellsboro. The support will help fund two years’ tele-SAFE work. Congratulations!
Ali Brown
Emphasized the importance of SANE training, particularly in rural areas, in this coverage about grant funding that will lead to nine more forensic nurses in Montana.
Keri Kapaldo
Keri Kapaldo is May 2025 IAFN Member of the Month! She first discovered forensic nursing in a criminal justice elective in her senior year of college, when she learned about rape trauma syndrome. She quickly found home in an ED among the SAFE nurses, expanding their services, securing dedicated positions, and a dedicated department. She has led the department for four years.
Brooke Spake
Recognized in her organization’s newsletter as one of the staff members working night shift in the Level 1 trauma center to be there for the most vulnerable patients and offer passion, connection and support as she cares for her patients.
Dr. Stacy Miller
Dr. Stacy Miller, CAC Forensic Nurse Practitioner, joined PBS Newsmakers‘ hosts Jayne Ann Bugda and Andy Mehalshick in February to discuss the work of the Child Advocacy Center and talk about recognizing the signs of abuse.
Haley Lichtie
Featured in an article highlighting her passion for forensic nursing and its vital role in supporting domestic violence victims. She emphasized the importance of the Strangulation Exam Reimbursement Program funding in Utah.
Becky O’Neal
Becky O’Neal, SANE coordinator, was featured in an article about the IAFN Texas Chapter’s seminar raising awarenes of the importance of forensic nurses’ work. Healthcare workers, police officers, and community advocates participated in the event.
Faith Koehler
Faith Koehler, the FNE Coordinator at Archuleta County Public Health, was featured in an article announcing the launch of a new forensic nurse examination program in Pagosa Springs. She emphasized the importance of providing specialized, trauma-informed care for victims of violence, easily accessible and close to home.
Shawnese Gordon
Recognized in her organization’s newsletter as one of the staff members working night shift in the Level 1 trauma center to be there for the most vulnerable patients and offer passion, connection and support as she cares for her patients.
Kalen Knight
Featured in the Nurse Converse by Nurse.org podcast episode discussing the SOAR program, which supports nurses experiencing domestic violence. The program bridges the gap between forensic nursing and employee advocacy, fostering a more supportive environment.
Lisa Montoya
Profiled in this article, in which she explains her commitment to forensic nursing, which she says is her calling, and the amazing work of SANEs.
Sarah Hayes
Met with Congressional representatives during Advocacy Day in Washington, DC. This article discusses her experience and also describes the TeleSAFE grant program and the Violence Against Women Act.
Jessica Tonia
Is a nurse and legal nurse consultant, was featured in this story that highlights her passion for helping others in the nursing field.
Her private practice, FAQ BY Nurse Jessi Consulting, LLC, gives her the opportunity for meaningful work in both healthcare and the law.
Paula Marks
Has recently stepped into the role of Director of Forensic Nursing at SAFE Alliance. She was featured in this story for her vital work on the accessibility of forensic nurse and advocate hotlines.
She keeps raising awareness of the challenges in staffing and the importance of 24/7 support for survivors.
Tulsa O’Shea
Is a forensic nurse for Augusta Health, and was featured in this story about the opening of a Forensic Exam Room at Valley Children’s Advocacy Center in Staunton.
This is one of the greatest projects she has worked on.