WSSA Committees

 

WSSA Governance & Committees

The WSSA is a program of HealthImpact and is governed by the Board of Directors (www.healthimpact.org/board)

The WSSA has an Advisory Committee that is comprised of WSSA faculty, Regional Collaborative Leaders, and key stakeholders.  We meet in person annually and virtually quarterly.

KT Waxman, DNP, MBA, RN, CNL, CENP, CHSE, FAONL, FSSH, FAAN, Chair

Alexandra Duke, DNP, RN-BC, CEN, CHSE, CNE®cl, EBP-C, Co-chair

Garrett Chan, PhD, RN, APRN, FAEN, FPCN, FCNS, FNAP, FAAN, Co-chair

 

Advisory Committee Members
Kellie Allen, MSN, RN, CHSE
Leslie Catron, M.A.Ed, BSN, RN, FAHCEP, CHSE
Susan Eller, MSN, RN, CHSE
David Gaba, MD
Marie Gilbert, DNP, MA, RN, CHSE
Sharon Goldfarb, DNP, RN, FNP-BC
Lou Halamek, MD, FAAP
Brian Hanlon, BS, CHSOS
Dayna Herrera, DNP, RN, CHSE
Connie Lopez, MSN, CNS, RNC-OB, CPHRM, CHSE-A
Kati MaxKenzie, MSHS, BFA, CHSOS, CHSE
Juli Maxworthy, PhD(c), DNP, MSN/MBA, RN, CNL, CPHQ, CPPS, CHSE, FSSH
Barbara McCamish, MSN, MPT, RN, PT, CNL, CHSE
Russell Metcalfe-Smith, MSc.NRP, CHSE-A, CHSOS, FRSPH, FHEA
Amy Nichols, EdD, RN, CNS, CHSE, ANEF
Sara Pearce, M.S.Ed., CHSE
Melissa Punnoose, MSN, RN-BC, CHSE, CHSOS
Lisa Sabatini, DNP, RN, CNML
Mary Ann Shinnick, PhD, ACNP-BC, CCNS, CHSE
Cynthia Shum, DNP, MEd, RN, CHSE-A
Heidi Traxler, MSN, RN-CHSE

Research Committee

Mission
The mission of the Research Committee is to advance the science and scholarship of healthcare simulation throughout California by promoting collaborative, interdisciplinary research. We strive to create a culture of inquiry that supports rigorous investigation, evidence-based practice, and innovation in simulation-based education, assessment, and systems improvement. Drawing from California’s diverse healthcare landscape, our committee is dedicated to mentoring emerging scholars, sharing impactful research, and strengthening partnerships among healthcare, academic, and community organizations. Through these efforts, we aim to enhance patient safety, improve learner outcomes, and promote healthcare equity across the state.

Goals for 2025 – 2026

  • Conduct a comprehensive statewide study to evaluate the current use, integration, and impact of simulation in California’s academic institutions and healthcare organizations. This study will identify trends, gaps, and best practices to guide future curriculum development, faculty training, and WSSA strategic priorities in simulation-based education.
  • Strengthen statewide visibility of WSSA simulation research through strategic dissemination efforts, which include peer-reviewed publications, presentations at conferences, and active engagement with policymakers and regulatory bodies.

Members

  • Marie Gilbert, RN, DNP, CHSE (Lead)
  • KT Waxman (Member)
  • Barbara D. Johnson, Ph.D., MSN, RN (Member)
  • Jocelyn Ludlow, PhD, RN, CHSE-A, CNE, CMSRN (Member)
  • Alexandra Duke, DNP, RN-BC, CEN, CHSE, CNEcl, EBP-C (Member)

Meetings

  • The research committee meets quarterly
  • If you are interested in learning more or joining the committee, please contact Dr. Marie Gilbert at mgilbert@csufresno.edu

Curriculum Committee

Mission
The mission of the Curriculum Committee is to develop, align, and share robust, evidence-based simulation curricula that meet the educational and workforce development needs of California’s diverse healthcare landscape. The committee is dedicated to ensuring that our curricula align with nationally recognized simulation standards, including those established by the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning (INACSL), the Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH), and other regulatory/accreditation agencies. By partnering with educators, clinicians, and community stakeholders, we aim to promote equitable, innovative, and outcome-driven simulation learning experiences that enhance safety, interprofessional teamwork, and patient safety across the state.

Goals 2025-2026

  • Strengthen statewide alignment and integration of simulation-based education by reviewing existing curricula, identifying gaps, and promoting consistency with national standards and WSSA strategic priorities.
  • Pilot, and refine a refreshed equity-centered simulation curriculum through stakeholder engagement, needs assessment, and iterative evaluation.
  • Support successful statewide implementation and sustainability of the revised curriculum by providing actionable recommendations, faculty development resources, and a scalable rollout strategy.

Members

  • Alexandra Duke, DNP, RN-BC, CEN, CHSE, CNEcl, EBP-C (Lead)
  • KT Waxman (Co-lead)
  • Heidi Traxler, MSN, RN, NPD-BC, CHSE  (Member)
  • Kim Bilskey, MSN, RN, CHSE  (Member)
  • Brett Dodd, MBA, MSN, NRP  (Member)
  • Jenna Reyes, EdD, FNP-BC, PHN, CHSE (Member)
  • Ginny Riggall, DNP, RN, ACCNS-AG, CHSE, CPPS  (Member)
  • Connie Lopez, MSN, CNS, CPHRM, CHSEA, FSSH  (Member)
  • Cynthia Shum, DNP, MEd, RN, NEA-BC, CHSE-A  (Member)

Meetings

  • The curriculum committee meets quarterly from September 2025 – June 2026
  • If you are interested in learning more or joining the committee, please contact Dr. Alexandra Duke at alexandra@healthimpact.org