The Nurse Spotlight page is focused on nurses who are representatives of, or working with, the real-world diverse population (race, gender, age, handicap, LGBTQIA+, etc.) and are providing leadership in their work. If you know of a nurse who fits this category, and who agrees to be included, please send the information to connections@ahncc.org. Entries must include a picture, writeup, and a link to a website that showcases or highlights that person’s work.
Jim Welch AHNA 2024 Holistic Nurse of the Year
Jim began his career as a Peace Corps volunteer in Ethiopia fresh out of college with a degree in Life Sciences. Upon returning to the United States he entered the Nursing School his mother had attended. He worked as a Head Nurse at the Philadelphia VA then was hired by the State of Delaware to coordinate AIDS/HIV activities. He spent the next 20 years as the AIDS Coordinator working to improve prevention, care and treatment for persons with HIV infection. He then was tapped to create a Healthcare Bureau within the Department of Correction to improve the mental and physical health for those incarcerated. During his time at the State Jim worked to incorporate mindfulness, healthy diet, exercise and wellness in those he advocated for. He began his Holistic Nursing journey with Seeds and Bridges in February of 1997 completing work for his Holistic Certification in 1999 when he received his Holistic Nurse Certification from AHNCC. His current practice includes creating space for healing and growth using practices such as ritual, singing, sweat ceremonies, spiritual mentorship, and more. Currently he also is a Court Appointed Monitor for Jails with emphasis on improving the physical and mental health of those incarcerated in jails and prisons. Jim is part of the AHNA practice committee where he has served as chair. Jim lives with his husband of 43 years and 4 dogs on 89 acres of sacred woods. Jim Welch received the AHNA Holistic Nurse of the Year Award this year.
Grissel Hernandez, Ph.D., MPH, RN, HNB-BC, NPD-BC, SGAHN, is a Latina Holistic Nurse Leader and Caring Science Scholar. She serves as the Executive Director at Stanford Health Care Center for Education and Professional Development (CEPD) in Palo Alto, California. Grissel has recent experience in the operationalization and integration of Watson Caring Science theory into professional practice and nursing professional development programs. She has over 20 years of Nursing Professional Development experience in ANCC Magnet and the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award designated organizations and served as an Appraiser for the ANCC Pathways to Excellence and Nursing Continuing Professional Development Accreditation Programs. Click here for full bio
Meet Dominique Fontaine, BSN, RN, HNB-BC, HWNC-BC, double board-certified holistic nurse and health and wellness nurse coach. She is a beautiful example of what holistic nursing and nurse coaching looks like in action. Dominique embodies the spirit of holism, lives the core values of holistic nursing, and illustrates the value that board certification offers. Not only is she the Nurse Coach editor for AHNA, but she serves nurses and the community via wellness workshops, coaching, consulting, and mentorship. We are honored to spotlight the incredible work that Dominique is doing to elevate holistic nursing! Learn more about Dominique by visiting her website and exploring the various services she offers. https://www.sageintegrativewellness.com
Meet Dr. Dawn Augusta, board certified advanced holistic nurse. Dawn’s life mission is to enhance health and wellness systems through intentional, participatory community design. She serves on several boards and commissions. Her contributions to holistic nursing include her role as a clinical associate professor for Arizona State University’s (ASU) Integrative Health Program. She is also the AHNA Arizona Student Chapter lead at ASU, mentoring and modeling the art of holistic nursing to future nurses. Dawn is a Koru mindfulness meditation instructor and currently in process of obtaining AHNCC national nurse coach certification. This year, she started her own consulting business, Higher Ground Consulting, LLC and began leading the Peer2Peer Wellness Coaching initiative for the Arizona Peer and Family Career Academy. We are beyond proud to spotlight Dr. Dawn and showcase the valuable ways in which she is infusing holistic nursing in her professional endeavors!
“Holistic Coaching & Consulting (undergoing maintenance 8/24/2021) is based on helping others become resilient and empowering them to be their best selves. I am a holistic nurse coach who helps ambitious professionals excel in all areas of life.” – Cynthia A. Fountain, MSN, RN, CLNC – Holistic Nurse Coach & Consultant
“Being a holistic nurse to me means providing a safe space for people who are ready to look within themselves to identify root causes, both energetic and physical, of chronic illness, pain, and dis-ease. My life’s work is to take my place in a long line of women healers that included my grandmother, who was an herbalist in the Jamaican countryside. I want all the people I cross paths with to feel empowered to live healthy lives on their own terms. I want to remind them of their innate healing powers.” – Alison Monette, RN, BSN, MS
