"I AM ME" Campaign

April is Celebrate Diversity Month, and the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) is observing this month with the “I AM ME” campaign. We are asking Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) and Student Registered Nurse Anesthetists (SRNAs) to send a photo and 1-3 sentences about what makes you, you! Our goal is to post your personalized “I AM ME” statement on Twitter and Facebook the entire month of April. Please share widely with fellow CRNAs and SRNAs!

I Am Me Statements

Michael Tran

I AM ME. Michael Tran, CRNA, a Florida-native, a first-generation son of Vietnamese refugee immigrants, and a proud alumnus of the Duke University Nurse Anesthesia Program.

I AM ME. A passionate provider of obstetric anesthesia, an experienced anesthetist of multiple mission trips, and an enthusiastic educator of SRNAs.

I AM ME. A follower of Christ, a grateful husband to a labor delivery nurse (how we met!), a blessed father to two busy toddlers, and a humbled provider of anesthesia to military veterans.

Yana Krmic

I AM ME. Yana Krmic, MSN, CRNA. Ambitious, Determined, Fearless, Bold and Strong.

I AM ME. Immigrant, Leader, Friend, Mother and Wife.

I AM ME. “Everything changes and yet, I am more me than I’ve ever been.”

Jamie Mackenzie

I AM ME, Jamie Mackenzie, CRNA, MS, first in my family to earn a college degree, currently enrolled in my Doctorate of Anesthesia Practice at the University of Michigan, and one who has a passion to advocate politically for our profession one day!

I AM ME, a woman who put myself through school as a single mom, and a proud mother of a beautiful 15-year-old girl!

I AM ME, a military veteran of security forces in the Air Force who decided that my calling was medicine and helping to comfort and care for patients while also being their advocate! I love being a CRNA.

Joshua Cangcuesta

I AM ME. JOSHUA ANTHONY CANGCUESTA, CRNA, MS, CCRN. A proud nursing graduate of S.U.N.Y. at Nassau Community College and S.U.N.Y. Downstate Medical Center.

I AM ME. Immigrated with my family to the U.S.A. from Cebu, Philippines in 2004. A devout Catholic, traveler, audiophile, musician, and season pass holder to rollercoasters and go-karts.

I AM ME. Living up to the Ignatian ideals of the Jesuits — to be a man for others. A patient advocate, leader and former Boy Scout — trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent. Always striving to apply these values to support my patients and my profession.

Alexander Brigantty

I AM ME, Alexander Brigantty, first CRNA to graduate in my family "Post Hurricane MARIA,” Puerto Rico.

I AM ME, Family guy with three beautiful children and a lovely spouse. Starting a new life and a new career in the United States (Florida).

I AM ME, With great ambition towards my career and future. I love to help people in need and give back to the world.

Greg Bruno

I AM ME. Gregory Bruno, DNP, APRN, CRNA, assistant program director and adjunct faculty.

I AM ME. From Pennsylvania, the first member of my family to graduate from college. With determination and hard work, anything can be accomplished.

I AM ME. Father of three, married to my best friend Fiona, who is my everything. I am proud to be a nurse anesthetist.

Ruth Petros

I AM ME—Ruth Petros, DNP, CRNA, nurse anesthetist, mentor, and lifelong learner.

I AM ME—An active member of the AANA, Iowa Association of Nurse Anesthetists, and Diversity in Nurse Anesthesia Mentorship Program.

I AM ME—A first generation Ethiopian immigrant who enjoys choosing the road less traveled, and is proud to be living my dream.

John Bing

I AM ME. John Bing, socially conscious, leader.

I AM ME. Activist and CRNA.

I AM ME. A business owner.

Sonya Moore

I AM ME. Sonya Moore, DNP, CRNA, Assistant Professor, Program Director, a published author, and Entrepreneur.

I AM ME. An OSANA Board member, Federal Political Director, and NAP Professional Member.

I AM ME. An activist, philanthropist, president of a non-profit organization, but above all I am a mother, a daughter, and a friend.

Marcus Logan

I AM ME. Marcus Logan Sr., MSN, CRNA with humble beginnings. A husband, father, and son. Raised by a strong father and mother, who taught me how to advance in life.

I AM ME. A strong advocate of mentorship in the community of diversity. My motto is each generation teach the next generation.

I AM ME. A proud Veteran who served one year at the Kuwait/Iraq border as a medic and infantry. I’ve seen, I’ve saw, and I’ve served!

Corinne Chausse

I AM ME. Corinne Chausse, mother of three adopted girls from China.

I AM ME. Who has practiced independently in Haiti, Zambia, and most recently in Iraq, at an emergency field hospital, providing anesthesia for victims of the war to take Mosul back from ISIS.

I AM ME. Thankful to be a CRNA, a profession that has provided me the opportunity to work alongside people of every race and religion.

Ana Armenta

I AM ME. Ana Armenta, MSN, CRNA, wife, daughter, patient advocate, student mentor, Associate Practice Chair of my state association, group fitness instructor and marathoner.

I AM ME. Born in Honduras Central America, raised in New Orleans, now residing in California and proudly practicing as a CRNA at a large teaching institution.

I AM ME. First person in my family to obtain a Master's Degree, a graduate of Samuel Merritt University, and passionate about helping others pursue their dreams of becoming nurse anesthetists.

Gregory Taylor

I AM ME. Gregory Taylor, 30 plus years being a CRNA, one of two African Americans to graduate in first master’s CRNA program.

I AM ME. Practiced both employed and as a business owner, a husband, father, son, and brother.

I AM ME. Thankful to our profession, grateful to be a 30 plus year AANA member, and blessed for the multiple opportunities this profession has given me.

Rebecca Lee

I AM ME. Rebecca Lee, DNP, CRNA, a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, educator, and Program Director of Nurse Anesthesia at Barry University College of Nursing and Health Sciences. I am proud to be a part of a University that celebrates diversity.

I AM ME. Born in Hong Kong and moved to NYC when I was four years old. I was raised by hard working, immigrant Chinese parents who showed me that opportunity comes with hard work and perseverance.

I AM ME. Active in our Florida State Association of Nurse Anesthetists, and strongly believe that we must continue to strive hard to mentor and educate health care providers that reflect the diversity of our communities, state, and nation.

Phil Mangahas

I AM ME. Phil Mangahas, a proud American CRNA of Filipino ancestry, first in my clan to reach the USA, advocate of equality, proponent of diversity, lover of humanity, and a firm believer of the innate goodness in people.

I AM ME. A loyal and active member of the AANA since 1978, assistant professor at Wayne State University, on-site accreditation reviewer for the COA, and a passionate patron of medical missions. Gives full credence to the AANA as the society of accountable, audacious, amazing CRNAs.

I AM ME. Blessed by a noble and rewarding profession that completely changed my life and afforded me many wonderful opportunities to serve and give back. Firmly grounded, living life at its best, utterly loving and enjoying this incredible ride.

Bruce A. Schoneboom

I AM ME, Bruce A. Schoneboom, PhD, CRNA, FAAN, Colonel (Retired), US Army, Chief Learning Officer at the AANA, and I have a passion for creating and innovating new ways to educate nurse anesthetists to be the preferred anesthesia provider of patients and healthcare systems.

I AM ME, an Army veteran with 30 years of service to the country taking care of wounded warriors on the battlefield, servicemembers and their families in military hospitals around the globe.

I AM ME, a neuroscientist who has used my research skills to understand the immune and inflammatory responses of the brain to viral infections and to lead DoD scientists in developing antidotes to weapons of mass destruction and chemical warfare agents.

Gabriel Vázquez-López

I AM ME. Gabriel Vázquez-López, BSN, RN, SRNA at the University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus in San Juan, Puerto Rico, proud member of the LGBT and Hispanic communities, hablo Español e Ingles, a former cardiac surgery ICU nurse, son of two nurses, oldest brother of another nurse and, lately, a Hurricane María survivor.

I AM ME. President of SRNAs Association at the University of Puerto Rico, a leader, a mentor, and a facilitator to my fellow nurse anesthesia students.

I AM ME. An advocate for patient-centered care and multiculturalism, passionate about leadership and innovative policy making, and a strong voice for social justice and equality.

Karina Luttner

I AM ME. Karina Luttner, MSN, CRNA, from Guayaquil, Ecuador. Studied anesthesia at the University of Scranton.

I AM ME. A world traveler, patient advocate, and a fierce Fitbit competitor. Most importantly, I am a wife to my best friend and number one supporter, Robert Luttner.

I AM ME. First generation Masters graduate, proudly delivering excellent anesthesia at Heritage Valley Sewickley, PA, alongside wonderful anesthesia providers!

Janaina Gequelin

I AM ME. Janaina Gequelin, married to my best friend and biggest supporter, mother of two teenage daughters who are my inspiration. I want to show them that even when the odds are not on your side, you can achieve anything if you work hard enough.

I AM ME. Born in Brazil and have been living in the United States for almost 20 years. English is my second language, which only adds to the challenges of anesthesia school.

I AM ME. I will be graduating from Florida Gulf Coast University in less than a month. I’m the first in my family to graduate with a Master’s degree. I also plan to do medical missions in my career. I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to be a part of this wonderful profession!

Kevin Coolong

I AM ME. Kevin Coolong, CRNA

I AM ME. "Me", "diversity" and my "race," "gender," "ethnicity," are not important.

I AM ME. What is important is that God created me to honor Him. If I do, my life matters. If not, nothing about "me" matters.

Jean Coger

I AM ME. Jean Coger, blessed CRNA, who advanced through foster care, advanced to multiple colleges, and the military.

I AM ME. Who believes that obstacles are really just opportunities to learn, caring for others more than self, ensures growth.

I AM ME. I have served in two branches of the military active duty. Currently serving Veterans in WV while enjoying a beautiful life. A hand to help is a hand up...

Christopher Heiss

I AM ME. Christopher Heiss, BSN, RN, SRNA, husband, father-to-be, world traveler, adventure photographer, and marathon runner.

I AM ME. Student representative of PANA board of trustees, class president, and political advocate of the nurse anesthesia profession.

I AM ME. Began career as a paramedic, experienced flight nurse, planning to revisit prehospital roots as a CRNA in remote, austere, and global disaster response environments.

Stacey Mendez

I AM ME. Stacey Mendez, APN-CRNA, DNP, Mother of three.

I AM ME. Multi Ironman triathlete, Ironman world championship 70.3 participant, lead group coordinator of a triathlon team of the Midwest region, and race guard.

I AM ME. A gymnastics mom, swim mom, and soccer mom with the first doctorate in my family in nurse anesthesia practicing in the Chicagoland area.

Arthur Kennedy Cheung

I AM ME. Arthur Kennedy Cheung, CRNA, born and raised in Hong Kong, came to America at the age of 16, nurse anesthetist, a promoter of fitness in our workforce, a helper for others to get stronger spiritually, physically, and mentally.

I AM ME. Who practices mostly in rural settings, almost exclusively as a solo practitioner, and has been practicing for the past 38 years.

I AM ME. A clinician, an advocate of our profession, a husband, a father of three daughters, a grandfather of a granddaughter and two grand-dogs, most importantly, a true believer and follower of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Chase Sossamon

I AM ME. Chase Sossamon, a Christ follower, husband, and father, who found my passion and talent in caring for patients in high acuity and stressful situations.

I AM ME. A fully autonomous anesthesia provider whom, with the mentorship of more experienced providers, could start my own anesthesia business in my second year out of anesthesia school.

I AM ME. An experienced cardiovascular anesthesia provider, a general anesthesia provider, a pediatric anesthesia provider, an obstetrical anesthesia provider, a mobile office based anesthesia provider, a regional/orthopedic anesthesia provider, and a young trainee developing skills within the space of long term pain management as an anesthesia provider.

Tanya McGowan

I AM ME. Tanya McGowan, MBA, DNAP (June 2018), independent nurse anesthetist, daughter of wonderful military officer father, and Luxembourg mother who are married 50 years!

I AM ME. World traveler (40 countries), and humanitarian supporting multicultural empowerment of women and children on a global basis.

I AM ME. Athlete (sailing, climbing, cycling), and musician (piano, harmonica), who loves active adventures that positively promote people and animals on this beautiful planet!

Maria Sallie Poepsel

I AM ME, Maria Sallie Poepsel, PhD, MSN, CRNA, APRN; a practicing nurse anesthetist, an anesthesia business owner, a health policy analyst and adviser, former Rural Health Fellow, current AANA Director, Region IV, very active in the anesthesia profession statewide and nationally, very committed and passionate about our profession.

I AM ME, A wife, mother, friend and community activist; a Silver Sneaker, a volunteer to medical missions in the Far East; firm believer in the power of education, learning and giving back to make positive social change in the community.

I AM ME, An immigrant from the Philippines in the mid-70s, an avid gardener, loves to cook, plays the guitar, enjoys art, travel, music, and singing.

Jose Castillo

I AM ME. Jose Castillo, oldest of two from the Philippines, graduated with a BSN in 1994, migrated to the US in 2000, became a CRNA in 2007, and earned my PhD in 2013.

I AM ME. Spouse to a most loving husband, father of two beautiful children, and collaborator with my mom and mother-in-law with everything that happens with my children.

I AM ME. Passionate in the Nurse Anesthesia profession that provides for my family, evokes change in our society, and cares for our communities across the United States, which makes me smile going to work every day.

Marjorie Geisz-Everson

I AM ME. Marjorie Geisz-Everson, oldest of three children, first person in my family to go to college.

I AM ME. Our family welcomed all in our home, grew up knowing no strangers, I embrace ALL diversity!!!

I AM ME. I give Glory to God for all that I have and try to share His love and gifts with others.

Heather J. Rankin

I AM ME, Heather J. Rankin, DNP, CRNA, MBA student, pediatric CRNA, clinical preceptor, mentor, CRNA advocate, AANA Director Region 7, past ALANA President, past AANA GRC and Communications chair.

I AM ME, mother of two boys, wife, daughter of a CRNA, sister, aunt.

I AM ME, avid sports fan, beach and lake fan, Sweet Home Alabama.

Dan Lovinaria

I AM ME. Dan Lovinaria, DNP, MBA, MS, APRN, CRNA, VA Minneapolis CRNA, Nurse Anesthesia Program Director.

I AM ME. Diversity in Nurse Anesthesia Mentorship Program Board member, AANA Communications Committee Chair; and MANA State Peer Advisor.

I AM ME. Youngest of eight children from Filipino immigrant parents; trilingual (Tagalog, Ilocano, English), engaged, committed, passionate, and an advocate of being an AANA member.

Johanna Newman

I AM ME. Johanna Newman DNAP, CRNA, a Puerto Rican nurse anesthetist who is a leader, clinician, educator, patient advocate, wife and mother of two beautiful children.

I AM ME. From New Jersey who transplanted to Florida after receiving graduate degree from Georgetown University.

I AM ME. A passionate advocate for the nurse anesthesia profession who has served in many capacities on the local, state, and national level. Currently serves as President-Elect of the Florida Association of Nurse Anesthetists, and is committed to advancing the nurse anesthesia profession.

Randy Moore

I AM ME, Randy Moore, DNP, MBA, CRNA, father, husband, veteran, nurse anesthetist, and Chief Executive Officer of the AANA.

I AM ME, a servant leader who believes that putting the needs of others first is my primary goal.

I AM ME, a servant leader that knows diversity results in better decision making, improved problem solving, greater creativity, and enhanced innovation.

Brittany Donaghy

I AM ME, Brittany Donaghy, CRNA, MSN, clinical coordinator, mother, daughter, and humble servant of my patients.

I AM ME, a Puerto Rican/Irish American bilingual advocate for my patients and community.

I AM ME, a high school drop-out/teenage mother turned nurse anesthetist, an alleviator of pain and anxiety, and I love what I do.

Wallena Gould

I AM ME, Wallena Gould, EdD, CRNA, FAAN, founder of the Diversity in Nurse Anesthesia Mentorship Program. First and only CRNA of color inducted into the Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing.

I AM ME, walking side-by-side with my brother and CRNA colleague, John Bing, to empower, inform and mentor the next generation of CRNAs of different hues and cultures.

I AM ME, former single teenage homeless mother, who found a pathway through higher education, survived adversity through grace and mercy, and my rock is my loving family.

Angela L. Smith

I AM ME. Angela L. Smith, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, DNAP, avid reader, lifelong scholar, best point guard ever Michael Jordan's greatest fan, and Zeth's mom.

I AM ME. Lieutenant Col. Angela Smith, Army Nurse Corps Officer, compassionate leader, and proud veteran.

I AM ME. A. L. Smith, critically acclaimed author, Amazon Best Seller, award winning independent filmmaker, historian, humanitarian, visionary, advocate for the poor. Above all, God-fearing.

Emma To Dang

I AM ME, Emma To Dang, SRNA at The University of Southern Mississippi Nurse Anesthesia Program.

I AM ME, a daughter of Vietnamese refugees, first generation in college to pursue a doctoral nurse anesthesia degree.

I AM ME, culture enthusiast, wife and mother.

Kathleen Carney Thibeault

I AM ME, Kathleen Carney Thibeault, fourth of nine children from a Boston Irish Catholic Family of the 50's and '60's, a family that embraced diversity - way before it was cool (and even when it wasn't).

I AM ME, whose parents encultured us with the bedrock values of kindness, community service, and justice for all, we have all grown to honor them through our service, and perpetuate their legacy in our own children.

I AM ME, as a CRNA, I am privileged to touch vulnerable lives in a positive way, and thus translate the progressive legacy of my parents by my actions and example.

Charnelle Lewis

I AM ME, Charnelle Lewis, BSN, RN, RN. CVICU Nurse, Student Nurse Anesthetist at University of Buffalo Nurse Anesthesia Program, blogger, motivator, mentor.

I AM ME, a Christian, singer, runner, traveler, and business woman.

I AM ME, a first-generation African American doctoral student, who is proud to enter the amazing profession of Nurse Anesthesia.

Hope Ferguson

I AM ME, Hope Ferguson, DNP, APRN, CRNA, Veterans Administration Hospital, clinical adjunct faculty, mentor, Advocate, and heavily involved in community outreach.

I AM ME, Lieutenant in the U. S. Navy Corp, current Tennessee Association of Nurse Anesthetist Political Action Committee (PAC) and Nominating Committee Chair, and Memphis Student Nurse Anesthetist
Foundation (MSNAF) Board Member.

I AM ME, first generation African American with Caribbean descent advanced health care graduate practicing nurse anesthesia.

Mark J. Haffey

I AM ME, Mar

k J. Haffey, MSN, CRNA, APN, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, Dedicated to my Patients, my Co-Workers, and my Hospital Community, Clinical Preceptor, SRNA Mentor, Past Chair of the AANA Student Mentorship Program, and Graduate of the Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center Nurse Anesthesia Program.

I AM ME, Driven to make a difference in my community, Youth Sponsor in my Church, Assistant Basketball Coach for my daughter’s team, devoted father of my 2 amazing children, loving husband, avid outdoorsman, and thankful for God’s Amazing Grace.

I AM ME, AANA Vice-President, Past AANA Region 4 Director, Past President of the Tennessee Association of Nurse Anesthetist, Unwavering Advocate for ALL CRNAs, Innovative Leader, and Always willing to “Go the Extra Mile.”

Debra J. Diaz

I AM ME, Debra J. Diaz, DNP, CRNA, Simulation Coordinator, adjunct faculty, AANA committee member, ardent advocate for the profession and political activist, State Peer Advisor and the first Hispanic president for the Florida Association of Nurse Anesthetists.

I AM ME, mother, friend and shipmate, CDR US Navy retired, and the first member of my family to graduate from college.

I AM ME, lover of music, art, dance, travel enthusiast, and foodie.

Daryl L. de Lima

I AM ME, Daryl L. de Lima, a Hawaii-raised first-generation Filipino-American SRNA at the University of Pittsburgh.

I AM ME, a family man and avid practitioner of Judo and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

I AM ME, proud Army Nurse Corps and Operation Enduring Freedom veteran.

Jerrol Wallace

I AM ME, Jerrol Wallace, a Naval Officer.

I AM ME, Doctoral Advanced Practice Nurse.

I AM ME, a Jamaican American.

I AM ME, a CRNA.

Emma Banya

I AM ME, Emma Banya, CRNA, MSN, Captain, United States Air Force Reserves.

I AM ME, an African American woman, CRNA, Airman.

I AM ME, mission worker who understands that with passion, persistence, patience, pure heart, and most importantly prayers, there is no limit to fulfilling your purpose.

Alex Mendoza

I AM ME, Alex Mendoza, MSN, CRNA, nurse anesthetist, mentor, advocate, and proud veteran.

I AM ME, a United States Army Reserve Major and proud to serve my country and my fellow service members. I am an active member of the Florida Association of Nurse Anesthetists, AANA, Diversity CRNA, and a volunteer for medical mission trips.

I AM ME, born and raised in Puerto Rico, a practicing nurse anesthetist in Florida, and Army reserve. Currently deployed overseas.

Angela Mund

I AM ME, Angela Mund, DNP, CRNA, nurse anesthetist, world traveler, associate professor, program director, health policy advocate, veteran, mentor, daughter, wife, and mother.

I AM ME, AANA Region 2 Director, Association of Veterans Affairs Nurse Anesthetists and South Carolina Association of Nurse Anesthetists past president, Friend for Life, Gertrude Fife Society Member, and 1983 Society Member.

I AM ME, small town girl from rural Minnesota raised by hard working parents who taught the me the value of education, determination, and healthcare.

Thuan Truong

I AM ME, Thuan Truong, MSA, CRNA, nurse anesthetist, advocate, adjunct faculty at National University in Fresno, CA., poker player, foodie, son, husband, and father.

I AM ME, still learning, embrace change, thankful for my opportunities, strive to provide opportunities for others.

I AM ME, a refugee from Vietnam, first in my family to attend college, speak three languages, and proud to be a nurse anesthetist!

Bob Gauvin

I AM ME, Bob Gauvin, MS, CRNA, certified registered nurse anesthetist, business owner, AANA board member, DNP candidate, tireless advocate, and voice of CRNAs everywhere.

I AM ME, a Veteran of the Air Force and Army, and the first member of my family to attend college, proud son of a Marine Corps Veteran, truck driver and a mother who cleaned houses so that I would never go without.

I AM ME, father of five, married to my best friend of 38 years, Kara, who is my rock and confidant. Privileged to know I have been blessed, forever paying that forward.

Stacey Ortiz

I AM ME, Stacey Ortiz, DNP, CRNA, first doctor in my family.

I AM ME, advocate for my patients, medical mission provider.

I AM ME, traveler, runner, a lover of animals, and a believer in Christ.

Bruce Weiner

I AM ME, Bruce Weiner, DNP, MSNA, CRNA, leader, mentor, clinician, adjunct faculty, clinical preceptor, community volunteer, husband, and father of two.

I AM ME, President of the AANA, past-president x2 of FANA, 27 years of leadership and committee service on state and national association activities.

I AM ME, a Delawarean, transplanted to the south after graduate school, a passionate advocate for the profession.

Joanne Hill

I AM ME, Joanne Hill, MSN, CRNA, Nurse Anesthetist, patient advocate, activist, wife, and mother.

I AM ME, a mission volunteer to the Philippines, Zimbabwe, and Liberia who is active in my community and I am a church volunteer for college tours and community health programs over the past 10 years.

I AM ME, applying to complete my DNP, and I am a first generation African-American Master Degree graduate of Saint Mary’s University who is a practicing Nurse Anesthetist at the the same hospital for 23 years, and I am committed to Worldwide Healthcare Equality and Equity.

Biju Muchal Kuriakose

I AM ME, Biju Muchal Kuriakose, from India, studied nursing at LaSalle University, masters in nurse anesthesia from Thomas Jefferson University.

I AM ME, Doctorate from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2015. My wife is a CRNA too with the same background.

I AM ME, currently practicing anesthesia in New Jersey and Philadelphia and very active in NJANA.

Jorge Valdes

I AM ME, Jorge Valdes, DNP, CRNA, nurse anesthetist, assistant clinical professor, advocate, activist, Ironman finisher, and, most importantly, father.

I AM ME, a volunteer on medical missions, AANA committee member, Florida Association of Nurse Anesthetist past president, and current federal political director.

I AM ME, a first-generation Cuban American college graduate who is a practicing nurse anesthetist, and proudly wears many hats.