2019 Spring Scholarship Winners

Congratulations to the WOCN Society Foundation 2019 Spring Scholarship recipients! The WOCN Society offers a scholarship program through the WOCN Society Foundation. Twice a year, individuals are provided with the privilege of receiving the scholarship award. Scholarships are awarded to deserving individuals who are committed to working in the specialty practice of wound, ostomy or continence nursing. Each Spring 2019 scholarship recipient shared their gratitude and expressed how the scholarship will support them on their WOC nursing journey.

ALESSANDRA BRAZELL: "While I am extremely proud of my achievements in the last year, I did not anticipate the financial burden of attending school while raising a newborn. By awarding me the WOCN Foundation Scholarship, you have helped to reduce the financial burden of this past year, thus helping my family get back to baseline. I feel that I can now dedicate more focus to my new position and passion for WOC nursing rather than worrying about how I am going to pay off debts from this past year."

KIMBERLY EISENBARTH

"The financial assistance you provided will be of great help to me in paying my educational expenses, and it will allow me to concentrate more of my time for studying. Your generosity has inspired me to help others and give back to the community. I hope one day I will be able to help students achieve their goals just as you have helped me."

PRIYANKA GANDHI

"Your scholarship fund will help me earn the designation of a Certified Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurse through specialized didactic courses and clinical practicum. I strongly believe this course and hands on experience will help me gain confidence in this specialty to promote improved WOC patient outcomes. I would love to empower my future patients and their families with education on preventive and effective treatments to help them adapt to this life changing event."

MICHELLE GEHRING

"I am halfway through the full scope program at Emory University. Thanks to this scholarship, I am one step closer to my goal to one day become the best wound, ostomy, and continence nurse I can be. Having participated in community events where giving scholarships is a large portion, this is the first time I have been on the receiving end. The excitement is energizing and motivating. This scholarship will help me earn the credentials I can wear with pride to have such specialized training and knowledge."

APRIL MCCARTY

"I am extremely excited about what the future holds and to continue to pursue my love of wounds, ostomy and continence care. With your help from the scholarship I will get there! Thank you for your generosity!"

AMY MENEGAY

"This award captures the belief of funding the future of wound, ostomy, and continence care, as well as my ability to join this rewarding field of nursing. I plan to give back to someone in my current position someday as a result of your continued faith in my abilities as a future CWOCN. Thank you."

BRENT REEL

"Though my hospital didn’t have funds set aside for this certification, I was determined to finish continence training even if I needed to pay for it myself – my patients absolutely need and deserve it. I also have the privilege of working alongside amazing WOC nurses at my facility who have so much experience as full-scope WOC nurses that are providing me with anecdotal knowledge; knowledge that I needed to tie to formal education to ensure I was providing gold-standard care to these kids and teenagers."

CHRISTINE SHETTLER: "As I complete my education at Emory, I am very thankful for receiving your thoughtful gift. Because of your scholarship, some of my financial burden has been lifted. I can now relax and enjoy my education without having to worry about how to pay for my trip down to Atlanta to fulfill my school requirements."

MARGARET SMART

"I returned to nursing two years ago after raising a family, and in quick succession completed my BSN and decided to become a WOC nurse. This scholarship confirms my direction and decisions, and in practical terms will help me complete my Cleveland clinical experience this fall. I am deeply grateful for your support of my work in serving a very special population."

JENNIFER WEISER

"The WOCN Foundation Scholarship Program award has inspired me to press onward to achieve my goal of becoming a WOC nurse. Prior to receiving this scholarship, much of my focus was on the financial burden I would be facing with my upcoming travel to Cleveland and having to miss work for three weeks in September. I feel that I can now focus on the academic portion of my pursuit and continue to be successful."