Bob Kasarda

Isolated showers and thunderstorms are predicted to move into the Region late Thursday afternoon and continue through the evening, potentially bringing destructive winds and hail, according to the National Weather Service.

"A tornado threat may develop as well with the most intense storms," the NWS said as part of a morning update.

Daytime temperatures Thursday could reach 89 degrees.

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The Region also has an elevated risk for wildfires, according to the NWS.

"Critical fire danger may develop areawide Friday afternoon due to a combination of strong winds up to 45 mph and dry conditions," weather officials said.

"In addition, thunderstorms may develop late Friday afternoon and evening with a threat for damaging winds and hail."

Nurses: The Heart of Health Care 2025 Julia Albrecht, RN, BSN, Methodist Hospitals

When Julia Albrecht moved from the medical-surgical unit to the emergency room, it was a whole new ballgame.

"The pace was fast, and the patients were critical," she said. "It was a challenge, and I was ready to take it on. I loved it. I loved the adrenaline and the not knowing what was coming next."

Nursing wasn't always part of the plan for Albrecht, 45, a registered nurse at the Methodist Hospitals Northlake campus.

Though a health care career was her goal, Albrecht had planned to go to dental school when she graduated from high school. When her grandmother became ill and was hospitalized, her perspective changed.

"I watched how other providers at the hospital cared for her and took that observation home to help her," Albrecht said. "She was a very important part of my life. Since the prerequisites were the same for nursing and dental hygiene, I decided to try nursing."

Albrecht was accepted into an accelerated nursing program, where she realized that nursing was her calling. After earning her bachelor of science in nursing, she began her nursing career at Methodist Southlake, where she worked in the medical-surgical unit for two years.

"I am thankful for that experience since it taught me organization, how to communicate with patients and time management," she said. "It provided me with skills and knowledge that sometimes aren't always a given when working in the ER."

Albrecht also had one of her most memorable nursing experiences while working in the medical-surgical unit. One of her patients was bed-bound and diagnosed with dementia.

"We all made her part of our family," she said. "Sometimes we would go into her room, and she would be so sad. One day, I decided to leave my phone in her room and play Motown music. Her eyes brightened and a smile came over her. She was a different woman. She meant a lot to all of us on the unit."

Working in the emergency room for nearly eight years has given Albrecht a different experience each day, caring for patients of all ages. She also is a team lead and charge nurse, where she provides support to her colleagues, maintains schedules, keeps all staff certifications up to date and assists the department manager with tasks.

Selected as a top nurse in the Region by peer review, Albrecht recently took on the significant responsibility of managing care for the Northlake emergency room for an extended period.

"During this time, her unwavering commitment to excellence ensured that operations remained organized and efficient," colleague Brad Lukas said in his nomination. "Julia's exceptional organizational skills and proactive leadership allowed the new manager to hit the ground running, demonstrating her dedication not only to her role, but also to the entire Methodist Hospitals community."

"Every day she demonstrates what we expect for our patients and families," said Frank Bradtke, assistant vice president of patient care services at Methodist Hospitals. "She models our mission in all she does."

Teamwork is key to the best outcomes and patient experiences, Albrecht said.

"I care deeply for my coworkers and the Gary community," she said. "Providing the best care to all patients in need is important to me. I always keep in my mind: 'What if this was my family?' "

Methodist Hospitals also has a special place in her heart, Albrecht said.

"I love my job, my peers and the community," she said. "My coworkers are family. I take pride in working alongside some of the best of the best. I wouldn't change what I do."

Tiffany Bowling, RN, LPN, FNP, MSN, Methodist Hospitals Home Health Services

"As a home health nurse, you have to be ready for anything," says Tiffany Bowling, of Methodist Hospitals.

"While most patients are stable enough to be discharged home, many are still very ill and the unexpected can happen at any moment. A good nurse is always prepared for emergencies -- even when no one else is around to help.

"I once walked into a patient's home to find them in full cardiac arrest. There were no other nurses, no immediate resources -- just me. Without hesitation, I went into critical mode and began CPR," said Bowling, a licensed practical nurse and family nurse practitioner who has associate's and master's degrees in nursing. "This is the reality of home health nursing, always expecting the unexpected. It's challenging, unpredictable and intense, but I wouldn't change it for the world."

It's this ability to work under pressure, among many other qualities that led Amy Wenk, her manager at Methodist Home Health Services, to nominate Bowling.

"Tiffany is very invested in her work, not only in her patients and their families, but in the community we serve," says Wenk. "She strives to deliver the highest level of care with every encounter, and she does so with clinical expertise and human touch through caring and rapport with patients and families."

Bowling, whose credentials include certifications from the American Association of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board and American Nurses Credentialing Center, was selected a top nurse in the Region by peer review.

Bowling always wanted to be a nurse, a career that combined her interest in taking care of people and fascination in how the human body works.

"In my senior year of high school, I wrote in my yearbook that my career goal was to become a nurse," says "I've always been fascinated by the human body -- how it functions, how it heals and how it reflects both science and art. That curiosity, the drive to understand the why behind every symptom or condition, has fueled my passion for medicine and deepened my commitment to this career."

Her educational credentials are numerous. She earned her LPN at Ivy Tech Community College, her associate's degree in nursing from ITT Technical Institute, bachelor's degree from Grand Canyon University and master's from Northern Kentucky University.

"Most recently, I completed my Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization as a Family Nurse Practitioner at Northern Kentucky University," she says, noting that she has worked in environments including hospitals, extended care facilities, home health agencies and specialized units such as cardiac intermediate care (IMCUs).

Bowling currently works with those who are homebound due to illness, injury or disability.

"I love being able to work in the community where I was born and raised," says Bowling. "It gives me the opportunity to educate and raise awareness about important health-care issues and the value of preventive care. I witness first-hand the needs of underserved."

"Tiffany has a passion for growth and developing her knowledge and skills," adds Wenk. "We are blessed to have Tiffany as part of our Methodist family and our Home Care team."

Sarah Cycon, RN, OCN, Northwest Cancer Centers

Sarah Cycon of Crown Point has earned a reputation for being a caring and sensitive soul who provides compassionate comfort to her patients.

She entered the nursing field about five years ago and is a registered nurse, specializing in oncology, at the Crown Point location of Northwest Cancer Centers

"I love the long-term relationships we develop with patients," said Cycon. "We get to know them and their families, and it builds trust."

Dr. Peter Tothy, medical oncologist at Northwest Cancer Centers-Crown Point, sees the difference Cycon makes in the lives of her patients.

"Sarah is a caring and upbeat nurse with a sharp sense of humor," he said. "Her positive energy, as well as her knowledge and experience, bring comfort to patients in challenging situations."

This is one reason she was selected a top nurse in the Region by peer review.

Cycon earned bacherlor's and master's degrees in Communication from DePaul University.

"I worked in corporate training for several years, but did not find it fulfilling," she said. "I decided that if I was going to spend decades working, I wanted to put my time and energy toward something that brought positivity into the world."

She then went on to earn an associate's degree in nursing from Ivy Tech Community College and has worked at St. Mary Medical Center in Hobart in Oncology/Telemetry. She then decided she wanted to work outside of the hospital setting. "I had the NCC practice in high esteem after working with some of the doctors at St. Mary's."

"Patients love Sarah," said Lisa Danko, nurse practitioner at Northwest Cancer Centers-Crown Point. "She has a great personality. She is also proactive and addresses potential issues before they exist. Whether someone is right in front of her or calling in with a side effect issue, Sarah is on point with her knowledge to not only advise the patient on how to manage the situation, but also to make sure the whole team is aware and on board with the situation. That's everything a provider can ask of their nurses."

After spending time with patients and getting to know them, she said a difficult part of he job is when "patients don't have the outcomes we're hoping for."

Though there are hard parts and heartbreak, there are also great rewards to her position that include "when patients tell me that I made a difficult experience better or that I helped ease their fears about treatment," she said. "Going through chemotherapy can be incredibly stressful, and it means the world to me when I can make that process easier for someone."

Enida DeVaney, RN, BSN, Northwest Health Porter

Before she donned scrubs, Enida DeVaney was a young girl navigating the realities of war -- a life experience that would ignite her calling to heal others.

"I knew I wanted to be in a medical field since I was a little kid, and growing up fast during the war in Bosnia cemented that decision for me," she said. "Seeing hurt and suffering first-hand day in and day out changes how you see yourself, but also the rest of the world. And I always knew I wanted to be a helper and healer."

DeVaney, a registered nurse at Northwest Health Porter, moved to the United States after graduating high school. She worked as an au pair and began taking classes at Ivy Tech Community College to earn her associate's degree. She later earned a bachelor of science in nursing through Indiana Wesleyan University.

DeVaney has worked at Northwest Health Porter since December. She previously worked for Powers Health for 12 years in the emergency room and intensive care unit.

She currently serves as an RN house supervisor and as a staff nurse in the ICU and is certified as a sexual assault nurse examiner for adults and pediatrics in Indiana.

As a supervisor, she oversees day-to-day operations, assigns beds, assists with patient care, serves as a liaison between specialties, communicates with patients and family members and provides support for staff, among other duties. As an ICU nurse, her days are patient-care driven, beginning with morning rounds, reviewing and directing patient care and developing goals.

"My days in the ICU can be long, but are so rewarding and fill my cup with gratitude and love for what I do," she said.

When building trust and relationships with patients and families, she says honesty is key.

"I think that we can be honest about the care and potential outcomes while still providing competent and empathetic care, and that patients can see and recognize that," said DeVaney, who was selected as a top nurse in the Region by peer review.

For Jeny Burkhart, that honesty potentially saved her life.

A client-turned-friend, Burkhart was urged by DeVaney to immediately go to the emergency room after experiencing stroke-level blood pressure readings.

"Enida is who you want at your side in a crisis," Burkhart said. "She is strong and level-headed. She is a fierce advocate for the women and children she gives care to. She will stand up to anyone at any time for anyone. We need more Enidas in this world, and the local community is lucky to have her."

DeVaney's reach extends far beyond Northwest Indiana. In addition to helping her mother who lives in Bosnia, she also supports a local school near where she grew up with supplies for the students.

"Being able to give back is something that I have always wanted to do and being able to do that is really important to me," DeVaney said.

Her compassion for others also shapes the way she views her role in medicine and the importance of empathy in patient care.

"My hope for the future of medicine and nursing is that people humanize health-care providers and realize that we really are trying our best to provide care to everyone, and even when we fall short, I promise it's not ill-intended, and we are here to help," she said.

Amanda Jensen, MSN, NP, NW Indiana ER & Hospital

Though Amanda Jensen began her career in the structured environment of a large hospital system, a leap of faith propelled her to become NW Indiana ER & Hospital's chief nursing officer.

Her nursing journey reached a pivotal moment five years ago when she became the first hire for the startup hospital.

"I interviewed with two different owners, and it was one of the best decisions I've ever made," Jensen said. "They brought me into a trailer to interview because the building was not fully built."

Guided by a shared vision of delivering inclusive and compassionate emergency care, Jensen joined the team under extraordinary circumstances. At the height of the pandemic while completing her master's degree from Chamberlain University, she embraced the challenge of building something meaningful from the ground up.

"I spent 10 years at a local hospital and was used to a very busy and sick population," Jensen said. "This hospital was brand new, just starting and I may not have had a job in a few months if it didn't make it."

Faced with a new opportunity, Jensen played an instrumental role in establishing groundwork to bring concierge-level emergency care to the community.

"The five owners are super supportive and take every suggestion and run with it," Jensen said. "They ensure the patients are satisfied, and the employees are happy, too."

Mary Ann Green, the nursing director at NW Indiana ER & Hospital, says Jensen always steps in to help others.

"I've known and worked with Amanda the past 17 years," Green said. "Her leadership has shown not only her commitment to patients, but also to her staff. She truly goes above and beyond."

That is one reason Jensen was selected a top nurse in the Region by peer riview.

Beyond the patient-care aspect, Jensen's impact extends to advocating for employees and strengthening connections at all levels of the hospital. She supports not only the nurses but also radiology technologists and front desk staff.

"As CNO I'm in charge of schedules, payroll, ordering supplies and working the floors when there are call-offs," Jensen said. "But it's not always administrative. I cover a lot of shifts and work the floor with the nurses. There are also days I work as a nurse practitioner alongside the physicians."

Though her role encompasses administrative tasks and hands-on medical work, Jensen prioritizes a work-life balance with her family.

"It's hard to keep a work-life balance, but I have a very good supportive system with my husband and daughter who help me keep equilibrium at home," Jensen said.

Motivated by a commitment to care, Jensen finds fulfillment in ensuring patients receive the proper follow-up treatment.

"I come to work with my favorite people," Jensen said. "It's shocking how many of the patients are return visits."

While nursing wasn't always her intended career path, Jensen's passion for helping others guided her every step of the way.

"It was meant to happen and meant to happen this way," Jensen said.

Larissa Marchese, RN, Associated Pediatricians

Larissa Marchese has spent the last six years at Associated Pediatricians, helping children and their families navigate mental health challenges. With nearly 10 years of nursing experience and a passion for compassionate care, she embodies the importance of listening, understanding and guiding families through difficult times.

"I've been a nurse for just under 10 years and started in a hospital," Marchese said. "I found myself at Associated Pediatricians about two years into my nursing career working with kiddos as their mental-health care coordinator."

Her nursing journey began to take shape during her psychiatric rotation as a student.

"As a nursing student in clinics, I loved my psychiatric rotation and always wanted to help people in that capacity," Marchese said.

Marchese continues to expand her knowledge and skills to serve her patients. Now pursuing a graduate degree in psychiatric nursing at the University of St. Francis, the registered nurse has fully embraced her calling in the mental-health field.

"I have found myself with the privilege of being able to help kiddos and their families," Marchese said. "I always knew I wanted to do something in the mental health wheelhouse but wasn't exactly sure what."

Marchese, who was selected as a top nurse in the Region by peer review, values the supportive environment at Associated Pediatricians, where mentorship and resources help nurses thrive.

"It's a lot of self-led education, but there are lots of mentors who provide ample resources," Marchese said. "I love all the people I work with, and we have a great team."

Kimberly Minich, a nurse practitioner at Associated Pediatricians, has worked with Marchese for two years.

"Larissa is a wonderful nurse with unsurpassed compassion," Minich said. "She is a champion for mental health in our community and puts her whole heart into her work. We are blessed to have Larissa working with our patients."

As a behavioral health coordinator at the office, Marchese's typical day includes helping connect families with resources and scheduling appointments.

"You don't always know if you've made a difference with families walking with their kiddos through really hard mental health moments, but later they've thanked me for listening," Marchese said. "Sometimes it's hard to know if you're helping or not because of the nature of my job."

A recent partnership with Purdue University Northwest highlights her proactive approach to mental health care. Through a grant-funded project, she now offers free stress screening surveys to parents and families, helping identify symptoms of stress and teaching mindfulness techniques to promote emotional regulation.

Outside of work, Marchese prioritizes balance and mindfulness in her own life.

"I love to recharge with my two kiddos by spending time together at the park or taking a walk," Marchese said. "It's so important to be present in the moment with them."

Marchese's career is defined by her heart for mental health. Through her dedication to supporting children and families, she continues to make a meaningful impact in even the most challenging moments.

Valentine Sanchez, RN, BSN, Methodist Hospitals

After stepping off the elevator, registered nurse Valentine Sanchez always has a plan -- warm up the unit, greet those he sees, do a little research and get a few jokes in.

"I assess the night shift, see how their shift went and adapt," he said. "After this, I put my game face on."

Sanchez, 44, who has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Indiana University Northwest, is highly regarded at Methodist Hospitals for going above and beyond to support his colleagues and the larger team. He was chosen as a top nurse in the Region by peer review.

"He steps in to help whenever there is a gap in the schedule, ensuring that patient care is never compromised," colleague Brad Lukas said in his nomination. "He also takes the time to mentor and educate new nurses, helping them build confidence and skills."

As a float pool nurse, he works in several areas at Methodist's Northlake and Southlake campuses.

"This is a job that cannot be done alone," Sanchez said. "I understand the importance of teamwork and the impact that it has on providing great care. If the team is strong and in harmony, quality patient care will be the end result."

The minute he enters each patient room, he says he understands that establishing trust is a top priority.

"I have to prove to them that this total stranger is fully capable of taking care of them," Sanchez said. "I have to display my professionalism, respect and tact all while trying to make a connection -- the perfect nursing formula to provide quality care."

He sees every interaction, no matter how small, as a chance to strengthen the hospital community and boost morale.

"Throughout the day, I try to bring the whole hospital together with positive energy, from doctors and nurses to housekeeping and kitchen staff," he said.

An employee of Methodist Hospitals for 11 years, Sanchez began working in the medical-surgical unit before moving to an intermediate care unit, where he treated patients who needed a higher level of care. He became a permanent charge nurse in the COVID unit before joining the resource/float pool at both campuses.

"Compassionate care means listening to your patient, displaying empathy and realistically fulfilling their needs, while at the same time preserving their identity and dignity," Sanchez said.

Tyra Martin, nursing director of medical-surgical services at Methodist Hospitals, says Sanchez is a valuable team member.

"He shows compassion and treats patients with dignity and respect, which shows he embodies Methodist Hospitals' mission," she said.

In the fall, his plans include teaching nursing students. After all, he says, nurses are not only care providers. They are teachers, advocates, listeners, friends and sometimes family.

"I love science and I love people, the interaction, the energy, the relationships," Sanchez said. "As a nurse, you take care of individuals at some of their most vulnerable moments in life, and they trust you to do so. This is a great purpose in life, and I am fulfilling this purpose."

Steve VanWoerden, RN, CRNI, ONC, CBCN, Northwest Cancer Centers

Steve VanWoerden exemplifies the qualities of a nurse.

So says Mike Ziegler, director of Community Relations at Northwest Cancer Centers.

"I never thought I'd be where I am today," said VanWoerden. "I love working with oncology patients. One thing I have learned is how strong they are. I have learned so much about life talking with them. About their kids and grandkids and their careers. Unfortunately, the outcome in this field is usually not good."

He has been working at Northwest Cancer Centers in Crown Point and Michigan City since 2017.

Ziegler notes that patients find VanWoerden "is awesome," and coworkers call him "everyone's work dad."

VanWoerden was chosen as a top nurse in the Region by peer review.

" Steve is a perfect example of the qualities, compassion and care that can be provided by anyone caring for patients with serious health issues," said Ziegler of VanWoerden, a registered nurse, certified registered nurse infusion, oncology nurse certified and certified breast care nurse. "Steve combines decades of nursing experience with the compassion required when working with patients with cancer to ensure the best possible outcomes and experience for both his patients and their loved ones."

VanWoerden started his career as an emergency medical technician in 1988, later enrolled in paramedic school and became a firefighter-paramedic in Crown Point.

"My goal was to be a paramedic forever," he said. "I still wanted to learn more, so I went to nursing school."

VanWoerden earned an associate's degree in nursing from Indiana University Northwest in 1992 and pursued further certifications through self-study. He worked in home health infusion for about 25 years before joining Northwest Cancer Centers after his previous company closed.

A lifelong resident of Crown Point, he met his wife of 32 years in nursing school. They are passionate Chicago Bears fans and attend an away game each year. They aim to visit every NFL stadium and have seen almost half so far. They have three daughters, the eldest of whom is also a nurse.

VanWoerden recalled an unexpected meeting with a patient he cared for as a home health nurse. They ran into each other during his first working days at Northwest Cancer Center, and both were surprised.

"It amazes me what people will go through to live and survive. They are going through the hardest times of their lives. Both the patient and their family. I hope that the small part of their life I am in is making a difference," said Van Woerden.

"I have a drawer full of notes and cards from patients that I keep, which makes me feel like what I do is making a difference."

Laura Walton, RT, RN, NorthShore Health Centers

A long career in nursing for Laura Walton started in a radiology lab, where she was a technologist but hoping for an opportunity to work more closely with patients.

"I was looking for the ability to offer reassurance, comfort and kindness in the midst of a challenging situation and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others," she recalls of her move into nursing.

In the ensuing three decades, she would go on to do just that for a variety of hospitals and health-care providers throughout Northwest Indiana, working in specialties including rehab, neuro stepdown, intensive care, cardiology, surgery and post-anesthesia care. For the last three years, she has been with NorthShore Health Centers, where she is Clinical Operator Manager and Triage Nurse Manager.

"One of the biggest challenges in health care is the barriers that some populations face in trying to get access to quality care," says the registered nurse. "Being able to be the voice for those whose voices normally go unheard is something that I'm able to do in this role at NorthShore."

She does it exceedingly well, according to Nora Hawkins Rios, a Clinical Call Operator at NorthShore, who nominated Walton for this honor after working under her for the last year. Walton was chosen a top nurse in the Region by peer review.

"Old-school nursing" is how Hawkins Rios describes Walton's approach to the job, meaning an innate sense of compassion and concern and professionalism that never goes out of style in nursing no matter how much the health-care environment evolves or changes.

And, she says, Walton has a knack for going above and beyond to get the job done and put patients first, from adjusting her rehab for back surgery around her work schedule to staying well past the end of her shift to make sure messages are returned and paperwork is completed.

"(Laura) makes sure the patients have the best care possible, and she is always so positive and encouraging to both patients and staff," Hawkins Rios notes. "You always hear about angels here on Earth -- she is truly one of them."

For Walton, though, none of this extraordinary. It's just what you do as a nurse. And while she enjoys her off hours, as well - spending time with friends and family in and around her Valparaiso home or just working on one of her stained-glass projects - her true passion remains this calling she answered some 30 years ago.

"I have never lost that feeling or thrill of being a nurse," she explains. "I love being able to help people in their most vulnerable time of need by making an impact or a meaningful difference or even just by educating them and giving them the tools to help themselves. I always try to remember that my patient is someone's friend or family member and that just one small act of kindness can make a big difference in their life."

Kelly Wieser, RN, Methodist Hospitals

For more than 25 years, Kelly Wieser has worked tirelessly on the cardiac intermediate care unit at Methodist Hospitals, embracing the idea that nursing is a marathon, not a sprint -- a career built on steady commitment and compassion.

Wieser's path to becoming a nurse was anything but rushed. She overcame self-doubt with the encouragement of her husband, taking a slow and steady approach to nursing school while raising her children.

"I wanted to be a nurse when I was younger and never thought I was smart enough," Wieser said. "After my husband and I got married, I started nursing school and did it slowly and gradually while raising our kids."

Rooted in compassion, Wieser embraces traditional values in patient care. Her approach goes beyond medical care. She connects with patients, helping them feel heard and understood.

"I'm kind of old-fashioned and try to treat patients just as I would want my family treated," Wieser said. "I truly care about these people and just love my job. I've bonded with patients through the years and like to connect with them in some way."

This deep connection hasn't gone unnoticed. Last year, the registered nurse was shocked to receive the Daisy Award, a prestigious recognition for extraordinary nurses. Now, she has been selected a top nurse in the Region by peer review.

Lyndsay Simpson, a manager at Methodist Hospitals, says Wieser is known for her compassion and professionalism.

"I've had the privilege of knowing and working with Kelly for the past 20 years," said Simpson. "Kelly is truly an asset and serves as an outstanding example for all nurses. Her genuine care for her patients is evident in everything she does, and her commitment to excellence in nursing is both admirable and inspiring."

Despite the recognition, Wieser remains grounded in her belief that true care is simply part of the job.

"I feel like I'm just doing my job, and I take care of people," Wieser said. "To me, it's humbling to receive any recognition."

Wieser's dedication shone during the COVID-19 pandemic, which tested health-care workers.

"I feel like that was my duty to work the COVID units," Wieser said. "That was the most touching thing I've ever done because it was something I chose to do."

Wieser's unwavering dedication is evident in how she goes the distance for her patients.

"Everybody was afraid, and we had to jump right in," Wieser said. "We used to always have a lower patient ratio, and COVID burned out a lot of nurses. But if I had to do it again, I would."

While she acknowledges the pressures hospitals face in balancing financial stability and patient ratios, Wieser remains committed to her role and keeping a strong work-life balance.

"My kids are grown, and it's a little bit easier now," Wieser said. "I'm part-time but am always picking up extra shifts."

At its core, Wieser's career reflects a heart for service. Her passion for nursing continues to inspire her colleagues and touch the lives of her patients, one step at a time.

Nurses: The Heart of Health Care: The judges

Julie Kerns, BSN, MS-Health Informatics, assistant vice president, Patient Care Services, Methodist Hospitals

Julie Kerns has worked at Methodist Hospitals for more than 20 years. Her career at Methodist began as a bedside nurse. She has held multiple positions in the organization including supervisor of Employee Health, Clinical Nurse manager, Oncology Nurse navigator, director of Nursing Quality and Regulatory Compliance and, most recently, assistant vice president of Patient Care Services at the Southlake Campus.

Kerns holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Valparaiso University and a Master of Science in Health Informatics from the University of Illinois Chicago.

Jennifer Philbin, dean of nursing, Ivy Tech Community College

Jennifer Philbin, MSN, RN, received her bachelor's degree from Lewis University in 1996 and her master's from South University in 2009. She has been in academia for more than 15 years in LPN and RN programs in Illinois and Indiana. In her current role as dean of the School of Nursing at Ivy Tech, Philbin has overseen the LPN, RN and LPN to RN educational tracks for the Ivy Tech's Lake County campus for more than five years.

Philbin also has worked in multiple areas in nursing from medical/surgical, hospice, home health and organ procurement. However, her passion remains in the community college to provide quality nursing education to the Region. She also is an ambassador for the National League for Nursing, a nursing education organization.

Andrew Steele, managing editor, The Times of Northwest Indiana

Andrew Steele is managing editor of The Times of Northwest Indiana.

Steele has a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Indiana University and an MBA from Valparaiso University. He joined The Times in 2014 and has served as assistant deputy editor and transportation reporter.

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