Jennifer’s healthcare journey began in New Orleans, Louisiana, where she completed a phlebotomy training program and worked on a mobile blood bank unit, gaining invaluable hands-on experience in patient care and blood collection. Inspired to further her career, she earned her Associate Degree in Nursing from Kaskaskia College and later completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Chamberlain College of Nursing.

She continued her education at Union University in Jackson, Tennessee, where she received her Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization in nurse anesthesia. There, she developed a strong foundation in providing evidence-based nurse anesthesia and patient advocacy. Since becoming a CRNA in 2015, Jennifer has practiced in both collaborative and independent practice settings, consistently demonstrating clinical excellence and a commitment to advancing the profession.

Currently, Jennifer serves as the Assistant Regional Director for 360 Anesthesia in Marion, Illinois, and works at several other locations as a 1099 contractor. She is a passionate advocate for CRNAs practicing to their full scope, especially in independent practice environments.

In addition to her clinical roles, Jennifer is the Region Six Director of the Illinois Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (IANA), chairs the Illinois State Reimbursement Committee, and is an active member of the Government Relations Committee. She is dedicated to advancing policy, reimbursement, and legislative priorities that support nurse anesthetists and the broader healthcare community. Jennifer’s commitment to education and mentorship is reflected in her pursuit of the Nurse Educator Track at MTSA. She encourages ongoing learning and skill development, empowering fellow clinicians to become stronger educators and practitioners. Her career is a testament to lifelong learning, professional advocacy, and a dedication to excellence in nurse anesthesia.

Ms. Klein is a clinical Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) who has practiced in hospital-based and independent private practice settings and currently practices at Kaiser Permanente Panorama City Medical Center in Los Angeles. She graduated from the Kaiser Permanente School of Anesthesia in 2012, receiving the Agatha Hodgins Memorial Award, which recognizes the outstanding graduate nurse anesthetist of the year. Ms. Klein has served as a clinical coordinator for student nurse anesthetists and is on the board of directors of the Kaiser Permanente Nurse Anesthetist Association (KPNAA). Ms. Klein has worked with the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA) on the Standard Setting Panel and as a content expert and question writer for the Continued Professional Certification (CPC) Program. Before becoming a CRNA, she received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Mount St. Mary’s University, where she was awarded the Nursing Spirit Award for conveying a caring and collaborative attitude with patients and students. Ms. Klein was a registered nurse (RN) for four years in the medical and surgical intensive care unit (ICU) at Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center.

Ms. Klein started her career in healthcare as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and then received her paramedic training at the UCLA Center for Prehospital Care in 2000. She was a paramedic for almost ten years in the Fire Department (911/emergency/flight) and critical care transport for UCLA Medical Center. That same year, Ms. Klein graduated cum laude from Loyola Marymount University with a degree in English and Biology.

Thomas is currently an Obstetric CRNA at Williamson Medical Center in Franklin, TN. With 26 years of experience as a CRNA, he primarily practices in an Obstetrics setting, though he also provides coverage in the main OR and at plastic surgery centers. Thomas earned his BSN from Arkansas Tech University in 1992 and an MS from MTSA in 1998. He complete his DNAP degree in 2024.

Throughout his career, Thomas has aspired to specialize in regional anesthesia but was limited by the practice model he worked within. Recognizing the importance of expanding his skills, he pursued specialized training through the Acute Surgical Pain Management Fellowship at MTSA. With this advanced training, Thomas plans to implement a multi-modal protocol for obstetric patients undergoing cesarean sections to enhance pain management and patient outcomes in his practice.

James began his CRNA career by graduating from TCU with an MSNA in 2011. He worked at the only level 1 trauma center in Oklahoma, the University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, which is a large academic facility with approximately 50 CRNAs, 50 anesthesia residents, and 50 attending anesthesiologists. He was able to see most every kind of procedure in his five years there.

He moved on to a CRNA-only group at Bone and Joint at St. Anthony’s in Oklahoma City, where he performed mostly neuraxial and regional anesthetics. It was there he developed a passion for regional and heard about MTSA’s Acute Surgical Pain Management Fellowship. After three years there, James was offered an opportunity in rural Oklahoma at Stillwater Medical Center, an independent practice with two MDAs and 11 CRNAs. He has been at SMC for over four years and is in the process of developing an acute pain service.

With over 15 years of experience in nurse anesthesia, Hewan is a highly skilled Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). She has a robust educational background, including a Master’s in Nurse Anesthesia from Georgetown University, a Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice degree, and an Acute Surgical Pain Management Fellowship completion. She holds multiple state licenses and certifications, including advanced management and global health credentials.

Throughout her career, Hewan has provided anesthesia services across various settings, from general surgery to specialized pain procedures, while also dedicating herself to clinical education. As a business owner and educator, she mentors the next generation of CRNAs, emphasizing regional anesthesia techniques and opioid-sparing analgesia practice. Her professional affiliations and commitment to community service further demonstrate her dedication to advancing the field of nurse anesthesia.