The Keynote speaker Dr Farouk Umar Abubakar is the Registrar / CEO, Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, Abuja

Kitson “Kit” Francis has been doing business as Owner, and Executive Director of Family Consult Counseling Service LLC in Huntsville, Alabama since 1999. He has 34 years of experience specializing in individual, couples/marriage, family, and group counseling with a focus on cultural understanding.

He has a Masters’ degree in Social Work, a Ph.D. in Health and Human Services, and a Ph.D. in Psychology. He is a Nationally Certified Forensic Counselor, a Nationally Certified Substance Abuse Counselor, a Licensed Social Worker, a Family and Adult Drug Court Treatment Provider for the Madison County Drug Court Program in Huntsville, Alabama. He is a service provider for the Department of Human Resources (DHR) in Huntsville Alabama, a Domestic Violence Responder with Crisis Services of North Alabama, which included “Ride Along” with Huntsville Police Department. He is a Domestic Violence treatment provider for the Madison Police Department and Madison City Court, Madison Alabama. He is a Conflict Avoidance and Conflict Resolution presenter for the Phoenix Program of the Juvenile Court of Madison County Alabama. He is the Board President of Partnership for a Drug Free Community. He is a Chaplain for the Huntsville Police Department. He has presented nationally at workshops and conferences with the National Association of Forensic Counselors. He taught in the Undergraduate and Graduate Social Work Programs at Alabama A&M University in Huntsville Alabama, as well as the LEAP Program at Oakwood University Huntsville Alabama. He is the Head Elder, member of the Prison Ministry team, member of the Prayer Mnistry team, and Director of the Restoration Recovery Program of the First SDA Church in Huntsville Alabama. He is married to his wonderful wife Marlow Francis for 41 Years, and they have three amazing adult children and four inquisitive energetic grandchildren. He and his wife are the creators and presenters of “Connecting the Dots…Creating a Picture;” a one-day conference for engaged and seriously dating couples, and co-organizers of and presenters at marriage seminars and retreats.

Kathleen Farrell EdD, MSN, BSN, BA, RNC-OB, CCE, NPD-BC, C-EFM

Dr. Farrell is an experienced nurse educator. Academic preparation includes a doctorate degree in Nursing Education from the distinguished Teachers College-Columbia University in New York, graduate degrees in Medical/Surgical Nursing and Midwifery, undergraduate degrees in Nursing, and Psychology. In addition, she has several certifications including Nursing Professional Development, Certified Childbirth Educator, In-Patient Obstetrics, New York State Mandated Reporter Training: Identifying and Reporting Child Abuse and Maltreatment, and TeamSTEPPS Master Trainer. Her work experiences include staff nurse, educator and leadership positions; currently employed as an Associate Director Nursing - Education. Another role that she enjoys is being a professional coach and assisting aspiring nurses, student nurses, and professional nurses with career development. Dr. Farrell is a co-researcher for two published articles.  

Dr. Farrell has a professional passion regarding the development of nurses to achieve excellence in clinical practice. This passion motivated involvement in several initiatives such as presenting educational offerings for undergraduate students in Nigeria, providing faculty development seminars in Nigeria and Ghana, and participating as a consultant during the development of a baccalaureate nursing program at Valley View University in Ghana. Recognizing the need for greater contributions lead her to organize a team of expert nursing and allied health educators the “International Outreach Health Educators.” The team has presented professional nursing conferences in Ghana, Nigeria, Liberia, Kenya, Trinidad & Tobago, and Jamaica. Dr. Farrell appreciates the opportunity to contribute to the nursing profession. She enjoys spending time with her son and daughter, travelling, and reading.

Rev. Lancelot Waldron DMin, MDiv, BS

Rev. Dr. Lancelot Waldron, originally from Georgetown, Guyana, has dedicated his life to education, ministry, and community activism. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Hobart College, he taught in New York City high schools for five years. Feeling called to ministry, he pursued a Master of Divinity at New York Theological Seminary and a Doctorate in Pastoral Ministry from Trinity Theological Seminary. With over 33 years of pastoral experience across various denominations, Dr. Waldron has been deeply involved in spiritual leadership, pastoral care, and community engagement. He served as a Chaplain with the New York State Task Force and founded the Queens Congregations United for Action, which is focused on social justice in Southern Queens. His extensive experience includes preaching, teaching, counseling, mentoring clergy, and promoting interfaith dialogue. Dr. Waldron's work reflects his commitment to faith, education, and community activism, also on making a significant impact through his dedicated service. He is married to Sherrylyn Waldron, they have three children and six granddaughters.

Ms. Veronica Irish-Stanford MS, BS, RN

Ms. Veronica Stanford is a Registered Nurse with over 40 years of nursing experience. She migrated from Trinidad to London to study at Southbank University, London and began her nursing career at Fair Mile Hospital, Wallingford, England. After obtaining her Midwifery Certification from the Queen Mary’s Hospital Maternity School in Kent, England, she practiced midwifery for several years. In order to prepare for an enhanced career with expanded roles and responsibilities, she continued her academic pursuits in the United States. Current academic accomplishments include a Master of Science degree in Health Care Administration from the School of Allied Health Science, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston. In addition, she obtained certifications in Psychiatric, Obstetric and Pediatric/School Nursing. Her work experiences also include clinical, leadership, and educator positions.

Her dedication to nursing, educational achievements, vision focused efforts and competency

 have enabled her to accomplish much and contribute greatly to the profession. She worked with

multi-disciplinary teams in the community to develop and implement initiatives designed to

improve professional and personal quality of life for individuals. Initiatives included strategies

and techniques to inspire students to improve their self-esteem, their learning abilities, and

attain healthy life styles. Additional activities include coaching allied health care providers, coordinating health fairs, planning seminars and conferences for nurses to inspire them to enhance professional growth. Ms. Stanford is the proud mother of four children and numerous grandchildren.

Ms. Stanford is a faithful member of Greater New Hope Baptist Church the President of the Women’s Mission and women’s Sunday school class teacher. Her love for the Lord and willingness to enhance her spiritual growth, she accepted the position of the President of the SDA Senior Women’s Mission and First Vice President of the ABCT Women’s Mission. She gives credit and respect to her deceased mother for introducing her to the word of God, and to God she gives the glory for blessing her with the gifts of caring and sharing and all her accomplishments. Her involvement in the community includes, working with the Dickinson-Bay area NAACP, as the First Vice President, and also other volunteer services. Her favorite scripture is, Matthew 5: 16, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in Heaven “Her favorite song is, “Order My Steps”

Dr. Neil McPherson, MBBS, MS, BSN, CIC

Dr. McPherson was born in Guyana, South America. He developed an interest in the nursing profession and after completing his training began his career in Guyana as a Registered Nurse.

As a Registered Nurse he worked in several specialties such as Medical-Surgical, Emergency, and Psychiatry. Dr. McPherson continued his education and became a Nurse Midwife; because of his dedication and competency he was promoted to a District Midwife in a rural community. His responsibilities included providing prenatal, intrapartum, and postnatal care for mothers and infants. Dr. McPherson had a successful midwifery practice with many deliveries including twins.  

He Earned a BSN in Nursing Education at the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, Jamaica and continued his career as a Nursing Tutor / Educator. He was instrumental in initiating and promoting the teaching and implementation of the Nursing Process in the four Nursing Schools in Guyana. Dr. McPherson also became an Adjunct lecturer in the Department of Health Sciences at the University of Guyana.

Dr. McPherson earned his medical degree (MBBS) at the University of Guyana with special interest in Internal Medicine. He was involved in several medical outreach programs that were sponsored by the Lions club and the Central Islamic Organization of Guyana (CIOG), for which he served as an executive member. He practiced medicine for several years and then migrated to the USA.

Dr. McPherson earned a master’s degree in health education from Kaplan University. He was employed for more than 10 years in healthcare with the City of New York in the departments of Education and Public Health. He did a three-year stint at a Private Hospital in the New York City Metropolitan area in the Department of Microbiology and Infection control.

Dr. McPherson has a Master Herbalist Diploma and a Family Herbalist Certificate. He has the distinction of being one of the original members of the International Outreach Health Educators, and participated in the first conference which was presented in Ghana.

He enjoys reading, being outdoors with nature and quiet time alone.

Lauren Ruglass MBA, BSN, BS, AS

Lauren Ruglass, originally from Silver Springs MD, was born at Washington Adventist Hospital and is a proud product of Christian education. She holds undergraduate degrees in Finance and Communications from Oakwood University, an MBA from Middle Tennessee State University, and a BSN from Belmont University. Currently, Lauren is thriving in her role as a travel nurse.

Her nursing practice extends far beyond her professional duties. Lauren has volunteered her skills in diverse settings, including teaching English in Seoul, South Korea, supporting Vuna International in Kenya, and participating in the Riverside Mega Clinic, a one-day event offering free medical, vision, dental, and preventative care. Additionally, she is a dedicated volunteer at her church's food pantry, where she helps feed community members facing food insecurity.

Lauren attributes her passion for nursing to her parents, both of whom are nurses. She credits them with paving the way for her to become the competent and compassionate nurse she is today.

Sherrylyn Waldron MSN, BSN, BA

Sherrylyn Waldron, a native of Brooklyn, New York, has always had a passion for nursing. After earning her Bachelor of Science degree from SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, her interest in Maternal Child Nursing was sparked by witnessing the birth of her niece. This led her to work as a Labor & Delivery nurse at St. John’s Queens Hospital and subsequently at South Nassau Communities Hospital, providing mothers with a supportive and positive environment during childbirth. Intrigued by the childbirth experience and its connection to the power of God, Sherrylyn pursued and obtained a Master of Science degree with a specialization as a Maternal Child Clinical Nurse Specialist, also from SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University. She became a Maternal Child Nurse Educator at St. John’s Queens Hospital and St. John’s Far Rockaway Hospital. In this role, she contributed to the development of continuing education programs, including those designed to prepare nurses for certification examinations.  Currently, Sherrylyn serves as a school nurse at Baldwin Senior High School, where she continues to impact the lives of students, their families, and staff. She is married, has three children, and six granddaughters. Additionally, Sherrylyn holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in music from Queens College, CUNY. She plays the organ and piano and has directed church choirs.

Marlow Francis, MS, MSN, ARNP, RN

Marlow Francis is a retired Adult Nurse Practitioner. Her nursing career spans over 50 years, which started in Toronto, Canada and culminated in her retirement in Huntsville, Alabama 2017.

Throughout her career she has worked in the following areas and developed an effective level of expertise in: Trauma Intensive Care, Post Anesthetic Care, Kidney Transplant, Post Vascular Surgery, Neurology and Pain Management. She enjoys learning and obtained a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Health Care with an emphasis in Health Promotion, and a Master of Science in Nursing with concentration as an Adult Nurse Practitioner.  Her career also included academia, as a Clinical Instructor for undergraduate nursing students. Her passion for nursing and caring for people has led her to become involved in ongoing humanitarian initiatives, as demonstrated by her service in Kenya, Trinidad and the United States of America.

She considers herself a spiritual prayer warrior and is active in many areas of her church in Huntsville, Alabama. For the past 20 years she and her husband has organized and presented at Marriage Retreats. She is married to her loving husband Kitson Francis for 48 years, and they have three delightful adult children, and four charming teenage   grandchildren.

Raymond S. Edwards is an internationally experienced education, leadership and community empowerment consultant. His passions include innovative education approaches, societal renewal, leadership development and public sector excellence. He is a trained organizational psychologist & international education development expert; also is an executive coach/member of the International Coach Federation (ICF). Dr. Edwards is New York State certified Staff Development Training Specialist, School Administrator, and School District Superintendent. He is a Conflict Resolution trainer; and a featured keynote speaker, author, and ordained minister.

For the past 25 years, his career has blended the worlds of business, education and community development.  As Founding Partner and President of Modern Organization Human Development Center (MOHDC), a New York based education and leadership consultancy (MWBE certified), he advises organizations and leaders on a wide range of services categorized in three main areas—Organization & Leadership Success, Education & Social Change, and Community/Personal Development.

As educator, Dr. Edwards’ experience includes School Board Chair, Asst Principal; Regional Director for a leading national after school provider, and classroom teacher. He has also designed and implemented student support curricula in areas of life skills, leadership, and financial literacy for regular classes, summer camps, and ALC initiatives. He is also founder of Mohdc Smartstart Nature Academy- An NYC contracted Pre-K program that serves depressed inner city neighborhoods.

As leadership consultant he has authored several books/articles; facilitated cabinet retreats, and executive-level work sessions; and has coached leaders from top enterprises and public agencies to NGOs, FBOs, and grassroots entities across the U.S., Caribbean, and England.

Raymond received his Ph.D. in International Education Development (discipline- Organizational Psychology; specialty- Executive Leadership) from Columbia University; his M.Ed. in Educational Administration from Teachers College, his M.A. in Curriculum & Supervision from Andrews University; and his Bachelor’s degree in Theology & Psychology from the University of Southern Caribbean.