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welcome to region 1
SUSSEX, PASSAIC, WARREN, MORRIS
WELCOME MESSAGE FROM THE REGION PRESIDENT
WELCOME MESSAGE FROM THE REGION PRESIDENT
Welcome to our Region 1 webpage
Region 1 is a diversified, highly skilled, professional nursing group that is committed to empowering nurses within New Jersey. We enjoy supporting continuing education endeavors and encouraging student involvement. We participate in various volunteer opportunities throughout the year within our four counties (Morris, Sussex, Warren, and Passaic). Joining our Region is an opportunity to engage with nurse leaders and fellow professionals to expand your nursing knowledge, advocate for policy changes, and foster connections that can lead to collaborative objectives. We are honored to have nurses join our meetings to continue strengthening the nursing profession and creating a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusivity.
*Visit our event calendar monthly to see upcoming events and opportunities to serve and give back to our community. Our meetings are held in each county on a rotating basis. I speak on behalf of our Board of Directors when we welcome your attendance at our meetings.
A little about me:
I am someone who has demonstrated a commitment to both personal and professional development. I started with my Associates in Applied Science in Nursing, attained my Bachelor’s degree, progressed to my Masters in Nursing Education, and finally received the terminal degree of Doctor of Nursing Practice in Systems-level Leadership. I have a history of engaging in research and quality improvement initiatives that focus on maternal health disparities. By analyzing data and outcomes, I have contributed to evidence-based practices that are essential for improving maternal outcomes. I am involved at the national level with the Association of Women’s, Obstetric, and Neonatal Nursing (AWHONN). My work involves being part of national committees, annual convention, educational revisions and reviews, collaborative publications, national maternal initiatives and review of research approvals. I have also participated in the NJ Chapter of AWHONN educational committee and designed webinars and conventions.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family, singing in my church choir, and relaxing with a good book.
I look forward to meeting you at our next Region 1 meeting.
- To God be the Glory.
Dr. Ruth Ochoa DNP, RN, NEA-BC, NPD-BC, RNC-OB
NJSNA Region 1 President 2026-2027
Board of Directors
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- Ruth Ochoa, President
- Karen Kingsley, Past President
- Jodi Rotter, President-elect
- Dan Misa, Secretary
- Leslie DeHerde, Treasurer
- Rebecca Thomlinson, VP for Communications & Social Media Manager
- Naomi Fox, VP for Membership
- Andrea Brassard, Vice President to Congress on Policy & Practice
- Jacqueline A. Tierney, VP for Education
- VACANT - Nominations Committee Chair
- VACANT - Nominations Committee
- VACANT - Nominations Committee

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County Coordinators
- Lauren Krause, Warren County
- Alisia Capone, Passaic County
- [Vacant], Morris County
- [Vacant], Sussex County
MEMBERS BULLETIN
Welcome to our Region 1 webpage
Region 1 is a diversified, highly skilled, professional nursing group that is committed to empowering nurses within New Jersey. We enjoy supporting continuing education endeavors and encouraging student involvement. We participate in various volunteer opportunities throughout the year within our four counties (Morris, Sussex, Warren, and Passaic). Joining our Region is an opportunity to engage with nurse leaders and fellow professionals to expand your nursing knowledge, advocate for policy changes, and foster connections that can lead to collaborative objectives. We are honored to have nurses join our meetings to continue strengthening the nursing profession and creating a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusivity.
*Visit our event calendar monthly to see upcoming events and opportunities to serve and give back to our community. Our meetings are held in each county on a rotating basis. I speak on behalf of our Board of Directors when we welcome your attendance at our meetings.
A little about me:
I am someone who has demonstrated a commitment to both personal and professional development. I started with my Associates in Applied Science in Nursing, attained my Bachelor’s degree, progressed to my Masters in Nursing Education, and finally received the terminal degree of Doctor of Nursing Practice in Systems-level Leadership. I have a history of engaging in research and quality improvement initiatives that focus on maternal health disparities. By analyzing data and outcomes, I have contributed to evidence-based practices that are essential for improving maternal outcomes. I am involved at the national level with the Association of Women’s, Obstetric, and Neonatal Nursing (AWHONN). My work involves being part of national committees, annual convention, educational revisions and reviews, collaborative publications, national maternal initiatives and review of research approvals. I have also participated in the NJ Chapter of AWHONN educational committee and designed webinars and conventions.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family, singing in my church choir, and relaxing with a good book.
I look forward to meeting you at our next Region 1 meeting.
- To God be the Glory.
Dr. Ruth Ochoa DNP, RN, NEA-BC, NPD-BC, RNC-OB
NJSNA Region 1 President 2026-2027
Board of Directors
-
-
- Ruth Ochoa, President
- Karen Kingsley, Past President
- Jodi Rotter, President-elect
- Dan Misa, Secretary
- Leslie DeHerde, Treasurer
- Rebecca Thomlinson, VP for Communications & Social Media Manager
- Naomi Fox, VP for Membership
- Andrea Brassard, Vice President to Congress on Policy & Practice
- Jacqueline A. Tierney, VP for Education
- VACANT - Nominations Committee Chair
- VACANT - Nominations Committee
- VACANT - Nominations Committee

-
County Coordinators
-
- Lauren Krause, Warren County
- Alisia Capone, Passaic County
- [Vacant], Morris County
- [Vacant], Sussex County
Scholarships & Awards
Resources
Continuing Education
Region 1 celebrated our nursing excellence at the Institute for Nursing C.A.R.E.S. Awards Gala held on April 8th, 2021.
Five nurses (Sandra Foley, Cristen Mackwell, Elisa Green, Moira Kendra and Kem Louie) from Region 1 were nominated by their peers and colleagues. Elisa Green won the Clinical Practice award. Kem Louie won the Education Award while Sandy Foley received second honorable mention for Education. It was a great night for our Region. Congratulations to all who were nominated; you represent the best of Region 1.
Region scholarships
Our Region continues to proudly offer and provide assistance to a nursing student by sponsoring the Dr. Foley and Brian Foley scholarship.
Please visit the NJSNA IFN website for more information. NJSNA Region1 Scholarship Information
Social Media Presence
Follow our social media pages for the most up-to-date for our events and news postings. Twitter and Instagram handles are @NJSNARegion1.
Facebook link is as follows: NJSNA REGION 1 FACEBOOK PAGE
Stay tuned...
Upcoming continuing education opportunities will be posted here!
Scholarships & Awards
Region 1 celebrated our nursing excellence at the Institute for Nursing C.A.R.E.S. Awards Gala held on April 8th, 2021.
Five nurses (Sandra Foley, Cristen Mackwell, Elisa Green, Moira Kendra and Kem Louie) from Region 1 were nominated by their peers and colleagues. Elisa Green won the Clinical Practice award. Kem Louie won the Education Award while Sandy Foley received second honorable mention for Education. It was a great night for our Region. Congratulations to all who were nominated; you represent the best of Region 1.
Region scholarships
Our Region continues to proudly offer and provide assistance to a nursing student by sponsoring the Dr. Foley and Brian Foley scholarship.
Please visit the NJSNA IFN website for more information. NJSNA Region1 Scholarship Information
Resources
Social Media Presence
Follow our social media pages for the most up-to-date for our events and news postings. Twitter and Instagram handles are @NJSNARegion1.
Facebook link is as follows: NJSNA REGION 1 FACEBOOK PAGE
ContinuingEducation
Stay tuned...
Upcoming continuing education opportunities will be posted here!
NEWS & UPDATES
View all the most Recent News and Blogs that Region 1 has to offer
NEWS & UPDATES
View all the most Recent News and Blogs that Region 1 has to offer
UPCOMING EVENTS & MEETINGS
Calendar of Events
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2026 BOARD & REGION INSTALLATION ON JANUARY 3, 2026 For more information, email Nina Raoji, Deputy Director at nina@njsna.org. |
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NJSNA Region Presidents Meeting Hybrid @ 9:00am NJSNA Board of Director's Meeting - NJSNA Headquarters Hybrid @ 10:15 am |
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Virtual Event
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Virtual Event
Join Region 1 for our first event of 2026! |
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