LEAP

Program Description

The Heart Rhythm Society (HRS) is pleased to offer the Leadership and Education for Allied Professionals (LEAP) program.

The Heart Rhythm Society is the leading membership society and the voice for the electrophysiology ecosystem. HRS boasts more than 9,000 heart rhythm care professionals in more than 90 countries.

Allied Professionals provide essential services that promote health, prevent diseases, and deliver health care services to individuals, families, and communities alike. The healthcare industry is demonstrating high growth rates in both developing and developed regions around the world. As the healthcare industry evolves, today’s best practices will continue to change drastically. That’s why allied professionals must regularly expand their knowledge and skills – which means continuous education is not a passive option but an absolute necessity for any allied professional who wants to provide high-quality patient care.

The Leadership and Education for Allied Professionals (LEAP) offers HRS allied professional members an opportunity to enhance and revitalize their leadership and career development skills through education, coaching, and building professional networks. The purpose of LEAP is to provide the knowledge and skills needed to augment the path to leadership within HRS and academic or private practice medicine. Topics covered will range from strategic communication skills, and negotiation practices to address management issues, and conflict resolution skills. LEAP offers a safe environment to forge long-lasting collegial relationships, exchange information and elevate best practices.

LEAP touches on the opportunities and challenges that allied professionals face in their heart rhythm career and allows participants to employ effective, collaborative methods of leadership within their organizations and HRS. Participants will focus on developing their leadership skills and personal influence as well as explore strategies for goal development and advancement strategies. As the leading organization for EP leaders, the value of being a part of this career shaping experience is unparalleled. The LEAP program is open to residents of the US and Canada.

Carrie Harvey, MSN, PhD, ACNP will serve as the 2025-2026 LEAP Chair and Erica Zado, PAC, FHRS will serve as Vice Chair.

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Program Eligibility & Commitment

LEAP is open to all HRS allied professional members. LEAP will be delivered as a one-year program that includes webinars, face-to-face networking opportunities, and educational sessions. Successful completion of the program is determined by participants attending all required events outlined below.

The 2026-2027 LEAP Class Schedule

April 24, 2026: Reception at Heart Rhythm 2026 (travel expenses to the annual meeting and annual meeting registration fees not covered by HRS).
Summer 2026: Online Meet-Up/Webinar.
September 17-18, 2026: Leadership Retreat at HRX in Atlanta, GA (expenses covered by HRS).
October 2026: Webinar
November 2026: Webinar.
January 2027: Webinar
February 2027: Leadership Retreat (expenses covered by HRS).
March 2027: Webinar.
April 2027: Reception at Heart Rhythm 2027 (travel expenses to the annual meeting and annual meeting registration fees not covered by HRS).

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Applications

Successful candidates must have the potential and desire to invest time and energy into developing their leadership skills. The program will require an investment from the individual and support from their organization. Only applicants who are available to attend each in-person and virtual event will be considered. The LEAP Chair and Vice-Chair will review all eligible candidates and select up to 20 participants. HRS reserves the right to decline application(s) based on its sole and absolute discretion.

Completed applications will include:

A completed online application.
A completed personal statement, which includes leadership experience in organized medicine and/or the community, and a 250-750 word written personal statement describing your healthcare passions and leadership goals..
One letter of recommendation from a colleague (ie. Peer, Fellow physician, division chief).
A current CV.

Note: Each of the requirements above must be included/uploaded with the online application. The system will not accept an application without the required files. Please do not email any materials directly.

LEAP Class of 2027

Erica Zado
Chair
Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania

James O'Hara
Vice Chair
Virginia Heart

Christopher Bell
Baptist Health

Amanda Breuer
University of Wisconsin

Synquincity Kurin Birth Brooks, DSC, PAC

Synquincity Kurin Birth Brooks
Durham VA Medical Center

Megan Christie
Wellspan Health

Nurten Fidan
Valley Health System

Daniel Gensler
Mercy Medical Group

Rebecca Ginsburg
Brown University Health

Nirmeen Haniss-Youssef
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

Ellie Brosofsky Hoffer
Brigham and Women's Cardiology at Care New England

Karen Lucas
Penn Presbyterian Medical Center

Sarah Mitchell
Kansas City Heart Rhythm Institute

Tunisia Monroe
Cape Fear Valley Hospital

Vernell O’Hare
Ascension Texas Cardiovascular

Terry Osei
Cedars Sinai Hospital

Ophebia "Phoebe" Pegues
The Heart Hospital - Dallas

Evan Robertson
Sanger Heart and Vascular Institute

Jessica Smukler
Albert Einstein Medical Center

Jenna Torgeson
University of Wisconsin

Daniel Valcicak
VHC Health

Nadine Wlasiuk
UCSF Health

LEAP Class of 2027

Erica Zado
Chair
Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania

Christopher Bell
Baptist Health

Amanda Breuer
University of Wisconsin

Synquincity Kurin Birth Brooks
Durham VA Medical Center

Megan Christie
Wellspan Health

Nurten Fidan
Valley Health System

Daniel Gensler
Mercy Medical Group

Rebecca Ginsburg
Brown University Health

Nirmeen Haniss-Youssef
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

Ellie Brosofsky Hoffer
Brigham and Women's Cardiology at Care New England

Karen Lucas
Penn Presbyterian Medical Center

Sarah Mitchell
Kansas City Heart Rhythm Institute

Tunisia Monroe
Cape Fear Valley Hospital

James O'Hara
Virginia Heart

Vernell O’Hare
Ascension Texas Cardiovascular

Terry Osei
Cedars Sinai Hospital

Ophebia "Phoebe" Pegues
The Heart Hospital - Dallas

Evan Robertson
Sanger Heart and Vascular Institute

Jessica Smukler
Albert Einstein Medical Center

Jenna Torgeson
University of Wisconsin

Daniel Valcicak
VHC Health

Nadine Wlasiuk
UCSF Health

Previous Years

LEAP Class of 2026

Ashley Arnold Brown University Health/Lifespan	Ashley Blye Vanderbilt University Medical Center	Caitlin Brateng Children's Hospital Colorado	Brian Butkus Aspirus St. Lukes
Nadine Channaoui Mass General Brigham	Courtney Channels INOVA	Ashley Clouden New York-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital	Kristie Coleman Lenox Hill Hospital
Melanie Durham Texas Heart Hospital Provider Group (Baylor Heart and Vascular Hospital)	Laura Flynn Valley Medical Group Electrophysiology	Nancy Lee Prairie Cardiovascular	Beth Loessin OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital
Jenna Lowndes Nebraska Medicine	Tim McGranahan VCU Health	Tamara Meyers Laplace Mayo Clinic	Kimberly O'Donogue Abbott Medical
Aimee M Stefanski Yale New Haven Health System	Amy Tucker Atrium Health's Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute	Brittany Tucker Cleveland Clinic	Nicole Wagner St George Regional Hospital

LEAP Class of 2025

Laura J. Andreychuk Sault Area Hospital	Erin Anthony Montefiore Medical Center	Kelly M. Bergen CaroMont Heart & Vascular	Caitlin Booze Catholic Medical Center
Faith A. Cordle Saint Lukes Cardiovascular Consultants	Uloma Ijomah White Plains Hospital	Jesse-Lee Lavoie Cardiac RMS	Mary Leier Cedars Sinai Heart Institute
Joanne Medie Loma Linda University Health	Alanna Miller Penn Presbyterian Medical Center	Audrey Nicholson Baylor Scott & White Health	Tristan Pendergrass Harding University
Hieu Thi Tieu Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center	Julie Mary Thomas North Shore University Hospital-Northwell Health	Jamie Treskot Lehigh Valley Heart and Vascular Institute	Brianna Wolfe Georgia Arrhythmia Consultants & Research Institute
Anca Ruta Valley Health System Ridgewood NJ	Ashley Sears Vanderbilt Heart and Vascular Institute	Amanda C. Sowell Atrium Health, Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute	Yekaterina Spivak Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

LEAP Class of 2024

Tiffany Andrade German Brigham and Women's Hospital	Sarah Benak Mayo Clinic	Sirena Bridges Centennial Heart	Erin Gillen Hudson Valley Heart Center
Sabina Hadziabdulahovic Cedars-Sinai	Jamie Harris Boston Children's Hospital	Jamie Howard AZ	Heidi Huber UCHealth-University of Colorado Hospital
Megan Labreck OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital	Javed Legacy	Catherine Marshall> Brooke Army Medical Center	Renny Mullins Carient Heart and Vascular
Madeleine Oster Stanford Healthcare	Rachel Schreier Vanderbilt Heart and Vascular Institute	Lauren Sell Children's Hospital of Orange County	Tracey Shannon Westchester Medical Center
Anna Streeter University Of Virginia Health System	Jeromane Tenido-Ng The Valley Health System	Deepthy Varghese Northside Hospital	Rebecca Yapejian Lifespan Health

LEAP Class of 2023

Aimee L. Bollentin, MSN, ACNP	Melissa R. Brown, PAC, FHRS, CCDS	Madison Hawkins, PAC	Amy Kleinhans, DNP, NP, FHRS, CEPS, CCDS
Aimee Lee, ACNP, CNS, CCDS	Hyun Joo Lee, MBA, CCDS	Jennifer J. Miller, DNP, ACNP	Nathan Miller, BSN, RN
Jessica Mullenix, ANP, CEPS	Emily E. Murtagh, BS, CVT, CEPS, CCDS	Andrea Robinson, MSN, ACNP	Lisa Roelle, PAC
Lauren Ashley Rousseau, PAC, CCDS	Monica Sanchez, DNP, FNP	Gerilynn M. Schott, ACNP	Linda J. Schwartz, BSN, RN, CCDS
Nyree Sencion-Akhtar, DNP, MSN	Christopher J. Sipala, MSN, CRNP, FHRS, CCDS	Jessica Annmarie Smith, CCT, CRAT	Anthony Trela, MSN, CPNP, RN, FHRS, CCDS

LEAP Class of 2022

Brynn Dechert-Crooks, MSN, RN, CPNP, FHRS University of Michigan Mott Children’s Hospital	Erin E. Flatley, BSN, MSN, NP University of California San Francisco	Jacqueline Forman, MSN, CNS, RN St. Paul’s Hospital	Dana Goldense, MS, PAC, CCDS Tufts Medical Center
Megan W. Herrington, PA-C Cape Fear Heart Associates	Lyle W. Larson, PhD, PAC University of Washington	Kathy A. Loveless, ACNP, CEPS, CCDS Ascension WI	Christina L. Magnelli-Reyes, BSN, RN Cleveland Clinic
Annie (Shelly) Michele Chancey, ADN, RN, CCDS Alabama Cardiovascular Group	Melissa E. Middeldorp, PhD University of Adelaide	Yolanda Huertas Nixon, MBA, MSN, CRNP Einstein Healhtcare Network	James O'Hara, PAC, RCIS, RCVT Virginia Heart/Inova
Monica Pammer Austin, PAC Institution	Tara Parham, MSN, AGACNP-BC Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania	Carissa Rose Pistilli, MSN The Valley Hospital	Stacy M. Poe, BSN, MS, MSN, ANP Cleveland Clinic
Mark Ryan, BSN, RN Sutter Santa Rosa Reginal Hospital	Marie Shaner, MHS, PAC Penn State Children’s Hospital	Stephanie Yoakum, NP UC San Diego

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LEAP 2023 Fall Huddle

In the midst of the HRX 2023 conference, a select group of allied professionals convened for the LEAP Fall Huddle. This gathering marked the second in-person meeting of the 2023-2024 Leadership and Education for Allied Professionals (LEAP) Program, an initiative dedicated to empowering professionals to take charge of their careers and become trailblazers in their respective fields.

For many healthcare professionals, the transition from clinical training to effective leadership can be challenging. The LEAP Fall Huddle was purpose-built to bridge this gap. It served as a beacon of inspiration, guiding participants toward unlocking their leadership potential.

Turning Personal Style into Workplace Performance

The day began with an engaging session led by the accomplished Betty Parker. In the world of leadership, self-awareness is the compass that guides us towards effective connections and high performance. Betty asked a simple yet profound question: What's your style? Participants delved into the depths of self-discovery, peeling back layers to reveal their unique qualities and habits.

This introspective journey was not just about identifying strengths but also acknowledging areas for improvement. It was an exploration of how personal style can be harnessed to enhance workplace performance. The interactive session encouraged attendees to take ownership of their leadership journey. Armed with newfound insights, they left with a clear roadmap to becoming leaders their teams would rally behind and appreciate. The message was clear: self-awareness is the cornerstone of effective leadership.

The Goals Session Pt II: Elevating Aspirations Together

In the afternoon, the LEAP cohort reconvened for the much-anticipated Goals Session Pt II. Building on the foundation laid at the Leadership Retreat in July, participants embarked on a deeper exploration of goal-setting and achievement. But what made this session truly exceptional was the power of collaboration. Attendees had the unique opportunity to share their goals with peers, inviting valuable feedback and fresh perspectives.

It was a collective effort to refine plans, shape the road ahead, and elevate each other's aspirations. In this environment of mutual support and shared ambition, the magic of progress happened. Goals that once seemed distant came into focus. Plans that felt overwhelming now appeared manageable. The journey to achievement became a shared experience, where everyone propelled each other forward.

The LEAP Journey

The LEAP Fall Huddle at HRX 2023 was a snapshot of a remarkable program that equips allied professionals with the skills and insights needed to excel in leadership roles. It's a journey of self-discovery, collaboration, and transformation. The rich curriculum, engaging sessions, and the spirit of camaraderie left participants inspired and equipped with practical leadership principles to tackle real-world challenges. And this is just the beginning.

The LEAP Program continues to empower allied professionals, offering them a path to leadership within HRS and beyond. It's a journey of growth, self-awareness, and making a lasting impact in the world of heart rhythm disorders. As the LEAP community grows, so does the opportunity for professionals to unlock their leadership potential. The LEAP Fall Huddle was just one chapter in this incredible journey, and many more await those who are ready to take the leap.

Special Thanks to Our Valued Sponsor,

Your unwavering support has been instrumental in making this experience exceptional for our LEAP cohort. We deeply appreciate your commitment to advancing the field and empowering allied professionals.

Cultivating Leadership Excellence: Highlights from the 2023 LEAP Retreat

Paving the way for transformative change, the 2023 LEAP Leadership Retreat, allowed attendees to embark on a journey of comprehensive leadership training, and explore the art of idea development through TED-Ed workshops, the science of negotiation mastery, and insights into fostering effective collaboration with industry partners. This immersive 1.5-day retreat, designed to equip participants with invaluable skills and knowledge, offered unparalleled avenues for growth, networking, and personal development. Let's take a look back at the expertly curated agenda and invigorating sessions that defined the essence of this year's LEAP Leadership retreat.

Nestled within the prestigious Mayflower Hotel in the heart of Washington DC, this year’s retreat commenced with a welcoming lunch and LEAP Icebreakers, where the cohort shared a bit about themselves and what they hoped to get out of the retreat and this program year. This set the stage for engaging interactions and meaningful connections.

The retreat kicked off with TED-Ed's Idea Development Workshop. This captivating and interactive session empowered participants to harness the power of effective idea communication. Guided by the renowned strategies of TED, attendees embarked on a journey to transform their experiences, values, and lessons into resonating ideas. Throughout the 2.5-hour workshop, TED-Ed facilitators, Bobby Nweke and Jason Patience provided invaluable feedback to refine the clarity, specificity, and focus of participants' ideas.

Leadership coach, Ruth Reiner, captivated the cohort with an illuminating session titled "Leadership and Personality." Within this discourse, attendees delved into the dynamics between self-perception and the perceptions of others. At the heart of this exploration lay the Hogan personality assessment, which cast a revealing light on the behaviors and skills that emerge during moments of success and stress alike. Armed with these newfound insights, participants now possess a compass that guides them toward making well-informed choices in professional contexts.

Empowerment took center stage as LEAP chair, Julie B. Shea, MS, MSN, FHRS, CCDS and vice chair, Aileen M. Ferrick, PhD, ACNP, RN, FHRS, led a session on the art of goal setting. This introductory session on goal setting laid the foundation for this transformative journey. Participants explored the significance of setting clear objectives, understanding the psychology behind successful goal attainment, and learning practical strategies to overcome obstacles along the way.

Following the goals session, negotiation expert Tanya Menon led participants through the intricate art of negotiation. Attendees delved into the dynamics of negotiation, from meticulous preparation to adeptly overcoming obstacles. Tanya's expertise empowered participants to navigate negotiations with newfound confidence, fostering an atmosphere of collaboration that leads to mutual success.

LEAP's Sponsor Medtronic hosted two sessions, the first a fireside chat that illuminated the evolution of implantable cardiac monitoring, shedding light on its transformative impact on patient care. This candid conversation connected the dots between innovation, leadership, and real-world impact, leaving participants both enlightened and inspired. The next session “Practicing to the Highest of Your Licensure" ignited conversations about the vital role allied healthcare professionals play in the realm of cardiac care. This compelling session underscored the significance of allied health professionals embracing the full spectrum of their licensure. The result? Enhanced patient experiences, a culture of collaboration, and boundless opportunities for personal and professional growth.

As the retreat closed out, attendees came together for a final session titled "Top Gun – How to Bring Your Best and Prevent Your Worst." Dr. Sam Sears' insights illuminated strategies for maintaining well-being while navigating the demands of cardiac care. This reflection on self-care and excellence provided a fitting conclusion to an enriching journey of growth.

The LEAP Leadership Retreat 2023 was more than an event; it was an invitation to embrace one's full potential. Participants departed with a wealth of knowledge, a network of invaluable connections, and a renewed vigor to lead with impact. Armed with insights, skills, and a shared commitment to excellence, these professionals are now poised to embark on a remarkable journey, ready to #LEAPforward and shape the future of leadership in their fields.