Alumni Updates
Catching up with UF College of Nursing alumni.
Dr. Rose Sherman (BSN 1976) retired from Florida Atlantic University in May and received emeritus status. Her book, The Nurse Leader Coach: Become the Boss No One Wants to Leave, was published in February. She continues to serve as a leadership and development coach. She is also working with Case Western as an adjunct faculty in the Leadership Academy.
Jessica Burke (BSN 2010) is a nurse practitioner working in the Henry Ford Health System. She recently moved to Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan.
Neil McFarlane (BSN 1994, MSN 1999) was named chief executive officer of Adamas Pharmaceuticals in September. Adamas is a pharmaceutical company pioneering time-dependent medicines for central nervous system disorders.
Judy Silverman (BSN 1975) recently retired from Northside Hospital in Atlanta, where she worked in the NICU.
Rachel Heidgerd (BSN 2004, DNP 2018) recently moved to Atlanta, where she works with OrthoAtlanta.
Tracie Salber (BSN 1991) recently started working part time with the University of Florida Volusia County Child Protective Team as an APRN clinical coordinator III. She will transition to full-time with UF later this fall.
Joseph Bertulfo (BSN 1993) recently accepted the role of acting director of the Occupational Health and Safety Office (OHSO) for the Centers for Disease Control’s Office of Safety, Security and Asset Management.
Carolyn (Cooper) Hames (BSN 1969, MSN 1971) recently retired from the University of Rhode Island, where she was honored for 45 years of service. She taught nursing, coordinated the thanatology minor, and was associate director of the University Honors Program. As professor emeritus, she continues to teach honors thanatology courses and volunteer her time at FRIENDSWAY.org, a bereavement center for children that she co-founded in 2000.
Melanie Brown-Woofter (BSN 1987) was appointed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to the Opioid Task Force. Brown-Woofter is the president and CEO of Florida Behavioral Health Association, the state’s largest trade association representing community behavioral health providers with a united voice. She is a former program administrator for the Agency for Health Care Administration.
Tonja Hartjes (BSN 1988, DNP 2011) retired from the University of Florida College of Nursing after many years of leadership and clinical precepting in the DNP program, followed by six years as clinical associate professor.
Ann Horgas, Department of Biobehavioral Nursing Science Chair and Tonja Hartjes at a retirement luncheon held August 2nd.
