Miami-Dade Nurse Practitioners Council Candidates for 2022-2024 Board of Directors
Posted about 2 years ago by Ana Paula Harwood
Thomas Schlepko DNP, APRN, FNP-BC. PMHNP-BC
Vice President Incumbent
Dr. Tom Schlepko, DNP, APRN, is a family and integrative medicine nurse practitioner who works in Miami, FL. In this role, he has spoken on integrative health topics at numerous national and statewide conferences. He earned his Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, achieved post-graduate training in integrative medicine and mind-body medicine, completed the Duke University-Johnson and Johnson Nurse Leadership Fellowship, and completed coursework for his Psychiatric-Mental Health Board Certification.
His other roles include being a faculty member at Barry University and a visiting professor at Chamberlain University. As a researcher, he was a recipient of an AANP grant that assessed fitness in a homeless population and an AANP Research Committee member. Dr. Schlepko is also the co-founder of Health and Wellness Creations which offers health & wellness coaching, integrative health education, and mind-body wellness training. In his downtime, he enjoys spending time with his family and keeping fit.
Director at Large - Incumbent
Dr. Natalie Merino, DNP, APRN, is a high performing, dedicated and highly motivated board-certified Advanced Practice Nurse with a passion for the healthcare industry, with
over 18 years of nursing experience impacting positive organizational
outcomes through evaluating and treating acute and chronic medical
conditions, strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Confident in ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams to solve complex high-stakes problems, com mitted to continuous improvement and contributing to team success.
Spanish speaker with native proficiency.
Laura Albuja, DNP, APRN, FNP-C
Treasurer Incumbent
Dr. Laura Dean Albuja, DNP, APRN, received her Associate in Science of Nursing from Miami Dade College. She then went on to pursue her Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner track from University of Miami and also obtained her Doctor of Nursing Practice from University of Miami. Prior to nursing, Dr. Albuja received her Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and Latin American, Caribbean, and Iberians Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She also received a Master of Science in Elementary Education from the University of Miami.
As a nurse practitioner, Dr. Albuja has experience in maternal child health, currently working in pediatrics in a School Health Initiative. She also worked in an OBGYN practice and mobile pediatric clinic previously. Dr. Albuja currently holds to position of treasure for the Nurse Practitioner Council of Miami-Dade County (NPCMDC). She has assisted in the sustaining the NPCMDC membership and financial spending.