Kari Wheeler, DNP, APRN, CPNP-AC, BMTCN®, CPHON®, CPN, is a pediatric nurse practitioner specializing in adolescent and young adult oncology for the Pediatric Specialists of Virginia within the Inova Schar Cancer Institute. She received her Doctor of Nursing Practice in Acute Care Pediatrics with a certificate of Teaching in Nursing and Health Profession at the University of Maryland’s School of Nursing. Kari has dedicated over ten years of her career to pediatric oncology, and she is passionate about using her skills to improve outcomes for young people facing complex health challenges. Her doctoral work focuses on utilizing electronic patient-reported outcome measures and sharing best practices for assessing and managing treatment side effects, specifically focusing on including the child’s voice in their care. Kari’s expertise is creating a compassionate and supportive environment for AYAs and their families during their healthcare journey. Additionally, she uses her educational background to teach nurses and other medical professionals. 

Not only do I try to be a dedicated practitioner, but I also participate in APHON for the professional experience and connections with pediatric hematology and oncology nurses worldwide. Pediatric hematology and oncology is a challenging field, and having connections with committed nurses who love the job as much as I do is essential! It has been wonderful to form relationships with fellow nurses and discuss the latest EBP or quality improvement projects to advance our field. Participation in APHON has provided educational and professional development to help keep me at the top of my field and encourages me to achieve more as a nurse.

Early in my experience with APHON at the local level, I had the pleasure of serving as the local chapter president for the National Capital Chapter. Running a successful chapter encompassing members from multiple institutions and three different states was a wonderful learning experience, and it taught me how to be an influential leader. After spending three years as their president, I developed a strong passion for working to celebrate the successes of local chapters. I want to guide other local chapters to help achieve their goals, grow, and make the local experience one that APHON members love and enjoy as much as I do!

I obtained a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Kansas School of Nursing in 1998, and a Master of Science from the University of California – San Francisco Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner program in 2010. I have worked in pediatric hematology, oncology, and stem cell transplant as a nurse and nurse practitioner for over 25 years, and am currently working as a research nurse practitioner in pediatric SCT.  I served as the Membership Chair of the San Francisco Bay Area chapter of APHON (BAPHON) from 2014 to 2020, where I continue to serve as a volunteer board member.

Being a part of the APHON community has given me many opportunities over the years to expand my own professional growth and development, and has helped to strengthen my passion for and commitment to my chosen profession. I love attending the annual APHON conference and connecting with nursing colleagues from around the country and increasingly from around the world. I value APHON’s commitment to expanding and promoting the pediatric hematology/oncology nursing profession, as well as the ever-expanding resources that have been developed for nurses, patients, and families. I have long been inspired by the many amazing nursing leaders that have been so influential in fostering APHON’s amazing achievements over the years.

I have been very lucky to be a local chapter board member with a group of enthusiastic nurses who are incredibly dedicated to expanding and strengthening our local APHON chapter. As a Local Chapter Committee Liaison, I am fortunate to serve in a role where I can be a resource in helping to support local chapters in their ongoing successes and achievements.

Local chapters are always looking for dedicated pediatric hematology/oncology nurses who are passionate about their patients, families, and profession to volunteer. I encourage all nurses who are interested in connecting with their colleagues to consider volunteering for your local chapter. You will not regret it!

I have a Bachelor of Science of Microbiology from Auburn University and a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas. I have been a pediatric hematology/oncology nurse for 20 years in various roles- inpatient (bedside), educator, central line, management and quality. With each role, I have gained new (and humbling) knowledge in the hem/onc arena and am still amazed by what else is still out there to know! I have been a member of two APHON local chapter groups and I am currently the Treasurer of the Austin APHON local chapter.

APHON has been a lifeline for education, engagement and collaboration throughout my career. I have been engaged as a member and chemotherapy/biotherapy instructor for over 15 years with APHON and am always looking for different ways to get involved. As a local chapter board member for almost 4 years, I’ve been excited to become a Local Chapter Committee Liaison in hope that I will be able to assist in the growth and support of other local chapters.

Ceci has been a pediatric nurse for over 35 years and has worked in hematology/oncology for the past 30 years. During that time, Ceci held many different roles as an inpatient and outpatient nurse, a transplant coordinator, and a manager. She is currently the director of our cellular therapy program at Children’s Medical Center -Children’s Health. Her role has allowed her to become an advocate and support for her team and the patients in the ever-changing world of healthcare and prior authorizations. She is currently involved in the development of the Gene Therapy Program within the Cellular Immunotherapy Therapeutics Program (CITP). She is also an active member of APHON at both the local and national levels.

APHON provides opportunities for networking, growth, and awareness for Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, and by being involved, I am able to make a difference to grow and learn. Involvement in APHON begins at the Local Chapter Level. The local chapters allow APHON to reach a greater number of Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nurses and associates, expand networking and involvement, and to awareness of the mission of APHON. By being a part of this committee, I am able to support the local chapters outside my area and ensure we continue to grow. 

I am able to make a difference through my involvement at the national level through example, influence, and networking. By being involved at the National Level and in your local chapters, you have many opportunities for growth, education, and networking that will impact your career as a Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nurse. I truly believe APHON will make a difference in your career journey.

My involvement in APHON has allowed me to form relationships with other nurses across the country who truly understand the challenges and joys associated with caring for children and adolescents with cancer and blood disorders. Networking with other APHON members has taught me that no matter how big or small one’s institution is, there are issues and problems at all of them, and there is someone within our membership offering a new approach or a solution. APHON has fostered my professional growth over the years and has helped me build confidence as I have taken on more responsibility.

As a former local chapter co-president, I worked closely with my co-president and our local chapter liaison to divide our very large chapter into two separate chapters. Our liaison was instrumental in navigating that situation and helped us with every step involved in the process. I hope that I can help other chapters improve and succeed.

It has been both an honor and a privilege to serve on the Annual Conference Planning Committee and the Nominating Committee and to hold chair positions on these committees as well. I was especially proud of our ability to pivot from our traditional in-person conference format to a completely virtual format in the face of the pandemic in 2020. Instead of canceling our conference, we found a way to carry on. This would not have been possible without the support of our APHON staff and the willingness of our board, committee members, and our entire membership to think outside the box.

If you are a pediatric hematology/oncology nurse, there is a place for you in APHON! There is no safer space than here with other nurses who really “get” what you do, the challenges you face, and the joy you experience when you make a difference in the lives of your patients and families. APHON can support you in so many ways, and it all starts with your local chapter.

I participate in APHON to stay current in my practice and connect with nurses who are like minded. I have worked in a variety of setting and places in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and the one thing that is consistent are the kinds of people who you find in this field. The most wonderful patients, families and staff can be found in Peds Hem/Onc and I enjoy complimenting my care in all ways possible.

I am a member of the Local Chapter Committee because I have learned a lot being active in my local chapter and would like to resource others so they can build their confidence and local chapters.

Being able to serve members who take care of patients all over the nation is a privilege.

There is always a helping hand whenever your situation seems tough. Caregivers need caring too and I am glad to be able to help.