Meet the Nursing Students' Association of New York's (NSANYS)
2024-2025
Board of Directors
This is the past 2024-2025 board of NSANYS!
2024-2025 Board of Directors
PRESIDENT, Killian Dreisbach
Killian Dreisbach is a senior in the advanced standing program at Farmingdale State College. Holding the esteemed position of NSANYS Co-Vice President for the 2024-2025 term, she exhibits a profound passion for student nursing leadership. She holds the prestigious role of President within Farmingdale's Student Nurses Association, actively mentors peers through the Peer Mentor Program, and holds membership in the Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honors Society. She is scheduled to graduate in December of 2024 and would like to pursue further education to specialize as a holistic nurse practitioner. When Killian isn't immersed in school, she juggles her time between her duties as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and her passions for reading, baking, and crafting. Originally from Idaho, she now calls Montana home with her family, where she thrives amidst nature and eagerly anticipates every adventurous opportunity.With great enthusiasm, she looks forward to leveraging her leadership skills and passion for nursing to serve her term with NSANYS!
CO-VICE PRESIDENT, Jasmine Derbala-Gonzalez
Jasmine is thrilled to serve as the Co-Vice President for the 2024 - 2025 term! She is a sophomore in the traditional BSN program at Long Island University - Brooklyn and is expected to graduate in May 2026. She is also currently the Vice President for LIU’s SNA chapter. Jasmine aspires to be an ICU nurse to later become a CRNA and specialize in pain management! In her free time, she loves to spend time with family and friends and work on her business doing lash extensions! She is grateful to hold this position and hopes to increase the engagement of nursing students not just at the school level but at the state level as well. Jasmine is honored to have this opportunity and looks forward to what is to come this year!
CO-VICE PRESIDENT, Dhiya Binu
Dhiya is a senior nursing student in the Basic Baccalaureate Program at
Stony Brook University’s School of Nursing, with an expected graduation date of May 2025. She is thrilled to be working on the 2024- 2025 NSANYS Board of Directors as the Co-Vice President and is eager to develop relationships with other nursing students throughout the state! She aims to help NSANYS continue to grow and succeed by applying the leadership skills she has acquired. Dhiya is also a member of SBSNA, volunteers at Mercy Medical Center (working in the emergency room, labor and delivery, endoscopy and other nursing units at the hospital), and works for Kumon Tutoring (teaching children from the ages of 3 to 15 in the areas of math and reading). Following graduation, Dhiya is interested in exploring the medical surgical departments including critical care. After gaining knowledge and expertise in the medical area, she is eager to study psychiatry due to its underserved and vulnerable population. Because of the stigma associated with psychology, she has always had a deep enthusiasm for the field. Dhiya is proud to work with her fellow NSANYS board members and is honored to be speaking on behalf of the Stony Brook School of Nursing.
Stony Brook University’s School of Nursing, with an expected graduation date of May 2025. She is thrilled to be working on the 2024- 2025 NSANYS Board of Directors as the Co-Vice President and is eager to develop relationships with other nursing students throughout the state! She aims to help NSANYS continue to grow and succeed by applying the leadership skills she has acquired. Dhiya is also a member of SBSNA, volunteers at Mercy Medical Center (working in the emergency room, labor and delivery, endoscopy and other nursing units at the hospital), and works for Kumon Tutoring (teaching children from the ages of 3 to 15 in the areas of math and reading). Following graduation, Dhiya is interested in exploring the medical surgical departments including critical care. After gaining knowledge and expertise in the medical area, she is eager to study psychiatry due to its underserved and vulnerable population. Because of the stigma associated with psychology, she has always had a deep enthusiasm for the field. Dhiya is proud to work with her fellow NSANYS board members and is honored to be speaking on behalf of the Stony Brook School of Nursing.
SECRETARY , Anna Kulikowski
Anna is a third-year nursing student at the New York University Rory Meyers College of Nursing where she is involved with the student groups for Advocacy and Policy and for Global Health. Anna is passionate about working as a nurse to be there for her patients in difficult times of their lives—whatever that may mean to them— and to be the person they can count on to ensure they receive the care they need and deserve. She is looking forward to pursuing a career in the Operating Room post graduation. Anna has been involved with NSANYS for the past three years and is dedicated to bringing the ample opportunities the organization provides to her fellow students. In addition to her involvement with nursing organizations, Anna is the Team Coordinator for the Partners in Health Engage NYC team. The team organizes local communities and brings together interprofessional individuals toward building a global movement for the right to health.
TREASURER, Natalie Chua
Natalie Chua is excited to serve as the Treasurer for the 2024-2025 term. She is a senior in the inaugural BSN program at Hofstra-Northwell School of Nursing and is expected to graduate in May 2025. She is currently the founding President of Hofstra’s SNA chapter, and has been re-elected to serve her fourth term this fall. Natalie has always had a passion for helping people. On campus she is a mentor to younger nursing students, acts as Captain of the Women’s Club Lacrosse Team, and also creates volunteer opportunities for the entire student population. Additionally, she helps within the IDEALs program which promotes diversity and inclusivity by volunteering. Natalie aspires to be an ICU nurse that specializes in Cardiac Care. Natalie has experience in the medical field as a PCA at North Shore University Hospital and a telemetry technician at NYU Langone Long Island. In her free time, Natalie loves to go surfing, snowboarding, run, and volunteer. Natalie is grateful for this position and hopes to aid new SNA’s in their growth. Natalie is honored to have this opportunity and looks forward to what is to come this year!
COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR, Jiana Babu
Jiana Babu is someone who brings multiple experiences, dedication, and commitment to NSANYS as the Communications Director. She is a first-generation college student, a senior in the Accelerated Bachelors of Nursing Program at Molloy University, expected to graduate in May 2025. Previously, Jiana attended CUNY Hunter College and received a Bachelors in Human Biology. Jiana is also an active member of the Molloy Nursing Student Association. Outside of the academic setting, she spends time at church, participating in several ministries including the music ministry. Jiana has experiences in the medical field, including volunteer experience at NorthWell Health LIJ and work experience at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. She also has experience volunteering in organizations that combat human trafficking; aide in ovarian cancer research; and create arts and crafts programs for children in hospitals. Jiana inspires to be in the labor and delivery specialty in the future and to teach upcoming students, so she is looking forward to her time after her academics to make a difference throughout her future nursing career. For leisure, Jiana loves to watch Korean dramas, find new restaurants to eat, and travel to areas that she has never been to. It is an honor, privilege, and joy for her to serve NSANYS as part of the Board of Directors.
COMMUNITY HEALTH DIRECTOR, Laci Janus
Laci Janus is a third-year nursing student at New York University Rory Meyers College of Nursing in the LEAD Honors Program. Laci hopes to continue her education and eventually become an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN). She has always been passionate about helping others and volunteering and is looking forward to serving as the Community Health Director for the NSANYS 2024-2025 Board of Directors. Currently, Laci is involved in many organizations that help bring smiles and joy to children with cancer and their siblings. She is Co-President of the Nurse Anesthetist and Practitioner Student Interest Group at NYU. She hopes that as the Community Health Director she can inspire other nursing students to volunteer and attend community service events. In her free time, Laci loves to surf, go to the beach, walk her adorable puppy, and, of course, volunteer! If anyone is interested in introducing an organization to NSANYS, please contact Laci. She would love to hear your ideas and discuss how NSANYS can become involved in organizations you are passionate about.
BREAKTHROUGH TO NURSING DIRECTOR, Thomas Loverdi
Thomas Loverdi is a Senior at Stony Brook University’s School of Nursing. He is serving as the Breakthrough to Nursing director for the remainder of the 2024 term. In addition to this role, he is the President of the American Association of Men in Nursing's Stony Brook Chapter. His goal in this position is to connect with leaders of groups typically underrepresented in nursing. He aims to increase public awareness of the daily experiences in nursing and highlight areas of the profession often overlooked by the general population and students. Thomas’ inspiration for becoming a nurse came from his aunt, who was a nurse for 40 years. She worked through multiple public health crises, both domestic and international, and always encouraged him to become a nurse due to the need for men in the field. He is interested in working in all areas of the Intensive Care Unit. This past summer, Thomas had the opportunity to work as a Student Nurse Extern at NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital. His previous experience includes volunteering as therapeutic support for children with special needs and working part-time as a fitness center monitor at Stony Brook.
POLICY AND EDUCATION DIRECTOR, Bethany Kim
Bethany Kim is a third-year nursing student at Hunter-Bellevue School of Nursing, Hunter College, CUNY. Bethany is excited to serve as the Policy and Education Director for the 2024-2025 term. She understands the importance of transparency and representation in policymaking and passing resolutions. On campus, she serves as the Director of Professional Development at the Hunter-Bellevue Student Nurses Association. She works as a research assistant investigating predictors of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine uptake among Asian American college students. As a nurse, she wishes to foster meaningful relationships with patients at a bedside level and advocate for patients, especially immigrants and women of color, who face systemic issues in healthcare. She plans to become a women's health nurse practitioner specializing in fertility and family planning and then pursue a doctorate in nursing practice to help educate the next generation of nursing professionals.
STAT EDITOR, Victoria LoGiudice
Victoria is a junior in the traditional nursing program at Molloy University. She is planning to graduate Molloy in May of 2025 with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and becoming the first registered nurse in her family. Victoria has always had a passion for helping people and enjoyed her science classes in high school. After volunteering at a local hospital and interacting with patients, Victoria knew she wanted to become a nurse. Victoria would like to earn her master's degree, specialize in cardiac care, and work in the ICU. Later on, she hopes to earn her DNP and teach future nursing students. Victoria was the past Regional Director Co-Chair and Midhudson Regional Director for NSANYS. She is currently the Co-Vice President for the Molloy Nursing Student Association and is looking forward to becoming the President of the Molloy Nursing Student Association this upcoming May. Through NSANYS, Victoria strives to guide and support nursing students through nursing school and is committed to being a resource to nursing students across New York State. She is excited to be on the NSANYS Board of Directors for a second term as STAT Editor and looks forward to working with her fellow board members and nursing students!
Co-REGIONAL DIRECTOR CHAIR,
NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS CHAIR,
GENESEE VALLEY REGIONAL DIRECTOR, Christopher Garcia
Chris Garcia is currently a Junior in the Basic Baccalaureate Program at Stony Brook University. He serves as the one of the Nomination and Election Co Chair, as well as Genesee Valley Regional Director for the 2024-2045 NSANYS Board of Directors. He is most excited about being able to organize an election for next year's NSANYS convention and spearheading the process of selecting the winners for awards. Since Chris attended college in the Genesee Valley region, he is happy to be able to work with that region again and represent them for an organization he cares deeply about. Within the time he had already been on the board, he had already appreciated the ability to work alongside other nursing leaders. In addition to being a nursing student, Chris is also an active member of his university's Army Reserves Officer Training Corps. He has been training for four years now to become a commissioned second lieutenant in the United States Army. His training experience in the field, as well as being forced to assume leadership and medical roles has developed an interest in the emergency department. He aspires to work in the ED after he finishes his time as an army nurse. Aside from his experience with the army, Chris has been in pursuit of other experiences related to nursing. This past winter break, he was selected to be an intern at Long Island State Veterans Home in Stony Brook. He described it as “The perfect internship for the level he was at in his nursing education”. He was able to work with the geriatric population, many of which are diagnosed with dementia. This experience has opened many doors for Chris so far and he is eager to see what else is in store for him. Chris looks to be able to obtain some sort of continuing education after he works as a nurse for a few years. He is interested in the administrative side of nursing, in which he thinks that will be the avenue he takes for now. However, he understands that interests change all the time. Before the army experience, he did not see himself pursuing the ED. Chris is also passionate about nutrition advocacy, but at the moment does not see how he would be able to incorporate that into his nursing career. Nevertheless, in an ever expanding career like nursing, he is hopeful that something will come up or he might find something that already exists.
Co-REGIONAL DIRECTOR CHAIR, SCHOLARSHIPS AND AWARDS CHAIR, LONG ISLAND REGIONAL DIRECTOR, Jillian Radesca
Jillian Radesca is currently a Junior in the Basic Baccalaureate Program at Stony Brook University School of Nursing. She is excited to serve as the Long Island Regional Director and the Regional Directors Co-Chair, Nominations/Elections Chair, and Awards/Scholarships Chair on the 2024-2025 NSANYS Board of Directors. Her goal is to make connections with the other nursing schools on Long Island and become involved with NSNA on a greater level. Jillian is already heavily involved as the Second Vice President of the Stony Brook Student Nurses’ Association.
Jillian’s interest in becoming a nurse began when she was four and her mother went back to college to become a nurse. Her understanding as to what a nurse is was very limited, but her mother’s love for her education and passion when she began working in the field inspired Jillian to do the same. Jillian obtained her EMT certification her senior year of high school, and she worked as an EMT throughout her gap year between high school and college. She was the Camp Medical Director and Camp EMT at a summer camp for two summers, and volunteered at an emergency ambulance company for one year. Her experience with EMS further developed her passion for working in the medical field only grew, and she views it as an honor and privilege to have the opportunity to help people when they are most vulnerable in perhaps some of the worst days of their lives.
Jillian no longer volunteers as an EMT in order to dedicate more time to her education and leadership positions, but she is extremely grateful for the experiences she has and the people she has had the fortune of working with. Since then, Jillian has had the opportunity to be an intern at the Long Island State Veterans’ Home over the past winter break, and she was recently selected for the Northwell Health Summer Nurse Extern Program at South Shore University Hospital. Jillian plans to pursue a position in the Emergency Department or Intensive Care Unit when she graduates in 2025, and she hopes to obtain her NP and DNP in the future.
Outside of her education, Jillian partakes in her hobby of bodybuilding. Health, balance and overall well-being are central in her life. She also enjoys taking care of her pets and houseplants, cooking, and hiking.
Jillian’s interest in becoming a nurse began when she was four and her mother went back to college to become a nurse. Her understanding as to what a nurse is was very limited, but her mother’s love for her education and passion when she began working in the field inspired Jillian to do the same. Jillian obtained her EMT certification her senior year of high school, and she worked as an EMT throughout her gap year between high school and college. She was the Camp Medical Director and Camp EMT at a summer camp for two summers, and volunteered at an emergency ambulance company for one year. Her experience with EMS further developed her passion for working in the medical field only grew, and she views it as an honor and privilege to have the opportunity to help people when they are most vulnerable in perhaps some of the worst days of their lives.
Jillian no longer volunteers as an EMT in order to dedicate more time to her education and leadership positions, but she is extremely grateful for the experiences she has and the people she has had the fortune of working with. Since then, Jillian has had the opportunity to be an intern at the Long Island State Veterans’ Home over the past winter break, and she was recently selected for the Northwell Health Summer Nurse Extern Program at South Shore University Hospital. Jillian plans to pursue a position in the Emergency Department or Intensive Care Unit when she graduates in 2025, and she hopes to obtain her NP and DNP in the future.
Outside of her education, Jillian partakes in her hobby of bodybuilding. Health, balance and overall well-being are central in her life. She also enjoys taking care of her pets and houseplants, cooking, and hiking.
