Meet the ​2026-2027
Nominations and Elections Committee

​NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS CO-CHAIR,​​ Riya Binu
Riya Binu is a junior at Long Island University Post School of Nursing, where she is pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and is expected to graduate in May 2027. She currently serves as the NSANYS Nominations and Elections Co-Chair for the 2026–2027 term, following her previous service as Western Regional Director.

In her state leadership role, Riya oversees and mentors Regional Directors, chairs the Nominations and Elections Committee, and manages the full election cycle in accordance with organizational bylaws and parliamentary procedure. She plays an active role at the Annual Convention, directing election operations and supporting scholarship distribution to ensure transparency and equity. 

At the campus level, she serves as Co-Vice President of the LIU Post Student Nurses’ Association, where she helps coordinate programs, strengthen member engagement, and mentor emerging student leaders. She is also a member of the National Student Nurses’ Association (NSNA).

Clinically, Riya completed a Summer Nurse Externship in the Emergency Department at Mercy Hospital, where she supported high-acuity patient care, performed EKGs and blood draws, monitored vital signs, and collaborated closely with interdisciplinary teams. Her clinical rotations in medical–surgical, psychiatric, and public health nursing have strengthened her clinical judgment and commitment to patient advocacy.

Beyond nursing, Riya has a strong foundation in mentorship and community service. She has worked as a tutor at Kumon and as an assistant at TestTakers, guiding students academically while developing communication and leadership skills. 

Passionate about patient-centered, high-acuity care, Riya aspires to pursue a career in neonatal or pediatric intensive care nursing, where she hopes to advocate for critically ill infants and children while supporting families during their most vulnerable moments.

NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS CO-CHAIR, Katie Murtagh​
Katie Murtagh is a junior at Stony Brook University, planning to apply to the School of Nursing. She serves as the NSANYS Nominations and Elections Co-Chair for the 2026–2027 term, following her previous role as Mid-Hudson Regional Director. In her state leadership position, she oversees Regional Directors, chairs the Nominations and Elections Committee, and manages the election cycle in accordance with organizational bylaws and parliamentary procedure, ensuring transparency and professionalism at the Annual Convention.

​On campus, Katie works as a Phlebotomist at Student Health Services, where she performs venipuncture and prioritizes patient-centered care. She also serves as Club Liaison for the Student Blood Donor Committee, supporting campus blood drives and student engagement.

Katie is passionate about nursing as a blend of clinical excellence and meaningful human connection. Outside of her academic and professional pursuits, Katie enjoys staying active, exploring new interests, and engaging in activities that support her personal growth, including running, weightlifting, hiking, and discovering local coffee shops.

METROPOLITAN REGIONAL DIRECTOR, Amaiah Hodges
Amaiah Hodges is a first-year nursing student at Adelphi University who is thrilled to be a part of the NSANYS Board of Directors for the 2026-2027 period. She is set to graduate in May of 2029 with her Bachelor's degree in Nursing and plans to continue her education to become a Midwife. In addition to being the Metropolitan Region Director for NSANYS, she is also a Secondary Event Coordinator for Adelphi University's SNA chapter. Amaiah is deeply passionate about nursing and aspires to make a difference in the world.

Outside of nursing, Amaiah enjoys reading, going on picnics, spending time with friends, and making connections that will last a lifetime. 

Amaiah is beyond grateful for the opportunity of being on the auxiliary board and cannot wait to expand her horizons within the nursing community. 

LONG ISLAND REGIONAL DIRECTOR​, Dahra Monfilston
Dahra Monfilston is a junior nursing student and the newly elected Long Island Regional Director for the 2026–2027 NSANYS Board. As a first-generation college student, Dahra is passionate about leadership, advocacy, and uplifting fellow nursing students. Her journey into nursing was inspired by her early experiences with healthcare, which sparked her desire to care for others and support vulnerable communities.

​Dahra is excited to represent Long Island nursing students, create meaningful connections, and help inspire the next generation of compassionate and confident nurses.

NORTHEAST REGIONAL DIRECTOR​, Kyle Frost
Kyle Frost is a nursing student in the ADN program at Suffolk County Community College and currently serves as the Northeast Regional Director for the Nursing Students Association of New York State (NSANYS). Drawing on his experience as a Nursing Assistant in the ICU at St. Charles Hospital, Kyle has developed a sharp focus on critical thinking and patient advocacy in high-pressure environments while working alongside experienced RNs and Providers. In this environment, Kyle has fallen in love with the critical care space and all that it entails. He plans to continue working in this space as an RN and, one day as a Critical Care Nurse Practitioner. 
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As a member of the Nominations and Elections Committee, he applies these same principles to his leadership, acting as a dedicated resource for school chapters and ensuring the voices of Northeast nursing students are heard at the state level. Kyle is committed to fostering professional growth and increasing regional engagement for the upcoming Annual Convention.

WESTERN REGIONAL DIRECTOR, Gabrielle Cruz

Gabrielle Cruz is a Pre-Nursing freshman at Stony Brook University, where she serves as the Western Regional Director for the 2026–2027 term. She is an active member of the Pre-Nursing Society and participates in faith-based and service organizations including InterVarsity Christian Fellowship and the Global Medical Missions Alliance. She is also a member of Pink Gloves Boxing, a women’s boxing club that promotes female empowerment. Additionally, she is an Undergraduate College Fellow where she is trained to welcome incoming freshmen and serve as a Teaching Assistant for the university’s general seminar course. 
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She holds multiple certifications, including CPR/AED/First Aid through American Red Cross, as well as Green Dot violence prevention, QPR suicide prevention, Narcan administration, and Red Watch Band alcohol poisoning bystander intervention training through her schools Center for Prevention and Outreach. 

Tuesdays and Thursdays are Gabrielle’s favorite days of the week, when she volunteers at the hospital as a Feeding Assistant. While she aspires to one day work in the emergency room, her time taking care of elderly patients has given her a special appreciation for geriatric care and the quiet, deeply personal moments that define compassionate, patient-centered nursing.

Gabrielle believes in stepping outside of her comfort zone and embracing new challenges, even when they feel intimidating, as a pathway to growth- both hers and the communities she is a part of. Given this, she is excited to take on her role during her term with courage and purpose.

CENTRAL REGIONAL DIRECTOR, Matthew Masotti
Matthew Masotti will serve as the Central Regional Director for 2026-2027. He is a senior nursing student at Suffolk County Community College who is enrolled to complete his BSN program at Stony Brook University. Matthew Masotti is the president of the Nursing Club on the Ammerman Campus at Suffolk County Community College. The Nursing Club gets involved in campus actives and in the community through hosting food drives, toy drives, blood drives, and organized events on campus to draw attention to the nursing program. He is also a Nurse Aide at NYU Langone.

Aside from his academic activities, Matthew is an IFBB Professional competitor in the Men’s Physique division. He enjoys maintaining his five day workout routine, running, and meal preparing. He enjoys going to concerts and traveling when he has the time to go away.
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 Matthew has aspirations to work in an ICU to help critically ill patients. His ultimate goal is to continue his education after his BSN and to become a CRNA in the future. He is looking forward to serving as Central Regional Director for NSANYS.

MIDHUDSON REGIONAL DIRECTOR, Kerry Dillon
Kerry Anne Dillon is a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) student at Adelphi University, expected to graduate in December 2026. She currently serves as the Mid-Hudson Regional Director for the Nursing Students’ Association of New York State (NSANYS), where she is committed to strengthening chapter engagement, fostering leadership development, and enhancing communication across the region.

At Adelphi, Kerry serves as Vice President of NSNA Affairs for the Adelphi University Student Nurses Association (AUSNA). In this role, she acts as a liaison between the school chapter and state and national organizations, ensuring active participation in resolutions, governance, and professional development initiatives. She is passionate about mentoring emerging nurse leaders and encouraging student involvement at every level of organized nursing.

Kerry works as a Nursing Assistant in the Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) at Good Samaritan University Hospital, where she has developed a strong foundation in critical care and patient advocacy. Her clinical interests include critical care nursing, evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and leadership development within the profession.
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A dedicated scholar, Kerry maintains a high academic standing and has been recognized for her leadership, service, and professional excellence through multiple scholarships and awards. She is deeply committed to advancing the profession of nursing through advocacy, education, and service, and she looks forward to supporting NSANYS chapters throughout the Mid-Hudson region.

GENESEE VALLEY REGIONAL DIRECTOR, Joel Jacob John
Joel Jacob John is a sophomore nursing student at Long Island University who currently serves as the Genesee Regional Director for the Nursing Students’ Association of New York State. In this role, he advocates for nursing students across the region, working to strengthen communication between schools, increase student involvement, and promote professional development opportunities. He is dedicated to ensuring that student voices are represented at the state level while fostering collaboration and unity among future nurses.

In addition to his regional leadership, Joel serves on his campus Student Nurses’ Association (SNA) board, where he helps coordinate academic workshops, community outreach events, and networking initiatives that prepare students for clinical and professional success. Passionate about health equity and leadership development, he is committed to empowering nursing students to grow into confident, compassionate healthcare professionals. Through his service, Joel strives to leave a meaningful impact on both his campus and the broader nursing community.