Dr. Jannise T. Baclig, PhD, RN, assumed the role of Clinical Associate Professor at the Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science in 2021. She serves as a Co-Director of Nursing Leadership Programs. With a rich 20-year nursing career, Dr. Baclig has occupied diverse professional roles and leadership positions within nursing. 

Her extensive healthcare background encompasses Pediatric Orthopedics/Surgical/Rehabilitation bedside nursing, clinical and staff education, and the formulation and execution of recruitment, retention, and workforce solutions programs. Her scholarly work focuses on the Magnet Recognition Program® and its impact on nurses at all levels. Dr. Baclig is a first-generation college student deeply committed to advancing clinical professional excellence across the clinician life cycle. Her enthusiasm for lifelong learning is evident as she collaborates with academic colleagues, thought leaders and nursing students to foster a safer, healthier, and happier healthcare community.

Grace M. Carcich, EdD, MSN, RN, NPD-BC, is an accomplished nursing leader and educator with extensive experience in professional development, clinical education, and healthcare system leadership. She currently serves as Corporate Director of Education for Prime Healthcare, where she oversees educational strategy and workforce development across 50+ hospitals nationwide, leading a team of over 100 educators. Dr. Carcich has pioneered innovative learning solutions, including the development of a virtual learning platform to enhance staff competency, regulatory compliance, and professional growth.

Her career spans roles in academia and clinical practice, including faculty appointments and leadership positions in hospital education departments. She has contributed to nursing research, curriculum development, and national presentations, with a strong focus on advancing evidence-based practice and interdisciplinary collaboration. Recognized for excellence in education and mentorship, Dr. Carcich remains dedicated to shaping the future of nursing through leadership, innovation, and lifelong learning.

Heather Davis, MSN, RN, PCCN, SCRN, is a registered nurse with over 14 years of
experience across multiple settings. She currently serves as an Advanced Practice
Specialist at UC San Diego Health, supporting a neuro-surgical progressive care unit,
where she leads education, quality improvement initiatives, and staff development to
enhance patient outcomes and regulatory readiness. Heather has a strong background
in interdisciplinary collaboration, evidence-based practice, and mentoring nursing staff.
She is currently pursuing a PhD in Nursing at the University of San Diego, with a focus
on improving patient-centered care and clinical processes.

Dr. Bob Gahol, Colonel, US Army (Retired)
DHA, MBA, MPA, MMAS, MSS, BSN, RN, FNYAM, FSIEN, FADLN
President-Elect, Philippine Nurses Association of America

Colonel (Retired) Bob Gahol is President-Elect of the PNAA and a nationally recognized nurse leader with nearly 40 years of healthcare experience, including over 23 years in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps. He held senior executive roles as Commanding Officer, Chief Nursing Officer, and Senior Healthcare Executive in the Military Health Systems.

His global service includes missions in Germany, Pakistan, Angola, Ukraine, and Bosnia, earning him the Bronze Star, the Legion of Merit, and multiple military and community awards and recognition.

Since retiring from the military in 2018, he has continued to be active in leadership and service both nationally and globally. A Fellow of several prestigious academies, he is a strong supporter of Filipino American nurses, promoting leadership, health equity, and workforce development.

Rhodora “Dotts” Lacap, RN, BSN, MS, CDONA, CDP, CADDCT, FACDONA, RCFE CA, is an accomplished nursing leader with extensive experience across acute, post-acute, rehabilitation, long-term care, hospice, and home health settings. She currently serves as Program Nursing Director, bringing decades of expertise in clinical operations, regulatory compliance, and person-centered care. A seasoned Director of Nursing and former Chief Nursing Officer, she has led high-performing teams to achieve 5-star quality ratings and consistently successful state and federal surveys, including zero infection control deficiencies during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dotts is recognized for her leadership in quality improvement, staff development, and systems innovation, including implementing clinical programs, audit systems, and specialized care units. She is an active leader in professional organizations and a published author contributing to nursing leadership practice. Her numerous awards, including Nurse Leader of the Year and Lifetime Achievement honors, reflect her enduring commitment to excellence, mentorship, and advancing healthcare outcomes.

Jay “Jose Abel” Larrosa, MSN, RN-BC, ACM-RN, PHN, FACDONA is a nationally recognized nurse leader and expert in case management and transitions of care. He currently serves as System Project Manager for Care Management at Scripps Health, where he designed and implemented a Care Manager Transition Program that strengthens workforce development, standardizes practice, and improves continuity of care across the healthcare continuum. He served as a National Board of Director for the American Case Management Association (ACMA) from 2021 to 2023. He currently serves as one of the National Board Member for the Philippine Nurses Association of America and as President-Elect for Philippine Nurses Association of San Diego.

With over 20 years of clinical and administrative experience, Jay has held progressive roles including Staff Case Manager, Supervisor of Case Management, and system-level leader. His expertise includes discharge planning, utilization management, post-acute care collaboration, and patient advocacy, with a strong focus on safe, equitable, and efficient transitions from hospital to home and post-acute settings.

Jay is an Accredited Case Manager, ANCC Board-Certified Nurse, Public Health Nurse, and Fellow of the Academy of Certified Directors of Nursing Administration. He is a frequent speaker at regional, national, and international conferences, presenting on innovative discharge strategies, technology-enabled care coordination, and advancing value-based transitions of care. His work continues to influence practice, leadership development, and policy in case management nationwide.

Brenda Miller is a Registered Nurse with more than 40 years of experience spanning acute care, home health, hospice, and palliative care. Her education began at the Community College, and through lifelong learning, she earned her Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), a terminal degree in nursing, from the University of San Diego.

Brenda currently serves as a lecturer at California State University San Marcos, where she contributes to the development of future nurses by teaching senior nursing students Leadership and Professional Issues and Community Nursing. She is also a HESI Live Review Educator with Elsevier, supporting nursing students in their preparation for licensure and professional practice.

Brenda is an advocate in the community. She was elected as La Mesa Assembly member for the 79 th  district. She is active in the Black Nurses Association in San Diego, the Philippine Nurses Association San Diego, and Sigma Theta Tau International, and has been a member of the American Nurses Association. She is a writer, a speaker, and an educator in the community, empowering individuals to advocate for themselves and their loved ones.

Pedro Morante, DNP, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC, is a renowned NP leader, educator, and international mental health advocate. As Clinical Director for Psychup, he mentors clinicians in precision psychiatry, pharmacogenomics, and culturally sensitive approaches that address the complex intersection of mental health with critical illness and comorbidities. Founder and CEO of the PASS Review Center, he empowers future NPs nationwide through strategic exam preparation and personalized mentorship. A respected clinician and global speaker,

Morante has been widely recognized, including 2026 ISPN Clinical Practice Awardee, 2024 Outstanding Filipino Award (TOFA) in Global Healthcare, Most Outstanding Filipino PMHNP by the Amerika Prestige Award in 2024 and Top 75 Most Influential Filipino American in CA.

Sister Lourdes Fernandez Reyes, ESEH
(Maria Lourdes F. Reyes, MD, MPH)

Sister Lourdes Fernandez Reyes is a member of the Eudist Servants of the Eleventh Hour (ESEH). Her ministry includes chaplaincy at Scripps Mercy Hospital, Las Colinas Women’s Prison, and Fr. Joe’s Village. She is also part of the Sisters’ Council in the Diocese of San Diego.

Before joining the ESEH in 2019, Sister Lourdes was known as Dr. Maria Lourdes Reyes. A trained pathologist with specialties from St. Louis University, Georgetown, and Harvard, she earned her medical degree from the University of Santo Tomas in the Philippines. She also holds a Master’s in Public Health from SDSU and certificates in Community Economic Development and Health Care Executive Leadership.

Dr. Reyes owned a laboratory serving local clinics and was the Director of U.S. & Border Programs for Project Concern International (2007-2019). She held leadership roles such as President of the American Cancer Society California Division and Chair of the San Diego County Medical Society’s Women Physicians Committee.

She has received numerous awards, including “One in a Million” from the American Cancer Society and San Diego Public Health Champion. Throughout her career, her work has focused on serving underserved communities, especially refugees and migrants. Her mission: “I am dedicated to the realization of human and spiritual potential as a Servant of God.”

Elisa Romero, PhD Candidate, MBA, MSN, RN, is a transformational healthcare leader with more than 20 years of experience advancing nursing practice, operational excellence, and patient‐centered care. As Director of Ambulatory Care Services for Surgical Specialties at Sharp Rees‐Stealy Medical Group, she leads multi‐site clinical, administrative, and business operations, driving quality, access, and High Reliability performance. Elisa has held progressive leadership roles at Sharp HealthCare, Scripps Health, and UC San Diego Health, where she led organizational redesign initiatives and mentored emerging leaders.

Deeply committed to health equity and representation in healthcare leadership, Elisa serves on professional and community boards, including the National Association of Hispanic Nurses and the American College of Healthcare Executives. She actively mentors youth and healthcare professionals and is pursuing a PhD in Nursing at the University of San Diego, where her research focuses on Hispanic adolescent mental health and elevating lived experiences to improve outcomes for this vulnerable population.

The Luminary Nurse:

Illuminating our Purpose, Innovating our practice, inspiring our future

Part i: The human prism: belonging and the multigenerational workforce

Harness the power of generational synergy to transform clinical wisdom into a future ready professional identity. By bridging the experience gap and cultivating spiritual grounding, this session empowers you to lead with intention and amplify your impact on patient outcomes. Join us to illuminate your purpose and build the resilient foundation needed to shine brightly in a shifting healthcare landscape.

Part ii: the power of presence: advocacy, economics, and policy

Transform nursing leadership by turning inclusion into action and dismantling the systemic barriers that hold back underrepresented talent. This session provides a strategic roadmap for innovating your practice through legislative advocacy. Illuminate a path toward a diverse, empowered future where every nurse has the support to lead and inspire.

June 13, 2026

Agenda

• 0730-0800 Check-in
• 0800-0830 Welcome
• 0830-0930 Session 1: Generational Synergy
• • NexGen Leaders: Bridging the Generational Gap to Elevate Influence and Amplify Impact
• 0930-1030 Session 2: Culture of Belonging
• • Extinction of the Experienced Nurse
• 1030-1045 Break
• 1045-1130 Poster session
• 1130-1230 Session 3: The Joy within: Spiritual Grounding for Every Nurse
• 1230-1300 Lunch
• 1300-1400 Session 4: Panel discussion: Inclusion in Action         

• 1400-1500 Session 5: Legislation and Advocacy

  Dimitrios Alexiou, FACHE

  President and CEO

  Hospital Association of San Diego and Imperial Counties (Hospital Association)

• 1500-1510 Closing

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