Meet Our 2026 Scholarship Recipients
The Lois Price Spratlen Foundation is honored to present scholarship awards to nine psychiatric ARNP students in 2026.
While the students come from diverse backgrounds, they all demonstrate the character, energy, and courage exemplified by Lois Price Spratlen.
Amy Lamson, University of Washington
As a nurse in the Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine Unit at Seattle Children’s Hospital, Amy cares for patients ages 4–17 in acute psychiatric crisis. The unit often serves as a catch-all for patients and families failed by an under-resourced, overburdened system.
“Amy is an exceptional nurse with a profound understanding of psychiatric nursing, and her diverse clinical experiences as a primary nurse, clinical nurse, and nurse educator are reflective of her commitment to excellence in psychiatry nursing.”
Maureen Langston, University of Washington
Maureen’s perspective has been shaped by her experiences growing up in Kenya, her work in a med-surgical unit, and her volunteer service as a Board member of Breaking the Silence KE, a nonprofit dedicated to reducing mental health stigma within Kenyan service members.
“Maureen is the kind of professional every organization hopes to have. Her decision to pursue the PMHNP role reflects a true calling, one grounded in advocacy, healing, and a desire to create meaningful change for underserved and vulnerable populations.”
Sheilla Mbaisi, Pacific Lutheran University
Growing up in Kenya, Sheilla was raised with the belief that caring for others is a shared responsibility. In her work as an adult family home administrator and registered nurse, she cares for individuals experiencing barriers such as limited access to psychiatric providers, fragmented services, and social isolation.
“Sheilla is a developing leader in psychiatric nursing. Her work reflects a deep understanding of the systemic barriers affecting [underserved] communities and a clear commitment to improving access and quality of care.”
Morgan McLoughlin, Seattle University
As a registered nurse in withdrawal management services at Valley Cities Behavioral Health, and as a volunteer with the Good Samaritans Suicide Prevention Helpline, Morgan works with individuals experiencing homelessness, poverty, and chronic trauma. This work requires trauma informed care, crisis intervention, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
“What distinguishes Morgan is her ability to translate her values into meaningful action. Whether working with patients, peers, faculty, or community members, Morgan creates environments where individuals feel seen, heard, and valued.”
Obed Meyers, Chamberlain University
Obed’s inspiration to become a PMHNP stems not only from his health care work, but also from leading a team of industrial engineers at The Boeing Company, which informed his understanding of utilizing research in his future practice.
“Obed stands out because of his empathy. A returning patient came back to our unit specifically because of the staff. The patient told me, ‘Obed was great and even took the time to tell me he prayed for me.’ That kind of connection just comes naturally to him, and it’s exactly what makes him such a standout nurse.”
Monika Reynolds, University of Cincinnati
As an FNP working in a small community, Monika worked with adolescents and their families struggling to access the mental health support they desperately needed. This gap in care inspired her to pursue a PMHNP degree.
“Monika is exactly the type of emerging psychiatric nurse leader this scholarship is designed to support. [She is a] dedicated practitioner, a compassionate advocate, and a lifelong learner who is advancing her training not only for her own professional growth but also for the wellbeing of the communities she serves.”
Caleb Tadesse, Walden University
Growing up in a community where access to healthcare was limited, Caleb witnessed individuals suffering from preventable illnesses because care was unavailable, inaccessible, or delayed.
“[Caleb] will be a fantastic Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner whose future patients will benefit from his knowledge and caring demeanor. He will strive to meet the needs of future patients and help them have an improved quality of life.”
Natasha Vederoff, University of Washington
Natasha’s parents’ background in social work and foster care “gifted me with emotional and social skills that I hope to utilize as I pursue engaging in Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner work.” She aspires to work with the youth and families among the immigrant and refugee population.
“Natasha excels in interdisciplinary teamwork and leadership, a hallmark of her practice.” Her work with neurodivergent children has “shaped her holistic understanding of adolescent health as deeply interconnected with family systems, community supports, and social determinants of health.”
Sarah Warren, Gonzaga University
Growing up, Sarah’s family experienced addiction, trauma, and mental illness. As a nurse working with a recovery center and as a volunteer for a domestic violence crisis line, she has cared for those working through similar situations.
“Sarah distinguishes herself among her peers through her clinical insight, strong work ethic, positive demeanor, leadership, and professional communication.” She demonstrates “a genuine commitment to understanding patients within the context of their lived experiences and individual circumstances.”
Come Celebrate with Us!
Scholarship and Awards Breakfast on October 10, 2026, at the Lynnwood Event Center
The breakfast, co-hosted by the Lois Price Spratlen Foundation and the Association of Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses, is an opportunity to reconnect with friends and strengthen our psychiatric ARNP community. You'll meet our 2026 scholarship recipients and AAPPN’s 2026 award recipients.