Iota Xi at- Large Chapter
Board of Directors Leadership Nominees
Dr. Louise Aurelien Buie- Vice President
Dr. Louise Aurélien Buie is an accomplished nurse leader, educator and clinician, whose 30-year career spans frontline patient care, academic administration and program innovation. At the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, she currently serves as Associate Professor in the Practice-teaching track and Director for Nursing Continuing Professional Development, following a productive tenure as Assistant Dean of Executive & Continuing Education and Academic-Practice Partnerships.
Her leadership as Director of the RN-BSN program at Palm Beach State College led to demonstrable improvements in retention, program completion, inter-departmental and inter-institutional community partnerships. She was instrumental in the chartering of the Iota Xi at-large chapter in April 2019. These outcomes mirror the organizational, strategic and collaborative competencies required of a chapter vice-president.
Clinically, Dr. Aurélien Buie is a dual board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, with a practice that embraces holistic, evidence-based care across the lifespan.
She holds a Doctorate in Education (Leadership/Educational Administration) from University of Florida, a Master of Science with a primary care focus from Northeastern University, a Post-Graduate Certificate in Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing from FAU, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from UMass Boston.
Her record of service includes leadership roles in the National Black Nurses Association Women’s Health Committee and the Palm Beach County Black Nurses Association, along with local and international philanthropic efforts in nursing education and community health.
Given her extensive background in nursing education, mentorship, program development and professional service, Dr. Aurélien Buie is exceptionally well-suited to support the Iota Xi Chapter’s mission of scholarship, leadership and service as Vice-President.
Danielle Granderson - Secretary
Danielle Granderson is a committed nurse leader and scholar originally from Trinidad and Tobago. She holds a Master of Science in Nursing Education from Florida Atlantic University (FAU) and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Broward College. Currently a Ph.D. Candidate at FAU, Danielle serves as a Graduate Teaching and Research Assistant, mentoring future nurses and contributing to research that advances caring science. Her dissertation prospectus, Enhancing Caregiver Personhood: A Grounded Theory Study, explores nurse–family caregiver partnerships in pediatric home health, aiming to develop a care model grounded in caring science.
Her clinical background includes pediatric home health, correctional nursing, and clinical auditing, with leadership roles such as Charge Nurse, Clinical Auditor, and Regional Clinical Lead. Danielle has demonstrated excellence in documentation, policy development, and team communication—skills central to the Secretary role. She has created and implemented audit tools, drafted reports, and collaborated with leadership to revise clinical standards and procedures. These competencies have been further refined through academic writing, research dissemination, and committee service.
Danielle is enthusiastic about serving as Secretary for the Sigma Iota Xi Chapter. She is particularly drawn to the role’s emphasis on structured communication, record-keeping, and protocol development. Her ability to synthesize complex information, maintain accurate records, and lead communication initiatives makes her well-suited to support the chapter’s mission. Through this role, Danielle hopes to contribute meaningfully to the chapter’s growth, engagement, and continuity.
Danielle Granderson, MSN, RN
PhD Candidate | Graduate Teaching & Research Assistant
Andrea Halpern – Counselor
I am honored to submit this statement of qualifications in support of my nomination for the Counselor position of the Sigma Iota Xi at-Large Chapter at Florida Atlantic University (FAU). This role requires dedication to academic excellence and mentorship, qualities I have cultivated over almost two decades in clinical nursing leadership. I believe my commitment to supporting new nurses, combined with my ongoing academic pursuits at FAU, makes me a uniquely qualified candidate to guide and empower our chapter members.
My nursing journey began with my ADN in 2005. I returned to FAU for my RN to BSN, embracing the College of Nursing’s Caring Science philosophy. My ongoing pursuit of MSN/APRN (FNP) credentials demonstrates my commitment to lifelong learning.
I bring nearly twenty years of nursing experience, including ten years at Boca Raton Regional Hospital, where I specialize in Labor and Delivery. I serve as a Charge Nurse, leading coordination and team management. With experience in L&D, Pediatrics, and NICU, I am skilled in mentorship. I continuously train and support new hires and graduate nurses. I am a Superuser for EMR charting and actively participate in unit-based groups.
I volunteer with the diabetes coalition, contributing to community health outreach. As a Counselor, I will promote this blend of academic achievement, clinical leadership, and community service to create an environment within the Sigma Iota Xi at-Large Chapter that is both challenging and supportive.
I appreciate your consideration,
Andrea Halpern, RN, BSN, Current MSN/APRN (FNP) Student at FAU
Dr. Michelle Broadbent - Governance Committee member 1
Dr. Michelle Broadbent began her nursing career after earning an Associate Degree in Nursing from Copiah Lincoln Community College in 1997. She gained extensive clinical experience in mental health and medical-surgical nursing within acute care settings before advancing her education at Delta State University, where she completed both her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degrees. As a Family Nurse Practitioner, she has provided compassionate, comprehensive primary care to veterans within the Department of Veterans Affairs health system and has also practiced in urgent care, home health, and long-term care environments.
Dr. Broadbent’s passion for nursing education led her to academic roles in both undergraduate and graduate programs across Florida. In 2022, Dr. Broadbent earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from Chamberlain University, furthering her commitment to evidence-based practice and leadership in nursing. Currently, she serves as the Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Nursing at Florida Atlantic University, a position she has held for the past three years. In this role, she has demonstrated strong leadership, mentorship, and dedication to student success and faculty development.
Dr. Broadbent has previously served as Secretary for Sigma Theta Tau Iota Xi Chapter at Large. Dr. Broadbent is committed to fostering collaboration, supporting professional growth, and advancing the chapter’s service efforts.
Zaysheron Francis - President Elect
My name is Zaysheron Francis, and I am excited to express my interest in serving on the board of Directors of the lota Xi-at-Large Chapter. I am pursuing my Family Nurse Practitioner degree at Florida Atlantic University in a part-time program designed for working professionals, which allows me to continue contributing to the healthcare field while advancing my education and clinical expertise.
I work at a nonprofit organization whose mission is to protect children from harm by providing shelter and specialized care for children with developmental disabilities. As the Nursing Supervisor, I coordinate medical and therapy schedules, support staff training, and ensure continuity of care for children with complex needs. Collaborating closely with physicians, nurses, and therapists has strengthened my leadership, communication, and advocacy skills- qualities I believe are essential for effective board service.
Beyond my professional role, I am committed to leadership and service. I am a member of the National Society of Leadership (NSLS) and have represented FAU College of Nursing at FAU Day at the Capitol, advocating for healthcare education and resources. I am passionate about advancing nursing excellence, mentorship, and professional growth within our chapter.
I welcome the opportunity to serve on the board of Directors and contribute to fostering leadership, scholarship, and collaboration among members while supporting the mission and values of Sigma.
Dr. Tomas Madayag - Vice President
Dr. Tomas Madayag, EdD, MSN, MEd, APRN, is an Assistant Professor in the RN-BSN Nursing Program at Broward College, where he teaches courses in global health, nursing roles and perspectives, and issues in aging. With more than forty years of nursing experience, he has served in various capacities as clinician, nurse educator, author, and NCLEX review consultant for international nurses across Asia, the Caribbean, Africa, and the United Kingdom.
He is the co-author of Medical-Surgical Nursing: Reviews and Rationales (Prentice Hall) and remains actively engaged in advancing professional excellence through mentorship and scholarly collaboration. His teaching philosophy, grounded in the theory of Nursing as Caring, reflects his commitment to nurturing compassion, cultural humility, and global citizenship in nursing practice.
Dr. Madayag is deeply aligned with Sigma’s vision of fostering scholarship, leadership, and service in nursing. As Vice President representing Broward College, he hopes to strengthen engagement among members, promote scholarly initiatives, and inspire nurses to embrace leadership roles that elevate the profession locally and globally.
Tomas M. Madayag, APRN, MSN, MEd, EdD