We're proud to announce the 2026 Trauma TEAMS Scholars, the second cohort of emerging and experienced trauma leaders selected for their commitment to strengthening trauma care in their hospitals, communities, and regions.

Created through a collaboration between NQS, ATS, TCAA, and STN, TEAMS supports trauma professionals with leadership-focused education, professional networking, and opportunities to learn from peers across the trauma community.

This year's highly competitive applicant pool showcased remarkable trauma leadership and commitment to community impact, and the 2026 scholars reflect that same dedication through their experience across pediatric, rural, regional, and ACS-verified trauma programs.

We extend a special thank-you to every applicant who shared their story, goals, and commitment to advancing trauma care.

Now, we're excited to introduce the 2026 Trauma TEAMS Scholars.

Emerging Trauma Leader Scholars

Meet the 2026 Trauma TEAMS' Emerging Trauma Leader Scholars, promising trauma leaders with three years or less in a trauma leadership role.

Kristie Hull

Tidalhealth Nanticoke Level III Trauma Center

Kristie Hull transitioned into the Trauma Program Manager role in 2023 with no prior TPM experience and quickly took on the challenge of learning the role, studying verification requirements, networking with experienced TPMs, and helping lead her program through a successful corrective action review.

Her journey reflects the determination and adaptability required of trauma leaders, especially those who step into complex roles and build their knowledge while actively guiding a program forward.

I feel that I have had a lot of growth, but I know there is so much more to learn. I want to make sure our program is meeting the needs of our community.

Through the TEAMS Scholarship, Kristie hopes to expand her expertise in trauma program management, finance, and trauma billing. She plans to use that knowledge to strengthen her leadership, improve patient care, and help address ongoing financial challenges within her organization.

Susan Wilson

Maria Fareri Children's Hospital – WMC Health Level I Pediatric Trauma Center

Susan Wilson serves as Pediatric Trauma Program Manager at a Level I Pediatric Trauma Center, where she has guided her program through its first ACS reverification visit with zero deviations and strengthened performance improvement processes across a five-center trauma network.

Beyond program operations, She has championed trauma quality initiatives, developed caregiver support programs, and contributed to national trauma resources. Her efforts have helped build stronger systems that support patients, families, and healthcare professionals alike.

My goal is to continue integrating quality improvement with trauma-informed, family-centered care, ensuring that strong trauma systems support not only our patients, but also their families and the teams who care for them.

Through the TEAMS Scholarship, Susan hopes to continue growing from a technically proficient program manager into a strategic trauma leader. She plans to apply what she learns to improve operational efficiency, strengthen multidisciplinary engagement, support staff development, and expand trauma-informed initiatives that benefit patients, families, and care teams.

Laney McIntosh

Benefis Health System Level II Trauma Center

Laney McIntosh brings a background in emergency nursing, nursing education, and nursing leadership to her role in trauma program management. After transitioning into trauma performance improvement, she advanced to the Trauma Program Manager role in 2026.

Laney helped lead her program through a critical corrective action review, strengthened performance improvement and data quality processes, and is focused on building a high-performing trauma program that supports a large rural region.

Benefis Health System serves a 42,000-square-mile region across 14 counties, making access, sustainability, and system development central to Laney's leadership goals.

My goal is to build a high-performing trauma program that supports optimal patient outcomes while becoming a trusted resource for advancing trauma systems and improving access to care within my organization and across the broader trauma community.

Through the TEAMS Scholarship, Laney seeks advanced education in trauma finance, program management, and system development. She plans to apply that knowledge to improve financial stewardship, enhance performance improvement processes, support sustainable program growth, and advance trauma care quality and accessibility throughout her region.

Tiffany O'Byrne

Rady Children's Hospital San Diego Level I Trauma Center

Tiffany O'Byrne brings a diverse background in business, nursing, clinical leadership, pediatric critical care, trauma education, and trauma program leadership.

She has developed regional trauma education initiatives, led complex performance improvement and verification efforts, and supported major program development through multiple leadership transitions. Her long-term focus is on building resilient trauma systems, expanding mental health resources, and advancing patient-centered trauma care through education and advocacy.

My goal is to build resilient trauma systems that support both patients and providers, while expanding access to mental health services, strengthening regional education, and advancing patient-centered trauma care.

Through the TEAMS Scholarship, Tiffany hopes to continue growing from day-to-day operational leadership into a more strategic and proactive trauma leadership role. She plans to strengthen program infrastructure, develop succession and orientation plans, improve financial management skills, and enhance multidisciplinary engagement to support the long-term success of her trauma program.

Trauma Leadership Excellence Scholars

Meet the 2006 Trauma TEAMS' Trauma Leadership Excellence Scholars, experienced trauma leaders recognized for their continued commitment to advancing trauma care.

Tammy Aspeslet

Gundersen Health Level II Trauma Center

Tammy Aspeslet brings a comprehensive perspective to trauma care, with experience spanning First Responder, EMT, Paramedic, Emergency Department Nurse, and seven years as a Trauma Program Manager.

In addition to overseeing trauma services and quality initiatives, Tammy supports and mentors five Level IV trauma centers and serves as a Wisconsin trauma site reviewer. Her leadership is grounded in continuous learning, collaboration, and a commitment to removing barriers to care.

When outcomes fall short, I focus on learning from the experience and removing barriers so we can provide even better care for the next trauma patient. My goal is to help trauma programs grow, succeed, and deliver the highest quality care possible.

Through the TEAMS Scholarship, Tammy plans to expand her expertise in trauma care and program management while continuing to foster a culture of continuous improvement across her trauma network. She is committed to sharing knowledge with her trauma team and partner hospitals, mentoring Level III and IV centers, and implementing strategies that improve trauma care quality and patient outcomes.

Andrea Palmer

Tristar Skyline Medical Center Level I Trauma Center

Andrea Palmer has dedicated 20 years to trauma care, with experience in emergency and critical care nursing, injury prevention, education, and six years as a Trauma Program Director.

She is passionate about supporting trauma programs, improving patient outcomes, and advocating for the resources needed to meet the growing demands of trauma care. Her leadership is shaped by a commitment to lifelong learning, humility, and continuous growth.

There has been so much growth and learning throughout my journey, and I want to continue becoming the best version of myself for my program, my patients, and my community. My passion is helping trauma programs deliver the highest quality care while advocating for the resources needed to make that possible.

Through the TEAMS Scholarship, Andrea hopes to further her own leadership development, learn from experienced professionals, and bring innovative ideas and best practices back to her trauma program. Her goal is to strengthen program advancement and enhance the quality of care provided to patients.

Kellie Mahanes

Great Plains Health Level III Trauma Center

Kellie Mahanes brings 20 years of experience serving a rural community through emergency nursing, flight nursing, and trauma program leadership.

After stepping into a vacant Trauma Coordinator role, Kellie independently rebuilt and stabilized the program through self-directed learning, specialized trauma education, and a commitment to performance improvement. Her future goals include strengthening program sustainability, enhancing PIPS processes, and mentoring other rural trauma programs at the state level.

My goal is to create sustainable systems that support long-term success while mentoring other rural trauma centers to strengthen trauma care across our communities.

Through the TEAMS Scholarship, Kellie hopes to access advanced education and resources that are often difficult to obtain in rural healthcare settings. She plans to use what she learns to strengthen her program, improve trauma care delivery, and support her work as a mentor and state trauma reviewer. The knowledge gained will benefit not only her facility, but also rural trauma systems across her state.

Bethlehem Emmons-Post

UHS Wilson Level II Trauma Center

Bethlehem Emmons-Post brings more than 20 years of experience as a Physician Assistant in acute and surgical care. She transitioned into trauma program leadership in 2018, serving as interim Trauma Program Manager before becoming permanent in the role in 2019.

Since then, Bethlehem has led a Level II ACS-verified trauma center through multiple successful verifications while strengthening operations, compliance, and performance improvement through ongoing education and system-focused leadership.

My transition from clinician to trauma leader has reinforced the importance of accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning as I work to strengthen systems of care for injured patients and support the professionals who care for them.

Through the TEAMS Scholarship, Bethlehem hopes to further develop her leadership skills as a Trauma Program Manager in an increasingly complex trauma and acute care surgery environment.

She plans to apply advanced knowledge to improve operational efficiency, strengthen performance improvement processes, and enhance data-driven decision-making to support better patient outcomes.

Supporting Trauma Leaders Through Education, Access, and Community

The Trauma TEAMS Scholarship is more than tuition support. It is designed to help trauma professionals grow as leaders, expand their professional networks, and bring new ideas back to their programs and communities.

Selected scholars receive access to leadership-focused trauma education from TEAMS partner organizations, along with opportunities to connect with peers, learn from experienced trauma leaders, and participate in a broader community committed to advancing trauma care.

Through the partnership between NQS, ATS, TCAA, and STN, TEAMS brings together organizations that share a commitment to strengthening trauma programs and supporting the people who lead them.

Congratulations to the 2026 Trauma TEAMS Scholars

The 2026 Trauma TEAMS Scholars represent the dedication, resilience, and leadership that continue to move trauma care forward.

Whether they are stepping into new leadership roles or building on years of experience, each scholar brings a clear commitment to improving trauma systems, supporting their teams, and serving their communities.

We are proud to celebrate this year's recipients and look forward to seeing the impact they make through the TEAMS Scholarship and beyond.

Interested in the Next Trauma TEAMS Cohort?

Applications for the 2026 cohort have closed, but future applicants can join the waitlist to be notified about the next application cycle.

Join the 2027 Waitlist