The History of ANPD-MN
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Meet the ANPD-MN Board of Directors
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Anne Conklin
MSN, RN, NPD-BC
Anne is an Education Specialist for Ambulatory Care at Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare in St. Paul, Minnesota. She joined the ANPD-MN Board in 2024 and, after serving two years as President-Elect, assumed the role of President in 2026.
Anne has dedicated her nursing career to pediatrics, with experience spanning hematology/oncology, school nursing, leadership, and management. She has returned to her passion for nursing professional development, where she is committed to advancing excellence in practice and education. As President, Anne’s goals include strengthening networking opportunities and expanding access to high-quality education for nursing professional development specialists across Minnesota.
Peter Benolken
DNP, RN, CNL, CEN, CPEN, TCRN, PHN
Peter serves as the President-Elect (2026) for the ANPD-MN Board. He works at Hennepin Healthcare as the Manager for Nursing Professional Practice Development & Research (PPDR), supporting nurses and the team across the continuum of practice through education, professional growth, and evidence-based development strategies, including quality improvement. Pete is an active member of both ANPD-MN and MN Emergency Nursing Association (ENA) and has contributed to the local chapter as an ANPD-MN conference presenter. Passionate about advancing nursing mentorship and "Caring for Caregivers."
Debra Whitney-Galvin
MSN, RN, CNEcl, CHSE
Debra is one of the founding members of ANPD-MN. Deb completed her service as ANPD-MN President last year and serves on the Board. Deb is currently the Director of Nursing Academic Services for the Accelerated BSN program at Concordia St Paul College of Nursing. Deb remains passionate about her involvement in ANPD to strengthen the connection between education and practice for the clinician.
Lisa Sansgaard
MSN, RN, NPD-BC, SCRN
Lisa serves as the Secretary for the ANPD-MN Board. She works at Fairview as a System Professional Development Specialist, supporting nurses across the continuum of practice through education, professional growth, and evidence-based development strategies. Lisa is an active member of both ANPD-MN and ANPD and has contributed to the local chapter as an ANPD-MN conference and member meeting presenter. Passionate about advancing Nursing Professional Development practice, she is energized by opportunities to make meaningful improvements that inspire innovation, leadership, and engagement within the NPD community.
Alyssa Julik
DNP, RN, NPD-BC, PCCN-K
Alyssa serves as the Treasurer for the ANPD-MN Board. She works at M Health Fairview as the Manager of System Clinical Education, supporting nurses across the continuum of practice. Alyssa is an active member of both ANPD–MN and the national ANPD organization and has contributed to both local and national conferences through her professional work and presentations.
About
Nursing Professional Development
ANPD-MN was formed to create a space for Nursing Professional Development Practitioners and Specialists/Nurse Educators to network, learn, and advance their knowledge and career.