I-NCA Executive Leadership Team
Karen Avino, EdD, RN, HWNC-BC, SGAHN
Karen Avino is a nurse leader with extensive expertise in education and clinical practice. She earned her Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Delaware.
As Chief Executive Officer of the Integrative Nurse Coach® Academy (INCA), Karen directs online and onsite continuing education programs for nurses worldwide, specializing in Nurse Coaching, Holistic Nursing, and Integrative Health topics.
For 20 years at the University of Delaware, she taught Holistic Nursing and Integrative Health, receiving Faculty Senate awards for excellence in both academic mentoring and advising, as well as the State of Delaware’s Excellence in Nursing Practice award.
Karen has published many journal articles and co-edited several textbooks, including Holistic Nursing: A Handbook for Practice (three editions), Core Curriculum for Holistic Nursing, and the forthcoming Integrative Nurse Coaching: A Guide for Praxis.
She currently serves as President of the International Nurse Coaching Association and holds the distinction of Distinguished Scholar with the Global Academy of Holistic Nursing.
Megan Babcock BSN, RN, HWNC-BC
With over 22 years of nursing experience across diverse healthcare settings, Megan Babcock is a board-certified holistic nurse, board-certified nurse coach and passionate advocate for the power of nurse-led transformation. She believes that nurse coaches play a critical role in shaping the future of healthcare, and she is dedicated to elevating their visibility and impact—both locally and nationally.
As a leader of the International Nurse Coaching Association, Megan fosters collaboration and connection, bringing together like-minded professionals to build strong, supportive networks. She understands that meaningful change happens when passionate individuals unite with a shared vision. Through her leadership, she is committed to creating spaces where nurse coaches can thrive, share resources, and amplify their collective voice to drive systemic change.
Barbara Dossey PhD, RN, HWNC-BC, HSGAHN
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Tammy Hurst MSN, RN, NC-BC
Tammy Hurst is a visionary leader in the nurse coaching community, dedicated to establishing collaborative networks that enhance the visibility and success of nurse coaches nationwide. She understands that by working together, nurse coaches can amplify their impact, increase client acquisition, and drive meaningful change in healthcare. Her leadership is rooted in the belief that connection and collective effort are key to strengthening the profession and expanding its reach, ensuring that more people benefit from the transformative power of nurse coaching.
As a leader with the Nurse Coach Association, Tammy is excited to support the growth of a strong, connected network of nurse coaches, fostering collaboration and innovation to elevate the profession. She is committed to advancing nurse coaching as an evidence-based intervention to address the ongoing healthcare crisis.
Karly Mertz, MSN, RN, NC-BC
Karly Mertz is a Board-Certified Nurse Coach and holds a Master of Science in Advanced Holistic Nursing from Florida Atlantic University. With over a decade of experience as a surgical and cardiac nurse, Karly brings a grounded clinical background to her holistic practice. After completing the Integrative Nurse Coach® Certificate Program through INCA, she fully embraced her calling to support healing through a whole-person, heart-centered lens.
Karly has led group Nurse Coaching sessions for pregnant and postpartum mothers in her community, creating sacred spaces for connection, empowerment, and self-care. These sessions incorporated holistic modalities such as guided meditation, journaling, EFT tapping, and sound healing. She is excited to explore additional healing modalities to integrate into her Nurse Coaching practice.
Karly is passionate about helping others reconnect to their inner wisdom and believes Nurse Coaching is a powerful bridge between traditional care and transformative healing. Karly continues to be inspired by the collective mission of advancing Nurse Coaching worldwide and is dedicated to cultivating a more compassionate, connected, and healing healthcare culture.
Katie Stafford BSN, RN, NC-BC
Katie Stafford is a dedicated nurse coach and HeartMath® Certified Coach who believes in the power of the collective experience to create lasting transformation. With a deep passion for bringing people together, she is committed to fostering strong, supportive communities that empower nurse coaches to thrive. She understands that when like-minded professionals unite, they not only enhance their individual growth but also strengthen the impact of nurse coaching as a whole.
As a leader within the Nurse Coaches Association, Katie is excited to support its mission by building a community designed to connect, inspire, and uplift nurse coaches. She is passionate about creating spaces where nurse coaches can share knowledge, collaborate, and support one another in their journey to improve healthcare.