Local Unit Officer Elections are in progress! Ballots must be postmarked no later than April 30, 2026. 

LOCAL UNIT OFFICER CANDIDATE STATEMENTS (2026)

Co-Chairs (vote two)

Sam Forte, BSN, RN (OR)

I'm Sam Forte, I've been with the hospital in various units (Medical, ACFP, VAS and OR) for almost fifteen years and I've been an officer for about nine of those, both for grievance officer and bargaining team member.  I'm running for Co-Chair because union work is deeply important to me.  I believe strongly in advocating for our patients and our peers by supporting one another and fighting for what is right.  My vision for our local unit is a great launch and utilization of our steward program, an improved system for tracking ADOs so we can spot trends across units, and connecting people so that voices get heard.  Organizing starts with us and I believe we can achieve so much with the incredible talent we have within our local unit; I'd be glad to represent and amplify our nurses’ voices.

Lindsey Kirsch, BA, BSN, RN, CPEN (Urgent Care)

I am running for Co-Chair as a dedicated union nurse and an unrelenting advocate for every one of us. I have advocated for safe staffing levels, protections against workplace violence, guaranteed meal and rest breaks, increased sick time protections and many other critical issues. We nurses deserve respect and I will not back down. As an officer for the past 10 years, first as Grievance Officer, then Secretary/Treasurer, I am eager to take on the role of Co-Chair and am fully prepared to commit to the responsibilities. I have proven strong leadership skills and have a vision for our bargaining unit. We have the opportunity now to build on the strength and persistence of our nurses during this past year of negotiations to create an even more momentous union movement.

I believe in strong representation, a united front, and real action that leads to change, not just talk. As a creative thinker and experienced leader, I bring the energy, determination, and voice we need to push forward together. When we stand united, we are powerful—and I am ready to stand with you, speak up for you, and fight alongside you every step of the way.

While I am on the ballot in three positions, Co-Chair, Secretary and Grievance Officer, I would genuinely appreciate your support in a leadership position as Co-Chair. Thank you for putting your trust in me to take our bargaining unit to new heights.

Kara Yates, RN (Medical FA3)

I have been a nurse on the Medical Unit at Seattle Children’s for 16 years and actively involved in WSNA since 2013, participating in five rounds of contract negotiations. Prior to being elected Co-Chair last election, I was the Membership Officer. Whether or not I’m elected this go around, I’m passionate about continuing to advocate for my fellow nurses at Seattle Children’s and throughout Washington in whatever way I can.

Secretary (vote one)

Sam Forte, BSN, RN (OR)

I'm Sam Forte, I've been with the hospital in various units (Medical, ACFP, VAS and OR) for almost fifteen years and I've been an officer for about nine of those, both for grievance officer and bargaining team member.  I'm running for Co-Chair because union work is deeply important to me.  I believe strongly in advocating for our patients and our peers by supporting one another and fighting for what is right.  My vision for our local unit is a great launch and utilization of our steward program, an improved system for tracking ADOs so we can spot trends across units, and connecting people so that voices get heard.  Organizing starts with us and I believe we can achieve so much with the incredible talent we have within our local unit; I'd be glad to represent and amplify our nurses voices.

Lindsey Kirsch, BA, BSN, RN, CPEN (Urgent Care)

I am running for Co-Chair as a dedicated union nurse and an unrelenting advocate for every one of us. I have advocated for safe staffing levels, protections against workplace violence, guaranteed meal and rest breaks, increased sick time protections and many other critical issues. We nurses deserve respect and I will not back down. As an officer for the past 10 years, first as Grievance Officer, then Secretary/Treasurer, I am eager to take on the role of Co-Chair and am fully prepared to commit to the responsibilities. I have proven strong leadership skills and have a vision for our bargaining unit. We have the opportunity now to build on the strength and persistence of our nurses during this past year of negotiations to create an even more momentous union movement.

I believe in strong representation, a united front, and real action that leads to change, not just talk. As a creative thinker and experienced leader, I bring the energy, determination, and voice we need to push forward together. When we stand united, we are powerful—and I am ready to stand with you, speak up for you, and fight alongside you every step of the way.

While I am on the ballot in three positions, Co-Chair, Secretary and Grievance Officer, I would genuinely appreciate your support in a leadership position as Co-Chair. Thank you for putting your trust in me to take our bargaining unit to new heights.

Treasurer (vote one)

Annika Hoogestraat, BSN, RN, CCRN, IBCLC (Critical Care Float Pool/ACE Nurse)

Hi, I’m Annika Hoogestraat — ICU nurse at Seattle Children’s for over 20 years, currently in the critical care float pool supporting emergency response and our ECMO and CRRT patients across the ICUs.
Three years ago I got involved with WSNA because I wanted to do more than just show up for my shift and go home. As a local unit co-chair, I’ve spent the last three years showing up for nurses in a different way — fielding concerns, supporting members through grievances, communicating through some of the most difficult stretches this unit has seen. I’ve also served as a bargaining representative, sitting across the table from SCH administration and fighting for the contract our nurses deserve. That work is personal to me, because the people it affects are my colleagues and my friends.

Budgets reflect priorities — and I want to make sure our local unit funds stay connected to our nurses and support continued growth of our labor-oriented community. I’d be honored to keep serving as your Treasurer.

Katie Podobnik, BSN, RN (Plastic Surgery)

I would be proud to continue serving as part of your WSNA officer team. Since 2023, I’ve worked as a Grievance Officer, standing alongside our nurses and advocating fiercely through two bargaining sessions. That work has only deepened my commitment to building a union that truly reflects and supports nurses at every stage of their careers.

I currently serve on the WSNA Finance Committee and bring a practical, transparent approach to financial stewardship—because our resources should directly support the priorities and protections we fight for together. I would be honored to serve as your Treasurer!

Grievance Officers (vote three)

Sara Buck, RN, MSN/MPH (Ambulatory – GI) 

Hello friends! Maybe you know me or have talked to me through my work on the staffing committee for the last two years. Through this work, I have engaged nurses from 47 clinics in developing safe staffing plans and understanding their rights through the staffing law. In the process, I co-founded the main campus unit based staffing committee, where we will grow leaders to oversee staffing plans during their bi-annual reviews. I have also worked with nurses to identify and escalate safety issues that impact overall staffing plan numbers. Being queer and disabled, I have had to learn to assert my rights, and I am not afraid to ask hard questions and advocate for the nurses I represent.

If you know me, you know I have had every job--from a health educator in Senegal, to a refugee case manager, pharmacy assistant in an LGBTQ clinic, yoga teacher, and editor in Chicago--and can relate to many perspectives. Trained as a community organizer, I firmly believe that unions are stronger when all of us know our rights and mutually support each other. I would like to continue the work I have started, as a Membership Officer, improving member outreach and ensuring all members feel represented by our bargaining unit. We are all stronger when we support each other and know our rights. If I haven't already, I can't wait to meet you as Membership Officer!

Khara Holland DNP, BSN, BA, ARNP, CPNP (CBDC)

My name is Khara, and I am running for Grievance Officer. I’ve been a pediatric hem/onc/BMT nurse for over 14 years and have worked on CBDC for the past 5 years. I chose to stay at SCH because I believe in the work we do and the care we give.

When I saw a disconnect and violations of nurses’ rights on my unit, I stepped up as unit steward and worked to address it. That experience led me to become more involved in WSNA and strengthened my commitment to advocating for nurses.

If you’ve been to recent negotiations, you may recognize me as the one with the service dog. While not on the negotiations team, I worked closely alongside them and saw how important strong, consistent advocacy is.

I’m running because I want nurses to feel supported when they come to work. I want to be someone you can come to—someone who listens, stands with you, and follows through when it matters. What we do is important, and we deserve to be respected for it.

Lindsey Kirsch, BA, BSN, RN, CPEN (Urgent Care)

I am running for Co-Chair as a dedicated union nurse and an unrelenting advocate for every one of us. I have advocated for safe staffing levels, protections against workplace violence, guaranteed meal and rest breaks, increased sick time protections and many other critical issues. We nurses deserve respect and I will not back down. As an officer for the past 10 years, first as Grievance Officer, then Secretary/Treasurer, I am eager to take on the role of Co-Chair and am fully prepared to commit to the responsibilities. I have proven strong leadership skills and have a vision for our bargaining unit. We have the opportunity now to build on the strength and persistence of our nurses during this past year of negotiations to create an even more momentous union movement.

I believe in strong representation, a united front, and real action that leads to change, not just talk. As a creative thinker and experienced leader, I bring the energy, determination, and voice we need to push forward together. When we stand united, we are powerful—and I am ready to stand with you, speak up for you, and fight alongside you every step of the way.

While I am on the ballot in three positions, Co-Chair, Secretary and Grievance Officer, I would genuinely appreciate your support in a leadership position as Co-Chair. Thank you for putting your trust in me to take our bargaining unit to new heights.

Lauren Lustyk, RN, BSN, CPN (Surgical)

As a grievance officer I'm dedicated to helping nurses know what their contract can do for them and helping to enforce the wins we bargained for. It's important for nurses to feel represented by their peers, and I want to ensure that all nurses are treated fairly by our employer. I have been a night shift nurse my entire career and want to make sure that other nurses on nights or evenings don't feel forgotten or overlooked.

AJ Nagal, BSN, RN (Critical Care Float Pool)

No statement submitted.

Katie Podobnik, BSN, RN (Plastic Surgery)

I would be proud to continue serving as part of your WSNA officer team. Since 2023, I’ve worked as a Grievance Officer, standing alongside our nurses and advocating fiercely through two bargaining sessions. That work has only deepened my commitment to building a union that truly reflects and supports nurses at every stage of their careers.

I currently serve on the WSNA Finance Committee and bring a practical, transparent approach to financial stewardship—because our resources should directly support the priorities and protections we fight for together. I would be honored to serve as your Treasurer!

Paula Monteith (Trevisan), BSN, RN (NICU)

I’m Paula and I work as a night shift nurse in the Neonatal ICU. I’ve been at Seattle Children’s for 10 years this coming December, and am honored to be nominated for grievance officer.

I am passionate about worker’s rights, DEI, and working with each other to create an environment of respect and collaboration. I would love to help advocate for your rights under our contract and am happy to be a resource in any way I can.

Membership Officers (vote three)

Sara Buck, RN, MSN/MPH (Ambulatory – GI) 

Hello friends! Maybe you know me or have talked to me through my work on the staffing committee for the last two years. Through this work, I have engaged nurses from 47 clinics in developing safe staffing plans and understanding their rights through the staffing law. In the process, I co-founded the main campus unit based staffing committee, where we will grow leaders to oversee staffing plans during their bi-annual reviews. I have also worked with nurses to identify and escalate safety issues that impact overall staffing plan numbers. Being queer and disabled, I have had to learn to assert my rights, and I am not afraid to ask hard questions and advocate for the nurses I represent.

If you know me, you know I have had every job--from a health educator in Senegal, to a refugee case manager, pharmacy assistant in an LGBTQ clinic, yoga teacher, and editor in Chicago--and can relate to many perspectives. Trained as a community organizer, I firmly believe that unions are stronger when all of us know our rights and mutually support each other. I would like to continue the work I have started, as a Membership Officer, improving member outreach and ensuring all members feel represented by our bargaining unit. We are all stronger when we support each other and know our rights. If I haven't already, I can't wait to meet you as Membership Officer!

Emma Gordon, BSN, RN (Ambulatory – Orthopedics)

My name is Emma Gordon, I have worked at Seattle Children’s for a little over 9 years. I spent about 6 of those in the PICU and the last 3 in Ambulatory Orthopedics.

Prior to my nursing career I was a union organizer for nurses and early educators. I bring this experience to my work as a membership officer. I am passionate about building our union and growing our steward program to continue all of the hard work all of you did during the last negotiations.

Regan Halom, RN, BSN, CPN (Surgical) 

I am passionate about educating our bargaining unit nurses on the details of our contract and the importance of involvement and awareness. Having been a part of negotiating our current contract I feel I am well equipped for this role.

Therese Hill, BSN, RN (Critical Care Float Pool)

I’m a bedside nurse, union Membership Officer, and committed social-justice advocate working inside a large hospital system. As a mom and active community member, I volunteer, mentor newer nurses, and show up for colleagues who need support.

I believe unions are essential in corporate healthcare; they give nurses collective power to demand safe staffing, fair pay, and equitable treatment that individual voices alone can’t secure. I organize to educate members about their rights and responsibilities, so every nurse knows how to protect themselves and their patients and how to hold leadership accountable.

I’m a strong supporter of the ANA Code of Ethics and ground my advocacy in its principles: compassion, respect, and professional responsibility. I fight to remove systemic barriers that harm marginalized nurses and patients, and to ensure our workplace reflects the dignity and justice our profession deserves. Vote for practical, rights-focused leadership that puts nurses and the communities we serve first

STAY CURIOUS AND KIND.
STAY OPEN AND ALWAYS LEARNING.
STAY CONSCIOUS AND CARING
@DEVTHEPINEAPPLE

Emily Kay, BSN, RN (PICU)

Since I began working as a bedside nurse in 2010, I’ve run up against many barriers that have made it hard to feel safe, supported, and able to give the care my patients need and deserve. It has become clear to me that the collective power of a union is one of the best ways to counteract a healthcare industry that cares more about financial interests than about providing the best possible care for patients and employees. I have been a member of the WSNA Legislative Health and Policy Council since 2023 (chair since 2025), working to use state laws to change the system itself. I am running to be a membership officer at Seattle Children’s. If I am elected, I will strive to do my best to help support the nurses at our hospital. I have been a nurse in the PICU for almost 12 years. I care deeply about the nurses that work here and the patients that we take care of. I believe that together we are powerful, and this starts with membership. Thank you for considering me when you vote.

Social Media Officers (vote two)

Anne Marie Fountain BSN, RN, CPN (Orthopedics Clinic) 

I’m excited to run for Social Media Officer. As nurses, our voices matter and strong communication via social media and other means helps us stay informed, connected, and empowered. I want to make our social media platforms are engaging, timely, and representative of the incredible work we do every day and that information is accessible to all. My goal is to have clear communication, build relationships with you and build a stronger sense of community across our unit and other unions in the community and beyond. I’m committed to making sure every nurse feels heard and supported. I’d be honored to earn your vote and help strengthen our collective voice.

Kelsey Gellner, BSN, RN (Urgent Care)

Hi friends, I’m Kelsey Gellner, your current social media officer running for reelection. I’m a nurse in Urgent Care with experience in our PICU and Surgical Unit. I’ve spent the last three years shaping the role of what will become the Communications Officer. I’ve prioritized connection and radical transparency, and it led to a more engaged and informed bargaining unit. I’m excited to bring on another officer to mentor and work with, to grow our collaboration efforts, and continue finding ways to educate and inform our nurses here at Seattle Children’s. I’ve been so grateful to represent you all and hope to continue to do so.

AJ Nagal, BSN, RN (Critical Care Float Pool)

No statement submitted.

Questions? Contact  WSNA Nurse Rep Linda Burbank at lburbank@wsna.org.