Board Directory

Chicago SGNA mission and vision is to bring the benefits of national membership to SGNA members at the local level. Most of you see this first-hand at our Spring and Fall into GI conferences, where we benefit from the expertise of our speakers, and see the latest in technology from our Vendor displays.

Please use the “contact us form”- we are all here to help answer questions. *Unfortunately we are unable to publish our email addresses to protect ourselves and Chicago SGNA from being compromised. There has been an instance of an email scammer. The email is not checked on a daily basis, so please be patient while waiting for a response.

We as a board invite you to think about what you can offer us- we depend on the generosity of our vendors, and the enthusiasm we receive from you all! If you have any talents or willingness to help volunteer with us- we would love to have you. Many hands lessen the load!! If you would like to work with one of the directors, please email us or talk to us at a conference.

We are GI nurses who are dedicated to our field and want to keep the Chicago region connecting and sharing this knowledge with each other.

Meet our 2025 Board of Directors

Evelyn Kuner BSN, RN, CGRN – President

I have been a nurse for 34 years and for the last 26 of those years, I have focused on gastroenterology. I am experienced in therapeutic interventional endoscopy and GI care. I have served as a mentor for new nurses in the GI department.  Recently, I assisted in setting up and launching our new endoscopy unit at the University of Chicago Medicine at River East. In 2013 I was featured in the SGNA “eScope” Member Spotlight. Additionally, I was featured in the SGNA GI Nurses and Associates Week (GINAW) newsletter for 2024 to share my proudest moments as a CGRN. 

I am currently an RN for Digestive Diseases at University of Chicago Medicine assisting in endoscopic procedures and supporting our patients in pre- and post-care. I have served as the Director of Programs for the Chicago SGNA and in the Awards Committee for SGNA. Additionally, I am a member of the Philippine Nurses Association of America.

 

Valerie Ricken MSN, RN, CGRN -Treasurer

I have been a nurse for 34 years with experiences in Telemetry, Urgent Care, Day Surgery, Ambulatory Care and the last 14 years have been spent in Endoscopy. Currently, I am the Clinical Manager at Rush Copley Center for Digestive Health. I obtained my CGRN in 2015, and my MSN in 2022. I joined SGNA in 2016 and became a volunteer with the Chicago SGNA in 2018 because I wanted to grow professionally.

I served as Secretary and President-Elect from 2019-2021, then President from 2022-2024, and currently hold the Treasurer position. I highly encourage anyone interested in becoming more active in growing their professional practice to consider volunteering or becoming more active in CSGNA.

 

Sandy Mitchell -Secretary

I am a certified GI technician and certified surgical technologist with over 12 years of experience in gastroenterology and more than 25 years of experience as a CST. I have an extensive background assisting with endoscopic and surgical procedures, patient preparation, scope reprocessing, and maintaining strict sterile technique. Known for reliability, strong clinical judgement, and the ability to work efficiently in high-pressure environments while delivering exceptional patient care and supporting multidisciplinary teams.

 

Kate Healy BSN, RN, CGRN – Co-Director of Vendors

I have been a nurse for almost 34 years with the last 24 years being in Endoscopy. My GI career began in Tokyo, Japan back in 1990. I worked in an outpatient lab performing procedures and grew to love it. I spent 7 years of my career traveling the world and have seen multiple perspectives of Endoscopy in different cultures. I continued my career in the US and joined SGNA in 2007 and became GI-certified in 2011. In 2012 I became a board member of SGNA that oversaw scholarships and I am currently the Director of Vendors. Endoscopy has been such a great part of my career and I love what I do.

Kathy Defer, BSN, RN, CGRN – Co-Director of Vendors

I started my nursing career 26 years ago working in a Med/Surg/Oncology department. In 2007 I changed my career path and transferred to the Endoscopy department.  I am currently the Advance Team-Clinical Nurse Coordinator at Edward Hospital. 

I have a passion for Endoscopy and cannot imagine working in any other department.  This year I joined Chicago SGNA where I currently serve as the Co-Director of Vendors.  I look forward to my continued involvement with the CSGNA.

May Documento, BSN, RN, CGRN – Co-Director of Programs

I have been a GI nurse for more than 30 years, working as a procedure nurse, Education Coordinator & currently as GI recovery staff at Northwestern Hospital in Chicago. Joining the SGNA Leadership in 2025 is an opportunity to be actively involved in the GI community of Professionals. It is a privilege to collaborate & develop our knowledge in our field of expertise together with our “Gut” sisters (& brothers).

“Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young” – Henry Ford

Grace Pelayo BSN, RN, CGRN – Co-Director of Programs

I have been a nurse for more than a decade, with the last five years specializing in GI nursing. I am currently a nurse in Rush’s Center for Interventional and Therapeutic Endoscopy at Rush University Medical Center, where I integrate advanced clinical skills with a commitment to patient-centered care. As a CGRN and DNP student, I am passionate about advancing evidence-based practice and translating it into meaningful improvements in patient outcomes. It is an honor to both learn from and contribute to the exceptional work of the SGNA community.

I started my nursing career in 2020 during peak COVID which honed my nursing skills quickly. Since 2022 I have been working in GI at Edward Hospital, both on the interventional GI and pulmonary team. I earned my CGRN certification in 2024 which is also when I joined SGNA. I volunteered to join Chicago SGNA and become a board member to learn more, stay connected with the GI community, and continue to grow professionally.