Meet the Heart of Modern Nurse fest

---

Emily Knife is a trailblazer in modern nursing, transforming her journey from a burned-out nurse educator into the visionary founder of the School of Modern Nursing and Modern Nurse Fest. Refusing to accept the limitations of traditional nursing, she pioneered Somatic Nursing, a revolutionary approach that blends neuroscience, movement, and holistic healing to support nurses in mind, body, and spirit.

A published author and fearless innovator, Emily has redefined what it means to be a nurse in today’s world—breaking barriers, creating new career paths, and empowering nurses to heal themselves while they heal others. Her work isn’t just about education; it’s about liberation. Through her books, courses, and global community, she is leading a movement where nurses no longer have to choose between their passion and their well-being.

Emily’s mission is simple: nursing can be modern, sustainable, and deeply fulfilling—and she’s proving it every day. 

Jen Crow is the power-house founder of Nurses for Nurses and Modern Nurse Fest. After years as a burn-out from corporate healthcare, she made the bold decision to walk away and start her own business — one rooted in connection, empowerment, and real change. 

Now, she’s on a mission to inspire nurses everywhere to take control of their careers, rediscover their purpose, and build lives they truly love. Jen believes nurses are natural leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs — they just need the right support and community. Through Nurses for Nurses and Modern Nurse Fest, she creates spaces where nurses are seen, heard, and celebrated. She’s not afraid to challenge the status quo, ask hard questions, or dream big for the future of nursing. 

Jen is living proof that walking away doesn’t mean giving up — it means stepping into your power. And she’s here to help other nurses do the same.

Ashley Chancellor is a registered nurse of 14 years who spent the bulk of her career traveling the U.S. as an ICU nurse, finally settling just before the pandemic. As a nurse who gave her all to her patients and career, she unfortunately suffered a debilitating back injury and severe PTSD during COVID, which led her to leave the bedside indefinitely. Her healing journey, while still ongoing, produced her memoir Just a Nurse and inspired her to help others navigate the deep wounds burnout can leave behind. She has successfully completed a Nurse Coaching program and now dedicates her life to supporting nurses in reigniting their passion for bedside care — or transitioning into more fulfilling, aligned roles. Ashley’s passion is to help the helpers by encouraging self-care and reminding nurses that their most important patient is themselves.

As Director of Volunteers at Modern Nurse Fest, Ashley brings her leadership, compassion, and lived experience to guide and support the incredible team of volunteers who make the event possible. She’ll also be offering heartfelt guidance and coaching to nurses seeking clarity, healing, and purpose — helping attendees feel seen, supported, and empowered to take their next steps. Ashley’s presence adds a grounding, nurturing energy that reminds every nurse in the room that their well-being truly matters.

In her free time, Ashley loves being outside traveling, camping, hiking, and fishing. Her own self-care journey has led her to find a deep love for movement and nourishing her body — prioritizing her physical, mental, and spiritual health with intention.