Meet the Heart of Modern Nurse fest

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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.

Taylor-Paige is a passionate nurse, wellness advocate, and the founder of Rise and Restore — a wellness company and community designed to help nurses prioritize their mental health, self-care, and personal growth. With years of firsthand experience in nursing, Taylor-Paige has navigated the pressures of the bedside, leadership roles, and the challenges that come with the demanding healthcare field.

Having experienced burnout and the importance of healing, Taylor-Paige understands the transformative power of self-awareness and self-care. Through Rise and Restore, she empowers nurses to reclaim their well-being, offering a safe space for connection, learning, and growth. By offering workshops, resources, and continuous support, Rise and Restore guides nurses in shedding the identities they've outgrown, helping them discover who they truly are. Through mindset shifts and transformative practices, nurses are empowered to discover new ways to thrive both personally and professionally.

At Modern Nurse Fest, Taylor-Paige brings her passion and expertise to life by leading wellness experiences and self-discovery workshops that give nurses the tools they need to reset, reflect, and reconnect with their purpose. Taylor-Paige is committed to building a community where nurses can truly feel supported, rejuvenated, and ready to continue their essential work with renewed purpose and vitality.

Ronnie Robinette is a registered nurse, entrepreneur, and trauma-informed coach dedicated to helping others heal, grow, and thrive. With a background in travel nursing and healthcare staffing, Ronnie has built multiple businesses, including Healing the Healers retreats, designed to support healthcare professionals in overcoming burnout and realigning with their passion. As a speaker and author, Ronnie shares insights on resilience, self-awareness, and navigating life’s unexpected paths with boldness.

As Director of Marketing for Modern Nurse Fest, Ronnie brings her strategic vision and heart-centered approach to ensure the event reaches and resonates with nurses everywhere. She plays a key role in creating impactful campaigns, cultivating community connections, and amplifying the festival’s message of empowerment and renewal. Her marketing efforts help bring together like-minded nurses seeking growth, support, and inspiration.

An avid traveler and beach lover, Ronnie finds inspiration in new experiences and believes adventure is the best way to embrace change. Married to Michael, they share their life with three pups and a cat, making every day an adventure of its own.

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.

 Kasey Pacheco is a visionary nurse leader and founder of Preservers of Life Holistic Marketing Agency. With a passion for community wellness, she is building a marketing network that bridges holistic and allopathic healing modalities. Kasey believes that when valuable people are made visible, true transformation happens. Through storytelling, strategic visibility, and collaborative innovation, she empowers nurses and wellness professionals to lead the future of integrative care. As Executive Director of Nurses in Charge and founder of the Burnout Prevention Network, she champions emotional and financial well-being as essential to healthcare sustainability. Kasey continues to inspire connection, creativity, and bold solutions that elevate the nursing profession and the communities they serve.

As the Director of Strategic Partnerships for Modern Nurse Fest, Kasey is the driving force behind building meaningful collaborations that elevate the experience for attendees and partners alike. With a passion for innovation and community, she connects with like-minded brands, organizations, and nurse leaders to create powerful synergies that support and celebrate the nursing profession. Her work ensures that every partnership aligns with the heart of the event—nurses supporting nurses.