Leslie Arends is the director of the Young Pediatric Nurse Clinician Program. She is an Iowa native and earned both her BSN and DNP from the University of Iowa College of Nursing. She is a certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner with advanced practice experience supporting pediatric and perinatal palliative care patients and their families in central Iowa. As an Assistant Professor for the College of Nursing, she is primarily teaching pediatric-related course for the undergraduate nursing program. Leslie lives in North Liberty with her husband, two children, and their pet dog.

Brooklyn Gries is a second semester nursing student who will graduate in December 2022. She is from Marion, IA, and hopes to work in the Iowa City area after graduation. For the past two years, Brooklyn has worked as a nursing assistant at the Stead Family Children's Hospital which is what inspired her to pursue a career in pediatrics. After graduation and gaining some experience in pediatric nursing, she hopes to become a travel nurse for a few years, then return to Iowa City to work at the Children's hospital long term. Eventually, she plans to return to school and earn her master's in nursing. During her time here at Iowa, she has been involved with Dance Marathon and has also volunteered at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, attending sporting events, and reading a great book.

Narinsu Sengullu is originally from Naperville, Illinois. She is a senior at the University of Iowa and is in her second semester of nursing. She has always been passionate about pediatric oncology and hopes to pursue a career in that field. Narinsu is also hoping to eventually further her education and receive a DNP. Her dream job would be at the Robert H. Lurie Children’s hospital. In her free time, Narinsu really enjoys hanging out with friends and family. She is looking forward to the different experiences that will come along with this program! 

Cat Miles is originally from Frankfort, Illinois and is a future May 2023 graduate. She has worked as a nursing assistant at Stead Family Children's Hospital and held several leadership positions within Dance Marathon that have helped her develop a strong passion for pediatrics. She hopes to pursue a career in pediatric oncology/hematology or in the PICU and further her education after gaining some pediatric nursing experience after graduation. In her free time, Cat enjoys running, lifting, spending time with friends and family, and embroidering. She is very excited for her future involvement in YPNC and the valuable experiences and memories that will come along with it! 

Kelly Bush is originally from Lake Zurich, Illinois, and will graduate in May 2023. She worked as the nursing assistant at Tamarak DayCamp where she solidified her passion to work in pediatrics. This summer Kelly has an internship on L10 of Stead where she is excited to gain more experience working with kids! She is interested in all facets of pediatrics from PICU and NICU to Pediatric Oncology and eventually wishes to pursue a career as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. In her free time, Kelly enjoys spending time with friends and family, reading books, and going to the gym.