Katie Hildreth, DNP, ARNP, CPNP-AC/PC

Katie is a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner at the Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital on the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. She also teaches third semester students for the Parent Child Practicum. Katie loves working with children and their families to make their experience in the hospital just a little brighter!  She loves how quickly kids bounce back and their amazing imaginations. She is so excited to be the co-director of the Young Pediatric Nurse Clinician Program and share her love of pediatrics!

Delaney Johnson

Delaney Johnson is a new member of the YPNC group and could not be more excited! She is originally from Melrose Park, Illinois and will graduate in May 2026. She has always wanted to be a pediatric nurse since the day she saw her sister in the hospital. Delaney has always strived to help others and be a space of comfort for those in hard times. She works at the Pediatric Specialty Clinic at UIHC as a Patient Care Technician and loves working with kids! Delaney hopes to one day be a nurse on a pediatric ICU or pediatric oncology floor. In her free time, Delaney enjoys travelling, reading, and spending time with family. 

Rayna Kauffman

Rayna Kauffman is originally from Lake Zurich, Illinois and will be graduating from the University of Iowa College of Nursing in May of 2026. She has always been passionate about caring for children in her future and eventually wants to pursue a career as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. She currently works as a Nursing Assistant at the University of Iowa Hospital & Clinics. Rayna is so excited to make a difference in the pediatric care world and is thrilled to see what opportunities the YPNCP will bring!

Katherine Hoffman

Katherine Hoffman, from Oak Park, Illinois, is a member of the Spring 2026 cohort. During the past two summers, she has worked as a Patient Access Intern at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago. Inspired by the compassionate nurses who cared for her when she was young, Katherine hopes to pursue a career in pediatrics so she can make a difference in the lives of young children. She is excited about the opportunity to learn from leaders and mentors through the Young Nurse Pediatric Clinical Program. In her free time, Katherine enjoys staying active through running and yoga, reading a good book, and spending time with family and friends.

Taylor David

Taylor Davis is from Bloomington, Minnesota. She is a member of the December 2026 cohort! Taylor knew she always wanted to work with kids in her future, and her dream is to work on a pediatric unit as a registered nurse. Taylor became so inspired by all the work Stead Family has done for families and their kiddos, and she wishes to be a part of that. During the school year, Taylor works as a PCT in the float pool at UI Healthcare.

In her free time, Taylor loves to spend time with her friends and family, grab a coffee, and enjoy the outdoors.  She is so excited to be a part of the Young Pediatric Nurse Clinician Program, to learn more about pediatric nursing, and for the opportunities the program will bring!

Avery Erickson

Avery Erickson is originally from Sugar Grove, Illinois and will graduate in December 2026. She is very excited to be a member of the YPNCP and cannot wait for the opportunities it will bring. Her passion for pediatric nursing began when she was a bone marrow donor for her younger brother in 2021. She has a special interest in hematology-oncology nursing and eventually would like to pursue her nurse practitioner degree!! On campus, Avery is involved in Dance Marathon and volunteers on the pediatric oncology unit at Stead Family Children's Hospital. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, traveling, playing pickleball and spending time with friends and family! 

Maida Jusufovic

Maida Jusufovic, from Johnston, Iowa, is a member of the May 2026 cohort. Having experienced firsthand the power of compassionate nurses as a child, Maida was inspired to follow in their footsteps and make a lasting contribution to pediatric nursing! Her passion for working with children deepened after years of working in childcare. She recently discovered her love for critical care during her summer internship in the MICU and wishes to pursue a career in either the PICU or Pediatric Oncology! Maida is also involved in SNAUI, Students to Assist Recruitment, and Women in Healthcare. In her free time, she enjoys reading, playing pickleball, cooking/baking, and spending time with friends. She is extremely excited for the valuable opportunities that the YPNCP will provide and is delighted to be a new member!