Katie Hepfer, DNP, ARNP, CPNP
Associate Professor and Director of the Young Pediatric Nurse Clinician Program
Isabella Fain
Isabella Fain is originally from Scottsdale, Arizona and came to Iowa for Iowa’s #1 Nursing program. She decided on a career in nursing after attending an Iowa Football game in 2017. After participating in one of the best traditions in all of college football, the Iowa Wave, she knew right then and there that she wanted to work with the kids at UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital. She is now in her last semester of nursing school and will graduate in May of 2024. Throughout her time at Iowa, Isabella has been working as a nursing assistant on 6JPP Mother/Baby Care Unit and is active in UI Dance Marathon. In her free time, Isabella loves traveling and exploring the outdoors. She loves being active and just recently ran the Chicago Marathon to raise money for UI Dance Marathon. After graduation, Isabella hopes to pursue a career as a Pediatric Nurse on Level 11, the Pediatric Oncology/Hematology unit at UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital. She is very proud to be a part of YPNCP and extremely excited for her future environment along with all the valuable experiences and memories that will come along with this program!
Cassidy Ford
Cassidy Ford is a fourth semester nursing student who will graduate in May 2024. She is originally from Plainfield, IL and hopes to pursue her career in PICU nursing after graduation. She has been a nanny for the past seven years and volunteers at a children’s hospital in her hometown, both of which helped to develop her passion for working in pediatrics. Cassidy has worked as a PCT at UIHC for three years and is drawn to bedside nursing. She eventually plans to continue her education to get her DNP in pediatrics or neonatology. In her free time, she enjoys reading, yoga, and spending time with friends and family!
Cara Goodman
Cara Goodman is originally from Hamburg, Iowa and is a future December 2024 graduate. She has always been passionate about pediatrics, especially preventative and intensive care, since her younger sister was born with Down syndrome. She has volunteered with Young Special Olympics, Iowa Miss Amazing, and CCOM Teddy Bear Clinics while also working as an EKG Technician. After graduation, she hopes to pursue a career in the PICU or CICU and eventually receive a dual DNP in Pediatric Acute and Primary care. In her free time, Cara enjoys hanging out with family and friends. She is looking forward to the opportunities and memories YPNC will bring!
Aubri McClung
Aubri McClung is originally from Altoona, IA. She is a third-semester nursing student who will graduate in May of 2024. She has always been passionate about pediatrics, and she has enjoyed working in the pediatric unit at MercyOne for 3 years. Aubri hopes to pursue a career in the PICU or CCU and work in Chicago, IL. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, working out, and spending time with her family & friends. Eventually, she wishes to pursue a career as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. She has loved the mentorship and opportunity this program has given her and feels blessed to be a part of the YPNCP!
Madison Trotter
Maddie Trotter is a future May 2024 graduate originally from Eldridge, Iowa. She has always been passionate about pediatric nursing and hopes to pursue a career in pediatric hematology/oncology at the University of Iowa. Throughout her time at Iowa, Maddie has gained experience in the Emergency Department, the Pediatric Specialty Clinic, and the Mother-Baby Care Unit. Additionally, Maddie traveled to Kenya over the summer to help run medical clinics in remote villages outside of Nairobi. These opportunities continued to confirm that pediatric nursing is what she loves most. In her free time, Maddie loves to travel, cook, and volunteer at her church. She is excited to continue being a part of the YPNC program and is looking forward to the opportunities and experiences that come with it!
Alydia Tyler
Alydia Tyler is a member of the December 2024 cohort. She is from Cedar Falls, IA. Alydia is interested in the pediatric ICU and all things peds! She currently works as a nursing assistant at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital, which confirmed her passion for pediatrics. In her free time she enjoys spending time outside, being with family, and reading!
Elizabeth Wessel
Elizabeth Wessel is a new member of the Young Peds Nurse Clinician program and will be graduating from the University of Iowa College of Nursing in May of 2025. She is originally from Colesburg, IA and grew up in a family of 5 with 2 brothers. Liz works on Level 10 at UI Stead Family Children's Hospital and loves working with kids! She has an interest in critical care and oncology and would love to be a pediatric nurse in one of those two fields. She also has goals of doing mission work and becoming fluid is ASL. Outside of nursing, Liz loves to read, bake, hang out with friends and family and play with her corgi, Harvey!