Laura Marie Orr, MSN, APRN, NNP-BC

Carlene Speaks has established an impactful career dedicated to neonatal care and nursing education. Commencing her professional journey at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), Carlene has navigated various roles from Clinical Nurse II in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit to becoming a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner. Her responsibilities included the comprehensive medical management of critically ill and premature neonates in different care settings, coupled with attending high-risk deliveries. Carlene's educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and a Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization in Neonatal Nurse Practitioner from MUSC. Her commitment to education extended to adjunct faculty roles at MUSC, where she precepted graduate-level students in the Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Program during clinical experiences. Carlene maintains certifications, including the NCC Certification for Neonatal Nurse Practitioner and Care of the Extremely Low Birthweight Infant. She also maintains Neonatal Resuscitation Program credentials. She has served with the National Certification Corporation on the Content team for the Neonatal Nurse Practitioner certification exam. Her involvement in various professional activities, from national nurse associations to committees like the Vermont Oxford Network Small Baby Initiative and Prophylaxis and Treatment for PDA Task Force, showcases her dedication to furthering neonatal care standards. Her active involvement in professional associations and various committees highlights her dedication to shaping the landscape of neonatal care.

Lindzie Durham Smarch holds a Master of Science in Nursing, achieved with Magna Cum Laude honors, specializing in Neonatal Nurse Practitioner from East Carolina University (ECU) in December 2011. Her commitment to excellence is evident in her Cum Laude Bachelor of Science in Nursing from ECU in May 2007. Lindzie manages a caseload of acute and convalescing infants in the NICU. She actively participates in personal and professional development, identifying learning needs and maintaining required competencies. Lindzie's clinical responsibilities include performing various medical procedures, such as oral intubation, central line placement, lumbar puncture, and thoracostomy, showcasing her proficiency in neonatal care. Lindzie's extensive professional journey includes roles as a Neonatal Practitioner at the Medical University of South Carolina and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she is also adjunct faculty for the UNC School of Medicine. Her numerous certifications, including Care of the Extremely Low Birth Weight, Physician Builder Certification, National Certification Corporation, and Neonatal Resuscitation Program, highlight her dedication to staying abreast of the latest advancements in health care. Lindzie also serves on the Resident Education Committee at MUSC and the ELBW Content Team for the National Certification Corporation. Her honors and scholarships further underscore her commitment to academic excellence and leadership in neonatal care.