Lindzie Durham Smarch, 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.