Board Members

2023 President - Candace Lee, FNP, RN

I’ve been working in the Emergency Department since 2012, initially as an Emergency Room technician while completing nursing school. I then went on to work as an RN in several large emergency departments in the Austin area, most recently Dell Children’s Medical Center where I served on the Nursing Peer Review Committee, Facilitated the Nursing Career Portfolio in the Emergency Department, and streamlined multiple process improvement projects.

During my last two years working at Dell, I completed a Family Nurse Practitioner program at the University of Texas Medical Branch. In 2021, I began working as a Nurse Practitioner in several emergency departments within the central Texas area and am currently enrolled in a Post-Master’s ENP program to more adequately prepare nurse practitioners to work in the emergency department. In my spare time (there isn’t much) I like to hangout with my two Goldendoodles, Harvey and Hamilton.

President Elect - Theresa Price, BSN, RN, TCRN, CEN

My name is Theresa Price and I am Austin ENA's president elect for 2023. I have been a nurse for 19 years, 17 of which I have worked in the ER. I can remember completing my ER rotation during nursing school and thinking immediately, "This is where I have to be!" The ER holds a very special place in my heart. I have had the privilege of working with so many amazing people and have had several wonderful leaders. I am currently the Director of Emergency and Trauma Services at Dell Seton Medical Center at The University of Texas. What is my why? My team, our patients, and our community. I am an advocate for collaborative decision making, empowering nursing, and innovative healthcare. During my nursing career, I have been able to work in a four bed rural ER, an eight bed level four ER, a level three trauma center, flight nursing, and now a Level 1 trauma center. All of these experiences have helped define the nurse and leader I am today.

I enjoy spending time with family, listening to live music, and enjoying a night out on the patio with friends.

I am honored to lead our Austin ENA team and look forward to 2023.

Immediate Past President - Rhonda Manor Coombes, BSN, RN, TCRN

Howdy. My name is Rhonda Manor Coombes and I am your 2022 Austin ENA President. I was born and raised in Austin, Texas. After graduating nursing school in 2002, I immediately went to work in the Emergency Department at St. David's Medical Center. I knew from the very beginning that the ED is where I belong. Believe it or not, prior to my ED career I was a Certified Surgical Technologist for Labor and Delivery and even worked in the OR. All just adding to my skillset for when I began my career in the Emergency Department. I have been a registered emergency department nurse for the past 19 years. I have worked for HCA (St. David's), Ascension (Seton Hays) and now I am the Trauma/Stroke Coordinator for Baylor Scott & White Medical Center Lakeway. I would not change a thing.

I have been a member of ENA, Texas ENA and Austin ENA since 2008. For the Austin chapter of ENA, I held the position of Director, Secretary and President (many, many, many times.) Within Texas ENA, I have been the secretary, director, media chair and information retention chair; I even ran for President a few times. I truly believe each position enhances my purpose within ENA, Texas ENA and Austin ENA.

My passion is Emergency Nursing. I have not missed an ENA National Conference since becoming a member. I enjoy the networking, seeing old friends, making new friends and just learning from others. One day I will present and maybe even run for a position at the National Level.

Secretary - Debra Rodriguez, MSN, RN, CPEN

Treasurer - Betty Nolan, MA, RN, CEN, FAEN

Betty moved to Texas three years ago and is currently retired. Prior to retiring, she worked as a Staff Development Instructor for the University of Kentucky healthcare. Betty served 30 years in the Army Nurse Corps. She obtained her BSN from Northeastern University and a MA from Norwich University.

Director - Stacia Schupman Jacks, BSN, RN

Hi, my name is Stacia Schupman-Jacks. I have been a nurse for thirty-four years. I started as an ER nurse and have, always, kept one foot in ER nursing while working in ICU, Cath lab, and On-Call Hospice nursing.

I was an officer in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps Reserves for fifteen years. In 2003, I was deployed to Bosnia for a tour of duty with other United Nations forces. My assignment was to manage the ER, ICU and Medical Treatment Facility at Eagle Base in Tuzla, Bosnia. This responsibility was unique, for me, because our patients were either wounded allied military personnel, civilians or possible military combatants.

Other assignments were to fly aboard U.S. Air Force C-130 transports with soldiers who needed more definitive care, whether physical and / or mental. Away from the safety and security of the hospital, we performed medical missions in the hills of Bosnia; this was an eye-opening experience to realize how blessed we are, here, in the United States.

I was, also, selected to be part of a nurse exchange program at a British Army camp for a week. This meant a helicopter ride flying close to the ground over and around the Bosnian hills to avoid being fired upon. The location of the camp was close to Sarajevo.

Upon returning to the States, I began working, full time, at NAMC’s Cath Lab and, PRN, at Seton Premiere Staffing. I have held both positions for the last eighteen years.

In 2017, I completed a BSN degree I began long before…proof that it’s never too late and you are never too old to learn.

My career in nursing has been a great blessing to me and a most rewarding calling; I cannot imagine giving my life to any other profession.

Director - Felix McCoy, RN

My name is Felix McCoy and I am happy to serve in the future role of DIrector of Austin ENA in 2023. I have been a nurse for over 22 years and have had the pleasure of working for Dell Seton Medical Center, formerly Brackenridge Hospital as an Emergency Room nurse for 20 of those years. I started my medical career in the United States Army as a Medic. This quickly taught me the importance of teamwork, accountability and commitment to service. This was definitely a springboard to my foundation in nursing. I currently serve in the role of ER Supervisor. In this role I am able to advocate for patients and nursing staff. I look forward to bringing my experience and contributing to the Austin ENA leadership team.

Past Presidents

Click here to see who has held the reigns of President of Austin ENA.