About Us—Board of Directors and Advisors

President – Monica Weisbrich, BSN, RN

"As a California-born registered nurse, I have always loved watching or going to the Rose Parade each New Year's morning.  When we became aware a registered nurse and colleague was to be President of the Tournament of Roses, an opportunity of a lifetime came into being.  What better way to show the world the unique, diversified, caring and patient advocacy profession nursing is.  Once a nurse, always a nurse as the world will see on January 1, 2013 when the Bare Roots, Inc. float dedicated to nursing appears in the Tournament on Roses parade.  One needs no better reason to get involved or let this opportunity pass the world by.

Experience----My professional career has been quite single-minded—Operating Room Nursing also known as Perioperative Nursing.  I have traversed the entire spectrum from staff nurse to Director to Vice President of Surgical Services.  I entered the business world as a manager of a supplementary staffing agency specializing in Perioperative Nursing and presently am a consultant.  My professional nursing organization involvement reaches from local to state to national levels."

Please review her resume.

Chief Operating Officer – Judy Dahle, MS, MSG, RN

"I have been committed to nursing for 44 years and I believe that nurses from all specialties, within all healthcare models are the backbone of quality, safe patient care. In 2013 we have the opportunity to recognize their service publicly to people around the world. I feel that the Rose Parade Float will represent a very positive image of the contribution nursing has given the world since the time of Florence Nightingale. It will bring nurses from around the world together to support and recognize each other as well as receiving a tribute by millions of people."

Please review her resume.

Vice President of Marketing – Paul Wafer, MBA, RN

"I am involved with this project because I believe that nursing is a noble, worthy profession and that nurses need to be recognized for the service and care they provide to those in need.  I also want to represent a positive image of nursing for men and encourage them to consider the profession."

Paul has 30 years of healthcare experience.  His surgical leadership experience has encompassed both large and small surgery programs over a 20-year period.  Paul’s span of responsibility has also included many hospital-wide leadership positions including Chief Nursing Officer, Chief Operating Office, and Chief Executive Officer.  He has extensive consulting experience as well.  Paul completed his BS at Loyola Marymount University and his Master in Business Administration at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California.

Please review his resume.

Secretary – Pat Spongberg, RN

"Nursing is my passion.  It has been my privilege to practice as a Registered Nurse for 53 years. This is such a unique opportunity to be involved in creating a forum that honors all nurses.  Nurses make a difference for patients and families every day, and this is a chance to celebrate and recognize our colleagues."

Treasurer – Suzanne Ward, MA, MN, RN, CNOR

Suzanne is so exited about the Nurses Float and she didn’t wait to be asked to join the founding group, she invited herself to become involved.  She is very glad the group accepted her.  Living in Southern California for the past 40 plus years she has experienced many Rose Parades and she knows this is the perfect venue to put Nurses in a spotlight they so richly deserve.  Suzanne is the most excited about decorating the float. 

Suzanne F. Ward has 38 years of experience as a nurse.  She specialized in the perioperative area after graduating with her BSN from Loma Linda University Loma Linda, California.  She has been a staff nurse, an educator, a supervisor, and a Director of Surgical Services.  Suzanne continues to stay active in nursing by doing association work, designing websites for nurse organizations, consulting, writing, and lecturing.

Please review her resume.