Northeast Ohio Chapter

Areas Served

The Northeast Ohio Chapter of the Preventive Cardiovascular Nursing Association serves the Akron, Cleveland area and surrounding suburbs.

Volunteer

Contact Jennifer to learn more about getting involved with the Northeast Ohio Chapter.

Chapter Background

Get to Know Your Chapter Leadership Team!

The Northeast Ohio Chapter was started in 2001 by Emma Groethe and Rebecca Angerstein. Marsha Wineland served as Chapter Leader for over 10 years and continues to support the leadership team.

Members consist of registered nurses, nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, nurses in family care, primary care and cardiac rehab as well as exercise physiologists and cardiovascular disease researchers. Membership is open to all nurses and health care professionals who manage cardiovascular disease risk and who are committed to forwarding the care of patients in cardiovascular health.

The goals of the Northeast Ohio Chapter are to continue to provide excellent educational seminars, to serve as a source of leadership and support for cardiovascular patients and care providers, and to engage in community activities that promote cardiovascular health.

This chapter has developed several educational events with help from local expert practitioners including topics such as exercise, diet, electrophysiology testing, pacemakers, and defibrillators. Recently they have established a collaborative partnership with the local American Heart Association chapter to combine resources for educational programs and community involvement.

“Our members have contributed greatly to our success and include cardiovascular and family practice physicians, nurses and advanced practice nurses, educators and exercise physiologists, dieticians and managers for cardiac wellness and rehabilitation.” – Emma Groethe, founding chapter leader

Jennifer Johnson DNP, RN, CNE is the current Chapter Leader and has over 20 years of cardiovascular nursing experience, having worked across various cardiac units in three states before transitioning into education. Her dedication to teaching is reflected in her ongoing work teaching cardiac content, including pharmacology, in both clinical and academic settings. She has been honored with the Faces of Care Nurse Educator Award (2025) and the Ohio League for Nursing Outstanding Excellence in Teaching Award (2022). She joined PCNA as Chapter Chairperson to connect with fellow cardiovascular nurses, advance preventive cardiovascular care, and give back to a profession she deeply values.