Board of Directors
Candidate For:
Heather Anne Wilde
BSN, RN, SANE-A
Goal Statement
My professional goals are to continue advancing forensic nursing through education, collaboration, leadership, and advocacy while supporting the mission of the Academy of Forensic Nursing. I hope to contribute to the Education Committee by developing innovative, evidence-based educational programs that prepare and support forensic nurses throughout their careers. I am committed to fostering interprofessional collaboration, mentoring the next generation of forensic nurses, advancing evidence-informed practice, and obtaining the Generalist Forensic Nurse certification through the Forensic Nursing Certification Board.
Biography
Heather Wilde, BSN, RN, SANE-A, is the Director of Education for the Forensic Nursing Network, where she leads the development of competency-based educational programs, curricula, and interprofessional training initiatives that advance forensic nursing practice across Ohio and beyond. With nearly 30 years of nursing experience, she has dedicated much of her career to improving the care of patients affected by violence through education, collaboration, advocacy, and systems-level change.
Heather maintains clinical practice as a forensic nurse examiner and has extensive experience in sexual assault, non-fatal strangulation, human trafficking, trauma-informed care, and the neurobiology of trauma. She has developed and delivered educational programs for healthcare professionals, law enforcement, attorneys, EMS, social workers, and interprofessional teams at the local, state, and national levels.
In addition to her educational leadership, Heather serves on numerous state and national committees focused on forensic nursing, human trafficking, strangulation, brain injury, and maternal mortality. She is passionate about building collaborative partnerships, mentoring the next generation of forensic nurses, and advancing evidence-informed practice through education, policy, and advocacy.
Outside of her professional role, Heather is actively involved in community outreach and survivor advocacy through organizations dedicated to supporting individuals affected by human trafficking.