Our Leadership Team

Dr. Jeliah Akombe is a dual-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, licensed in over ten states across the United States.

She earned her BSN from New Jersey City University, her Master of Science in Nursing from Walden University, and completed her Doctor of Nursing Practice at Samford University in Alabama. She later earned a Post-Doctorate certification in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing from the University of Massachusetts.

Dr. Akombe began her nursing career at University Hospital in Newark as an Emergency Room staff nurse. She later served as a Family Nurse Practitioner with the Newark Department of Health. Currently, she practices as both a Family Nurse Practitioner with United Healthcare and a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.

As founder and CEO of KNAA, she is committed to advancing health and wellness in underserved communities.

Mr. Nash is a registered nurse who has served as a nurse leader for over 25 years with extensive work experience in the nursing profession. He holds a bachelor's degree from New Jersey City University with graduate work at New York University, Wagner School of Public Service.

Beginning his career in Kenya as an ICU nurse, he transitioned to the USA where he has worked in multiple states serving in various nurse leadership roles including home health in New Jersey, public health at Mecklenburg County Health Department, and academia at New York University School of Medicine.

Mr. Nash currently serves as a nurse consultant with a particular interest in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the workplace. He is co-founder of the Medical Relief Alliance and continues to engage in community work in the USA and Kenya, organizing multiple mission trips to rural communities.

He has received many awards including the North Carolina Community Services Award and the Kenyan American Community Services Ambassador Award.

Dr. Irene Ondieki earned her Doctorate in Nursing Practice from Grand Canyon University in 2018. She also holds a Master's degree in Nursing Management and Organizational Leadership from American Sentinel University and is certified as a Nurse Executive by the ANCC. She recently completed a Mini-MBA certificate from Rutgers University.

With over 15 years of diverse nursing experience spanning critical care, telemetry, medical-surgical, oncology, and post-acute care nursing, Dr. Ondieki currently serves as Clinical Director of Nursing Services at the Wakefield Campus, playing a pivotal role in enhancing quality and patient safety.

She serves as executive sponsor for several key departments including Neonatology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medicine, and Orthopedics. During her tenure, she was instrumental in leading the team to achieve their first Magnet Designation in the Bronx.

She is the founder of the Black Professional Network and an active member of the New Jersey chapter of the Organization of Nurse Leaders, serving on the Mentorship Committee.

Dr. Evelyne Nyangara is a triple board-certified Advanced Practice Nurse with over 20 years of experience in the nursing profession. She holds academic credentials from the University of Delaware, University of Massachusetts Boston, Wilkes University, and the University of Scranton.

Dr. Nyangara currently practices as both a Family Nurse Practitioner and a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and has been recognized with numerous clinical awards for excellence in patient care. She has served in various academic and leadership roles across governmental and private organizations.

A passionate advocate for the next generation of healthcare professionals, Dr. Nyangara actively mentors aspiring nurses and nurse practitioners in both the United States and Kenya.

As Regional Director for the Southeast region of KNAA, she continues to dedicate her work to supporting underserved communities, using education and mentorship as tools for empowerment and long-term change.

Mrs. Gladys Matongo is dual certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C) and a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). She currently works at a state psychiatric mental health hospital and is committed to providing medical and psychiatric care grounded in evidence based practice. She has served as a registered nurse and advanced nurse practitioner for more than 20 years across multiple specialties.

Her expertise includes advanced medical and psychiatric care, acute nursing care, patient education, medical and surgical nursing, inpatient hospital care, and women’s health. She began her nursing career with an Associate in Applied Science in Nursing from County College of Morris in Randolph, NJ, then worked in several hospitals across varied specialties.

Mrs. Matongo later earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Winston State University in Winston Salem, NC, where she also completed her Master of Science in Nursing as a Family Nurse Practitioner. After more than a decade of practice as an FNP, she pursued her Post Graduate Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practice at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia.

She has worked in multiple North Carolina hospitals including Cherry Hospital, Central Regional Prison Hospital, Rex Hospital, and UNC Chapel Hill, as well as Harborage Nursing Home and Columbus Hospital in New Jersey. She has a strong passion for volunteering in youth and women’s health programs and is the founder of Community Vocational and Career Ministries (CVCM).

Mrs. Matongo is a proud member of KNAA and serves as Regional Director for the Southeastern region.

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