President: 
Nicaise Soyoni
Williams-Douglas, RN, BSN, MSN – Nursing Education

Nicaise was born and raised on the beautiful and ecologically rich island of Dominica, a small yet unique nature island in the Caribbean. In 2012, she moved to the United States to pursue her educational goals. While working as a bedside nurse for six years, she earned an Associate of Applied Science degree from Medgar Evers College in 2015. She then continued her academic journey, obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Pace University in 2018, and a Master’s Degree in Nursing Education from Sacred Heart University in 2023. Her next academic milestone is the pursuit of a Ph.D. in Nursing at Pace University. Additionally, she holds a certification as an Assisted Living Administrator from the state of New Jersey.

Nicaise’s professional background is diverse, encompassing both inpatient and outpatient care across acute and sub-acute settings. She has been cross-trained in several specialized units, including neuro and spinal cord, orthopedics, cardiopulmonary, stroke, and traumatic brain injury. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, she contributed her skills in a vaccination clinic and also gained experience in outpatient infusion as a hematology and oncology nurse in an inpatient setting.

Currently, Nicaise works per diem at a Level II trauma hospital within the Westchester Medical Center Health Network, serving on both the Medical-Surgical and Telemetry units. As a Charge Nurse, she plays a key role in training and precepting new graduate nurses. In addition to her hospital role, Nicaise also practices as an aesthetic nurse at a medical spa, where she specializes in IV hydration therapy, chemical peels, facials, and supports clients through medically supervised weight loss management programs.

Her dedication and compassionate care were recognized on November 30, 2022, when she received formal acknowledgment for her exceptional service to patients. In 2023, she was nominated for the Nurse of Distinction Award. She began teaching at Pace University as an adjunct faculty member in 2024 and transitioned to a full-time position in September 2025. She now teaches in both the traditional four-year nursing program and the accelerated nursing program.

Throughout her career, Nicaise has held various roles in clinical staff, management, and supervision. She has been actively involved in the education and professional development of registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, certified nursing assistants, and patient care technicians.

Corresponding Secretary:
Tara Zacharzuk-Marciano, PhD, RN

Tara lives in Highland with her husband and 10-year-old daughter. Tara has been a member of The Professional Nurses of Dutchess/Putnam, INC. for the past five years.  She held the President’s position for the past two years and has become very active in the ANA-NY. In addition, she is a Legal Nurse Consultant with her own business.

Tara received her LPN in 2000. She graduated from Plattsburgh State University in 2004 with her BSN and attended Pace University for her MA in Nursing Education in 2010. Tara received her PhD in Nursing Education in 2017. She held a 4.0 GPA while completing PhD coursework.  She has worked as an Assistant Professor, Tara taught in the nursing skills lab and the clinical setting. As a staff nurse, she worked in the surgical services area and recently she worked as the Lead Surgical Services Nurse Educator

Recognizing the equal importance of self-care, Tara’s “free time” is spent enjoying the company of her family, friends, and outdoor activities.  Her favorite outdoor activities include walking on the rail trail, hiking, BBQ in the backyard, and skiing/snowboarding.

Vincent Hopper, RN (State/Local Award for Distinguished Service to the Nursing Profession)

Vincent Hopper is a registered nurse who retired from his position as a staff nurse at the Nuvance Heart Center Coumadin Clinic in 2022 completing what was 52 years of nursing excellence. Graduating from St. Francis Hospital School of Nursing in 1970, he immediately began working on the medical-surgical unit in that facility. In 1971, Vincent enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Following four years as a Corpsman, he was well prepared to assume various leadership positions in both North Carolina and New York hospitals. Vincent has managed Intensive Care Units, Emergency Departments, Residency Programs and Interventional Radiology Departments to name just a few.

Vincent has achieved certification as a Basic Life Support (BLS) instructor and he is certified in Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) as well as Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS). In addition, Vincent has held the positions of President and Secretary of the Northeast New York Chapter of Central Service Professionals (NENY-CCSP).

Donna Law, MSN RN

Donna received her BSN from SUNY Plattsburgh and her MSN from SUNY New Paltz in 1996. After a long career at Hudson River Psychiatric Center as a Nurse educator, she retired in 2011. She has served on the NYSNA District 12 Board from 2008- 2015 and has continued as a board member for The Professional Nurses Association of Dutchess/Putnam, Inc. She and her husband travel extensively, worldwide and they reside in Poughkeepsie.