Welcome ARN 2021 Class of Fellows

The ARN Fellow Designation (FARN), established in 2019, is the most distinguished level of member, as well as a public hallmark of professional esteem. On November 11, ARN inducted its 2021 class of fellows during ARN's Rehabilitation Nursing Conference.

These fellows went through a rigorous application process and successfully demonstrated outstanding leadership in rehabilitation nursing, and they have each provided notable contributions, service, and commitment to the specialty and ARN. Areas considered for the distinction include participation and leadership in ARN, consultation, research, education, practice, administration, advocacy, and public service.

ARN 2021 Class of Fellows 

Mary Ellen Hatch, MSN RN CRRN 

​Mary Ellen was instrumental in developing the FARN criteria in 2019. After launching the program, she stepped away so that she could be considered for the designation in the future. Mary Ellen has been a member of ARN since 2008 and is the Vice President of Nursing Operations for Encompass Health – one of the largest national health and rehabilitation post-acute care health systems that spans the continuum of rehabilitation hospitals, home health care, and hospice services. According to her sponsors, Mary Ellen inspires rehabilitation nurses to serve in appointed and elected volunteer positions, present at the chapter and national levels, and advance their careers through education, certification, and career opportunities. Her joy and value of membership in ARN and rehabilitation nursing is palpable, advancing the profession throughout all levels of nursing practice.

Barbara Lutz, PhD RN PHNA-BC CRRN FAAN FAHA 

​Barbara Lutz was also instrumental in developing the FARN criteria in 2019. After launching the program, she stepped away so that she could be considered for the designation in the future. Barbara is a McNeill Distinguished Professor at the University of North Carolina-Wilmington. She has been a member of ARN since 1998. According to her sponsors, Barbara has contributed significantly to rehabilitation nursing through her leadership, research, and mentoring. Her research to develop programs that shift the healthcare paradigm to family-integrated care model is transformative. Barbara's mentees have significantly benefitted from her investment in them as nurses, nurse scientists, and as an advocate for the needs of family caregivers.

Maureen Musto, MS RN ACNS-BS APRN-CNS CRRN 

​Maureen is a Clinical Nurse Specialist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Dodd Rehabilitation Hospital. She has been a member of ARN since 1996. According to Maureen's sponsors, Maureen's contribution and impact to the specialty of rehabilitation nursing as an advanced practice nurse, educator, and mentor, her influence has progressed from shaping practice within her organization and within the Central Ohio Chapter to national and international levels. Maureen is an expert when it comes to TBI, Stroke, and Fall Injury Prevention Program Development.

Next Opportunity to Apply 

​A webinar recording and applicant toolkit as well as the rubric are accessible on the ARN website that will help make it easier to understand the application criteria and steps to make sure your application is complete and best positioned for approval.

The Fellowship Selection Committee will begin accepting FARN applications in April 2022. The deadline to submit a completed application is August 15, 2022. Learn More>