Dianna Heikkila
Dianna Heikkila is a highly specialized Certified Registered Nurse Anesthesiologist (CRNA) and educator with over two decades of clinical expertise, dedicated almost exclusively to obstetric anesthesia. She earned her nurse anesthesia training from the Kaiser Permanente School of Anesthesia in 2001 and has since become a prominent voice in both clinical practice and anesthesia education.
In November 2018, Dianna completed her PhD in the College of Health Sciences at Walden University. Her doctoral research, “The Relationship between Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists’ Emotional Intelligence and Burnout,” addresses critical workforce wellness issues and bridges the gap between clinician mental health and high-stakes patient care.
Currently, Dianna serves as a full-time Assistant Professor at Samuel Merritt University in the Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) Program, where she helps shape the next generation of anesthesia providers. She maintains an active clinical presence at Kaiser Roseville, a high-volume center averaging 6,500+ deliveries annually, ensuring her academic instruction remains rooted in real-world, fast-paced obstetric environments.
In 2026, Dianna expanded her professional reach by founding Lullaby Nursing Anesthesia Consulting and Services, APNC. Through this S-Corp, she provides expert independent consulting and clinical services, driven by her lifelong passion for improving the birthing experience through safe, compassionate, evidence-based obstetric anesthesia.
Charles Griffis
Clinical Assistant Professor USC Program of Nurse Anesthesia, teach research, pain physiology. Former President of CANA 2015-16; Board member 2009-2016. Former Chair AANA Foundation. Editorial Panel, AANA Journal. Researcher in pain, suicide prevention. Chair of CANA Wellness Committee. Member CRNA Advisory Committee CA Board of Registered Nursing. Active political advocate at state and national levels.