- Kelly Prozialeck
Choose the health content that’s right for you, and get it delivered right in your inbox.
APOPKA, Fla. – On Dec. 18, National Twin Day celebrates the unique bonds twin siblings hold between one another. At AdventHealth, two identical twin sisters hold the identical executive title of chief nursing officer.
As twins, Michele Johnson and her sister Melissa Leonard knew they would explore similar careers in health care at a young age, but neither expected their paths to be nearly as identical as their looks.
Johnson currently serves as chief nursing officer at AdventHealth Fish Memorial in Orange City, while Leonard serves in the same capacity at AdventHealth Apopka.
“We have done everything together nearly our whole lives. We grew up together in West Volusia, we went to school – both high school and college together, and we both began our careers with AdventHealth. It’s really been a wild journey,” Johnson explained.
The two grew up in Deltona and first discovered their passion for health care in the sixth grade after seeing a family member go through a medical experience. That passion grew when both Leonard and Johnson decided to pursue nursing degrees from Florida State University in Tallahassee. Leonard says their family was supportive of them exploring a career that could evolve and grow.
“We had a very loving support system around us. I think that helped us push forward more as we were narrowing down what kind of nurse we both would like to be,” Leonard said.
Following graduation, the two began their health care journey at AdventHealth Orlando in 1998 as nurses on the cardiac progressive care unit. Over the years, their experiences helped them to grow into managers, directors and currently, chief nursing officers within the organization.
“I think we both are constantly looking to learn, so it’s nice to have someone who understands your mindset and your abilities that you can lean on and collaborate with,” Johnson said.
While they have grown into executive level roles, their love for health care is just as strong as their bonds of sisterhood.
“We are family and having that support from your siblings is what we hope to pass on to our kids. They have not only have us as parents to lean on, but their brothers and sisters and cousins as well,” Leonard said.
Recent News
Becker’s Hospital Review honors these visionary women for driving change, expanding care and shaping the future of health care.
Same hospital, same nurse, same baby weight and memories that will last a lifetime.
The Medical Staff of UChicago Medicine AdventHealth Hinsdale and La Grange recently awarded scholarships to high school students from the local community.
As an author and professor, Dr. Harvinder Arora’s addition further strengthens the hospital’s growing cardiovascular program in Lake County.
Alice Saunders said if not for the team members at AdventHealth Heart of Florida Sports Medicine Rehab, she might not be here today. Saunders said they jumped into action when she was having a...
AdventHealth’s Community Care program helps the most vulnerable patients manage chronic illness, avoid hospital visits, and regain independence.
AdventHealth’s Global Robotics Institute Sets New Standard in Remote Surgery
Residents of West Volusia now have expanded access to expert urology care, including a leading-edge prostate treatment not previously available in the area.
Dr. Binod Sinha, a board-certified urologist...
At 80 years old, Sandy Lang was preparing for her third major orthopedic surgery in six years. For most patients, this would be a daunting event – but Sandy was confident and hopeful – all thanks to...
Explore career opportunities in health care.
AdventHealth Waterman Wound Care Center receives a national award for excellence.
For Dr. Matthew Wideroff, planting roots in Palm Coast felt like the right next step in both his career and family life. After years of surgical training and early practice outside the state, the Boca...