My path to becoming a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner was not the usual one. I was a junior high and high school teacher for 22 years. Eight of those years were spent teaching adolescents with emotional and behavioral disabilities. For five years I was a reading specialist. The remaining years I taught general education in all the core subject areas. I do truly love working with teens.

Though I loved teaching, there came a time for change. I went to the University of Arizona for my Master’s in Nursing. As a registered nurse I worked in local hospitals as a medical-surgical nurse, a travel nurse, and finally a drug and alcohol detox nurse.

Aside from my professional experience in teaching and nursing, I also have a lot of family experience with ADHD, anxiety, and mood disorders. I have been on the inside and understand the impact mental health issues have on both the individual and the family.

Becoming a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner involved pulling together all of this experience in a way that I believe I help people the most. I don’t believe in just prescribing medication. Medication helps when appropriate, but therapy, learning strategies, and changing negative self-talk are just as important. Psychiatry blends together teaching, problem-solving, and listening in a way that I am able to help people become their best selves. I love helping others to thrive.

When not working I can be found enjoying the water or listening to live music with my friends and family. I love spending time with my adult children and adorable grandbabies.