I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) who graduated with honors from Duke University, the nation’s top-ranked PMHNP program. I completed most of my clinical internship at South Chesapeake Psychiatry, where I developed a deep appreciation for their mission to provide compassionate, high-quality care to all clients. Additionally, I did a month-long internship with Alaska Behavioral Health in Anchorage, working with the Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) team. There, I focused on managing complex psychiatric conditions, including schizophrenia, substance use disorders, personality disorders, and bipolar disorder, further refining my ability to deliver comprehensive and individualized mental health care.
My career began as a bedside nurse in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), where I spent five years supporting families through challenging and often traumatic experiences. This role gave me an understanding of the emotional and psychological impact of critical care, particularly for parents and postpartum mothers. My work in this area inspired my interest in perinatal and postpartum mental health. I also have a passion for helping patients with chronic illnesses navigate the mental health challenges that often accompany their physical conditions.
Currently, I am pursuing my Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP), with plans to implement an evidence-based project exploring the relationship between autoimmune disorders and depression. My goal is to bridge the gap between physical and mental health, ensuring that patients receive care that addresses their needs as whole individuals.