I moved to Alaska in 2009 with my then 3-year-old son to begin a nursing career. After working several years in the hospital, home health and forensic nursing settings, it became apparent that there was a great need for mental health services. According to the National Institute for Mental Health (NIMH) and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 1 in 5 American adults experience some type of mental health condition at some point. In Alaska more than 400,000 people have limited to no access to mental health care (NAMI). While working as a nurse, patients frequently shared some of the struggles they were experiencing with depression, anxiety, trauma and loss. At that time, all I had to offer were kind words, encouragement and referrals for mental health services if the patient was willing. Unfortunately, the demand for care was greater than available services so many were unable to access the mental health services they needed. I eventually realized that mental health was my calling so I decided to return to school to become a psychiatric mental health practitioner, which enabled me to provide more access to mental health care. I am a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with a Master's degree in nursing science from the University of Alaska Anchorage and a Doctorate of nursing practice (DNP) from John's Hopkins University. I am passionate about helping people in need of mental health care and look forward to serving you.

*Mental health check-in poster from CalmandJoyfulKids on Etsy.com