About Me

I am certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center as a Psychiatric–Mental Health Nurse Practitioner—Across the Lifespan. This means I hold a nationally recognized credential confirming my knowledge, competence, and commitment to high-quality psychiatric care across all ages.

Education

• Master of Science in Nursing, Wilkes University, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania — Specialized training as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
• Registered Nursing Diploma, (Geisinger) Lewistown Hospital School of Nursing, Lewistown, Pennsylvania
• Bachelor of Science, Pennsylvania State University at University Park — Major in Human Development and Family Studies (Children, Youth, and Family), Minor in Psychology

Clinical & Professional Experience

Prior to starting my own private practice, I gained valuable experience working as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) across multiple clinical settings. I have worked in a private community psychiatric practice, a large health system, and with a private company focused on skilled nursing geriatric psychiatry. Working in the various systems, I had the opportunity to manage care for diverse, and, at times, complex conditions.

Prior to earning my advanced PMHNP degree, my nursing background included inpatient psychiatric nursing care and utilization management, where I gained my knowledge in completing psychosocial assessments and discharge planning, crisis stabilization and care coordination, insurance prior authorizations and appeals, and participated in multidisciplinary treatment planning.

I have bedside nursing experience in medical intermediate and telemetry care, and community nursing experience working in home health and hospice. These early nursing experiences reinforced my strong belief in the importance of considering physical health conditions when addressing emotional and psychological conditions.

Prior to pursuing my career in nursing, I had a rewarding tenure in human services. I worked at an inpatient psychiatric hospital as a mental health technician before earning my Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies, and, after graduation, transitioned to an inpatient case management role. From the private inpatient sector, I moved to community mental health case management, eventually serving as Director of the Huntingdon Base Service Unit and then as Director of Blended Case Management for Huntingdon, Mifflin, and Juniata Counties.

Drawing on my 30 years of experience — comprising inpatient mental health, case management, community-based services, behavioral health leadership, nursing, and outpatient psychiatry — I have developed a comprehensive approach to care that guides my practice. My broad background allows me to provide thoughtful, and comprehensive care that considers the physical, emotional, psychiatric, and psychosocial aspects impacting individual health and wellness.

It was not my plan to start a private practice, but I believe it was intended.