Caring for people has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. My mother was a nurse midwife, my grandmother was a nurse, and I knew from an early age that I wanted to follow in their footsteps. I began my healthcare career as a nursing assistant in 1972 and continued my education throughout my career, eventually becoming a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.

 

My years working in emergency medicine helped me recognize just how much mental and emotional health can affect every part of a person’s life. That experience ultimately led me to psychiatry, where I found my passion.

My approach is centered around you as a whole person—not simply a diagnosis or a list of symptoms. I want to understand your mental and physical health, your life experiences, your emotional and spiritual well-being, and the cultural values that are important to you. I also believe our experiences, including those from childhood, can play an important role in understanding how we feel today.

Most importantly, I listen. I believe you should have an active voice in your treatment because only you truly know how you feel. My goal is for us to work together to find the approach that helps you feel better and move forward.

At Whole Mind in Elko, I’m also excited to offer patients access to innovative treatment options, including TMS and Spravato® when clinically appropriate.

After more than five decades in healthcare, one thing still means more to me than anything else: hearing a patient tell me, “I feel so much better.”

I look forward to meeting you and being part of your journey.