My nursing career began by obtaining a Bachelor of Science in nursing from the University of North Dakota, where she focused on issues in women’s health.  After years of nursing, I developed my leadership skills in a corporate capacity by delivering training to professional adult learners nationwide for many years.  After becoming a family nurse practitioner, I utilized my entrepreneurial spirit to own and operate a primary care office where I managed the lives of 1000 patients along with several nurse practitioner students who rotated in my office.  During this time, it was clear that the number of psychiatric nurse practitioners was inadequate.  Therefore, I procured a psychiatric mental health certificate at the University of Arizona.   My research interests include emergency care of mentally ill patients, crisis care of dual diagnosis patients, crisis opioid detox, and rhabdomyolysis identification within the dual diagnosis patient.  My clinical work involves providing crisis psychiatric care to patients in an underserved area of Phoenix, AZ.  By leading the clinical team in the crisis environment, the need for substance abuse, MAT, and trauma-informed training became abundantly clear.  I obtained by X-License (certified to provide prescriptions for patients with substance use disorder) and work within the crisis setting to initiate MAT and then pass on care to an outpatient substance abuse clinic.  As a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Arizona, I am part of a team of expert educators and clinicians to prepare competent, highly dedicated PMHNPs who are prepared for the care of patients in all aspects.  Given her background as both FNP and PMHNP, I have a clear understanding of the benefits of integrative care, especially in underserved communities.