Dr. Brenda Mayfield is a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and instructor at the UAB School of Nursing in Birmingham, AL. She obtained her MSN and DNP from UAB and serves as the Affiliate Director for the BVHCS/UABSON Nurse Practitioner Residency Program and co-coordinates the PMHNP specialty track. She has more than 14 years in nursing across a variety of specialties. Before becoming a nurse, she spent 20 years in EMS as a paramedic and firefighter. Brenda has served as a subject matter expert for the development of a nationally standardized curriculum through the Office of Academic Affiliations for primary care and mental health nurse practitioner residency programs in the VA Healthcare System. She is a passionate advocate for Veterans, nurses, and first responders working tirelessly to support and improve the mental health and well-being of those serving in helping professions through leadership, service, education, policy work, and clinical support.