I have been a Psychiatric Nurse for 27 years and a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and Clinical Nurse Specialist for 17 years where I have dedicated my career to the mental health and wellness of Missouri citizens. Over the years, I have taught at several nursing schools including the University of Missouri-Columbia, Missouri State University, Central Methodist University, Moberly Area Community College and Columbia College. I have degrees from the University of Missouri-Columbia, Central Methodist University, and Columbia College in Columbia, Missouri. I have worked in the inpatient, outpatient, hospital, and nursing home setting as well as the emergency department. My background includes forensics, Veterans health, corrections, substance use disorders, geriatric psychiatry and perinatal mental health. I am certified as a Perinatal Mental Health Provider, an ADHD healthcare professional as well as CBT certified. I reside in Fulton, Missouri where I live with my husband. We have 4 adult sons and 3 grandchildren.