APRN, PMHNP-BC
My interest in science and health began as a young child. I spent my early years in the countryside where I developed a respect and passion for the natural world. I learned the importance of our responsibility to the planet, ourselves, and one another. That foundation shaped my desire to gain a deeper understanding of nature, which then fostered my love and appreciation for biology and science.
My childhood experiences were somewhat atypical and gave me the opportunity to appreciate a variety of perspectives. I learned to value the differences as well as similarities we have as humans and how those differences can both unite and divide us. I’ve developed the personal and professional ability to seek and consider alternative views and encourage the same in others. I’m never surprised at how much easier it is to accept an opposing view or opinion if I’ve taken the time to truly listen to and digest the foundation of that view or belief.
I understand that at any given point in our lives, we can link our mental health functioning to our genetics, our personality, and our life experiences. I work to help my patients understand themselves while defining clear goals for treatment and identifying how I can help them reach those goals.
True to the nursing profession, I take a holistic approach to health and wellness. I consider physical health as a key component to mental health functioning and routinely assess the quality of a person’s diet, exposure to substances, their work and home environment, and physical fitness as part of the overall treatment plan.
In my personal life, I am recharged and re-energized by the outdoors. I enjoy a variety of year-round sports and activities that allow me to escape our human footprint and gain close access to nature.
Heidi earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from The University of New Mexico, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, her Master’s Degree in Nursing with a focus on Internal Medicine and preparation as a Family Nurse Practitioner from Olivet Nazarene University, and a Post-Master’s Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from Washburn University. Heidi is board certified as both a Family Nurse Practitioner and a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Heidi has worked in a variety of settings including Intensive Care, Emergency Medicine, Postpartum Care, and Inpatient and Outpatient Mental Health.
