Cristy is a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who graduated from Iowa State University in 2011 with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Kinesiology. She then pursued her nursing career at Kirkwood Community College and Graceland University and obtained a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Nursing, as well as a Master’s of Science degree in Psychiatric Mental Health. She specializes in ADHD, antepartum and postpartum medication management, depression and anxiety, and mood disorders. Prior to becoming a PMHNP, she took an RN position working at the bedside as a mother baby nurse at St. Luke’s Birthcare Center where she has been working for the past 8 years. There, she received a daisy award and three guardian angel awards. She has a strong passion for neonates and continues to work some shifts here and there purely out of the joy she gets out of the job. Outside of work, Cristy enjoys homemaking, spending time with her family, going to concerts, and watching movies.

She feels strongly about patient advocacy and states: “I believe that patient advocacy lies at the heart of advanced nursing practice. Patient advocacy means that every voice is heard, every concern is addressed, and every individual is treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their background or circumstances. I prioritize patient education, shared decision-making, and encouraging patients to take an active role in their health journey. I am dedicated to using my clinical expertise, ethical foundation, and compassion to bridge gaps in care and to uphold the principles of advocacy that define the nursing profession. My goal is to ensure that every patient feels seen, heard, and valued—because true healing begins when patients know they have an advocate in their corner.”