I am honored to be selected as a recipient of the Iowa League of Nursing Professional Development Grant. As I prepare to transition from adjunct faculty to a full-time educator at Allen College in August 2025, this support will play a pivotal role in advancing my professional development and commitment to excellence in nursing education.

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With this grant, I will pursue the Certified Nurse Educator-Clinical Instructor (CND-CL) credential, a vital step toward enhancing my instructional practice and aligning with the high standards set by Allen College and my esteemed colleagues. This milestone also supports my broader trajectory, which includes pursuing CNE and CHSE certifications and completing my Doctorate of Nursing with a focus on simulation education by December 2026.

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Beyond academics, I remain deeply engaged in community initiatives and professional service to support the next generation of nurses and young minds in Iowa. I am sincerely grateful for this investment in my growth and look forward to contributing to the continued elevation of nursing education across our state.

I’m honored to have received the ILN Professional Development Grant, which supports my participation in The Herbert Benson, MD Course in Mind Body Medicine through Harvard Medical School. This course focuses on evidence-based techniques such as meditation, breathwork, and biofeedback—approaches proven to reduce stress, build resilience, and promote overall well-being.

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As a psychiatric and family nurse practitioner and faculty member at Allen College, I’m passionate about integrating holistic, patient-centered care into both clinical practice and education. Mind body medicine is especially important in today’s high-stress environment, where many individuals, including students, are navigating anxiety, trauma, and burnout. These practices offer practical, lifelong tools for emotional regulation and healing.

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I look forward to applying this training in my work with patients at the University of Northern Iowa, and in the classroom with future NPs. Beyond individual care and classroom application, I hope to expand access to these techniques through student wellness programming and possible community outreach, creating ripple effects that support mental health across our campus and broader community. I’m grateful for the opportunity to grow in ways that will benefit not only my patients and students, but also the systems and communities we serve.