I’m passionate about treating the whole person, not just symptoms. Too often, mental health care is delayed until the point of crisis. In my practice, I pay close attention to how life stressors, trauma history, sleep, nutrition, and overall wellness shape mental health, with particular sensitivity to women’s needs.
Before becoming a psychiatric nurse practitioner, I worked as a registered nurse in a high-acuity emergency department. That role was deeply meaningful and taught me how to show up for people during the most vulnerable moments of their lives. I valued the fast-paced, team-based environment and the emphasis on clinical excellence, and I developed strong skills in assessment, crisis management, and multidisciplinary communication.
I also worked as a SAFE (Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner) RN, a role that combined clinical care with advocacy. Supporting survivors with compassion, dignity, and autonomy profoundly shaped my approach. In that position, I focused on helping patients feel safe, heard, and empowered while navigating complex medical and legal processes. These experiences continue to inform how I build therapeutic relationships and foster holistic healing.
My experience includes treating mood and anxiety disorders, burnout, and trauma-related conditions across diverse settings and age groups, including adolescents, young adults, and college students. A background in emergency medicine, forensic nursing, and private practice has strengthened my ability to evaluate psychiatric risk, handle high-intensity situations, and provide trauma-informed, patient-centered care.
My work integrates empathy, safety, and precision. I aim to create a therapeutic environment where patients feel understood and empowered to move toward sustainable mental health.
Learn more about JoAnna by checking out her clinician spotlight.

