Understanding what patients are truly seeking guides every decision I make in care, and that begins with taking the time to listen fully. From there, I focus on the least invasive and most effective ways to address symptoms and improve quality of life, always working collaboratively with each person. Before becoming a psychiatric nurse practitioner, I studied psychology and was drawn to how complex and deeply personal mental health can be. I believe no one is immune to struggling, and some of us are simply more vulnerable due to factors beyond our control. This is what inspired me to pursue a Master of Science in Nursing from Yale University. It’s meaningful to me to help people navigate challenges they can’t always manage on their own.
Over the years, I’ve worked with individuals across many different stages of life and backgrounds—including children in foster care, parents and children, young adults in youth programs, college students, and young professionals. I’ve supported individuals navigating homelessness, the legal system, and those seeking care through community mental health clinics and detox programs. I’ve worked in a residential setting with children and adolescents, where I valued the opportunity to be a steady source of support during such a vulnerable time — especially while they were away from home. I also gained experience through a telehealth rotation, where I connected with young adults and parents in need of consistent check-ins, or those experiencing more acute challenges.
I initially developed a strong interest in eating disorders and the mood disorders that often accompany them, and I later deepened my experience in forensic psychiatry and personality disorders. These experiences taught me the importance of looking beyond a diagnosis and engaging in deeper behavioral and therapeutic work. My education and professional experience extend beyond medication management, allowing me to draw from CBT- and DBT-informed skills and strategies to support patients across a wide range of concerns.
Learn more about Kara by checking out her clinician spotlight.
