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she shared, “As a nurse, I have always been driven to provide patient-centered care. However, I recognized the limitations of the nursing role and the necessity of seeking assistance from others. Becoming a Nurse Practitioner allows me to provide a holistic umbrella of care—assessing, diagnosing, and planning treatment with medication or therapy.” Her career began more than 17 years ago when she obtained her first nursing degree in the Dominican Republic, where she learned through a hands-on approach to patient care. She furthered her education in the United States, earning her nursing degree at the American Institute of Alternative Medicine, where she embraced a holistic approach to healing. Joanna then earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Ohio University and later pursued her Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner certification from Walden University, completing her clinical rotations in mental health agencies and inpatient psychiatric facilities for children and adults.
Diverse Experience in Mental Health Care Joanna brings a wealth of experience to her role at Rocking Horse. Before joining the team, she worked in various healthcare settings, including residential facilities for children, community agencies, and high-level intensive inpatient psychiatric facilities for adults. Her time in these roles helped her develop a deep understanding of mental health, community wellness, and advocacy. Her work in a high-intensity inpatient psychiatric facility was particularly eye-opening. “My last job exposed me to the reality of what unattended mental health can lead to. It reinforced the importance of rendering proper care to prevent patients from needing inpatient care in the future,” Joanna explained. Why Rocking Horse? Joanna was drawn to Rocking Horse Community Health Center because of its holistic approach to healthcare and its commitment to inclusion and diversity. “RHC provides complete healthcare services for everybody in the community, which makes accessibility and continuation of care more manageable for patients. I was also very impressed by the inclusion and diversity programs RHC offers. When you feel included, you feel cared for and appreciated,” Joanna shared. Making a Difference in Mental Health Care Joanna’s role as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner is vital in addressing the growing need for mental health services in Madison County. She assesses, diagnoses, and prescribes treatment for conditions such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, anger management, and more. She is especially passionate about reducing mental health stigma within the Hispanic community, educating patients and their families, and empowering them to take an active role in their care. Her approach is holistic, emphasizing the importance of addressing the needs of the entire family. She believes that strong family support systems are critical to long-term success, and she often involves families in treatment plans to ensure they feel supported and equipped to help their loved ones. A Message of Hope When asked what advice she would give to patients, Joanna’s message is clear: never give up. Her dedication to her patients is evident in the time she invests in educating them and advocating for their well-being. “Healing starts with understanding,” she says. “Every day is an opportunity to create a caring environment where patients feel respected and empowered.” If you or someone you know is in need of mental health care, Rocking Horse Community Health Center is here to help. Their services are open to all ages, with or without insurance, and provide comprehensive, relationship-based care. If you are in crisis, you can also reach out to the 24-hour mental health hotline by calling 988. Comments are closed.
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