Christina took her time finding her life’s work, beginning her studies as a pre-dental biology major with aspirations of becoming an orthodontist. But in the end, her heart led her to earn a nursing degree.

“I was looking for a profession in the healthcare field in which I could help people and be social. When you have your hands in someone’s mouth in a dental chair, it’s a challenge to have a real conversation with them,” she said with a laugh.

As a nursing student and beginning nurse, Christina noticed that many hospitalized patients she worked with had mental health concerns in addition to their physical ailment.

“I got the feeling there was an unmet need, and being from a rural area I felt more behavioral care was needed for those communities.”

Born in Keokuk, Iowa, and raised in Kahoka, Missouri, Christina feels her background being similar to those she cares for helps her develop a strong and positive bond with her patients.

In the end, she wants to help her patients help themselves.

“I want to be able to empower patients with the knowledge they need to navigate mental health services and get connected with the care they need.”

When not working with patients, you will probably find Christina’s nose in a book.

“I love learning. It’s a hobby you can’t really ever get bored with. There is always something new to discover.”

Special Interests:

• Anxiety

• Perinatal Mental Health

• Depression

• Rural Populations