My Story

Dawnelle’s path into psychiatric care began with a deep-rooted commitment to understanding people’s stories. With over two decades of experience as a psychiatric nurse practitioner, she has worked in settings ranging from inpatient psychiatric units in Iowa and Chicago to rural and urban community mental health centers across the Midwest. While she’s cared for a wide range of patients, including Veterans at the VA, her heart has always been drawn to supporting women and perinatal patients during life’s most vulnerable transitions.

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Dawnelle’s own experiences with infertility, lactation struggles, and perimenopause helped shape her professional path. She saw firsthand how the healthcare system often overlooks the emotional complexity of these stages. This personal insight fueled her passion for delivering care that centers empathy, connection, and real-life understanding. For Dawnelle, psychiatry is more than treatment; it’s about building trust and honoring each patient’s journey.

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She brings a trauma-informed, patient-centered approach to care, blending the art and science of psychiatric medicine with a strong foundation in nursing. Whether helping someone navigate the overwhelm of new parenthood or supporting patients through hormonal shifts in midlife, Dawnelle is committed to meeting people where they are, and walking alongside them as they move toward wellness.

Outside of work, Dawnelle is busy raising four active kids and cheering them on in everything from ice hockey to band performances. When she does find a moment to herself, she loves volunteering, gardening, exercising, and getting lost in a good autobiography (even if it takes her months to finish it, because let’s be honest, who has time to read uninterrupted these days?).