“Avis is a passionate and enthusiastic dual Board-Certified MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, PMHNP-C with 35 + years of experience in direct patient care and demonstrated expertise in building rapport and relationships with patients and families. Avis is seasoned at psycho-social evaluation, physical assessment, diagnosis, care-planning, and disease-state management. Avis is self-motivated to work independently. Avis is a lifelong learner gifted with emotional fortitude, empathy, and tenacity in the face of a myriad of patient circumstances and environments. Avis’s clinical experience includes Pediatric and Neonatal Intensive Care, Inpatient Pediatric and Adolescent Psychiatry, Pediatric and Adult Home Care, Pediatric and Adult Home Infusion, Hospice and Palliative Care, Clinical Coordinator, Clinical Educator and Sexual & Reproductive Medicine”
I was born and raised in inner-city Chicago and grew up in a “melting pot” of children and families with different cultures, languages, and religions. I have dedicated my life in service to patients of all cultures, religions, and walks of life.
I welcome all cultures and minorities, all races and religions, POC and the LGBTQIA+ communities.
I love all things artistic and creative, everything related to nature, philosophy, reading, swimming, cooking and baking, yoga, learning, and anything related to a deeper search for meaning in my life.
I am down-to-earth and witty. I have been told I have an "old-soul" and a calming voice.
I especially enjoy bringing my education, persona, and life/career experiences to the patients I serve.
Education
Post-Master Certificate, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, 2023
Master of Science in Nursing/Family Nurse Practitioner, University of Phoenix, 2016
Bachelor of Science in Nursing, University of Iowa, 1987
Licenses
Registered Nurse | California Board of Registered Nursing | License 95041069 | Expires 09/30/2025
Family Nurse Practitioner | California Board of Registered Nursing | License 95007424 | Expires 09/30/2025
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner | California Board of Registered Nursing | License 95007424 | Expires 09/30/2025
Basic Cardiac Life Support | American Heart Association | Expires 11/2024
DEA | United States Department of Justice | Registration MH4582195 | Expires 10/31/2026
Certifications
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-BC | American Nurses Credentialing Center | Certification 2023126971 | Expires 11/19/2028
Family Nurse Practitioner-C | American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board | Certification F08170042 | Expires 07/31/2027
Membership
California Association of Nurse Practitioners | Member ID 33176 | 2017 to present
American Psychiatric Nurse Association | Member ID 249218 | 2020 to present
California Psychiatric Nurses Association | Member ID 249218 | 2020 to present
International Society of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurses | Member ID 97555 | 2022 to present
Neuroscience Education Institute | Member ID 000000095431 | 2022 to present
Global Alliance for Behavioral Health and Social Justice | Member ID 1097 | 2023 to present
Training
Mind Science | Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion | 2021
Child Advocacy Training Program (15 hours) to provide a variety of services that addressed the emotional and physical well-being of children from violent backgrounds | 1987
First Steps (Strategies for Teaching Empowerment, Prevention and Safety) | Pre-School Sexual Abuse Training Program and Curriculum (10 hours) | Included pertinent information about sexual abuse, ideas for working to keep children safe, support for caregivers, and child abuse reporting information | 1987
My Current Studies
Psychodrama Training | Exploring Sociometry, Psychodrama & Action Methods in Clinical Practice | Dig Deeper Therapy
Master Psychopharmacology Training | Neuroscience Education Institute
