Hi there! I’m Kelsey and I'm a nursing student at Texas A&M University. I decided to back to school at the age of 32 because I want to make a positive impact on the world, and I believe a career in nursing will give me countless opportunities to genuinely enhance the lives of others. I hope to be a nurse who advocates for marginalized and underserved populations - to give a voice to those whose voices have been traditionally ignored or muted. I have also been in recovery from a substance abuse disorder for nearly 7 years. Getting and staying sober was the hardest thing I have ever done, but I would not erase my struggles if I could. My experiences have informed my passion. My ultimate aspiration is to become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), where I will be able to treat individuals struggling with mental health and substance use disorders.

• Medical Assistant

  Hospital & Health Care · Texan Anesthesiology Association

  Jan 2021 – Jan 2023

• Undergraduate Research Assistant

  Research · Texas A&M University

  Jan 2024 – Present

• Health Center Assistant

  Hospital & Health Care · Planned Parenthood

  Jan 2019 – Jan 2020

• Lead Medical Assistant

  Mental Health Care · Makana Path Detox and Treatment Facility

  Jan 2020 – Jan 2021

• Advocacy
• Volunteering
• Philanthropy

• Softball

  Club · 1 award

  2004 – 2006

  Awards:

  Lake Hamilton All-Stars Team

• Research Assistant

  Texas A&M University · Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing

  2024 – Present

  Research topic:

  Effectiveness of Nature Therapy on Mental Health Disorders

• Author

  University of Central Arkansas Philosophy and Religion Department · Philosophy and Religious Studies, Other

  2016 – 2017

  Research topic:

  The Japanese Non-Ego: A Phenomenological Inquiry into Japanese Identity Fragmentation

• Second Chair Alto Saxophonist

  Stardust Jazz Band (Professional Jazz Band) · Music

  2009 – 2010

• First Chair Alto Saxophone - Soloist and Section Leader

  Lake Hamilton High School Band · Band

  2006 – 2010

  Productions:

  All Region Band (2007-2010); Four-States Honors Jazz Band (2007-2010); Section Leader and Soloist (2007-2010)

• Thespian

  Thespian Troupe 1699 · Theatre

  2008 – 2010

  Productions:

  Grease (Frenchy), Captive Audience (Laura), Find Me a Primitive Man (Third Place Duet Acting at State Thespian Festival)

• Guest Speaker

  Volunteering · Omega Recovery, Nova Recovery, and Cross Creek Hospital

  2018 – Present

  Mission:

  Share my experience, strength, and hope with individuals seeking recovery from substance use disorders.

• Sponsor

  Volunteering · Alcoholics Anonymous

  2018 – Present

  Mission:

  Work closely with women in early recovery to help them maintain lasting sobriety from all mind-altering substances.

• Advocate

  Volunteering · Austin Harm Reduction Coalition

  2022 – Present

  Mission:

  Provide health care and community resources to homeless individuals and those suffering from mental health and substance use disorders.