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  • Student Spotlight: Jazmene Landing Advocates for Mental Health Awareness

    Student Spotlight: Jazmene Landing Advocates for Mental Health Awareness

    At the heart of Frontier Nursing University is a talented and diverse community of students, alumni, faculty, staff, couriers and preceptors. Spotlight blogs feature members of our FNU community who are focused on the mission of educating nurse-midwives and nurse practitioners to deliver quality healthcare to underserved and rural populations.

    Just a 20-minute drive from the FNU campus, registered nurse Jazmene Landing works at a comprehensive outpatient addiction clinic in Lexington, Kentucky. There, she cares for an underserved population of urban patients who are often stigmatized and overlooked due to addiction and mental health issues.

    “My job as a nurse is to not only provide care to these individuals,” said Landing, “but to also serve as an advocate.”

    When she noticed a strong need in her community for advanced practice nurses who look like the patients they serve, Landing decided to become a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). Thanks to her proximity to FNU, she knew just where to go! Now a FNU PMHNP student, she is on-track to earn her Master of Science in Nursing later this year.

    “Frontier is home,” Landing said. “I didn’t have to travel or move far away to gain the knowledge and experiences I’ve gained, or the connections I’ve made. At FNU, they care about their students and the professionals we will become.”

    Landing found valuable support in joining student organizations, especially the Professional Organizational Mentoring Program (POMP), which matches FNU faculty mentors with students from underrepresented groups. Throughout the mentorship, students join a professional organization in their field, attend a conference with fellow nurse practitioners, and gain a better understanding of the nursing profession. Landing attended AANP in 2023, and shared the following on her experience:

    “I had the privilege of attending the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) Conference in New Orleans. As a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) student, it was both exciting and enriching to engage with established nurse practitioners and network throughout the event. Through POMP, I had the opportunity to connect with fellow students from my track as well as other specialties, enhancing our learning experience through participation in various sessions.

    My faculty member played a crucial role in this experience. Despite our different program backgrounds, Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and PMHNP, we found similarities in our shared commitment to patient care. This collaboration stressed the value of networking and the importance of establishing a professional presence at national conferences.

    The conference also allowed me to explore exhibits and review presentations focused on psychiatry, which I later brought back to the clinic where I work as a registered nurse. This experience reaffirmed that POMP offers more than just a conference trip; it is a significant opportunity to connect with peers, gain valuable insights, and represent our university effectively.”

    Landing says MH707: Psychiatric-Mental Health Assessment Across the Lifespan was the most interesting course she’s taken so far. She loved how the class encouraged her to explore how mental health affects people in all walks of life, in different ages and stages, and how they often hide behind their mental health conditions due to fear of being criticized or labeled.

    “As a PMHNP, I will be able to give an even stronger voice to those who are afraid of seeking treatment for addiction, or those struggling with mental health stigma,” said Landing.

    Outside of work and school, Landing is a busy mother of three daughters, a role she calls “the greatest gift . . . the most satisfying and difficult job at the same time.” In her down time, she enjoys watching sports, reading books, and sitting by the fire.

    Thank you, Jazmene, for choosing FNU in your healthcare journey and for providing quality care to underserved populations in your community!

    Learn more about advanced nursing degrees and specialties at Frontier Nursing University, including our Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program. Subscribe to our blog for the latest news and events at FNU and to get inspired with stories featuring our alumni, students, faculty and staff!

  • Graduate Spotlight: Susan VanZandt builds a sense of trust with underserved patients

    Graduate Spotlight: Susan VanZandt builds a sense of trust with underserved patients

    At the heart of Frontier Nursing University is a talented and diverse community of students, alumni, faculty, staff, Couriers and preceptors. Spotlight blogs feature members of our FNU community that are focused on the mission of educating nurse-midwives and nurse practitioners to deliver quality health care to underserved and rural populations.

    Susan VanZandt, APRN, FNP-C, AG-ACNP, earned her MSN in FNU’s Family Nurse Practitioner program in 2018. VanZandt is a gastrointestinal (G.I.) hospitalist in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She has worked in both clinical and hospital settings and various urgent care facilities.

    “I became a nurse practitioner to help patients receive holistic medical care and to better connect with their providers, building a sense of trust and community,” VanZandt said.

    VanZandt dedicates her practice to underserved patients in Tulsa, many of whom rely solely on hospitalization for medical care due to limited resources. She collaborates with case management to connect her patients with local resources for outpatient follow-up, placement, and medication accessibility.

    VanZandt encounters patients with a spectrum of healthcare needs. From managing cardiovascular patients on anticoagulation with gastrointestinal bleeds to caring for those with alcoholic cirrhosis in need of urgent liver transplants, she navigates complex cases with compassion and expertise. Additionally, she provides ongoing support and education to younger patients grappling with chronic gastrointestinal issues, regardless of their socioeconomic status.

    Working closely with the liver transplant department in Oklahoma City, VanZandt has contributed to the successful transplantation of several patients. Her partnership with this department has been instrumental in extending life-saving opportunities to individuals who might have been turned away by other programs.

    VanZandt said she chose FNU after extensive research. She felt the university best matched her goals and sense of community and belonging. She found a sense of belonging and purpose within her cohort and emphasizes the importance of staying connected to her roots and fostering a culture of lifelong learning, citing the Class of 128 Facebook page as a valuable resource for ongoing connection.

    In addition to her role as a hospitalist, VanZandt has dedicated several years to serving on the board of the Association of Oklahoma Nurse Practitioners (AONP). Her involvement began in 2020 when she represented Tulsa within the association. The following year, she assumed the responsibilities of vice president and conference chair for AONP. During her tenure, she organized a successful state conference for nurse practitioners, ensuring it met all continuing education requirements for NP license renewal.

    In 2022, VanZandt assumed the presidency of AONP, where she played a pivotal role in unifying Advanced Practice Providers across the state. Together, they collaborated to draft a comprehensive bill advocating for full practice authority. Despite gaining overwhelming support in the Oklahoma Senate, the bill faced a setback when it was tabled by the House. Nonetheless, VanZandt’s leadership and advocacy efforts have left a lasting impact on the advancement of nurse practitioners’ rights and recognition in Oklahoma.

    Outside of her professional endeavors, VanZandt enjoys traveling with her husband and son and enjoys watching her son participate in several sports.

    Thank you, Susan, for your dedication to healthcare leadership and to caring for the underserved in your community.

    To read more alumni stories, visit the FNU Alumni stories page.

    Learn more about advanced nursing degrees and specialties at Frontier Nursing University. Subscribe to our blog for the latest news and events at FNU and to get inspired with stories featuring our alumni, students, faculty, preceptors and staff!

  • Graduate Spotlight: Cheyenne Allen pursued DNP to positively influence next generation of nurses

    Graduate Spotlight: Cheyenne Allen pursued DNP to positively influence next generation of nurses

    At the heart of Frontier Nursing University is a talented and diverse community of students, alumni, faculty, staff, couriers and preceptors. Spotlight blogs feature members of our FNU community who are focused on the mission of educating nurse-midwives and nurse practitioners to deliver quality healthcare to underserved and rural populations.

    FNU graduate Dr. Cheyenne Allen, DNP, PMHNP-BC, serves as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) in private practice while also lending her expertise as undergraduate nursing faculty at Pennsylvania Western University. Her dual role allows her to not only provide direct care, but also to mold the next generation of mental health nursing professionals.

    In her practice, Dr. Allen serves rural and underserved populations, filling crucial gaps in mental health care access. In addition, her consultancy work reaches across multiple facilities to improve patient outcomes, including facilities that serve those with intellectual disabilities, geriatric needs and substance use issues.

    Dr. Allen’s dedication to advancing mental health care is evident in her scholarly contributions. Her research, highlighted by her article “Improving Patient-Centered Care for Veterans with Treatment-Resistant Depression Using Shared Decision-Making Tools,” underscores her commitment to patient empowerment and holistic treatment approaches. The article was published in the Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association in 2023, and she presented it at the American Psychiatric Nurses Association conference last October.

    Reflecting on her journey, Dr. Allen said she sees her vision of success as a continuous pursuit of growth and service.

    “My idea of success is to continue to learn, work, and evolve to be the best version of myself possible,” she said. “I want to be able to pass on this principle, so I pursued my Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) to be a positive influence on the next generation of nurses, my students!”

    Dr. Allen’s path to mental health advocacy was serendipitous, shaped by the guidance of mentors and her own evolving interests. Initially drawn to obstetrics, she found her calling in psychiatry—a field she felt compelled to destigmatize and elevate through her work.

    Her experience at Frontier, she notes, was transformative, characterized by a sense of community and personalized support—a culture she seeks to replicate in her own teaching approach.

    “Frontier is much more of a community-based school than many of the larger schools my colleagues attended,” she said. “I had an opportunity to know my professors on a more personal level and I try to connect with my undergrad students in the same way, knowing how supported I felt.”

    Beyond her professional endeavors, Dr. Allen finds solace in nature, tending to her hobby farm, exploring the outdoors, and enjoying activities such as gardening, camping and kayaking. She also enjoys attending dog shows.

    Thank you, Cheyenne, for your unwavering commitment to advancing mental health services and for leaving an indelible mark on the future of nursing.

    To read more alumni stories, visit the FNU Alumni stories page.

    Learn more about advanced nursing degrees and specialties at Frontier Nursing University. Subscribe to our blog for the latest news and events at FNU and to get inspired with stories featuring our alumni, students, faculty, preceptors and staff!

    Frontier Nursing University Offers 
Course on Caring for Veterans
    Frontier Nursing University has created a continuing education course to prepare healthcare professionals to provide culturally sensitive care to veterans within their community. Developed by military-connected faculty at FNU, the “Care of the Veteran” program is a self-paced module that will guide clinicians through understanding military culture, service-connected health concerns, and developing a plan of care utilizing military service benefits.

  • Frontier Preceptors Making a Difference

    Frontier Preceptors Making a Difference

    Frontier Nursing University preceptors carry forward our mission and play a significant role in shaping the dedicated nurse-midwives and nurse practitioners of tomorrow. To celebrate their invaluable contributions, our students nominate a preceptor to be recognized as the “featured preceptor of the term”. Here are six exceptional preceptors we’ve featured over the past year.

    Lance Briggs, PMHNP

    Lance Briggs has shown dedication in his work as a preceptor at FNU, consistently working to help students integrate their knowledge and build confidence in their practice. His commitment to providing a safe and supportive environment for budding mental health and psychiatric nurses is evident, displaying a passion for helping incoming psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) shorten the gap between learning and feeling confident in their abilities.

    Taking on a light-hearted attitude in his approach to precepting, Briggs enjoys joking around with students, answering their questions and learning new things from them. By creating a relaxed and enjoyable learning environment, Briggs encourages students to engage more fully with the material and to be more confident in their ability to apply it in practice.

    “Lance allows students to learn in the way that best fits their individual needs,” said FNU student Terra Edwards.

    James Flint, PMHNP

    For James Flint, becoming an FNU preceptor was motivated by the challenges he faced during his own education. As a PMHNP student, Flint found securing a preceptor to be one of the most difficult aspects of his training. His desire to ease this burden for current students led him to take on the role, aiming to reduce the stress and frustration associated with finding preceptors.

    Balancing his precepting duties with his work as a PMHNP in Phoenix, Arizona, Flint has been with La Frontera Arizona, a nonprofit behavioral health center, for three years. There, he serves patients on state insurance, including children, adolescents, and adults with various psychiatric diagnoses. Flint’s dedication and supportive approach have made a significant impact on his students, like Alexandra Hauser, who praises his patience, thorough explanations, and commitment to sharing patient histories to ensure comprehensive learning experiences.

    “He has allowed me to evaluate and treat every patient that has been willing with his validation and guidance,” said Hauser. “He has gone above and beyond to share patient histories with me so that I am prepared for the visit. My experience with Mr. Flint has been so valuable and I feel lucky to have had such a kind and encouraging mentor.”

    Frances Sahrphillips, CNM and Tricia Heinrich, CNM


    Frances Sahrphillips, CNM with student Karen Howell

    FNU preceptors Frances Sahrphillips and Tricia Heinrich are dedicated to preparing the healthcare professionals of tomorrow while making a positive impact on patients’ lives today. As Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) at Southeast Georgia Health System, they serve women from adolescence to menopause, including many active duty military members and dependents, as well as residents of surrounding rural counties where obstetrical services are unavailable. Sahrphillips also works with the Georgia Health Department Coastal Health District Camden County and is a published author and board member of the Georgia Perinatal Association.

    Sahrphillips and Heinrich have jointly precepted numerous FNU students. This is particularly rewarding for Heinrich, who is an FNU alum. Karen Howell, the first DNP student Sahrphillips and Heinrich have precepted together, said they have done everything necessary to make sure she can succeed and have been encouraging in her professional growth.

    “They are a dynamic duo who are always concerned with providing quality care with a patient-centered focus and in a timely manner in a collaborative practice,” she said.

    Michelle Quale, FNP

    Despite her many responsibilities in addressing the healthcare needs of her local community, Michelle Quale dedicates time to passionately mentor the next generation of healthcare professionals through precepting. Based in Glencoe, Minnesota, Quale serves as a family nurse practitioner and certified nurse-midwife at Glencoe Regional Health, working with a rural population. Her diverse role includes family practice, the birth center, the wound center, urgent care, hospitalist duties, and providing healthcare services to the local jail.

    With several years of precepting experience, Quale has guided numerous FNU students. She views precepting as a journey of mutual learning, where the enthusiasm of students fuels her own passion for continuous growth. Colleague April Trebelhorn credits Quale with encouraging her to step out of her comfort zone and pursue essential steps for professional development.

    “Michelle has been an amazing preceptor and role model for myself. She is compassionate, organized, has amazing attention to detail and is a down to earth provider that her patients trust and connect with,” she said.

    Dr. Jennifer Carter, DNP, WHNP

    Dr. Jennifer Carter, who earned both her MSN and DNP from Frontier Nursing University, has over six years of experience as a preceptor. Driven by a commitment to educate future nurse practitioners while serving her patients and community, Dr. Carter finds precepting to be mutually beneficial, noting that it allows her to grow in my own practice and facilitates her own continuous learning.

    A resident of Greenville, Texas, Dr. Carter works as a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) with Zapata Women’s Health, caring for women from all socioeconomic backgrounds in a predominantly rural area. Her practice covers a wide range of care, from educating young teens about birth control to managing ante and postpartum care, advising on hormone replacement therapy, and addressing gynecological issues in elderly patients. Mentoring multiple FNU students has highlighted her passion for teaching and building relationships.

    “She encouraged me to be hands-on right away and her teaching style allowed me to increase my confidence as a future WHNP,” said Jessica VanScoyoc, a student of Dr. Carter’s.

    We are so grateful for our preceptors who are not only an integral part of the educational experience for FNU students, but also for promoting the nursing profession. If you are interested in becoming a preceptor, fill out our inquiry form to get started!

    Learn more about advanced nursing degrees and specialties at Frontier Nursing University. Subscribe to our blog for the latest news and events at FNU and to get inspired with stories featuring our alumni, students, faculty, preceptors and staff!

  • Graduate Connie Becker supports Frontier through planned giving

    Graduate Connie Becker supports Frontier through planned giving

    Connie's first baby, "David" born in 1972, and a 16-year-old mother.
    Connie’s first baby, “David” born in 1972, and a 16-year-old mother.

    August is National “Make-a-Will” Month, a perfect opportunity to update your current will or to create one if you haven’t done so already. As a crucial estate-planning tool, a will simplifies the process of transferring assets to not only loved ones, but also charitable causes and institutions that matter to you.

    According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, a will can help you:

    • Appoint the guardian of your minor children.
    • Avoid a lengthy probate process.
    • Minimize estate taxes through gifts to family members and/or charitable organizations.
    • Decide who will be the executor of your estate to ensure your affairs are in order.
    • Make gifts or donations that reflect your personal values and interests.
    Connie in her red jeep "Devon" on her way to a home visit.
    Connie in her red jeep “Devon” on her way to a home visit.

    For Connie Becker, CNM, FNU is one of those cherished institutions. A Frontier graduate, Becker was with the Frontier Nursing Service from 1971 to 1973. Her experience included four months in the second class of the Family Nurse Practitioner program and eight months in the Certified Nurse-Midwife course.

    Becker then went on to become a part-time instructor for nurse practitioner and certified nurse-midwifery students, while also working part-time as a nurse in FNU’s original home of Hyden, Kentucky. Following her time at Frontier, Becker continued her career in various nurse-midwifery roles, retiring at 55 after over 30 years of service and the remarkable achievement of delivering 3,765 babies.

    Even in retirement, Becker remains vibrant and active. She enjoys hiking, pickleball and traveling, with trips to South Africa and Scotland on the calendar.

    Connie during a home visit with George and Elmira.
    Connie during a home visit with George and Elmira.

    Appreciative of the education and experience she gained at Frontier, Becker has chosen to include FNU in her estate planning, ensuring that future generations will benefit from the institution that played such a significant role in her life. Connie’s estate gift will support a student from Kentucky who attends Frontier via a scholarship.

    “I started with a financial planner, helping to make a lifelong plan,” she said. “As age crept up, I needed to get my affairs in order. I hired a lawyer and now have an estate and trust plan.”

    Becker is among countless individuals from diverse backgrounds who have included FNU in their planned giving. Those who make a planned gift provide enduring support for future generations of healthcare professionals who will continue the legacy of caring for thousands of mothers, babies, and families, just as FNU and FNS alumni have done for a century.

    Connie and her first baby "David" born in 1972.
    Connie and her first baby “David” born in 1972.

    There are various options to support FNU through planned giving, such as naming FNU in your will; designating FNU as a beneficiary of a retirement asset, life insurance policy, or gift annuity; or donating appreciated assets. You can direct your gift to particular funds or areas of greatest need, and our Advancement staff is available to assist you in creating a legacy that aligns with your values while supporting FNU students in achieving their goals.

    For more information, please contact our Chief Advancement Officer Bobbi Silver at bobbi.silver@frontier.edu or at 859-251-4739. To learn more about ways to give to FNU, visit frontier.edu/give-to-fnu.

  • Celebrating Frontier Nursing University Preceptors

    Celebrating Frontier Nursing University Preceptors

    This Preceptor Celebration Week (August 12-16, 2024), Frontier Nursing University proudly honors the exceptional preceptors who play an essential role in the journey of our students. At Frontier, we are proud to work with nearly 4,000 preceptors nationwide each year.

    Preceptor Faith Jones (right) with students.
    Preceptor Faith Jones (right) with students.

    Among the many dedicated preceptors in the FNU community, three outstanding nurse practitioners won Frontier’s preceptor contest this summer for their unwavering commitment to midwifery and nurse practitioner education and their positive impact on students.

    FNU encouraged people to nominate preceptors who go above and beyond to unlock their chance to win a travel gift card. We received more than 100 nominations for the contest!  Winners were chosen via a random number generator, and the three winning preceptors each received a $500 travel gift card.

    We received many wonderful comments about preceptors:

    • “Lori takes the time to understand my strengths, weaknesses, and aspirations as a future PMHNP. She creates a supportive environment where I feel comfortable and empowered to learn.”
    • “My preceptor is an FNU graduate who is an excellent mentor…She is grounded, patient, kind, and positively challenged me to learn and grow.”
    • “Shelley has impacted my life in several ways. As a labor and delivery nurse, watching how wonderful she was with her patients inspired to me to continue my education as a midwife.”
    • “Victoria exemplifies the utmost integrity in her clinical practice and professional relationships. She creates a safe and supportive learning environment for students.”
    • “Pete is an enthusiastic and cheerful teacher…He has committed to me being in clinic to learn from him at least weekly for several months.”
    • “These preceptors really changed my life by going above and beyond. They made a huge impact on how I saw the world and learned. A great mentor not only teaches but also helps students when things are tough, using their own experiences to give advice.”
    • “Helen is beyond a caregiver- she was born to take care of people and teach. She is engaged in keeping herself curious and updated in any women’s health topic. She is loving and caring, and the greatest advocate for her patients.”

    We invite you to learn more about the contest winners:

    Faith Jones, FNP

    Faith Jones, FNP, stands out as an exemplary preceptor, deeply committed to her students’ education and professional growth. Jessica Workman, one of Jones’ students, praises Jones for her willingness to teach at every moment and her understanding nature. She said Jones’s approachability and encouragement built her confidence and belief in her abilities.

    “Faith has impacted my life because she is so easy to talk to and to ask questions,” Workman said. “She is so encouraging and helps me believe in myself.”

    Jones’ dedication to women’s health and her extensive knowledge in the field make her an invaluable mentor.

    Kim Sakovich, DNP, WHNP-C, RN-C

    With 17 years of practice, Dr. Kim Sakovich has dedicated herself to ensuring that her students effectively practice evidence-based medicine. Specializing in diabetes in pregnancy, Dr. Sakovich emphasizes the importance of nutritional intake in managing chronic disorders. She challenges her students to think critically, encouraging them to understand the physiology of medical problems and the impact of various medications.

    Dr. Sakovich spends considerable time with her students, guiding them through problem identification, differential diagnoses, treatment options, and patient counseling. Her approach fosters confidence in her students, particularly in the field of women’s health. Dr. Sakovich’s passion for teaching and her ability to create a comfortable learning environment make her a standout preceptor.

    Linda Norton, PMHNP

    When precepting students, Linda Norton, PMHNP, is known for her patience, kindness, and high expectations. Nominated by her student Stefanie Kreidler, Norton consistently provides resources and educational materials, ensuring her students receive comprehensive and high-quality education.

    Kreidler highlights Norton’s ability to put her at ease while still expecting high standards in healthcare.

    “She motivated me to find answers independently. However, I always knew she would answer any question I had,” Kreidler said. “She was one of the best instructors/preceptors I have ever encountered, and I have been in healthcare for over 15 years.”

    We are so grateful for our preceptors who are not only an integral part of the educational experience for FNU students, but also for promoting the nursing profession. If you are interested in becoming a preceptor, fill out our inquiry form to get started!

    Learn more about advanced nursing degrees and specialties at Frontier Nursing University. Subscribe to our blog for the latest news and events at FNU and to get inspired with stories featuring our alumni, students, faculty, preceptors and staff!

  • Alumni Spotlight: ‘A true labor of love,’ Tammie McDonald-Brouwer opens her own clinic in Virginia

    Alumni Spotlight: ‘A true labor of love,’ Tammie McDonald-Brouwer opens her own clinic in Virginia

    At the heart of Frontier Nursing University is a talented and diverse community of students, alumni, faculty, staff, couriers and preceptors. Spotlight blogs feature members of our FNU community who are focused on the mission of educating nurse-midwives and nurse practitioners to deliver quality healthcare to underserved and rural populations.

    Tammie McDonald-Brouwer, CNM, WHNP

    Since graduating from FNU in 2009, Tammie McDonald-Brouwer, CNM, WHNP, has spent the last 15 years compassionately serving the healthcare needs of women in her community. McDonald-Brouwer earned her MSN in Nurse-Midwifery and her Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate from FNU. Balancing her studies with raising four children, she said she appreciated the flexibility FNU offered, allowing her to complete her coursework from home.

    “I became a CNM, WHNP because I saw how women were treated by OB/GYNs and that women most often were not given a choice or options for birth or treatment,” she said. “I wanted to collaborate and give women safe choices, involving them in a plan of care and a birth that empowered women.”

    After graduating from Frontier, McDonald-Brouwer worked in a full-scope midwifery private practice. McDonald-Brouwer then opened her own clinic, Plena Integrative Health Center (IHC), in October 2023 to serve her local community.

    Plena IHC focuses on women’s health primary care with an integrative and holistic approach, serving a diverse array of patients across various demographics. The clinic’s commitment to inclusivity is highlighted by its fluent Spanish-speaking providers and staff, ensuring comprehensive care for a multicultural population.

    The clinic offers comprehensive care for various health issues, including acute respiratory infections, mental health disorders, thyroid problems, weight-loss, hypertension, and early onset diabetes. The clinic’s gynecological services encompass pap smears, contraceptive counseling, treatment for urinary and vaginal issues, and management of menopause symptoms. If an abnormal pap smear is detected, Plena IHC provides colposcopy and appropriate follow-up care. Annual physical exams, along with thorough lab work, are central to the clinic’s preventive care strategy. The clinic also offers services such as chiropractic care, massage therapy, and counseling.

    Tammie McDonald-Brouwer, CNM, WHNP

    Melody Mast, a fellow FNU graduate, became a partner at Plena IHC and joined in January 2024. Mast is also a graduate of Eastern Mennonite University, where McDonald-Brouwer earned her BSN. Their collaboration strengthens the clinic’s mission to provide individualized and holistic healthcare plans, incorporating herbal medicine, lifestyle changes, prescription medications, and medical therapies.

    McDonald-Brouwer said the development of Plena IHC has been a true labor of love.

    “I have loved serving the women in our community, and I have grown as a nurse-midwife and a women’s health nurse practitioner in a way that I was bold enough to start this clinic,” she said.

    In addition to her clinical work, McDonald-Brouwer has served as a preceptor for students, maintaining a strong connection with FNU. She said she enjoys attending FNU conferences and values the opportunity to give back to students through mentorship and education.

    Thank you, Tammie, for your commitment to providing compassionate, comprehensive care to your community.

    To read more alumni stories, visit the FNU Alumni stories page.

    Learn more about advanced nursing degrees and specialties at Frontier Nursing University. Subscribe to our blog for the latest news and events at FNU and to get inspired with stories featuring our alumni, students, faculty, preceptors and staff!

  • Dr. Susan Stone discusses maternal mortality in FNU’s home state of Kentucky

    Dr. Susan Stone discusses maternal mortality in FNU’s home state of Kentucky

    President Emerita, Distinguished Chair of Midwifery and Nursing
    Susan E. Stone, DNSc, CNM, FACNM, FAAN
    Bio

    With the maternal mortality rate on the rise in the United States, it’s important to raise awareness at the community level and discuss possible solutions. Dr. Susan Stone, President Emerita, Distinguished Chair of Midwifery and Nursing at Frontier Nursing University, recently facilitated a conversation on this topic in Versailles, Ky., home to FNU’s campus, at the Woodford County Chamber of Commerce’s Health + Wellness Roundtable.

    Held each month, these roundtable events bring community members together to facilitate conversations around health, wellness, aging, substance abuse, mental health and more. The discussion led by Dr. Stone revolved around maternal mortality on a national scale, current efforts in Kentucky and how members of the community can drive change.

    View a summary of Dr. Stone’s presentation in this video:

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    “Every effort that you make to improve health in your community makes a difference,” she said. “Maternal mortality is an indicator of the health of a community, a state and a country, and every small effort makes a difference.”

    According to 2022 data from the CDC, more than 80% of pregnancy-related deaths in the U.S. from 2017-2019 were preventable by improving health care practices. Maternal mortality rates are alarmingly high for all women, with non-Hispanic Black women experiencing maternal mortality at more than 2.5 times the rate of white women.

    Multidisciplinary Maternal Mortality Review Committees are investigating what has become a public health crisis, analyzing deaths that have occurred during pregnancy or up to one year postpartum. During pregnancy, some of the leading causes of death include hemorrhages or severe bleeding. At birth or shortly after, infections are a common mortality factor. During the postpartum period, death can occur due to heart muscle disease or mental health conditions.

    Dr. Stone emphasized that efforts to combat maternal mortality should include a focus on preventive healthcare, not just on the care provided during childbirth.

    “This is a long-term problem that we as healthcare providers in the community can work on,” she said.

    According to the 2023 Maternal Mortality Review from the Kentucky Department for Public Health, 88 percent of maternal deaths in Kentucky were deemed preventable, with 58 percent of all deaths having substance use as a contributing factor. There were a total of 402 maternal deaths in Kentucky from 2013 to 2020, 191 of which were natural, 157 were accidental, 32 were due to homicide and 22 were due to suicide.

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    Major risk factors impacting maternal mortality in Kentucky include tobacco use, obesity, racial disparities, depression, substance use, and other social determinants of health, such as transportation, access to care and domestic violence.

    “We need to care for people,” Dr. Stone said. “Not just medical care, not just obstetric care, but wraparound care.”

    Dr. Stone highlighted the measures being taken in Kentucky, a state with a large rural population, to address this problem. The Kentucky Perinatal Collaborative, for example, serves as a statewide network working to improve the quality of care during pregnancy, delivery and throughout the first year of life. The organization works with healthcare providers, delivery hospitals, insurers, advocacy groups, national organizations, and other stakeholders dedicated to decreasing the rates of maternal mortality and neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) and improving maternal and infant health outcomes throughout the Commonwealth.

    In addition, maternal health legislation known as “Momnibus” was passed by the Kentucky legislature earlier this year, expanding access to insurance coverage for pregnant women in the state, establishing a mental health hotline for mothers known as Lifeline for Moms, expanding the Health Access Nurturing Development Services (HANDS) program in the state and more.

    The University of Kentucky also recently established the Kentucky Maternal Morbidity and Mortality Task Force, funded by a grant from the Health Resources and Service Administration.

    Dr. Stone also discussed how community efforts can make a tangible difference in maternal mortality outcomes, highlighting the efforts of public health departments, food banks, transportation services, alcoholics anonymous programs and more.

    FNU and the Campion Fund announced plans for a virtual conference focused on the nation’s maternal mortality crisis. The conference, “Reducing Maternal Mortality: Strategies That Work!”, will be held on Thursday, Sept. 19. Registration details are available at this link.

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