Congratulations to the 2024 Lois Price Spratlen Scholars

Kayla Clark, ‘27

Kayla Clark, a first-year DNP student in the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program, is motivated by the need to prioritize mental health in our communities. “Mental health and psychiatric care are everywhere, yet they often don’t seem to be a priority,” Clark shares. Her vision is to create spaces that prioritize mental well-being and break down stigmas surrounding mental health conditions. Inspired by her work with the Loveland Foundation, which increases access to therapy for Black women and girls, she aims to enhance access to various mental health treatments and medications.

Clark was drawn to Seattle University for its mission and values, which align with her social justice perspective. “I wanted to go to a school that would support that,” she explains. During her DNP studies, she would like to focus her research on improving mental health care access for marginalized communities, particularly BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ populations. Her goal is to empower individuals to take charge of their care and to intervene before crises arise.

After graduation, Clark aspires to work in community health, focusing on prevention and maintenance. She says she hopes to implement strategies such as “mutual aid, vouchers, and sliding scales to increase access to care, hoping to take away some of the financial burden that discourages people from getting the support they need.” She added, “I also want to work with afterschool programs to help equip kids with essential life skills and coping mechanisms to help ease their transitions to adulthood.”

For prospective DNP students, Clark advises, “Make sure you have a good support system, take care of yourself, and go for it.”

Kimberly Ha, ‘25

Kimberly Ha, now in her final year of the DNP in PMHNP program, has a personal connection to the field of psychiatric nursing. Diagnosed with ADHD in her final year of college, she said she “saw first-hand what an immense privilege it is to have access to a psychiatric provider—one that like many other children of immigrants weren’t necessarily afforded growing up.” She added, “As a PMHNP, my hope is to increase access to psychiatric care for patients, and hopefully, it will be as impactful on their lives as my diagnosis was on mine.”

A significant influence has been Dr. Janiece DeSocio, whom she first met during her interview for the Advanced Practice Nursing Immersion program. “Dr. DeSocio was so knowledgeable, welcoming, and kind—she was one of the first faculty members who made me feel as if I could fit into psychiatric nursing,” Ha shares. Working with Dr. DeSocio again in her Neurobiology class further solidified her path, as they explored the impacts of chronic stress, social determinants of health, intergenerational trauma and ACEs on mental health outcomes. “There are a handful of moments that solidified for me that I’ve chosen the right profession—Dr. DeSocio is undeniably one of them.”

Her experience working as an RN at the ICHS Holly Park Primary Care Clinic has shaped her understanding of culturally competent care. “At Holly Park patients are taken care of from “A-Z”–care coordination and advocacy go such a long way,” she reflects. Ha aims to continue learning how best to support patients facing significant barriers to care, especially as she transitions into her role as a future PMHNP.

As a recipient of the Nurse Corps Scholarship and motivated by her commitment to serving underserved populations, Ha plans to work in community mental health after graduation. Her advice for those considering a DNP in psychiatric nursing is: “If you are the first in your family to go to college or come from an immigrant background, this profession would be lucky to have you!”

Katharine Mecklenburg Wright, ‘25

Katharine Mecklenburg Wright, also a DNP student in the PMHNP program, has an extensive background in therapy and has always had an interest in psychiatric medications. “I wanted to expand my career in mental health to offer informed prescribing within the context of therapeutic relationships,” she explains.

For Wright, Seattle University’s program was the perfect fit, aligning with her needs and offering the added connection of her husband’s alumni status. “I am passionate about treating birthing individuals during the perinatal period and working with refugee populations,” said Wright when asked if there was a particular project or research area that she resonated with most during her DNP studies.

After graduation, Wright aims to continue in a private practice setting and plans to offer interpreter services and provide care for Medicaid patients. Additionally, she has an interest in teaching and providing primary care consultations.

Learn More

To discover more about the Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Seattle University and the journey toward becoming a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, visit our website.