Where are you from originally? I am from San Diego, CA 

Educational background: I graduated from Chapman University in 2022 with a B.S. in Health Sciences and a minor in Business Administration.  

Previous experience: While in college, I was a Certified Nursing Assistant for 2 years at a long-term care facility. After I graduated, I transitioned to a Patient Care Assistant role on a medical/surgical floor at my local hospital.  

Career plans/goals: After graduating from YSN, I plan to begin my career as an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, providing specialized care to critically ill patients in the Intensive Care Unit.

Fun fact: I danced for 15 years growing up. Now, you can find me dancing around the hospital floors! 

Favorite study or social space: My favorite study spot is The Quadrangle on main campus Yale.  

Favorite class (so far): My favorite class at YSN has been Advanced Acute Care Pharmacology with Dr. Cable. 

Favorite thing about Yale/YSN: My favorite thing about YSN has been the clinical rotations, especially in the MSN years. They provide valuable hands-on experience and have helped me apply what I’ve learned in the classroom to real-life situations. Through my rotations, I’ve gained confidence, improved my clinical skills, and had the opportunity to learn from dedicated preceptors in a variety of healthcare settings. It’s been a meaningful part of my education and has helped shape the kind of nurse practitioner I aspire to become.

Favorite New Haven pizza: Sally’s Apizza in Wooster Square is my absolute favorite! 

What would you tell someone who is interested in this program? Believe in yourself and find your passion! Nursing is an exceptionally rewarding and inspirational career. Take the leap and we will be here to support you every step of the way. Believe in yourself and find your passion! Nursing is an exceptionally rewarding and inspirational career. Take the leap and we will be here to support you every step of the way. 

Where are you from originally? I am from Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts

Educational background: I earned a BA from Brandeis University (in Waltham, MA) in Health, Science, Society, and Policy with Minors in Education Studies, Hispanic Studies, Creativity Arts and Social Transformation

Previous experience: I worked at Dana Farber Cancer Institute in the Breast Oncology center as a Clinical Research Nursing Coordinator helping to organize and run clinical trials for people with breast cancer.

Career plans/goals: I plan on working in an outpatient pediatric clinic focusing in primarily rural areas. I plan on going back to school for my DNP with hopes of teaching one day.

Fun fact: There were 9 students in my High School graduating class.

Favorite study or social space: My favorite study place is wherever my friends are. We often study at YSN or Sterling Library on Yale's main campus. 

Favorite class (so far): Pediatric Seminar with Dr. Wendy Mackey! 

Favorite thing about Yale/YSN: The PEOPLE!! My friends from my GEPN cohort have become family, as well as Kristin from Student Life. 

Favorite New Haven pizza/restaurant: Since my pizza opinion is never well received... I love Te Amo restaurant in downtown New Haven.

What would you tell someone who is interested in this program? YSN has so much to offer -- an amazing community of people, a platform to grow in more ways than you can imagine. The opportunities I've been able to engage with through YSN and the greater Yale community have allowed me to grow professionally, academically, and personally. 

Where are you from originally? I am from Orange County, California.

Educational background:  I graduated from The University of Arizona where I earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Care, Health & Society, with a minor in Public Health.  

Previous experience:  I have experience in senior living, hospice, caregiving, and as a physiology TA.

Career plans/goals: The beauty of nursing is that there are always options. As a future FNP, I'm excited to work in Primary Care and work to further specialize.

Fun fact:  In high school, I was eager to learn how to swim, so I decided to join a water polo and swim team. It was scary but eventually, I learned to swim, tread water, and make varsity.

Favorite study or social space: Science Hill on Main Campus. 

Favorite class (so far): My favorite class so far has been pharmacology, it is a tough class but I have learned so much!

Favorite thing about Yale/YSN: I really do value the community aspect of YSN and the friends that I have made here. 

Favorite New Haven pizza: Frank’s Pepe Pizzeria  

What would you tell someone who is interested in this program? Make the most of everything Yale, YSN, and New England have to offer. While being a GEPN/MSN student comes with its challenges, our professors and staff are supportive of our academic and career endeavors.

Where are you from originally? Nesmith/Hemingway, SC 

Educational background:  Bachelor of Arts in Exercise and Sport Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill  

Previous experience:  Volunteer Birth Doula/ Doula Mentor at UNC Birth Partners and Social/Clinical Research Assistant at Motion Science Institute at UNC 

Career plans/goals: I aspire to be a nurse-midwife providing care to underserved communities and mitigating maternal health disparities, especially addressing the Black Maternal Health Crisis.  

Fun fact:  I experienced landing at the 2nd most dangerous airport in the world on my first trip abroad during a volunteer trip to Honduras! #Toncontin International Airport 

Favorite study or social space: The Hub 

Favorite class (so far): Introduction to Drug Therapy  

Favorite thing about Yale/YSN: My GEPN cohort! 

Favorite New Haven pizza: Frank’s Pepe Pizzeria  

What would you tell someone who is interested in this program? Take advantage of the numerous resources, faculty and peer support, and various enrichment opportunities to enhance your time and experience at YSN. 

Where are you from originally? I am based in Seattle, WA, though I am originally from Mongolia.

Educational background: I graduated from the University of Washington with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Previous experience: I began my nursing career as a COVID-19 nurse at the start of the pandemic in May 2020. Since then, I have gained experience in various specialties, including general surgery, trauma, float pool, psychiatry, and travel nursing. As a travel nurse, I have worked in California, Illinois, and Washington. Prior to becoming a nurse, I also worked as a mental health specialist. Currently, I work as an emergency department research assistant, focusing on patients with substance use disorders.

Career plans/goals: I am truly passionate about mental health and excited to graduate and practice as a PMHNP. I am interested in both adult and child/adolescent psychiatry and enjoy working in both inpatient and outpatient settings. I am open to exploring opportunities in either area as I continue to grow in my career.

Fun fact: I have two orange tabby cats! Their names are Avery and Leo. 

Favorite study or social space: My favorite study spot is Sterling Memorial Library.  

Favorite class (so far): My favorite classes at YSN have been Psychopathology and Psychopharmacology. 

Favorite thing about Yale/YSN: My favorite thing about YSN/Yale is the endless opportunities to learn and grow, and I especially appreciate the supportive YSN community and the friendships I’ve built here.

Favorite New Haven pizza: Mashed potato pizza.

What would you tell someone who is interested in this program? I encourage prospective students to connect with student ambassadors and ask any questions you may have! Talking with current YSN students can offer valuable insights into the program and help you get a real sense of what life at YSN is like.

Where are you from originally? Howard County, MD

Educational background: Biomedical Engineering at the University of Delaware (originally wanted to develop prosthetics!) 

Previous experience: Medical Assistant at gynecology clinic, volunteer EMT

Career plans/goals: Provide reproductive healthcare for individuals of all ages in an underserved community.

Fun fact: I love hiking and one of my goals is to trek the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal!

Favorite study or social space: Elena's on Orange - amazing soft serve place in East Rock!

Favorite class (so far): Care of the Childbearing Families - especially the clinical experience!

Favorite thing about Yale/YSN: If you seek out opportunities, there are so many places and events where you can meet unique people from different Yale professional/graduate schools

Favorite New Haven pizza: Pepe's!! Best crust in CT.

What would you tell someone who is interested in this program? Reach out to current students with similar career goals! We are happy to answer any and all questions :)

Where are you from originally? Colombia

Educational background: Kinesiology Rehab Science

Previous experience: I have extensive work experience working with marginalized communities and as a swimming coach.

Career plans/goals: I plan to work in eating disorder facilities.

Fun fact: I love to swim and I have two great dogs that I miss very much.

Favorite study or social space: Sterling Memorial Library

Favorite class (so far): Health Assessment

Favorite thing about Yale/YSN: Simulation Labs

Favorite New Haven restaurant: Icaru

What would you tell someone who is interested in this program? This program requires a lot of time and dedication and Is very challenging but very rewarding.

Where are you from originally? I have lived in all over the East Coast, but I most recently lived in Boston, MA before coming to YSN.

Educational background: I graduated from Emmanuel College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, with a concentration in Health Sciences.

Previous experience: While in college, I interned in the pediatric neurology unit at Boston Children’s Hospital. After graduating, I worked in clinical research with metastatic breast cancer patients at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Career plans/goals: After graduation, I aspire to work as a pediatric nurse practitioner. While I’m still exploring the specific direction I want to take, I have a strong interest in oncology and am passionate about preventive medicine and holistic approaches to care. I’m excited to see where these interests may lead me in my future career and hope to eventually pursue a doctorate to engage in research that advances pediatric health.

Fun fact: My favorite holiday is the Souper Bowl, a holiday I created (often confused with the Super Bowl), where my friends bring over crockpots of homemade soup, we taste them all, and crown a winner. I’ve won the title for the past four years and I’m keeping the streak alive!

Favorite study or social space: Sterling Memorial Library or the Hub at YSN!

Favorite class (so far): Has to be a tie between Pediatrics with Dr. Mackey and Drug Therapy with Dr. Cohen

Favorite thing about Yale/YSN: My favorite thing is I've made lasting friendships and connected with faculty and preceptors who have deepened my love for healthcare. The support here has helped me grow both personally and professionally, shaping the kind of Nurse Practitioner I want to be.

Favorite New Haven pizza: After trying them all, Modern Apizza is my favorite, but Frank Pepe Pizzeria is a close second.

What would you tell someone who is interested in this program? Feel free to reach out with any questions! We’ve been in your shoes and are here to share our experiences to help you determine if YSN is the right fit for you. We understand that the application process can be overwhelming, so utilize us as a resource to make it easier. If Yale feels like the right place, prepare for a challenging yet rewarding experience. Take full advantage of everything Yale has to offer, knowing that both faculty and the supportive community will be there to help you along the way.

Where are you from originally? I'm from Wilbraham, Massachusetts

Educational background: I graduated from UConn in May 2024 with a B.S. in Allied Health Sciences and a minor in Psychological Sciences.

Previous experience: I worked as a research assistant in a Clinical Psychology lab at UConn.

Career plans/goals: I’m not totally sure where my career path leads, but I am interested in working with incarcerated people/those involved with the justice system, as well as the pediatric population.

Fun fact: I have a service dog named Marlin! He LOVES YSN!

Favorite study or social space: In one of the little study rooms connected to the Hub. And of course Elena’s on Orange

Favorite class (so far): Pharmacology with Dr. Cohen!

Favorite thing about Yale/YSN: The friends I’ve made and the faculty who treat you like family.

Favorite New Haven pizza: Modern Apizza for sure.

What would you tell someone who is interested in this program? Apply!! The worst that could happen is they say no. I applied just for the heck of it, and I’m so happy I did.

Where are you from originally? St. Kitts and Nevis

Educational background: Howard University, BSc, Radiation Therapy (minors Psychology, Biology, Chemistry)

Previous experience: Vice President of Howard University Rotaract Club, Mentorship Coordinator for HU GlobeMed, Site Coordinator for HU Alternative Spring Break Committee, Director of Recruitment for HU AYA Inc. Mentorship Program

Career plans/goals: Opening my own practice as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with concentration on oncology.

Fun fact: I LOVE traveling and I’ve already traveled to over twenty-five (25) countries scattered over four different continents.

Favorite study or social space: Private rooms in the Hub

Favorite class (so far): Childbearing

Favorite thing about Yale/YSN: Safe, comfortable and inclusive community environment it provides.

Favorite New Haven pizza: Pepe's Pizza and Dangles Bar and Grill

What would you tell someone who is interested in this program? I would encourage any interested student to apply as YSN's PMHNP program is uniquely positioned at the intersection of rigorous clinical training and a holistic understanding of mental health. It is undoubtedly an intense program which requires an enormous amount of dedication and self-discipline but it is worth the sacrifice.

Where are you from originally? Fairfield, CT

Educational background: I have a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Lynn University and a Master's Degree in Mental Health Counseling also from Lynn University.

Previous experience: I've worked as a therapist for the past 11 years in both inpatient and outpatient settings, with a specialty in perinatal mental health. I also spent time volunteering on L&D, postpartum, and the NICU at a local hospital in Bridgeport, CT.

Career plans/goals: To become a Certified Nurse Midwife, ideally working in both outpatient and inpatient settings.

Fun fact: I have 2 son's, ages 3 and 5.

Favorite study or social space: To study, a private study room off the Hub, and for social place I'd say Gryphon's.

Favorite class (so far): I've enjoyed a lot of the classes I've taken, but my favorite to date was Childbearing.

Favorite thing about Yale/YSN: I love the sense of community found here at Yale, it truly feels like a second family. Also, for those in the WH/NM track, I loved the Bridge program during GEPN year!

Favorite New Haven restaurant: Mecha

What would you tell someone who is interested in this program? It's a challenging program, but it’s also really supportive. The people, including faculty, staff and students, are what make it special. You’re pushed to grow, but never alone in it. If you’re looking for a place that cares about who you are and the kind of nurse you want to be, it’s a great fit!

Where are you from originally? I’m from Los Angeles, California (626 area!)

Past educational experience: I majored in media at UC Berkeley during undergrad and switched careers to enter this program. 

Previous experience: I worked as a phlebotomist for a few years before this program and still use these skills at the HAVEN clinic in town (shameless plug: please reach out to me if you’d be interested in volunteering at HAVEN)! I was also volunteering at many different hospitals throughout LA to see where I wanted to end up.  

Career plans/goals: After graduating, my goal is to be in a fellowship. After this, I want to be back home and working in primary care in California.  

Fun facts: My favorite place to go ever is the beach. I can lay for hours and not get sunburnt! 😊  

Favorite study or social space:  The Graduate in downtown or the Sterling library, of course! 

Favorite class (so far): Pharmacology during GEPN year 

Favorite thing about Yale/YSN: YSN is such a tight knit community and really a second home. It’s also nice to network outside of YSN at old campus or other school campuses for a breath of fresh air and know that you are living within a community of likeminded individuals. 

Favorite New Haven pizza: Sally’s for their amazing sauce (but so recommend trying every place before ranking!)

What would you tell someone who is interested in this program? Make sure that this is what you want to do. The more you are motivated to succeed in something you put your mind to, the more enriching your time at Yale will be. This time at school seems like a long time, but it goes by so quickly! Take advantage of Yale’s network and opportunities that come your way.