Before obtaining her graduate degree as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), Petra worked as a nurse in inpatient child psychiatry for five years. She also spent several years before that as an agency nurse in nursing homes.

“Aside from my interests in inclusion,” Petra said, “I became interested in psychiatry because of working with children and seniors. This gave me a wide range of perspectives.”

Petra’s interest in mental health can be tied to a single exchange that she had with a child.

“I had a conversation with one child who was struggling with the high expectations of her parents. In talking with her, she developed a plan to talk with her parents about how to better help her mental health.”

The conversation was life-changing for both Petra and the child,  leading to Petra’s decision to obtain a PMHNP through Maryville University. “I saw that once conversation can be all it takes to change a person’s life.”

Given the scope of Petra’s experiences professionally and personally, she generally focuses on the mental health needs of the LGBTQ+ community. However, she is also exceptional with children.

“I consider children and LGBTQ+ patients to be equally as vulnerable,” Petra said. “Children often lack the tools or self-awareness to approach their mental health in a healthful manner.”