A Lifelong Passion for Teaching.
Alison grew up in a family of educators, surrounded by the influence of teaching. Although she chose a path in nursing, the “teaching gene” never left her. From the moment she earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Eastern Michigan University, Alison found herself teaching—patients, families, and colleagues. She quickly discovered that education was central to improving the lives of those she served.
Her first role at Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Medical Center in Chicago was in a cardiac step-down unit. However, she found she was more interested in helping her patients cope with the stress of cardiac surgery than she was in learning EKG complexities. This led her to explore psychiatric nursing, where her natural empathy and interest in the human experience flourished.
A Career Marked by Leadership and Service
Alison’s career has been as dynamic as it is impactful:
She has taught psychiatric nursing at three colleges of nursing, helping students navigate the complexities of mental health care.
As a Captain in the US Army Nurse Corps and an expert in PTSD, she developed additional expertise in combat trauma and military suicide, working in support of returning soldiers and their families post 9/11.
She served as the Psychiatric Nurse Consultant and Lead Clinician on Fort Carson’s Behavioral Emergency Response Team, directly impacting the well-being of military personnel.
As a Division Director of Behavioral Health Education for HCA, she oversaw training across 16 hospitals, ensuring high standards of care.
The Vision Behind PMHRN
Through PMHRN, Alison integrates her vast experience into creating resources that elevate psychiatric care nationwide. Her mission is clear:
To empower psychiatric nurses with the tools and confidence needed to excel in board certification and beyond.
To enhance patient safety and care by improving the competence of healthcare providers at all levels, from frontline nurses to hospital executives.
Her belief in the transformative power of education is the driving force behind her work. Alison’s trainings are high-energy, multimedia experiences designed to engage, inspire, and leave a lasting impact.
A Personal Note from Alison
"Confidence can only be built through competence, and competence requires training and coaching. My goal is to make psychiatric nursing accessible, approachable, and achievable for every nurse I work with. Whether you're preparing for your PMHN exam or seeking to elevate your organization’s psychiatric care, I'm here to help you succeed."
Alison splits her time between Chicago and Western North Carolina, staying connected to the field and continuing her mission to advance psychiatric care nationwide.
A Thought Leader in Psychiatric Nursing
Alison’s commitment to advancing psychiatric care extends beyond teaching:
Published Author
She has contributed articles to leading journals such as Psychotherapy Networker, POLICE Magazine, The Journal of Caffeine Research, and the National Education Association's annual journal, Thought and Action.
National Speaker:
Her engaging presentations have made her a sought-after speaker at conferences for both civilian and military audiences.
Professional Engagement
Alison has been an active, contributing member in the American Psychiatric Nurses Association and is a Fellow at the American Institute of Stress.
