Meet Our Providers

Athena C. Fertig is a Nurse Practitioner dual board certified in Psychiatric mental health and Family practice. She has over 35 years experience in healthcare, caring for individuals and their families.

She obtained a diploma in practical nursing from Southeast Community College, an associate's degree in nursing from Excelsior College, a bachelor's degree in nursing from Bryan College of Health Sciences, a masters degree in nursing-family practice from Creighton University, and a post-masters certificate in psychiatric mental health from The University of Cincinnati.

Athena spent 24 years of her her career working in bedside nursing, including long-term care nursing, acute care, ambulatory surgical care, followed by 12 years working as a family practice nurse practitioner in community health, urgent care, and emergency medicine; She has found her passion in the mental health field. She takes a holistic approach and partners with her clients on their wellness journey.

Athena is licensed in IA, NE, CO, and KS. She is accepting clients of all ages. ​​​​

Jeannie L. Franklin is a compassionate, board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 20 years of experience helping individuals improve their mental well-being.

She obtained her bachelor's degree in psychology and an associate's degree in nursing from the University of South Dakota, a  master's degree in nursing from the University of Phoenix, and a post-master's certificate in psychiatric mental health from Allen College. 

Throughout her career, she has supported adults from many walks of life, offering both medication management and therapy with a gentle, patient-centered approach. Jeannie believes healing begins with listening, and she takes time to understand each person’s story, struggles, and goals. She provides care for challenges such as ADHD, depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders, among other conditions, while focusing on building trust and fostering resilience. With warmth and clinical expertise, Jeannie partners with her patients on their journey toward balance, healing, and a better quality of life.

Jeannie is licensed in IA, SD and NE. She is accepting adult clients. ​

Rachel M. Ruskamp is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and a Certified Case Manager (CCM). 

She obtained a bachelor's degree in nursing from Clarkson College, and a masters degree in psychiatric mental health from Walden University. 

She is incredibly passionate about providing proactive and holistic mental health care services. She spent 15 years as an Officer in the United States Army Nurse Corp, serving in many clinical settings and leadership roles. Her past clinical experiences have facilitated her growth, expertise, and strong clinical skills, enhanced by her natural ability to build rapport with clients and family. 

Her clinical practice approach encourages best practice, client-centered evidence-based approach, blended with clinical experience and personal observation, to attain the best outcomes for the client.

Rachel is licensed in NE, and IA, and she will be accepting clients of all ages soon! 

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