Meet Our Providers

Athena C. Fertig is a Nurse Practitioner dual board-certified in Psychiatric mental health and Family practice. She has over 38 years experience in healthcare, caring for individuals and their families.

Athena 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 in bedside nursing starting as a CNA, then LPN, and RN having worked in 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.

Athena has experience in treating depression, anxiety, bipolar, schizophrenia, trauma-related disorders, obsessive compulsive disorders, attention deficit, personality disorders, and addiction.

Her goal is to meet clients where they are, and empower clients and caregivers with shared treatment planning. She takes a holistic approach, considering not just psychiatric needs, but also physical health, nutrition, lifestyle factors, and environmental influences.

She provides a safe, welcoming environment for patients and families, promoting trust, respect and a commitment to providing quality care. 

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

Salome Johnson is a dual board-certified, doctoral-prepared Psychiatric-Mental Health and Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner with more than 22 years of healthcare experience and over 13 years in nursing. She has cared for individuals and families across a wide range of healthcare settings and throughout the lifespan.

Shortly after high school, Salome joined the United States Army as an Emergency Medical Technician. Additionally, her experience includes work as a pharmacy technician, CNA, and Registered Nurse. In settings such as long-term care, memory care, inpatient behavioral health, medical-surgical, and pediatric settings. She also served as a charge nurse on a geriatric psychiatric unit.

Salome earned an Associate of Science in Biology in 2009, followed by a Bachelor of Science in Nursing with a minor in Health Management Science from Minot State University in 2013. She earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice in Acute Care Pediatrics from the University of Cincinnati in 2022 and completed a Post-Master’s Certificate in
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Practice from the University of Mobile in 2026.  

Since 2022, Salome has practiced as a Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, in and outpatient settings. Providing well-child and preventive care, as well as management of acute and urgent conditions for the pediatric population. These experiences have strengthened her clinical judgment, adaptability, and proficiency in providing compassionate care to patients and families during vulnerable times. Salome is licensed in IA, NE, and NM. She is accepting clients of all ages. ​​​​