Hi I am so glad you found us! I am Nikki Graham, DNP, RN, NPD-BC, NEA-BC, an executive nurse leader with 36 years of nursing experience, including over 20 years in leadership roles. Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, my career has taken me across the country, with leadership positions in Texas, Tennessee, Idaho, and Illinois.

My academic background includes a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Pacific Lutheran University, a Master of Nursing from the University of Washington – Tacoma, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice in Leadership from Boise State University. I completed the Vanderbilt Strategic Leadership Pathway and hold national certifications in Nursing Professional Development (NPD-BC) and Nursing Executive Advanced (NEA-BC) leadership.

Currently, I serve as Vice President of Nursing at a large hospital system in Illinois, where I provide strategic oversight for nursing practice, quality, education, and innovation.

Over the past decade, I’ve earned progressive leadership roles with increasing responsibility. Through these experiences, I’ve gained valuable insights into the selection, application, interviewing, onboarding, and successful integration of leaders into new organizations. I’m passionate about mentoring the next generation of nurse leaders and designing programs that enhance nursing practice and elevate the profession. I am a fierce advocate for the nursing workforce and find deep purpose in cultivating environments where nurses thrive.

I’m Sara Weelborg, a psychiatric nurse practitioner and business owner. I’ve been an advanced practice nurse since 2005 in various settings including the military. I was raised in South Dakota and have lived on both US coasts and in the Midwest. My formal education includes a BS in nursing from South Dakota State University, a Master of Science in Nursing (psychiatric clinical nurse specialist) from the University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, a post-master’s certificate as an adult psychiatric nurse practitioner from Rush University, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree in leadership from Boise State University. I also completed a fellowship through the University of Washington which trained me to be a psychiatric consultant within the collaborative care model. 

Presently, I own a solo private practice and am a co-owner, founder, and clinical director of a mental health intensive outpatient program in Tacoma, Washington. I’ve started both of my businesses from the ground up, learning valuable lessons and meeting fantastic people along the way. As a contractor with the Squaxin Island Tribe, I support their behavioral health outpatient program and am the medical director and psychiatric prescriber at the Northwest Indian Treatment Center, a residential substance use disorder facility.  I am a preceptor for graduate nursing students and an adjunct faculty member in the BS to DNP program at Boise State University. I am a fierce advocate for both mental health issues and the nursing profession. I’m eager to share my experiences, hoping that others can learn from my mistakes, my successes, and enjoy a rewarding career in nursing, perhaps in a unique and challenging role you may not have felt possible.