Marcie Phalen is a Registered Nurse (RN) based in Columbus, Ohio, who holds a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and is actively working toward earning her Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Board Certification (PMHNP-BC). She has made mental health care the focus of her career, advocating for better services and aiming to remove the barriers of stigma that often prevent people from seeking help. Her work reflects a deep commitment to respectful, evidence-based care. Raised in Bexley, a quiet suburb of Columbus, Marcie grew up in a home where mental health care was a central focus. Her parents, both seasoned Ph.D. psychologists, offered consistent examples of patient-first values. Their practice emphasized thoughtful listening, ethical decision-making, and dedication to supporting every person’s dignity. These experiences left a lasting impression on Marcie, who internalized those values and brought them into her nursing practice. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Aspen University in Phoenix, Arizona, and while in school, volunteered at nearby mental health clinics to gain practical experience. After graduating in 2022, she began working as a psychiatric nurse in a Columbus hospital, where she expanded her clinical knowledge and earned certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). This step marked her ongoing effort to uphold high professional standards and stay at the forefront of psychiatric nursing. Marcie began her professional journey in 2009 as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) with Maxim Staffing. In that early role, she primarily supported hospice patients, providing care that required compassion, patience, and presence. Her next step took her to The Woods at Parkside, a facility known for treating individuals with both mental health and substance use challenges. In 2020, she assumed a supervisory RN/BSN role at Rivervista Health and Wellness, where she currently develops care plans, conducts patient evaluations, and collaborates with multidisciplinary teams. She remains involved in community education and outreach, volunteering at mental health awareness events and emphasizing early intervention. Marcie believes in equipping individuals with the knowledge and tools to care for themselves and others before crises emerge. In her personal life, she finds balance through yoga, reading, and spending time with loved ones. Marcie Phalen continues to work with a quiet determination to improve the lives of those navigating mental health struggles.