Santos, Rita

About Alyssa Goncalves It was during a volunteer service project with AmeriCorp after college that Alyssa Goncalves, NP, discovered that nursing was the path for her. She served at a subacute medical facility for houseless men in Washington, DC, that was run by a group of compassionate and talented nursing professionals. “I had never considered nursing, but being a part of that team as a volunteer (and later I returned as a staff nurse) was the greatest honor, learning experience and joy of my life,” she says. Alyssa earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Biology at Wright State University (Ohio), a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Cleveland State University (Ohio) and her Master of Family Nurse Practitioner degree at University of Cincinnati. “I am a dialysis NP. I help those with kidney failure maximize their current health, blood pressure and fluid status, with hopes of either getting a kidney transplant or achieving their quality-of-life goals while managing this challenging chronic condition,” Alyssa says. By educating patients and working with them on a path forward, Alyssa says she does not look backwards or judge but instead presents options to support those in her care. “My patients endlessly teach me the power of the human spirit and that fierce compassion wins,” she says. “I am forever humbled by the gift of getting to connect and walk with my patients through the highs and lows of their lives. It is the honor of my life.” In her own words… Who is or was the most influential people/role models in your life? One of my biggest role models in life and career is Mary Jordan. She is the Nurse Practitioner managing the Washington, DC, facility for houseless men. What was your first job growing up? What do you remember about it? I was a newspaper girl! I remember taking this job very seriously as people were very adamant to receive their paper on time daily! What is your favorite food? Movie? There is a food truck that serves the most delicious Filipino dishes in Cleveland. I am a fan of true documentaries on any streaming platforms. What was your most challenging subject in school? I was most intimidated in Spanish class as I am not innately skilled at languages. If you could sit down to dinner with anyone (alive or deceased) who would it be and why? My husband. With our two young kids… it can feel like opportunities to spend quality time with each other are rare. In addition to medicine, what are you passionate about? I am passionate about equality and vulnerable communities. People deserve to thrive and be who they are. What are your hobbies, interests? When I am not at work I love to spend time outside with my family. Also, I have been doing CrossFit for the last almost 10 years. I love the community at the gym and working to be the best version of myself. Do you have pets? We have an 8-year-old labradoodle, Kona. What is something most people don’t know about you? I strive to be authentic with loved and trusted people in my life. Even if something is not going so great in my life, with a little humor and a listening ear, it can be made a little better.