Schutze, Renee

About Kristyn Beaver The decision to be in the health care field was made early on for Kristyn Beaver, NP. “My mom was in nursing school and graduated the same year I graduated high school. I entered my ADN (Associate Degree of Nursing) program the next fall,” she says. “Being a nurse is part of who I am. I’ve been a nurse forever; always wanting to help others.” Kristyn did her undergraduate work at Ferris State University, Big Rapids, MI, graduating with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Then she earned her Master of Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner, from Purdue University Global. Coming to Family Practice has been a winding road for Kristyn. “I started my nursing career in a specialty of ICU and Cardiac Care step-down, working with post open-heart surgery patients. Then, I moved to Labor and Delivery where I was for 25 years,” she says. “In time, I felt I needed to further my training to be a Nurse Practitioner. Family Practice felt right, so I pursued that in school.” Kristyn says her approach to care is to try to get to know patients, their family, their likes, and dislikes. “I listen to my patient’s health needs or concerns, collect data including a history, labs, X-rays if needed, medication history and surgical history, and any history involved needed for that visit,” she says. When working with a patient and how she delivers care, Kristyn tries to keep things as simple as possible and focuses on each individual and their unique goals. “I feel I have a wholistic approach. Part of what I love about nursing is helping people figure out how to get the outcomes they desire with what they have to work with,” she says. Patients have taught Kristyn so many things, she says. “They’ve given me strength, made me laugh (sometimes at myself), humility, love and challenged me to be better,” she says, “to become a better person, nurse, and nurse practitioner.” In her own words… Who is or was the most influential people/role models in your life? My mom. What was your first job growing up? What do you remember about it? I babysat the kids next door and cleaned an elderly woman’s house for her each Saturday. Making my own money was a great thrill especially at the age of 12. What is your favorite food? Movie? I love all kinds of food! But it does have to be good food; be it good Chinese/Asian, Mexican, Italian, Greek, Polish, it does not matter. Favorite movie? Probably the same as my favorite book, “Pride and Prejudice”. What was your best/worst subjects in school growing up? Best subject? Toss up- Math and English. I loved figuring out the puzzle and I love reading. Geometry was the only exception with math, I hated Geometry. If you could sit down to dinner with anyone (alive or deceased) who would it be and why? My grandfather. He was always the BEST storyteller. Do you have pets? Not anymore. We’ve had dogs and barn cats, all while the kids were growing up, but when our last dog passed away, we did not replace her. What is something most people don’t know about you? I don’t know that there isn’t anything people don’t know. I’m pretty social, vocal, love to sing, play the piano, love a good book, good food, a good movie. And love to be home – probably my favorite place to be.

About Jacqueline Mental health experts are a vital part of health care – because mental wellness affects physical health, too. But stigmas surrounding mental health make it difficult for many people to seek care. Jacqueline Albiez, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, understands this firsthand. “Mental health has always fascinated me,” she says. “I saw an underserved population with a harsh stigma. I wanted to be an advocate for those in need, to help break any stigmas against mental illness and normalize mental health treatment.” To do this, Jacqueline chose a nursing career while in high school. “I was drawn toward the medical field with the desire to help others. I shadowed different professions, and my heart told me to pursue nursing.” Jacqueline earned her master’s degree in nursing in psychiatric mental health at Indiana Wesleyan University and has been part of the Beacon family since 2011. “I saw an organization that works to help patients and see them succeed in their care,” she says. This is incredibly important for mental health patients. In her role, Jacqueline is both a medical professional and an advocate. Jacqueline talks with individuals to understand their symptoms and history, diagnoses them and provides appropriate medications and therapy. She has also learned how important listening to patients is, and how no detail is trivial. “I am flexible to provide the best care possible. Patient safety is a priority. I never make assumptions, and patients always have my support.” In her own words Who is or was the most influential person/role model in your life? My parents. They both worked hard to provide a loving and supportive home. They taught me that nothing is given to you and that you have to work hard for what you want. They instilled the values of being kind, caring and humble and taught me that I should always apply myself. What was your first job growing up? What do you remember about it? Assisting my dad when he was catering for parties. I remember watching how hard he worked, the time and details he put into the food he crafted to provide an excellent experience to those he served. He not only prepared and served elegant meals, but his creations also brought happiness and exceptional experiences to those he cooked for. What are your hobbies, interests? I love reading, music, board games, hiking, gardening, cooking, baking and crafts. I also have a passion for aviation and love attending air shows. If you could sit down to dinner with anyone, alive or deceased, who would it be and why? My father. He passed away last year, and I would do anything to spend a few more precious moments together. In addition to medicine, what are you passionate about? My family, animals and doing what I can to make the world a better place, even if that’s through small actions.