Jackie Sammons, 2025 Outstanding Student Member
Jackie Sammons, MS, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP-C, is a compassionate and dedicated nurse practitioner with more than 30 years of experience in pediatric, family, research, and psychiatric care. Her nursing journey began as a young mother balancing parenthood, work as a nursing assistant, and community college studies, where she earned her LPN and later her associate degree in nursing. This early foundation shaped the first two decades of her career, during which she excelled in acute care pediatrics and leadership roles.
While working in pediatric research, Jackie became particularly drawn to the challenges of childhood obesity. Recognizing the limitations of treating children in isolation from their families, she returned to school in 2012 to complete her BSN, followed by a Master of Science degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner in 2014. For the next decade, she practiced in primary and urgent care, where rising mental health concerns among patients inspired her to pursue advanced psychiatric training.
At a stage when many consider retirement, Jackie boldly enrolled in a post-master’s certificate program as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Weeks into her studies, she faced a life-threatening illness, emergency surgery, and a cancer diagnosis. With the support of dedicated mentors and professors, she persevered and achieved her dream of becoming a PMHNP.
Today, at LifeStance Health, Jackie provides psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and supportive therapy for children and adults. She is honored to be part of AAPPN’s community of altruistic and devoted psychiatric nurse practitioners committed to advancing mental health care.