Gonsalves, Juliana

About Katie Lemmers When Amanda “Katie” Lemmers, FNP, started on her healthcare journey, she was interested in neurology and then pediatric physical therapy. As she learned more about the many aspects of medical care, she became interested in becoming a nurse practitioner and found her specialty while helping a patient who suffered from heart disease. “The patient was in ICU multiple times with cardiac interventions, and eventually had open heart surgery,” she recalls. That person ended up suffering from a cardiac arrest. She and her colleagues helped get the heart pumping again and the patient was able to walk out of the hospital five days later. “It was then I knew in my heart that if I could help just one more person with heart disease, I would,” she says.” She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Indiana University-South Bend and her Master of Science in Nursing/Family Nurse Practitioner Degree at Goshen College (Indiana). She has experience as a school nurse, intensive care nurse and critical care nurse. Katie believes in treating the person and that each individual is unique. “There is also something to treating the mind, body and soul,” she says, adding, “I believe that we are not only treating the patient but their family as well.” She hopes her patients learn from her that even in times of difficulty, even a small change can make a difference. In her own words… Who is or was the most influential people/role models in your life? My father. He taught me that all obstacles are really opportunities and to never give up. What was your first job growing up? What do you remember about it? Detasseling corn. I remember it being hard, dirty and hot. Lots of long hours. What is your favorite food? Movie? Favorite foods: German chocolate cake with caramel coconut icing and cheesecake. Favorite movies: The Big Chill and The Notebook What was your best/worst subjects in school growing up? Best were math and science; worst were geography and history. If you could sit down to dinner with anyone (alive or deceased) who would it be and why? My mom, as I have grown up since she passed away. I would love to talk to her one more time. If she isn’t available, I would go with Queen Elizabeth – I am sure that would be the best dinner ever. In addition to medicine, what are you passionate about? I love running, eating, learning new things and traveling. I believe people should experience another culture at least once in their life. Do you have pets? I have a German Wirehair Pointing Griffon dog named Bohdie. What is something most people don’t know about you? My grandfather has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and my mom was in older Disney movies.