Dynamic. Compassionate. Always Ready to Step In.
If there’s one person who seems to have a hand in everything at Vertrae®, it’s Mindy. As Director of Nursing and Practice Manager, she’s part strategist, part patient advocate, part problem solver—and 100% committed to the people she serves, both patients and teammates.
Her day might start with reviewing patient satisfaction reports, shift to mentoring a nurse through a challenging case, pivot to solving a scheduling conflict, and end by jumping in to provide direct patient care. For Mindy, that variety isn’t chaos. It’s exactly why she loves what she does.
“No day is ever typical. That’s one of the things I love most about my roles. I love jumping into patient care when needed and being there for the team.”
Why She Chose This Path
Mindy’s journey into healthcare started with her sister’s passion for labor and delivery nursing. Seeing that dedication firsthand, paired with her own life-changing experiences giving birth to her children, lit a spark.
“After experiencing the birth of my own children, and seeing firsthand how powerful and emotional that moment can be, I knew I wanted to be part of that journey for other families, too.”
That desire to be present for patients during life’s most important, and sometimes most difficult moments has guided her career ever since.
The Moment That Shaped Her Care Philosophy
Early in her nursing career, Mindy was stopped in a grocery store by a former patient and his wife. They remembered not just her clinical skill, but how she took time to listen.
“Most patients just want someone to talk to. The power of listening and offering emotional support goes a long way.”
That experience shaped her approach—not just as a nurse, but now as a leader. At Vertrae®, she makes sure every patient feels heard and every team member feels supported.
Her Impact at Vertrae®
Mindy’s influence is felt at every level of the practice:
- For Patients: She monitors outcomes and drives quality improvement to ensure care is safe, effective, and personal.
- For Providers: She keeps communication clear and implements plans smoothly, so nothing gets in the way of patient safety or satisfaction.
- For the Team: She mentors, leads by example, and cultivates a culture of professionalism, accountability, and growth.
“What makes me most proud as a Director of Nursing & Practice Manager is knowing that my leadership directly impacts both patient care and the growth of Vertrae®.”
Advice She Gives Often
Mindy knows surgery isn’t just a physical event—it’s an emotional journey. She prepares patients for the reality that nerve pain and discomfort can sometimes feel worse before it feels better, reassuring them that healing is happening even when it doesn’t feel that way.
“Pain during recovery doesn’t mean something is wrong—it often means your body and nervous system are starting to heal.”
Life Beyond Work
When she’s off the clock, Mindy finds joy in both adventure and the everyday. She’s traveled to 40 of the 50 U.S. states, is an avid storm watcher, and loves documentaries, especially true crime. She’s also a dedicated wine maker, puzzle solver, and organizer. And if you know her well, you know that cleaning is something she actually enjoys.
Her favorite moments are simple ones: spending time outdoors, hiking, gardening, or sitting around the fire pit with her husband and their dogs. And yes, most mornings, you’ll find her with a Diet Mt. Dew in hand.
A Few of Mindy’s Favorites
🌪 Off-Duty Joy: Storm watching
🍷 Hobby: Making wine (“It’s like chemistry!”)
🌍 Travel: 40 states down, 10 to go
🥤 Morning Drink: Diet Mt. Dew
🧩 Relaxation: Puzzles, organizing, and time with family
Final Thought
Mindy’s leadership is the thread that weaves Vertrae® together. She leads with adaptability and compassion, making sure the clinic runs smoothly, the team feels supported, and patients receive the highest level of personalized care.
She’s proof that great healthcare doesn’t happen by chance. It happens because someone is paying attention to every detail, every person, and every opportunity to make things better.
