Kelly Watson, APRN-CNP, specializes in neurosurgery. “Surgery can be unnerving, and it’s important that my patients know what, and why, they may be having the symptoms they are experiencing. I also want them to know we will walk through the process side-by-side,” she said.

Kelly went into medicine after earning a degree in fine arts. Her talent for art at the time excelled and while she enjoyed it, she still found herself wanting to care for others. “Ultimately, I began taking nursing courses because I am drawn to caring for and educating others. I knew from the start of my nursing career that I wanted to become a nurse practitioner. Continuum of care is very important to me,” she said.

Kelly encourages patients to be healthy as a whole. “I encourage a whole foods approach and an 80/20 lifestyle. After all, we all have to have a little bit of indulgence in our lives,” she added. “I also encourage my patients to be in charge of their health care and advocate for themselves. Many are limited in how much they can exercise. Even small frequent daily walks can be beneficial.”

Kelly said she enjoys neurosurgery because of the nervous system being one of few things people do not know everything about. “My knowledge grows daily, and I’m challenged to become a better provider,” she said.

Outside of working at the clinic, Kelly can be found spending time with her husband and their seven children, hiking, camping, cycling and doing CrossFit.