Safety Awareness Framework for Teams (SAF-T CARE)

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

With over 20 years of experience in psychiatric and behavioral health care, I support academic centers, hospitals, and organizations through education, consultation, and training related to psychiatric illness, trauma-informed practice, and support for staff and teams impacted by vicarious trauma.

My background in advanced psychiatric nursing allows me to offer practical, clinically grounded education that helps teams strengthen mental health awareness, improve communication, and better support individuals with complex behavioral and emotional needs—while also recognizing the cumulative impact this work can have on professionals.

Please contact me to discuss your organization’s needs, and together we can determine the most relevant focus, format, and scope for your team.

My approach prioritizes education and preparation, helping teams build skills

before challenges arise rather than responding only in moments of crisis.

Please contact me to discuss your organization’s needs, and together we can determine the most relevant focus, format, and scope for your team.

Learn More

ABOUT ME

I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 20 years of experience across psychiatric, medical, and high-acuity care settings. My background includes direct clinical care, interdisciplinary collaboration, and education focused on helping individuals and teams navigate complex mental health and behavioral challenges.

Throughout my career, I have worked with healthcare professionals, educators, and organizational teams to strengthen understanding of psychiatric illness, apply trauma-informed and stress-aware approaches, and support staff working in emotionally demanding environments. My perspective is shaped by years at the bedside and within systems where safety, communication, and preparation are essential.

Today, my work focuses on education and consultation for academic institutions, hospitals, and organizations seeking proactive, practical approaches to mental health awareness, team readiness, and psychological safety. I translate clinical insight into accessible, real-world education that supports both effective care and the well-being of the people delivering it.

Each engagement is tailored to the needs of the organization and audience. I welcome conversations to explore how education and training can best support your teams.

TESTIMONIALS

Everything was done to keep my son’s dignity. I am a retired ER RN and can really appreciate the time and effort Elizabeth put in to have everything so smoothly arranged. She made it possible to have special need kids with severe behavior issues evaluated and vaccinated. My husband and I are so grateful.

- Parent

WOW, you are so incredible at what you do. I listened as you gracefully and patiently responded to a mother's concern regarding a very sensitive subject. Your words were direct and percise which she needed to hear, however at the same time, you made this mom feel heard and valued. This balance guided her to a place of understanding regarding the patients safety and care and it was beautiful to watch.

- Child life Specialist

Thank you so much for all your help with a very challenging and emotionally charged patient situation. You helped provide such clarity and direction to a large group of individuals with such differing opinions. And I truly appreciate how your were able to bring insight for the family that the team/staff needed to hear. Our team would not have come to the resolution we did without your guidance. Thank you for being my/our right hand through all of this.

- Social Work

Elizabeth Hinchman is a top tier mental health nurse practitioner. She and I work closely to create bespoke pre- and post-surgical plans for children with complex or nuanced behavioral health needs. We work closely with parents and caregivers to determine the patient's individual needs, and partner with the peri-operative team to enhance patient comfort, reducing fear and anxiety.

- Pediatric Anesthesiologists

Liz has taught us so much
as professionals,
colleagues, and educators. I
feel like she’s helped us to
start building a safe space
for the adults at school to
discuss and brainstorm
ideas and solve problems.
She’s given us so many
strategies to help with
challenging behaviors. I’ve
already used some of the
strategies she suggested
and they’ve been working.
She has been the first PD
leader we’ve had since I’ve
worked in this district that

More strategies based on
specific site/classroom
issues, ways to advocate for
ourselves and our students,
assistance in creating a
staff-led team that focuses
on supporting each other

- Teacher

Certifications and Awards

Board Certified

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Daisy Award 2021

Established and facilitated a COVID vaccination clinic for behaviorally complex children

Gold Rose Award 2020

Nightengale Friend Of Nursing 2019

Sigma Theta Tau International,

Honors Nursing Society

Professional Experience

Lucile Packard Children's Hospital 2014 - 2022

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner - Specialty Liaison Team

Stanford Medical Center 2005 - 2013

Psychiatric RN - Adult Inpatient acute psychiatry (voluntary and involuntary psychiatric units)

UCLA - Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital 2004-2005

Psychiatric RN - pediatric psychiatric unit, eating disorder unit, adolescent unit

Education and Training

University of California (2005 - 2007)

Psychiatric Family Nurse Practitioner,

Psychiatric child/adolescent clinical nurse specialist

University of San Francisco (1999- 2002)

Bachelor of Science in Nursing