Celebrating Our 2025 Preceptors – Honoring Exceptional Leadership and Mentorship

The North Dakota Nurse Practitioner Association proudly recognizes our 2025 preceptors for their outstanding dedication, leadership, and commitment to shaping the next generation of nurse practitioners. These experienced professionals generously share their time, knowledge, and clinical expertise to mentor students and strengthen the future of advanced practice nursing across our state.

Preceptors play a critical role in developing confident, competent, and compassionate providers. Your guidance, encouragement, and professionalism leave a lasting impact not only on students but on the communities they will serve for years to come.

Thank you for being role models, educators, and leaders. We are deeply grateful for your continued support and partnership.

2025 Honored Preceptors:

• Forrest Hirsch, FNP, Garrison CHI
• Ryan Keffeler, FNP, Carrington CHI
• April Kautzman, WHNP-BC, CNM, Bismarck Essentia Center for Women
• Melissa McClintock, FNP, Turtle Lake, Northland Community Health Center
• Amanda Schmidt, FNP, Washburn CHI
• Michelle Maier, FNP, Bismarck Embrace Wellness
• Mary Sprague, FNP, Fargo, Family Healthcare
• Kaitlyn Wirtz, PA-C, Washburn CHI
• Sam Held, FNP, Cando, Towner County Medical Center
• Amy Suda, FNP, Grafton, Skin Rehab
• Carmen Mittleider, FNP, Essentia Health Jamestown  
• Sara Schafer, FNP, Essentia Health, Fargo
• Denise Powell, FNP, Essentia Health OB/Gyn
• Laura Rupp, FNP, Sanford Fargo
• Jenny Steele, FNP, Sanford West Fargo
• Rachel Ostlund, FNP-C, Family Healthcare, Fargo, ND
• Michael Henke, PA-C, Sanford Internal Medicine, Bismarck, ND
• Deb Sailer, FNP, Coal Country Community Health Center, Center, ND
• Kelsey Holzer, FNP Sanford Family Practice, Mandan, ND
• Erik Burke, FNP-C, Northwood Deaconess Health Center