Boulder's Adolescent Care Team

Laura P.

Nurse Practitioner

What is your experience with youth?

My journey in youth advocacy began during high school when I took on the role of educating my peers about sexual health. This early experience ignited my passion for supporting young people. As I transitioned into emergency nursing, I had the privilege of working with individuals across different age groups, gaining valuable insights into their unique needs and challenges.Becoming a nurse practitioner allowed me to delve deeper into addressing the specific concerns of youth, particularly in Colorado, where substance use among young people posed significant challenges. Through my work, I've encountered diverse situations that have enriched my understanding and honed my ability to provide effective care and support.

Why are you part of the adolescent care team at Boulder?

I am deeply motivated to be a part of the adolescent team focusing on substance use because I believe in the transformative power of early intervention and compassionate support for young individuals facing these challenges. Firstly, adolescence marks a pivotal period of exploration and development, during which individuals are particularly susceptible to the influence of substances. By joining a specialized team, I aim to leverage my expertise and passion to provide tailored interventions and support services that address the unique needs of adolescents struggling with substance use.

What do you LOVE in your own life?

I love disconnecting from everything and binge watching trashy tv shows while drinking an iced coffee. I enjoy spending time with my family and juggling the circus that is my life :)

Why do you think it's important for young people (under 18) to get care & support for substance use?

Adolescence is a time of experimentation and risk-taking behavior. Offering care and support for substance use helps mitigate the risks associated with peer pressure, environmental influences, and other factors that may contribute to substance use initiation or continuation. substance use issues in youth can prevent the escalation of problems into more severe substance use disorders in adulthood. By intervening early, we can reduce the likelihood of long-term consequences such as chronic health issues, legal troubles, and social impairment.

There's more to meet!

Nurse Practitioner

Laura P.

I believe in the transformative power of early intervention and compassionate support for young individuals facing these challenges. By joining a specialized team, I aim to leverage my expertise and passion to provide tailored interventions and support services that address the unique needs of adolescents struggling with substance use.

Enrollment Specialist

Mirianie G.

I love that we have the opportunity to help adoloscents with SUD before they're an adult. If they need the help now then why wait until they become 18. I'm part of this team because I would want someone to help and care my children with the compassion I have as well.