SCHOLAR DIRECTORY

As a nurse for 27 years and an NP for twelve years, Cynthia Knight is passionate about continuing her education at the Doctoral level. Cynthia earned a BSN from Curry College in 2001 and a MS as a Family Nurse Practitioner from Regis College in 2004. She is currently enrolled in the Regis College DNP program focusing on Geriatric Veterans Healthcare. During her nursing career she has provided care for Veterans with medical and psychiatric illnesses. She has worked with patients on medical/surgical units in a tertiary care center, worked with the Department of Mental Health as a medical provider in a continuing care psychiatric facility, has provided medical services for adolescents with psychiatric illnesses and has experience in home health care. Currently, as a primary care nurse practitioner in the Home Based Primary Care Program, at the VA, Ms. Knight is committed to care excellence. The older adult Veteran with complex medical, social and psychological needs is prone to missed mental health care opportunities due to frailty and home bound limitations. In alignment with the VA’s plan to integrate mental health services into primary care, Ms. Knight plans to explore the needs of the older adult Veteran with depressive symptoms and assess how to bridge any gaps in care, ultimately improving health outcomes.