Conference Speakers
Christine Beck
MS,RN
Christine Beck is an instructor at the Loretto Heights School of Nursing at Regis University, where she brings a decade of diverse clinical experience and a deep commitment to trauma-informed nursing education. Currently pursuing her PhD in Nursing Education at the University of Northern Colorado, Christine’s scholarship centers on the use of mindfulness as a powerful intervention for individuals affected by childhood trauma—a passion that informs both her teaching and research. Christine has presented her work on mindfulness and trauma at national and regional conferences, including the National League for Nursing’s Research Conference and the Nursing Education Conference of the Rockies. She has also shared her insights through invited talks for academic and professional audiences, helping shape compassionate, evidence-based practices in nursing education. Her academic interests are deeply rooted in resilience-building, justice, and holistic care, as reflected in her leadership on diversity, equity, and inclusion committees. Christine’s dedication to advancing mental well-being in both students and patients continues to inspire her approach to nursing education and scholarship.
Gail Dawson
PMHNP, FNP
Gail Dawson has been practicing integrative psychiatry for 15 years in Colorado and Washington state. She seeks to understand the underlying causes of illness, which led her to become dually certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner. Her interests lie in hormone optimization, mold and toxin exposure, and causes of autoimmune disease. She is a teaching assistant for Dr. James Greenblatt's Psychiatry Redefined program.
Wayne Thrash
RXN,CNS
Wayne is a Clinical Nurse Specialist. He founded ThriveRx many years ago as a home for his private practice which he has worked in full-time since 2000. Prior to this he worked in critical care, then as a Diabetes Educator with children and their families, then as a psychotherapist until he earned prescriptive authority in 1998. He developed an integrative approach to combining psychotherapy, total-health coaching and psychotropic medication management which has defined his practice. He came to believe interventions facilitating client transformation required specific attention to the effects of complex trauma and its healing. He began a deep-dive into trauma healing in 2015 and is excited and grateful for the opportunity to bring his knowledge and experience to this conference.
Lindsey Dempster
MSN, PMHNP-BC
Lindsey is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2022. My diverse experience spans 12 years and includes emergency medicine, ICU, oncology, psychiatry, and nursing/physician management. I promote growth and change by empowering clients to overcome personal obstacles that interfere with their desired goals, using medications as an adjunct to other meaningful lifestyle changes. In addition to medication management, I incorporate motivational interviewing and elements of CBT/DBT/ACT modalities. I also work hard to maintain a safe space for clients with diverse backgrounds, ages, situations, and mental health diagnoses. My experience working in an inpatient psychiatric unit means I am comfortable diagnosing, assessing, and referring clients to the appropriate level of care, whether that be for addiction management, eating disorders, or other psychiatric emergencies. Mutual understanding and respect lay the foundation for change and together you will work to meet your goals.
Jessica Muniz
MSN, NP-C
Jessica is an AANP board certified family nurse practitioner, whose philosophy of medicine and healing is deeply rooted in seeking to understand and address the underlying root causes of illness rather than simply treating symptoms. Jessica also emphasizes the importance of preventive care and lifestyle modifications to maintain optimal health and prevent the onset of chronic disease. Jessica Muniz treats the whole family and has specialities in women’s health, bio-identical hormone replacement therapy, thyroid disorders, adrenal dysfunction, gastrointestinal disorders, food sensitivities, chronic urinary tract infections (UTI) and vaginitis, Interstitial cystitis, and autoimmunity. She has a BA in Psychology from Cornell University and a BSN in Nursing from Regis University. She received her Masters of Science in Nursing from Regis University and graduated with honors. She has been largely influenced by over 15 years of mentorship with well-respected naturopathic doctors Dr. Mary Shackelton, MPH, ND and Dr. Jenny Demeaux, ND, RNC (ret).
Shari Nieman Corso
MSN, APRN, ACNP-BC, FNP-BC, FACC
Shari is the Chief clinical Officer at South Denver Cardiology. She has worked in Cardiology since 1995 when she started as an RN. She started as a Cardiology NP at South Denver Cardiology in 1999 and moved through supervisor position to director of Medical Services and now into her current position. She is also a Legal NP consultant. She has mentored Undergraduate as well at Graduate Students from several Universities across the US.