Preceptor

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner & NP Educator
Danielle Kennedy is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Practitioner Educator with extensive experience across emergency, inpatient, and outpatient mental health care. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Saint Louis University, where she completed additional coursework in nursing education to prepare for her role as a clinical instructor and preceptor. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Maryville University, graduating with academic honors.
Her background includes leadership and clinical roles as a charge nurse, house supervisor, behavioral health manager, and psychiatric nurse practitioner. This experience has given her a strong foundation in both patient care and clinical operations, preparing her to teach students not just how to provide psychiatric care, but how to navigate the complexities of real-world practice.
Danielle has managed patients with a wide range of psychiatric conditions, substance use disorders, and co-occurring medical needs. She integrates evidence-based treatment with psychotherapy and medication management, while also emphasizing professional ethics, communication, and collaboration across disciplines.
As a preceptor for PMHNP and Physician Assistant students, Danielle is committed to creating a supportive, hands-on learning environment. She provides opportunities for students to gain real-world exposure, sharpen clinical judgment, and build the confidence needed to practice independently. Her philosophy is rooted in comprehensive care — addressing the mental, physical, emotional, and social well-being of patients — and she passes this patient-centered perspective on to her students.
In recognition of her contributions to patient care, Danielle was named a March of Dimes Nurse of the Year Finalist in Emergency Care. She is passionate about developing the next generation of psychiatric providers and looks forward to guiding students as they grow into confident, compassionate practitioners.