Helen C. Ballestas, Ph.D., DNP, ANP-BC, a doctorally prepared, board-certified adult nurse practitioner, earned her Ph.D. from Capella University, her post-master certificate, Adult Nurse Practitioner from Adelphi University, and an MS in Nursing Education from Molloy College, where she was Sigma Theta Tau International Nurses Honor Society chapter president. She served as a nurse professional development specialist at the Medical University of South Carolina, associate professor at The Citadel Military School, and director of Undergraduate Programs at Long Island University. Before joining our center in 2024, Ms. Ballestas worked as an adult nurse practitioner with Fetter Healthcare and Palmetto Primary Care in South Carolina and at healthcare facilities in New York, including Winthrop University. She is deeply committed to older adults. Driven to improve access and quality in healthcare, Ms. Ballestas volunteers for community health clinics, promoting diversity and inclusion. In her free time, she enjoys reading books, spending time with family, and cooking.