LAURA DIMESTICO, RN, PMHNP-DNP Student

Laura is a highly experienced Registered Nurse with over 20 years of expertise in mental health care. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner at Regis College. A dedicated advocate for military families, Laura created a scholarship program specifically designed to help military service members and their spouses become certified peer supporters, fostering a strong network of mental health advocates within the community.

Throughout her career, Laura has held diverse roles in mental health and medical/surgical nursing. She has experience working in acute psychiatric care, geriatrics, detoxification units, and education. As a former Nurse Educator at Virginia Beach Psychiatric Center, she trained both current and incoming nurses, ensuring they were equipped to provide exceptional care in acute psychiatric settings. Laura’s experience also includes serving as an educator for nursing students, specializing in psychiatric rotations.

Taking a break from clinical practice while pursuing her doctoral degree, she works in marketing, advertising, visual media, and outreach to expand access to mental health resources and raise awareness in the broader community.