Katherine Leaver, PMHNP

I am a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner and a Louisville native. I completed duPont Manual High School’s math/science/technology magnet program and went on to obtain my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from the University of Louisville in 2016. I then went on to work several years as a registered nurse at Norton Children’s Hospital in their pediatric psychiatric department. Specifically, I worked on the inpatient acute stabilization unit with children ages 4-18 years old, treating a variety of mood/anxiety disorders, conduct/behavioral issues, neurodevelopmental disorders (autism, ADHD), trauma-related disorders, substance abuse issues, and psychosis. In my more recent years at Norton Children’s, I worked as a psychiatric evaluator for children in crisis presenting to the emergency department, honing my interview and assessment/diagnostic skills and collaborating with emergency department physicians and psychiatrists. Through my experience as a psychiatric RN, I gained valuable knowledge about the impact and treatment of psychiatric illness in children and adolescents. I also became familiar with the various mental health resources in our local community and have a network of colleagues that specialize in this niche population. I completed my degree and certification to become a psychiatric nurse practitioner in 2021 and began working with the amazing team at Kaplan Barron Pediatrics in 2022. Outside of work, I am a mother to two energetic twin boys, Jude and Clark. In my (rare) free time, I enjoy trying new local restaurants, hiking, reading fiction, adventurous cooking, practicing yoga, and going to concerts. I am an extrovert by nature and love getting out of the house whenever possible. I love to plan vacations and events and believe it’s important to always have something to look forward to! I do my best to live authentically and encourage even my youngest patients to do the same.