Karen Nellis, BSN, RN, AE-C, is a Research Nurse Manager in the College of Nursing at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. She serves as the program manager of a federal education grant, providing education to nurse practitioner students and preceptors, assisting with placement of nurse practitioners upon graduation, and providing telehealth assistance in rural and underserved areas in the Mississippi River Delta Region. Karen began her nursing career in an inner city, medically underserved hospital, caring for vulnerable patients in a Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. It is here that she learned the importance of family centered care. Karen continued her NICU experience until accepting a position as a High Risk Asthma Nurse within the same hospital system. Karen understands that education is key in caring for patients. She received her certification as an Asthma Educator and educated patients and families along with keeping PCPs informed of asthma care. Serving as a nurse for many years, Karen understands the need and importance in improving health outcomes and has a passion for providing health care access to all.