The Nightingale Center offers comprehensive mental health and wellness services. We specialize in therapy, medication management, and education.
Meet Our Team
Nurse Practitioners
Jenna Z. Berendzen, ARNP, DNP, PMHNP-BC, FNP-C
Clinic Owner/ Clinical Director & Nurse Practitioner
**Please note, at this time Jenna is only accepting pregnant and post-partum patients, or consultations/second opinion as referred by medical providers**.​
Jenna (she/her) is a double board-certified nurse practitioner in both psychiatry/mental health and family medicine. She received her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from the University of Minnesota in 2019, Master of Nursing Practice from Allen College in 2011, and her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Luther College in 1998.
Extensive practice experience in psychiatry and reproductive health has helped Jenna gain knowledge and expertise in how hormones and life-changes, such as pregnancy, postpartum and menopause, play a role in one's mental health. She has post-graduate training in perinatal mental health including the 12-hour post-graduate PPD training and the Master Clinician Summit at the Postpartum Stress Center. She helped to found, and is a former board member of, the Iowa chapter of Postpartum Support International. She serves as an expert consultant and national speaker for Biogen-Sage, the makers of Zuranolone
(the only FDA oral medication for postpartum depression).
She has a life-long interest in integrative medicine, having earned a certificate in holistic health from St. Catherine's University in 2000 and continued training throughout her career and doctoral studies.
She collaborates with therapists and other members of the healthcare team to help patients achieve a state of well-being, and find hope and purpose in their lives.
Jenna is available for public speaking engagements on the topics of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, reproductive mental health, and integrative health and wellness.
Jenna welcomes all people, genders, and members of the LGBTQIA community 18 years and up.
Therapists
Joanna Primus, LMHC, CADC
Mental Health Counselor
Joanna (she/her) received her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the
University of Northern Iowa in 2022, Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor license in 2019,
Master of Arts in Psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology in 2011,
Master of Library and Information Science in 2005, and Bachelor of Arts in English in 1999.
She has experience working with clients dealing with a wide range of concerns including
women’s health issues, eating disorders, relationship problems, self-esteem concerns, mental
health issues and substance use disorders. She provides a comfortable atmosphere free from
judgment that encourages self-discovery. Joanna values the relationship she establishes with
her clients and strives to provide a warm and genuine therapeutic experience.
Joanna provides mental health treatment from an existential perspective, focusing on creating meaning in the lives of her clients. She believes each client has within them the tools they need to heal, and uses a strengths-based approach.
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Joanna welcomes all people, genders, and members of the LGBTQIA community 18 years and up.
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Karin Mills, tLMHC, MEd
Mental Health Counselor
Karin (she/her) received her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Northern Iowa in 2023. She received her BA from the University of Iowa in 2004, her teaching license from Iowa State University in 2006, and her Master of Education in School Counseling in 2011.
Karin's personal experiences with low fertility, infant loss, pre-eclampsia/HELLP syndrome, and her daughter's NICU stay inspired her passion for working with women and families who have had life experiences in these areas. She also enjoys working with clients with a wide range of concerns including ADHD, anxiety, depression, grief, and working with teens and young adults.
Karin welcomes all people, genders, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community 18 years and up.
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Karin is under the direct supervision of Dr. Darcie Davis-Gage.
Darcie Davis-Gage, PhD, LMHC
Counseling Clinical Supervisor
Darcie Davis-Gage is a licensed mental health counselor. Dr. Davis-Gage has over 20 years experience as a counselor, clinical supervisor, and counselor educator. She is currently in the process of gaining their credential as a Registered Expressive Art Therapist. She trained in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART-Basic) which is an evidenced based eye movement treatment for trauma and other mental health issues. She is the clinical consultant for Hero Haven, a non-profit agency providing support and services to volunteer firefighters and first responders. Dr.Davis-Gage actively collaborates in numerous interdisciplinary research and service endeavors and frequently presents nationally and internationally on expressive art therapy, wellness, and trauma informed design. She currently provides pro bono expressive art counseling and wellness services in the community and is active as a clinical supervisor. She also enjoys an active art practice in dance, movement, drama, and mixed media.
Administrative
Clinic Manager
Anna (she/her) received her Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education with a minor in special education, from the University of Northern Iowa in 2016. Anna previously worked as an educator at Waterloo CSD and Clarksville CSD. Anna is a mom of three who is passionate about helping others and being a positive light for each person who walks through the doors of our clinic.
Jennifer Fitzgerald, BA, MEd
Anna Shaull, BS
Program Development Coordinator
Michelle B.
"Jenna is the most caring, compassionate and thoughtful Care Giver that I have ever been to. She's so approachable, full of knowledge, and incredibly patient. I cannot recommend Jenna and her practice enough."
P.J.
"Joanna is an amazing listener and shows a great deal of compassion. I never feel judged and I leave with a refreshed outlook on issues that may be troubling me. The offices are very calming and inviting as well. Highly recommend!"
K.C.
"Karin is an excellent therapist and has helped me establish tangible coping skills and thought processes while explaining the reasoning and science behind it! She is nonjudgmental, relatable, and professional and I always feel comfortable during our appointment."