Kristen Collins, NP, obtained my associate degree in nursing in 2013 from Our Lady of the Lake College.  My bachelor’s degree in nursing from Loyola University in New Orleans, and my master of science degree in nursing from Southern University and A&M College in 2017.  Mother to three beautiful children, Collins is the medical director at the Baton Rouge Metro Health and one of The Drum’s eight persons to watch in 2022

What to expect in 2022 from you: To continue to inform the community about COVID 19 and encourage vaccinations. 

Personal resolution for 2022:  To not allow my fears hold me back!

Life/business motto:   My favorite scripture is “The blessings of Lord maketh rich and addeth no sorrows.”

What is your #1 priority right now?  To do the best I can with this task I have been given.  That task is to inform others in regard to their health. If anyone knows me, I am one to shy away from public speaking and anything to do with being in the spotlight. 

Best advice you’ve ever received?   To whom much is given, much is required.

What do you want people to remember/know most about you? I would like people to know that I try to treat others the way I would want to be treated and that I genuinely care about their well-being and health.  

Role Models:  My parents, Willie and Malinda Joseph, have always taught me not to let life issues get me down, trust God and keep it moving.

What has been a deciding moment or an experience that pushed you forward--especially during the coronavirus pandemic?  At the beginning of the pandemic when I saw all those nurses being sent to New York, that’s when it became real to me.   It would have been hard for me to go to New York and leave my community here helpless.

What music are you listening/dancing to? I love Neo-Soul music. Musiq Soul Child and Jill Scott are my favorites.

What are you reading? Mostly just Center for Disease Control and Louisiana Department of Health updates at the moment.

What’s entertaining you?  Anything I can find on the Hallmark channel and Netflix; currently binge-watching 911.

Website: www.brmetrohealth.com