Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Originally from Illinois, Colleen Fornear, PMHNP, relocated to Queen Creek, Arizona about ten years ago seeking warmer skies and the chance to build a life closer to family.
Education and Background
Colleen earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Chamberlain College of Nursing, where she laid the foundation for a career defined by compassionate, hands-on care. She went on to spend eight years in medical nursing, working in hospital oncology and later in an infusion center alongside lung transplant patients, an experience that would quietly reshape her professional calling.
Working closely with individuals facing serious illness, she found herself drawn not just to their physical recovery, but to the deeply human side of their journeys and the emotional toll that so often accompanies long-term health struggles.
Colleen returned to school, completing her graduate training at Walden University while simultaneously working as an RN at Banner Behavioral Health Hospital in Scottsdale, immersing herself fully in the world of psychiatric care. After graduating, she went on to work at Arizona's Children Association, where she spent two years working with children and adolescents before joining Serenity Mental Health Centers.
Care Philosophy
Colleen's approach is grounded in listening first. Collaboration is central to how she practices. While Colleen always offers her clinical recommendations, she believes deeply that patients should be active participants in their own care. She holds space for patients to advocate for themselves, and she's equally thoughtful about helping families navigate the process together.
Colleen also takes a whole-person view of health, often reviewing labs and considering underlying physical factors before arriving at a diagnosis. She never wants to see a patient reduced to a list of symptoms; she's interested in the full picture.
Personal Interests
When she's not in the office, Colleen is busy cheering on her two boys, at their various sports events, a weekend ritual that keeps the whole family happily on the go. She and her family enjoy exploring local Queen Creek gems like Pecan Lakes and Chenet Farms, and they make regular trips back to Illinois to visit family and friends.
At home, Colleen's beloved dog Stella keeps life lively. In her quieter moments, Colleen enjoys reading, working out, and volunteering through her church community.
What to Expect
Patients who see Colleen can expect to feel genuinely heard from the very first visit. Her calm, unhurried approach creates the kind of space where people feel comfortable opening up, and her commitment to collaborative, patient-centered care means that no one leaves her office without a voice in their own treatment plan. No matter where a patient is in their journey, Colleen meets them exactly where they are, with patience, compassion, and a genuine commitment to helping them move forward.