Wendy DeGraffenried, MSN, RN, NCSN, HN-BC

Wendy DeGraffenried is a nurse educator, academic leader, and holistic health professional with over 20 years of nursing experience spanning school health, behavioral health, psychiatric nursing, and integrative care. Her work is grounded in trauma-informed practice, whole-person healing, and the belief that education and presence are powerful catalysts for individual and community well-being.

Wendy spent 18 years as a school nurse within the Mat-Su Borough School District, serving students and families at Wasilla Middle School, Mat-Su Central School, and Willow Elementary. Throughout her career, she integrated psychiatric nursing foundations with holistic and mindfulness-based approaches to support the physical, emotional, and developmental needs of children and adolescents. In recognition of her leadership and impact, she was named the 2023 National Board Certified School Nurse of the Year.

She earned her Master of Science in Nursing Education and Leadership from the University of Alaska Anchorage, where her academic focus included curriculum development, simulation-based learning, Universal Design for Learning, and the thoughtful integration of artificial intelligence into nursing education. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes reflective practice, psychological safety, experiential learning, and the cultivation of resilient, emotionally intelligent healthcare professionals.

Wendy is the founder of Path of the Heart, a healing-centered educational and contemplative framework rooted in compassion, presence, creativity, and courage. Path of the Heart weaves together nursing, mindfulness, somatic awareness, creative expression, and spiritual inquiry to support personal growth, professional sustainability, and conscious leadership. This philosophy informs her work as an educator, facilitator, consultant, and retreat guide.

In addition to her academic and clinical leadership, Wendy is an author, artist, and lifelong learner. She self-published the children’s book Ricky Raccoon’s Super Sniffer and continues to explore the intersection of storytelling, creativity, and healing. She finds inspiration in nature, contemplative practices, and the quiet moments that invite reflection and renewal.

Across all roles, Wendy’s work is guided by a simple intention: to reduce suffering, nurture resilience, and help individuals and communities reconnect with their innate capacity for healing and wisdom.