KENNESAW, Ga. |
Feb 14, 2024
During her tenure as a substance use disorder counselor at Ridgeview Hospital, Lisa Reyes-Walsh received a pivotal comment from her supervisor, who remarked, “You know, you’re a nurse through and through.”
This statement marked a turning point in Reyes-Walsh’s journey, steering her towards a new direction while still retaining her roots in counseling. Graduating with a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Kennesaw State University in 2011, Reyes-Walsh now serves as an assistant professor of nursing at KSU’s Wellstar School of Nursing. Leveraging her expertise in substance use disorder and counseling skills, she educates nurses on caring for patients grappling with substance use challenges.
Reflecting on her connection to Kennesaw State, Reyes-Walsh expressed, “From the moment I first arrived on campus, Kennesaw State felt like home.” Joining the nursing faculty in Fall 2023, she added, “Through my academic pursuits and professional journey, I have eagerly awaited the right opportunity to return, and this was it.”
In her earlier years, Reyes-Walsh harbored doubts about pursuing higher education, either as a student or an educator. However, following the loss of her parents to substance use disorders while raising her two sons, she felt compelled to prevent other families from enduring similar struggles. With unwavering support from her family, Reyes-Walsh embarked on a 14-year career as a substance use counselor.
Describing her passion for this role, she shared, “It ignited a fire within me to continue aiding and supporting individuals in need, which was incredibly fulfilling. I found great satisfaction in helping people through their challenges.”
Working at Ridgeview in Smyrna, Reyes-Walsh encountered a supervisor whose feedback resonated deeply. Observing the compassionate care provided by the nursing team during her mother’s final days, she admired their empathy and expertise, prompting her to contemplate a similar path.
Empowered by this pivotal moment and encouraged by a friend, Reyes-Walsh initiated her journey at KSU by approaching the admissions office. Recalling the experience, she praised the admissions staff for their patience and understanding towards a mature student ready to embark on her college education, commencing her nursing classes in Fall 2007.
Reyes-Walsh completed her bachelor’s degree and went on to attain a master’s in nursing, specializing as a family nurse practitioner from Walden University in 2015. Subsequently, she obtained a post-graduate certificate in psychiatric mental health nursing before achieving her doctorate from Emory University in 2021. Alongside her academic pursuits, she worked as a staff nurse at various Atlanta-area hospitals while actively engaging with The Zone, a recovery community organization in Marietta. She also served as a clinical instructor at KSU, Georgia Southern, and Emory.
At Emory, Reyes-Walsh translated her vision of integrating substance use disorder counseling skills into nursing practice, contributing to her mentor securing a substantial grant from the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration. This grant includes a subaward for KSU, enabling Reyes-Walsh to establish a curriculum for a substance use disorder fellowship tailored for nurses.
Embracing the multifaceted nature of her role, Reyes-Walsh remarked, “I strive to offer my students a comprehensive understanding of mental health nursing based on my personal journey, which I occasionally share with them. This personal insight enhances my empathy and compassion towards individuals facing mental health challenges, qualities that I aim to instill in my students.”
Recently granted approval by the University System of Georgia, Reyes-Walsh is set to launch a post-master’s psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner certificate track at Kennesaw State, commencing in Spring 2025.
Susan Dyess, Director of the Wellstar School of Nursing, lauded Reyes-Walsh’s expertise in substance use disorder treatment, empathetic approach, and commitment to education, underscoring her value as a faculty member. Dyess stated, “Her extensive knowledge as a psych mental health nurse practitioner positions her to spearhead the development of the post-master’s certificate program for psych mental nurse practitioners. She not only imparts knowledge but also actively practices in the field, demonstrating her dedication to her profession. We are privileged to have her as part of our team.”
Grateful for the support of her supervisors, Reyes-Walsh embraces the opportunity to excel and innovate at Kennesaw State. Reflecting on her journey, she expressed, “Since my initial interaction with the admissions team to the present, I am immensely thankful to be back at KSU. This institution has always been my desired destination, and I am excited about the upcoming psych NP program, which will enable us to make a meaningful impact on the local community.”
– Dave Shelles
Photos by Darnell Wilburn Jr.
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Renowned for its innovative approach to teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers a diverse range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs to over 43,000 students. As a member of the University System of Georgia comprising 11 academic colleges, Kennesaw State boasts a dynamic campus culture, a diverse student body, strong global connections, and an entrepreneurial spirit that attracts students from across the nation and around the globe. Designated as a Carnegie doctoral research institution (R2), Kennesaw State stands among the distinguished 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit .