Our Team
Laura Cunningham, PA-C, MPAS, CAQ-Psychiatry
Laura graduated from Des Moines University's Physician Assistant program and has worked as a Physician Assistant since 2015. She has diverse healthcare experience both in primary care and in mental health. With over nine years of experience diagnosing and treating a variety of mental health conditions, she has continued to help others focus on their health and wellbeing. She continues to provide care to her patients in a variety of capacities, including educating and guiding the development of future medical providers.
Her desire to make patient's the center focus of the healthcare experience has continued to resonate with other patient centered providers, enabling Focused Life Clinic to grow and help meet the needs of those throughout the state of Iowa. Laura has been working for Focused Life since it was established in 2021 and is actively accepting new patients.
Caitlin Studley, PA-C, MPAS
Caitlin graduated from Des Moines University in 2017 with her Master of Science degree from the Physician Assistant program. She worked in acute care for five years, focusing on both the mental and physical health of her patients. She enjoys being at Focused Life Clinic where she can take more time to get to know her patients, their goals for treatment, and help develop a care plan that works. Caitlin has been working at Focused Life since 2022 and is actively taking new patients.
Nicholas Vellema, PA-C, MPAS
Nick has worked as a physician assistant since graduating in 2015 from Des Moines University’s Master of Physician Assistant Studies program. He has experience in family medicine and orthopedics and is excited to bring a passion for mental health to Focused Life Clinic. Nick understands that our body’s physical health has a strong effect on our mental health. He hopes to educate and empower patients with tools to help themselves to greater physical and emotional wellness. Strategies including mindfulness, self-awareness and healthy habits along with appropriate medications when indicated are cornerstones of his patient-centered approach. Nick is a retired 20-year veteran of the Iowa Army National Guard and is honored to address issues common to fellow service members, including depression, suicide and post-traumatic stress. Nick is energized by the opportunity to help Focused Life Clinic grow and to bring improved mental health to central Iowa. Nick has been working at Focused Life since 2023 and is actively accepting new patients.
Katie Rousseau, ARNP, PMHNP-BC
My experience in nursing began in 2003 serving in a variety of settings including corrections, mental health, community health, and hospital. I started my journey as a Family Nurse Practitioner in 2015 working in a busy urgent care practice. In 2020 I transitioned from urgent care practice to the organizations "covid clinic." When I returned to urgent care practice I recognized an unmet need in the community for mental health professionals.
I serve clients with a broad range of conditions such as ADHD, depressive and anxiety disorders, eating disorders including binge eating, OCD, and insomnia. I have special interests in child/adolescent mental wellness and women's mental health, particularly in the post-partum and perimenopausal periods.
My treatment approach includes behavioral interventions, lifestyle modifications, modern medicine, and complementary therapies such as supplements and light box therapies.
In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, traveling, and anything outdoors.
Coming 2025
At Focused Life Clinic, our mission is to provide high-quality healthcare services to our patients. We strive to make our patients feel comfortable and cared for during every visit. In 2025, we will be adding a virtual only provider who will be available to see patients aged 6 and up. Being able to meet patients needs where they are and for those who are looking to receive exceptional care from the comfort of their own home. We look forward to welcoming this new provider and their decade of experience providing high quality and patient centered care.
Integrative Medicine At Focused Life Clinic
Amanda Sieve, PA-C, MPAS
Amanda has worked as a physician assistant since graduating from Des Moines University’s Master of Physician Assistant Studies program. Amanda has a lot of experience as a paramedic prior to becoming a PA and since becoming a PA, Amanda has continued to serve her community in the Emergency Department as well as in other various capacities of emergency services. Amanda has joined the Focused Life Clinic team and is excited to bring her expertise in IV administration of Ketamine to treat depression and PTSD. Additionally, Amanda offers a variety of other infusions and injections to help patients with migraines, obesity, and electrolyte replenishment. Amanda has been working at Focused Life since 2024 and is actively accepting new patients.
Ben Sieve, NRP
Ben has served his community as a local EMT for 10 years before earning his license as a registered paramedic. He shares his passion and skills by working in our integrative medicine practice assisting with ketamine therapy.
Focused Life Clinic Staff
Monica
Monica joined Focused Life in 2024 and is ready to help you with scheduling, relaying messages to your provider, working with pharmacies, and insurance companies. In addition, Monica is bilingual in Spanish and is happy to assist with any of your Spanish translation needs.
Amy
Amy has been working at Focused Life since 2023 and has brought with her years of experience in finance, management, customer service and navigating the complexities of health insurance. Amy is available to help you with any scheduling, billing, or insurance questions that you might have.