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 in both primary care and 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 well-being. She continues to provide care to her patients in various capacities, including educating and guiding the development of future medical providers.
Her desire to make patients 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 the founder and CEO of Focused Life since it was established in 2021.
Laura is accepting new patients age 16 and older for medication management.
Caitlin Studley, PA-C, MPAS
Caitlin is a board-certified Physician Assistant who graduated from Des Moines University’s Physician Assistant program and has been practicing since 2017. She spent five years working in acute care, where she developed a strong appreciation for the connection between physical and mental health.
In 2022, Caitlin joined Focused Life Clinic, where she values the opportunity to build more meaningful relationships with her patients and take the time to understand their goals. She has a special interest in the intersection of mental health with headache disorders and sleep disturbances, and she is passionate about helping patients navigate these complex, overlapping conditions.
Caitlin is accepting new patients age 16 and older for medication management.
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 strongly affects our mental health. He hopes to educate and empower patients with tools to help them achieve greater physical and emotional wellness. Strategies including mindfulness, self-awareness, healthy habits, and 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 bring improved mental health to central Iowa. Nick has worked at Focused Life since 2023.
Nick is accepting new patients age 16 and older for medication management.
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 a hospital. I started my journey as a Family Nurse Practitioner in 2015, working in a busy urgent care practice. In 2020, I transitioned from the urgent care practice to the organization's "COVID clinic." When I returned to the 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 lightbox therapies.
I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, traveling, and doing anything outdoors in my free time.
Katie is accepting new patients age 6 and older for medication management.
Andrew Sullivan, PA-C
Andrew Sullivan is an accomplished and compassionate healthcare provider with over a decade of experience as a physician assistant and a strong background in emergency medicine, primary care, and mental health. Andrew earned his Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Des Moines University in 2015 and holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Science from Mercy College of Health Science.
Andrew practices primary care at Infinity Health and mental health at Focused Life Clinic. He provides comprehensive care for patients of all ages, diagnosing and treating acute and chronic conditions while promoting overall wellness. His extensive clinical background includes years of service in emergency medicine at UnityPoint Iowa Methodist Medical Center and as a paramedic at Decatur County Hospital, where he honed his expertise in managing critical health situations.
In addition to his clinical roles, Andrew contributes to healthcare education as a faculty member at St. Ambrose University. His leadership extends beyond medicine, as he serves on the Central Decatur School Board, showcasing his commitment to community development and education.
Passionate about providing patient-centered care, Andrew continues to impact his community positively through his clinical practice, education, and service.
Are you looking for a virtual care provider in Iowa?
Andrew is accepting new patients age 6 and up for virtual only care!
Ketamine Therapy 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 before becoming a PA. Since becoming a PA, Amanda has continued to serve her community in the Emergency Department and other various capacities of emergency services. Amanda has joined the Focused Life Clinic team in 2024 and is excited to bring her expertise in the IV administration of Ketamine to treat depression and PTSD.
Amanda is accepting new patients age 18 and older for ketamine/esketamine treatment. Patients who are new to Focused Life Clinic must complete a consult to determine if they are a candidate for treatment.
Nathan Soriano, MSN, CRNA
Nate Soriano brings over a decade of experience as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) to Focused Life Clinic. As the Chief CRNA for Medical Center Anesthesiologists, Nate has honed his expertise in patient-centered anesthesia care, leadership, and clinical excellence. A graduate of Rush University with a Master of Science in Nursing and the recipient of the prestigious Alice B. Sachs Award for dedication to exceptional patient care, Nate embodies the values of compassion and professionalism.
At Focused Life Clinic, Nate joins the mission to enhance access to innovative mental health treatments, including ketamine therapy, known for its transformative potential in managing treatment-resistant depression, chronic pain, PTSD, and other mental health conditions. With a strong background in critical care and a passion for advancing patient outcomes, Nate is committed to integrating cutting-edge therapies to meet the evolving needs of patients.
His leadership experience and deep commitment to improving lives make him a valuable addition to the Focused Life Clinic team.
Nate is accepting new patients age 18 and older for ketamine/esketamine treatment. Patients who are new to Focused Life Clinic must complete a consult to determine if they are a candidate for treatment.
Focused Life Clinic Staff
Monica
Monica joined Focused Life in 2024 and is ready to help you with scheduling, relaying messages to your provider, and 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.