Our Team
Laura Cunningham, DMSc, PA-C, CAQ-Psychiatry
Laura Cunningham, DMSc, PA-C, CAQ-Psych, is the founder and CEO of Focused Life Clinic. She established the practice in 2021 with a clear vision: to create a psychiatric care experience centered on thoughtful treatment, meaningful patient relationships, and individualized care.
Laura graduated from Des Moines University’s Physician Assistant program and has practiced as a Physician Associate since 2015. With more than a decade of clinical experience across primary care and psychiatry, she brings a broad medical perspective to mental health evaluation and treatment.
In 2025, Laura earned her Doctor of Medical Science degree from the University of Lynchburg with a focus in administrative medicine. She has continued to pursue advanced education and specialized training in psychiatry, further expanding her expertise in evidence-based psychiatric care.
Her approach emphasizes careful evaluation, collaborative treatment planning, and a strong therapeutic partnership. Laura believes exceptional care should extend beyond symptom management and should instead consider the whole person, their goals, and the factors that influence long-term well-being.
In addition to her clinical work, Laura actively supports the education and mentorship of future healthcare professionals. As Focused Life Clinic has grown, she has remained committed to cultivating a team of highly trained, patient-centered providers and expanding access to mental health services throughout Iowa.
Laura provides psychiatric medication management for patients age 16 and older.
Laura sees patients age 16 and older for medication management.
Caitlin Studley, PA-C, MPAS
Caitlin is a board-certified Physician Associate 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 sees patients age 16 and older for medication management.
Nicholas Vellema, PA-C, MPAS
Nick has practiced as a Physician Associate since graduating from Des Moines University’s Master of Physician Assistant Studies program in 2015. His clinical background includes experience in family medicine and orthopedics, giving him a broad understanding of the relationship between physical health, lifestyle, and emotional well-being.
Since joining Focused Life Clinic in 2023, Nick has brought a thoughtful, whole-person approach to psychiatric care. He believes that effective mental health treatment should consider not only symptoms, but also the physical, behavioral, and environmental factors that can influence a patient’s overall health.
Nick works collaboratively with patients to develop individualized treatment plans that may include medication when appropriate, along with strategies focused on mindfulness, self-awareness, healthy routines, and sustainable lifestyle changes. His goal is to help patients better understand their health and feel empowered to take an active role in their treatment.
A retired 20-year veteran of the Iowa Army National Guard, Nick has a particular interest in supporting service members and veterans. His military experience gives him a meaningful perspective on concerns that can affect this population, including depression, trauma, post-traumatic stress, and suicide prevention.
Nick is proud to be part of the continued growth of Focused Life Clinic and its mission to expand access to thoughtful, patient-centered mental healthcare throughout central Iowa.
Nick sees patients age 16 and older for medication management.
Katie Rousseau, ARNP, PMHNP-BC
Katie's experience in nursing began in 2003, serving in a variety of settings, including corrections, mental health, community health, and a hospital. She started her journey as a Family Nurse Practitioner in 2015, working in a busy urgent care practice. In 2020, she transitioned from the urgent care practice to the organization's "COVID clinic." When she returned to the urgent care practice, she recognized an unmet need in the community for mental health professionals.
Katie serves clients with a broad range of conditions such as ADHD, depressive and anxiety disorders, eating disorders including binge eating, OCD, and insomnia. She has special interests in child/adolescent mental wellness and women's mental health, particularly in the post-partum and perimenopausal periods.
Katie's treatment approach includes behavioral interventions, lifestyle modifications, modern medicine, and complementary therapies such as supplements and lightbox therapies.
She enjoys spending time with her family, reading, traveling, and doing anything outdoors in her free time.
Katie sees patients age 6 to 65 for medication management.
Nathan Soriano, MSN, CRNA
Nate Soriano brings over a decade of experience as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) to Focused Life Clinic. 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, and PTSD. 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 sees 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 a ketamine based aspect of treatment.
David Taylor, Clinic Director
David Taylor has served as Clinic Director of Focused Life Clinic since 2025, supporting the organization’s continued growth, daily operations, and commitment to a high-quality patient experience.
In his leadership role, David works closely with the clinical and administrative teams to strengthen clinic operations, improve workflows, support staff, and help ensure that patients receive coordinated, efficient, and compassionate care.
David plays an important role in maintaining the systems and processes that allow Focused Life Clinic’s providers to focus on delivering exceptional mental healthcare. His approach emphasizes professionalism, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
As Focused Life Clinic continues to expand its services and reach, David remains focused on supporting a strong organizational foundation and helping the clinic advance its mission of improving access to patient-centered mental healthcare throughout Iowa.