Yakima Young-Shields is a dual-certified nurse practitioner with over 30 years of distinguished experience in clinical practice, education, and leadership. She holds both a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and a Doctorate in Education and Leadership (Ed.D.), blending clinical excellence with a deep commitment to mentorship and academic development.
Yakima Young-Shields is board-certified as both an Adult Nurse Practitioner and a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Her clinical work spans primary care, mental health, geriatrics, addiction medicine, and veterans’ health. She has held faculty and leadership roles at several institutions, including over a decade as Program Coordinator at the University of Missouri–St. Louis, where she shaped the next generation of nurse practitioners.
A respected presenter, published author, and community advocate, Yakima Young-Shields has contributed to national conversations on aging, health disparities, diabetes care, and dermatology for skin of color. She is a proud veteran and continues to serve underserved populations through locum tenens work, medical missions, and professional associations.
With an unwavering passion for advancing health equity, Yakima Young-Shields exemplifies leadership, compassion, and lifelong service in nursing and beyond.
