Dr. Kendra Joswiak was born and raised in rural Valentine, NE. After completing her first degree in human biology from Chadron State College and obtaining a certificate in clinical microbiology from the University of North Dakota, she worked as a clinical laboratory technologist in Mayo Clinic's mycology/mycobacteriology lab for five years. Wanting to directly impact the health of the people behind her lab samples, she earned her BSN from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (UWEC). As a bedside nurse, she practiced in Valentine’s critical access hospital for over a year, followed by five years in Mayo Rochester’s medical/surgical/transplant ICU. After completing her nurse practitioner clinical residency with Mayo Clinic and earning her doctoral degree in 2017 from UWEC, she moved to Rapid City, SD. Her nurse practitioner career has included positions in cardiology, urgent care practice, and addiction medicine. She holds dual board certification in family practice and addiction. She joined Project Recovery in 2021, currently serving as their SD Clinical Practice Director. Her husband, two daughters, two spoiled bernedoodles, and eight chickens fill her life with joy.