overview

• Dr. Pestaner is an Assistant Professor at East Carolina University College of Nursing and teaches mental health nursing in the Department of Baccalaureate Education. She received a BSN from the University of Maryland School of Nursing, MSN (Nursing Leadership) from East Carolina University, and PhD in Nursing from East Carolina University. Dr. Pestaner received her Juris Doctor from the University of Maryland School of Law and Masters in Taxation Law from the University of Alabama School of Law. Her nursing experience in mental health includes caring for patients as a staff nurse and in administrative roles in acute care and community settings. She practiced law in North Carolina and Maryland representing clients in criminal and family law matters. Dr. Pestaner is an active member of the North Carolina Nurses Association, Sigma Theta Tau (Beta Nu and Pi Chapters), and the Southern Nurses Research Society. Her research interests include adolescent mental health and the role of protective factors in adolescent suicide prevention, and the influence of behavioral health treatment courts on recidivism and mental health outcomes for court participants.