About Stephanie Brenneman In caring for women, Stephanie Brenneman, FNP, treats each patient as an individual. “No two people are the same and each person deserves personalized care,” she says. “I care about each person as a whole and will give them my undivided attention.” With a mom and sister who are both nurses, a career in the medical field runs in the family. Stephanie decided to pursue becoming a nurse practitioner after working as a nurse in the emergency room. Her undergraduate studies were completed at Bethel College in Mishawaka and at Indiana University South Bend, where she also earned her master’s degree. Stephanie is passionate about women’s health and wants to help patients achieve their best quality of life. “As women, we are so focused on other people – our children, spouses, work family – that we tend for forget ourselves,” she says. “I want to help all women take care of themselves so they can be the healthiest version of themselves for their family.” In her work, she has a straightforward goal to enhance women’s health by providing thorough, compassionate and personalized care to each patient she encounters. She performs annual exams, STI screenings, pap smears, IUD insertions, birth control counseling and gynecological problem evaluation. Treating every patient as if they were a family member or friend is how Stephanie approaches her work. “I hope that patients see me as a trusted caregiver and can come to me for any issues,” she says. “I hope that they see the kindness and respect that I give to them and that they treat others the same way.” In her own words… Who is or was the most influential people/role models in your life?  My mom. She showed me how to be a successful working mom. She was able to give her all to both her nursing career and her family. It’s not an easy task and she did it with such ease and grace. What was your first job growing up? What do you remember about it?  I was babysitter and a CMA in a nursing home in high school. I remember loving taking care of people then just as much as I do now.  What is your favorite food? Movie?  My favorite food is chocolate. My favorite movies are all of the Harry Potter and Marvel movies. What was your best/worst subjects in school growing up?  I enjoyed most of school growing up, but history was my least favorite. In addition to medicine, what are you passionate about?  First and foremost, I am passionate about my family. I have a husband and two small kids. I especially want my daughter to know she can be successful in her career and also a loving and present mother.  What are your hobbies, interests?  During my spare time, I like to read and travel.  Do you have pets?  Yes, one dog – a Pomeranian/Yorkie mix named Baxter. What is something most people don’t know about you?  I can whistle out of my tongue and my thumbs are double jointed.