Lois Price Spratlen Scholarship Foundation

Mental Health Depends on Mental Health Care

The shortage of mental health providers in our state is a significant problem. Community health, rural counties, and under-served communities struggle to find qualified mental health providers. 

Our scholarship programs help bring psychiatric Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners (ARNPs) to community mental health centers, rural counties, and under-served communities struggling to find qualified mental health providers.

Through the generosity of our donors and community partners, the Foundation has awarded more than $60,000 in scholarships to 38 nurse scholars. 

“It is a pleasure to see these new practitioners develop into leaders in the profession.”

Our scholars are becoming leaders in the profession. 

Past scholarship recipients have:

• Been voted Top ARNP in Psychiatry by Seattle Met Magazine in 2022 and 2024.
• Co-authored an article on postpartum depression published in Nursing for Women’s Health Journal in 2024.
• Served on the Boards of Directors of Washington State nonprofits and professional associations.

“The Lois Price Spratlen Foundation ensures continued diversity of our professional practice for those most in need of behavioral health care.”

The Foundation emphasizes recognition of students with diverse backgrounds and experience. 

Our scholarship recipients are making a difference in our community by:

• Specializing in Perinatal Mood Disorders in women residing in urbanized communities.
• Working for a nonprofit that promotes social justice and the well-being and empowerment of Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders and other underserved communities.
• Working for a nonprofit that provides substance use disorder treatment and mental health services.

As a Foundation donor, you are part of a community of caring for the next generation of psychiatric ARNPs and the future of mental health care in our state. Whether in community mental health, private practice, or academia, Foundation scholars are providing the holistic care to honor the spirit and legacy of Lois Price Spratlen.

“The Lois Price Spratlen Foundation is an important way for me to help the next generation learn and grow.”

Please join the family of advanced practice psychiatric nurses and mental health advocates who make a difference in the lives of countless vulnerable members of our community.

Meet Our 2025 Scholars

	Jessica Ang — Seattle University “Whether I was responding to pandemic threats or implementing site-wide safety interventions, the mission was always the same: protect people.”
	Habibo Bario — University of Washington  “I believe healthcare must extend beyond hospital walls and be guided by public health and social justice values.”
	Christina Buckles — Washington State University, Tri-Cities "I strive to make a positive healthcare impact on issues surrounding mental and emotional wellbeing.”
	Gabriela Cunanan — University of Washington "I have a dream to bring knowledge and healing back to my parents’ homelands: the Philippines and Mexico.”
	Michelle Martinez — Washington State University, Tri-Cities “I believe in the transformative power of mental health care for those whose lives have been shaped by systemic disadvantage.”
	Ezinne Ndibeshe — Seattle University “Mental health was rarely named in my community, though its presence was deeply felt.”
	Alicia Schwandt — University of Washington “As a woman of color, it is vital that I blaze a trail of success and set an example for those who wish to see mentors that truly represent their identity.”