Dr. Makenzie Holmes, DNP

Makenzie Holmes is a lifelong resident of Vernal, Utah. She is married to Brant Holmes, and together they have two children: EmaLee and Tyce. Outside of her clinical work, Makenzie enjoys spending time outdoors and is an avid horsewoman. She is passionate about teaching and mentoring youth, serving as a riding instructor, 4-H leader, and youth soccer coach alongside her husband.Makenzie brings over 16 years of nursing experience across various settings, including long-term care, emergency services, critical care, and her favorite-family practice. Makenzie completed her undergraduate education at Utah State University, completing her Bachelor of Nursing Science and Bachelor of Integrated Studies with an emphasis in Biological and Environmental Sciences. During her undergraduate studies, she participated in several research projects and worked as an Air Quality Research Assistant at the Bingham Research Center, receiving the Anadarko Air Quality Research Fellowship. In this role, she …received an undergraduate research and creative opportunities grant, which provided an opportunity for her to work closely with industry and legislative professionals. She co-authored one paper and was awarded Student Researcher of the Year in 2019. After completing her undergraduate degrees and obtaining a license as a Registered Nurse, Makenzie attended the University of Utah, where she completed a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree with a specialty track of Family Nursing Practice. During Makenzie's graduate work, she was awarded a traineeship with the Advanced Nursing Education Workforce Program, where she worked for two years, completing extra training and clinical hours to learn to meet the needs of rural and minority populations. She also completed a fellowship with the Utah Regional Leadership in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities. Through this fellowship, Makenzie worked closely with interdisciplinary professionals to learn how to provide comprehensive care for medically complex children. Makenzie also worked to complete advanced training with Primary Children's ASPIRE Team and is certified to evaluate and diagnose children aged 2-3 years old with Autism. Makenzie was designated at her doctoral graduation with the Outstanding Scholar of the Year award for her quality improvement project based in the basin, where she worked to improve processes regarding early screening and intervention for children with Autism. Makenzie's passion is working with families to reduce barriers to care, including access to care, improving patients' understanding of their healthcare, and partnering with families to help guide their care. Makenzie prioritizes patient advocacy and hopes to offer a place for families to call their medical home with support from a provider who cares for the whole family.