Stacey Cole is a self-described "Yooper at heart," having grown up in the western part of the Upper Peninsula. She has lived in the U.P. her whole life and she loves what the area has to offer.

She pursued a career in health care because she wanted to help people live the healthiest life possible.

"A big part of health care is treating disorders, but prevention is just as important, and having the ability to help others prevent illness is a big reason I entered health care," Stacey said.

She got into Family Medicine because she likes the variety and complexity of the care, but she wanted to do more than treating her patient's physical needs. So she obtained her Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certification.

"It has allowed me to better meet the psychiatric needs of patients," Stacey said. "It's important for me to feel like I am treating the whole person. My biggest goal for each appointment is for the patient to leave the office feeling like they've been heard and that I understand what they were trying to tell me."

She and her husband have a blended family with five daughters, who are beginning to have families of their own. The couple are proud dog owners, too.

In her free time, Stacey enjoys the outdoors where she can hike, camp, ice fish, bike and run. She also likes to lift weights and read.