Biography

Deborah Brandt Karsnitz, a Professor at Frontier Nursing University (FNU), has been a Course Coordinator and Faculty at FNU since 1997, teaching in the Nurse-Midwifery, Women's Health and DNP programs. She is currently Course Coordinator for Leadership in the DNP program. Dr. Karsnitz received her certificate in midwifery from the Frontier School of Midwifery & Family Nursing (1992) and her MSN from Case Western Reserve University (1993). In 2008, Dr. Karsnitz received a DNP from the University of Kentucky with a research focus on postpartum women and their perception of social support. Dr. Karsnitz practiced midwifery in the first freestanding birthing center in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, becoming director in 1994. After moving to Kentucky in 1997, she began working for Frontier Nursing University (FNU) and FNU’s faculty practice at Mary Breckinridge Hospital (MBH), serving as Director of Midwifery (1999 – 2005). Dr. Karsnitz is a guest lecturer on Postpartum Mood and Anxiety Disorders at several other Universities. In addition, she enjoys mentoring students and serving as a mentor for DNP students at FNU and doctoral Chair at other Universities. Dr. Karsnitz writes for various publications and delivers podium presentations on postpartum complications, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, as well as leadership competencies. Dr. Karsnitz has been a member of ACNM throughout her midwifery career, and served as the Kentucky Affiliate President for several terms. She became a Fellow of ACNM in 2013. In addition, she served on the AMCB – exam committee for 5 years. Dr. "K" currently serves on the DOSP – Quality committee and Division of Research (DOR) – dissemination section. In addition, she serves as a peer reviewer for the Journal of Midwifery & Women's Health. As her primary area of expertise is postpartum mood and anxiety disorders, she is a member of Postpartum Support International, past President of Postpartum Support Kentuckiana (State group affiliated with PSI) and staffs a warm-line (24/7) for the state of Kentucky for women suffering from postpartum mood and anxiety disorders and their families.