Biography

Dr. Doreen Thomas-Payne began her nursing journey over 20 years ago after earning her Associate Degree in Nursing from Harrisburg Area Community College. From the start, her passion was rooted in maternal health. She worked at one of the most reputable hospitals for delivering babies in Philadelphia, where she spent 16 years as a labor and delivery/postpartum nurse. During that time, she also served as a prenatal and postpartum homecare nurse and a nurse educator for several nursing programs in the Philadelphia and Chester County areas. Throughout her career, Dr. Thomas-Payne has remained deeply committed to nursing. She considers it a privilege to have supported new families, empowered expectant mothers, and mentored countless nursing students through the years. Her path took a transformative turn when she recognized the profound mental health challenges faced by many of her pregnant and postpartum patients. This realization inspired her to pursue advanced education in psychiatric mental health nursing. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice degrees from Frontier Nursing University. Today, Dr. Thomas-Payne is a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner serving patients in Philadelphia and Montgomery County. She provides comprehensive mental health care to individuals across the lifespan. Her mission is to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness and support individuals in achieving emotional wellness and meaningful lives within their communities. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Thomas-Payne is a Regional Clinical Faculty member at Frontier Nursing University, where she continues to shape the next generation of nurse practitioners. As a two-time FNU graduate, Dr. Thomas-Payne considers it an honor to be an RCF at FNU. She is committed to providing students with a supportive learning environment focusing on evidence-based practice, critical thinking, and compassionate care. Dr. Thomas-Payne is a proud member of Chi Eta Phi Nursing Sorority, Inc., Theta Chapter—a professional nursing organization devoted to serving humanity. She is also an active member of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, the American Nurses Association, the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, and the American Psychiatric Nurses Association.