Meet Kristy Beard, MSN, APRN, FNP-C — Founder of Elevate Health and Wellness

Kristy Beard, MSN, APRN, FNP-C is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner, nursing educator, and the founder of Elevate Health and Wellness — a nurse practitioner-led clinic serving patients across the Gulf Coast at locations in Gautier, Mississippi and Foley, Alabama. With nearly a decade of clinical experience in women's health, pediatrics, primary care, and functional medicine, Kristy brings a compassionate, evidence-based approach to every patient encounter.

A Clinician Committed to Elevating Gulf Coast Healthcare

Kristy founded Elevate Health and Wellness with a clear mission: to create a family wellness practice that delivers expert, personalized care to patients in Mississippi and Alabama who deserve more than a rushed 10-minute appointment. At Elevate, patients receive thorough evaluations, comprehensive lab work, and individualized treatment plans that address the root cause of their symptoms — not just the surface.

From hormone optimization and medical weight loss to IV therapy, pregnancy care, and primary care, Kristy and her team bring clinical expertise and genuine compassion to every service they offer. Whether you're coming in for your first visit or you've been a patient for years, you can expect to be heard, respected, and treated as a whole person.

Education & Academic Training

Master of Science in Nursing — Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN, FNP)

Chamberlain University, Addison, IL | Graduated December 2022

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) — In Progress

Jacksonville State University, Jacksonville, AL | Projected Completion July 2027

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL | Graduated August 2019

Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN)

Coastal Alabama Community College, Bay Minette, AL | Graduated May 2018

Certifications & Licensure

Kristy holds active certifications and licenses that reflect her commitment to maintaining the highest standards of clinical practice:

✔ Certified Family Nurse Practitioner — American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) | Certification #F02230418

✔ Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) License — State of Alabama | License #1-169589

✔ Licensed Registered Nurse (RN) — State of Alabama | License #1-169589

✔ Basic Life Support (BLS) — Current

✔ Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) — Current

✔ Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) — Current

✔ Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) — Current

Clinical Experience

Owner & Family Nurse Practitioner — Elevate Health and Wellness, Gautier, MS

November 2025 – Present

Kristy provides comprehensive women's health and wellness services with a focus on hormone balance, preventive care, medical weight loss, IV therapy, and primary care. She develops individualized treatment plans and patient education programs to promote long-term health and wellbeing. She manages all aspects of clinical operations across both the Gautier, MS and Foley, AL locations.

Faculty Instructor — Columbia Southern University, Orange Beach, AL

August 2025 – Present

Instructs RN-to-BSN students in nursing theory, leadership, and professional practice through evidence-based and interactive online teaching methods. Mentors students to apply nursing concepts to real-world clinical settings.

Faculty Instructor — Coastal Alabama Community College, Bay Minette, AL

January 2025 – Present

Teaches clinical nursing, pharmacology, mental health, and community health courses. Supervises students in classroom, lab, and hospital settings. Evaluates performance and promotes evidence-based practice and professional development.

Family Nurse Practitioner — Foley Family Practice, Foley, AL

April 2023 – October 2023

Delivered primary care for patients across the lifespan including comprehensive assessments, diagnoses, and treatment. Managed chronic illnesses and promoted health maintenance through patient education and prevention.

Registered Nurse — Women's Health and Pediatrics Unit, Baldwin Health, Foley, AL

June 2018 – January 2025

Provided evidence-based care to women, newborns, and pediatric patients. Supported mothers through labor, delivery, and postpartum recovery. Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to ensure optimal patient outcomes.

Kristy's Clinical Philosophy

"I believe every patient deserves a provider who listens — really listens. Too many Gulf Coast patients have been told their labs are 'normal' when they feel anything but. At Elevate, we dig deeper. We look at the full picture: your hormones, your nutrition, your lifestyle, and your goals. Then we build a plan together. That's what patient-centered care actually looks like."

— Kristy Beard, MSN, APRN, FNP-C

Areas of Clinical Focus

Women's Hormone Health & HRT | Medical Weight Loss (GLP-1 / Semaglutide / Tirzepatide) | IV Therapy & Nutritional Infusions | Pregnancy & Early Pregnancy Care | Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) Treatment | NAD+ & Peptide Therapy | Men's Hormone Health | Primary & Urgent Care | Diagnostic Ultrasound | Telehealth for MS & AL Patients

Schedule with Kristy

Elevate Health and Wellness accepts most major insurance plans and Medicaid. Cash-pay patients are always welcome. Telehealth appointments are available across Mississippi and Alabama.

📍 Gautier, MS — 4535B Gautier Vancleave Rd, Providence Plaza

📍 Foley, AL — 105 W Camphor Ave, inside Leading Edge Sports Chiropractic

📞 Call or text: 844-641-6401 | 🌐 elevatehealthandwellness.clinic

This biography reflects the professional credentials and clinical experience of Kristy Beard, MSN, APRN, FNP-C as of July 2026. Certifications are maintained and renewed in accordance with AANP and state board requirements.