Meet the Staff
essence iph
Meet the Staff
Kendra Avant-Ortiz MSN, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC
Kendra A. Avant-Ortiz is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner who provides compassionate, evidence-based care for children, adolescents, and adults. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Christopher Newport University in Newport News, Virginia, completed her Master of Science in Nursing and post-master’s Family Nurse Practitioner certification at the University of Central Florida in Orlando, Florida, and later completed her post-master’s Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certification. She is currently pursuing her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree.
With 21 years of nurse practitioner experience, Kendra has practiced in a wide range of behavioral health settings, including inpatient treatment programs, correctional facilities, and outpatient clinics. She has extensive experience treating ADHD, anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, OCD, PTSD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and other mental health conditions. Kendra’s style is holistic and collaborative—she focuses on creating a safe, nonjudgmental environment where patients feel genuinely heard and supported. She believes lasting progress happens when care is personalized, strengths-based, and grounded in trust, clear communication, and shared decision-making. Her goal is to help each individual develop practical tools for stability, resilience, and improved daily functioning.
Outside of clinical practice, Kendra values time with her family and enjoys being outdoors and staying active. She loves spending time at the beach, fishing, hiking, and taking long walks, and she also enjoys listening to music. Family outings—especially visits to theme parks—are a favorite, and she appreciates the freedom and joy that come from being a “free spirit” in her downtime.
Adolfo T. Ortiz MSN, FNP-BC
Adolfo Trinidad Ortiz, MSN, FNP-C, is an ANCC-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with broad experience across urgent care, primary care, correctional health, and military medicine.
He earned his Master of Science in Nursing as a Family Nurse Practitioner from Simmons University and has a strong clinical foundation built through years of RN practice in critical care and acute care settings.
Across his roles, Adolfo has assessed, diagnosed, and managed a wide range of acute and chronic conditions; performed well-child and well-woman visits; ordered and interpreted diagnostic testing; prescribed medications; and delivered patient-centered education and follow-up.
He is licensed as an FNP in Arizona and California and maintains BLS certifications.
His procedural skill set includes suturing, splinting/casting support, incision and drainage, joint injections, Nexplanon insertion/removal, and select dermatologic and women’s health procedures.
When he’s not caring for patients, Adolfo is usually making the most of time with his family. He enjoys deep-sea fishing, basketball, bike riding, and cooking—activities that keep him grounded, energized, and connected to the people he loves.
