Margaret E West, PNP
Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics
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Bio & Overview
As a pediatric nurse practitioner, Margaret Elisabeth “Lis” West, PNP-BC, has experience with behavioral and mental health disorders, as well as developmental disorders such as attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism.
Lis was inspired to pursue a career in medicine after her oldest son was diagnosed with autism. “After what seemed to be an eternity of seeking help, with waiting lists and testing, I was left with a diagnosis, a struggling child, and very little help or support,” Lis says.
“I have experienced both sides of the autism world, as a parent and a provider. As a result, I understand the many struggles, challenges, joys, accomplishments, and dreams we have for our children.”
Lis earned her associate degree in nursing from Fayetteville Technical Community College in 1998 and after graduation, worked as a pediatric nurse at Cape Fear Valley Hospital in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Several years later, she pursued a nurse practitioner degree at UNC-Chapel Hill.
“I became a nurse practitioner to help and support autistic children and their families as well as help navigate the challenging and constantly changing world of autism,” she shares.
While completing her master's degree, she researched medication use in children with autism, ultimately publishing three medication reviews on this topic.
As a PNP, Lis worked for 12 years in a private practice clinic that provided multidisciplinary mental health care for autism and other pediatric disorders such as ADHD, anxiety, depression, and trauma. She offered support and education to help patients and their families manage their individual needs.?
“Every child is different, even if they have the same diagnosis,” Lis says.
“Certain behaviors may be more or less manageable or tolerable depending on the situation, environment, and persons in that environment. As a result, I focus on symptoms as well as the strengths and needs of the child, parent, and family to improve their overall function. I passionately believe all children, regardless of their environment and developmental limitations, have the ability to grow into healthy, happy, thriving adults.”
In her spare time, Lis enjoys music and is an accomplished musician. In addition to her nursing degrees, Lis holds a bachelor of music education from Lawrence Conservatory of Music in Appleton, Wisconsin, and a master of music education from UNC-Greensboro.
Clinical Interests
- Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Autism
- Behavioral and Mental Health
- Growth and Development
- Gender
- Female
- Languages
- English
- Age Groups Seen
- Infants (0-2)
Children (2-12)
- Certification
- American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) (Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (PPCNP-BC))
Reviews
45 Patient Satisfaction Ratings
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