Darlyn R. Baker

Hello! My values are based around integrated, person-centered care with a team-based approach.  I was born and raised in Montana but have lived in the Pikes Peak region since 1987.  The mountains and flowing streams are my healing space. 

I currently live in Teller County and have 2 grown sons. I have been active in the nursing profession for over 38 years in various healthcare settings including women’s health, home care and hospice, inpatient and outpatient mental health and substance use, public health, health coaching, and more.  I consider the work I do as a calling and the opportunity to apply Florence Nightingale’s art of caring in practice.  From early on in my career, the importance of incorporating a focus on the whole person and all the different influences that impact our lives has been what I have strived for.  About 8 years ago, I was impressed to further pursue my passion around mental health care which was primarily driven by the gap in psychiatric services available, especially in the rural Colorado mountains where I live. 

That started my journey towards obtaining my PMHNP degree from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, so I could be part of the solution to fill that gap.  Along the way, my vision and philosophy expanded even more to also addressing the social influences on our health, cultural humility, and the impact of trauma in our lives.    Assisting others in identifying their own hope, values, goals, resiliency, and empowerment is my aim.  I coined my own practice philosophy as ‘integrated connectivity’. 

We are often disconnected in our current society, and I feel that incorporating the development of meaningful connections for an individual should be a key part of my practice.  Modeling mindfulness and practicing with intension I believe will assist us all in our journey of self-discovery and wellness.  Working as a community to identify and help meet the needs of all.