Fall 2025 3 A warm welcome to Chief Nursing Officer Kelli Wray As a young girl growing up in Abilene, Texas, Kelli Wray admired the connections her father formed with his patients as a respiratory therapist. They became like family. “His passion for helping others gave me a spark, and I wanted to pursue it,” she says. “I loved the thought of taking care of others just like my dad did.” Kelli went on to become a nurse and, ultimately, a healthcare leadership professional who is driven by her faith and passion for service. In July, Kelli became Texas Health Hospital Mansfield’s chief nursing officer (CNO), overseeing nursing operations for a staff of over 400. A leader takes flight Early in her nursing carer, Kelli commissioned in the Air Force Reserve and served as a flight nurse during operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. During her career, she earned the rank of captain. “Being an officer in the military taught me a tremendous amount about leadership,” she says. “It instilled in me a deep sense of duty and resilience and service outside of myself.” After the military, Kelli earned a master’s degree, followed by a doctorate, and became a boardcertified nurse practitioner. She served as CNO at a healthcare system in California before returning home to Texas to join Texas Health Mansfield. Elevating patient care Kelli leads with a focus on accessibility and support for her team to elevate patient care. She says her faith drives her commitment to ensuring highquality care and treating people like loved ones, with dignity and respect. “I know what it means to put a family member in the care of another, and it requires trust,” Kelli says. “I strive to honor treating others how I would want to be treated and how I would want my family to be treated and to uphold the highest standards of care. We are here to serve.” Understanding endometriosis Many women experience cramping or discomfort during their menstrual cycle, but when pain becomes intense or persistent or interferes with daily life, it could be a sign of something more serious, like endometriosis. Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of it, often causing pelvic pain, heavy periods and even fertility challenges. It’s a condition that affects 1 in 10 women, yet it’s frequently underdiagnosed. “Pain that disrupts your life isn’t something you should have to push through,” says Jeremy Vaughan, MD, an obstetrics and gynecology provider at Texas Health Mansfield. “We want women to feel heard, supported and empowered to seek answers.” If you’ve been living with unexplained pelvic pain or symptoms that don’t feel right, it’s time to talk to a provider who can help. Schedule an appointment today Visit TexasHealthMansfield.org/Vaughan.
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