Kristi Messer

Dr. Kristi Messer is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a doctorate degree in Health Sciences from Nova Southeastern University and master’s degrees in public health and social work (MPH, MSW) from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Kristi relocated to Florida in 2010 from Washington D.C where she spent years working with the Department of Health and Human Services to successfully launch community health centers across the nation. As a passionate public health professional, Kristi currently serves the Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine at Nova Southeastern University (NSU) as an Assistant Dean and Professor of public health. Kristi worked as a consultant for Special Olympics on the development and implementation of a health and wellness curriculum for adults with disabilities. Prior to her Federal service and academic career as a professor, Kristi was a special education high school teacher and special education advocate/consultant working closely with families to advocate for the educational needs of their children. Kristi has dedicated her professional life to underserved and vulnerable population groups through her involvement with the homeless, individuals with disabilities, communities affected by disasters, and persons impacted by mental illness. Kristi is proud to be a parent of an adult child with intellectual impairment and is a tireless advocate for the rights of individuals with disabilities. Kristi is dedicated to positively impacting children, families, and adults through education, advocacy, and opportunity.