Lea Nickolas FNP

I am a Wisconsin native who relocated to the Phoenix area to pursue my love for the LGBTQIA+ community. I strive to provide care that is free from judgement, allows patients to advocate for their health and to serve the underserved.

The Journey

When it comes to how I became a Family Nurse Practitioner, that journey began in my early childhood. I was raised by a single mother who worked in many aspects of the medical field. I would accompany her on weekends lending her a helping hand by filing, stapling and high lighting paperwork. (Likely just busy work, but I enjoyed the time spent helping my mother and the things I learned). Later after graduating high school, I worked as a Pharmacy Technician for seven years. I had initially begun my college years in pursuit of becoming a pharmacist.

However shortly after I realized I wanted more physical interactions with patients giving me the opportunity to make a change and build a rapport with them. This led me to pursue nursing school. I achieved my associate degree in nursing from Cardinal Stritch University in Fox Point, WI in 2011. While working as a nurse in the hospital I continued my education with night school to achieve my bachelor’s in nursing science in 2013. I then continued to work alongside the surgeons whose patients I had cared for while in the hospital. Working side by side with so many amazing, smart, and encouraging medical professionals, my confidence & knowledge grew. This led me to pursue achieving my master’s to become a Family Nurse Practitioner. I graduated from Marian University in Fond du Lac, WI in 2020 (Yes, during the pandemic!) I started my Nurse Practitioner career caring for the LGBTQIA+ community at the Parsons Center in Central Phoenix in 2021. In November 2023 I decided to partner with Teresa & Tara here at TL Family Nurse Practice in providing inclusive primary care.

Personal side

I enjoy planting, caring for and watching things grow. My favorite plants are the saddest ones that I bring back to life. I love cooking and trying new recipes with my husband Will. I love to travel, explore, and learn new things. I will never stop learning because it brings me joy and affirms that I can provide my patients with the best care possible. I also enjoy teaching and love sharing my knowledge/experience with gender affirming care, hormone replacement therapies, HIV prevention/treatment and sexual health background with others.

Ready to Serve

If I sound like a provider you would like to partner with on your health care needs, feel free to book your next visit with me.