Maddie Lepore

Psychiatric nurse practitioner

UPMC & Pitt

Center of Life

My passion for serving individuals and communities began long before I became a psychiatric nurse practitioner. In the summer of 2016, I had the opportunity to participate in the Bridging the Gaps program as an intern at the Center of Life Summer Camp in Hazelwood. Working alongside children, families, and community leaders opened my eyes to the profound impact that social, economic, and environmental factors have on health and well-being. More importantly, it taught me that meaningful change begins with building relationships, listening to people’s stories, and meeting them where they are.

That experience became a defining moment in my career. It strengthened my commitment to caring for underserved populations and inspired me to pursue a career in psychiatric mental health. I went on to earn my Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from the University of Pittsburgh and am now a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Today, I provide psychiatric care to individuals living with mental health and substance use disorders in both community and academic settings. My clinical interests include harm reduction, trauma-informed care, and improving access to equitable, compassionate treatment for individuals facing complex behavioral health challenges.

In addition to my clinical practice, I serve as faculty at the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, where I enjoy mentoring the next generation of nurses and advanced practice providers. I am also involved in research, advocacy, and professional leadership focused on improving behavioral healthcare and reducing stigma surrounding mental illness and substance use.