Chris Harsell

"I feel privileged to be a part of a community that works to 'cultivate an equitable, inclusive, sustainable, and just health care system.'"

Dr. Chris Harsell has more than 25 years of experience as a nurse practitioner, educator, and administrator. Prior to moving to Portland, Chris was chief clinical officer and nurse practitioner at a federally qualified health center in North Dakota. Her clinical expertise includes primary care, integrated behavioral health, and substance use disorder treatment in primary care.

Chris has held a faculty position at the University of North Dakota since 2005 and taught courses in both graduate and undergraduate nursing. In her clinical practice she mentors students and clinicians. She has been a technical trainer and consultant for a variety of state and federal grant projects related to substance use screening and treatment; and has presented nationally on the topic.

Chris is passionate about healthcare equity and believes nurses and advanced practice nurses are essential to expanding access to high-quality, evidence-based healthcare, particularly to rural and underserved populations. She is excited to return to nursing education full time, most especially at the University of Portland where dignity, community and hope are core values. Outside of the classroom and clinic, Chris enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, reading, yoga, hiking, and anything on the water.