April J. Odom has over 21 years of healthcare experience, beginning her journey as a pharmacy technician to currently providing care as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse with Full Practice Authority in Illinois. She began her nursing career, graduating with her associate's degree in 2008, and gained experience in rehabilitation, home health care, and in the emergency department. In 2016, she completed her Master's degree and continued to expand her experience as a Family Nurse Practitioner in primary care, retail health, and integrative healthcare. In September 2023, she completed her Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree and was the recipient of the DNP leadership award from Frontier Nursing University. Currently, she owns a comprehensive health & wellness clinic providing care to families and communities. She holds multiple certifications, participates in initiatives across the state, and is the current Vice-President of the Illinois Society for Advanced Practice Nursing. She has been recognized numerous times for her leadership and dedication to the profession, including recently receiving the AANP State Award for Nurse Practitioner Excellence.