Helgemo & Liou Pediatrics is pleased to announce the addition of Kristen Vulgamore as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner! Raised in Charlotte County, Kristen states it was her upbringing that inspired her to enter the medical field: “Coming from a large family, I always played a role in taking care of my siblings and have always felt compelled to help people. After my younger brother was born, he needed to be in the NICU – and seeing the care and compassion the nurses and doctors gave him solidified my decision to pursue a career in the medical field. With my husband’s encouragement and support, I became a nurse and have loved every minute of it!” Kristen continues: “I’ve found that pediatrics is the most rewarding specialty. Working in pediatrics, you’re treating patients during some of the most important years of their lives. You get to build relationships with them and their families and watch them grow up. Kids are resilient and want to get better when they come to you. The trust, bond and fun we have is like no other specialty!” She adds, “I’m a big kid at heart and have taken care of kids my whole life in one aspect or another and truly enjoy what I do. Being that I’m from Charlotte County, I know working at Helgemo and Liou will be so great. I’ve gone from being a patient to a parent and now a provider here. It’s truly full circle and I’m so grateful to care for the children and families in my community.” In her spare time, Kristen enjoys spending time with her husband and beautiful daughter and finding new adventures to do together. The next time you visit our office, please be sure to ask for Kristen and say hi. We know you’ll be as impressed with her as all of us here are!