November 7-13, 2021 is Nurse Practitioners Week, as observed by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and the State of Missouri! The Thompson Center is lucky to have two amazing nurse practitioners in our clinic. Molly Jaecques has been with the Thompson Center for nearly four years. Read on to learn more about her!
How long have you worked for the Thompson Center?
I have worked for the Thompson Center for nearly four years.
What types of work do you do in your role as a nurse practitioner?
As a family nurse practitioner (FNP), I see patients of all ages. I focus on medical and behavioral concerns that are associated with autism and neurodevelopmental disorders.
What is your favorite thing about working at the Thompson Center?
My favorite part of working with at the Thompson Center is the compassion our team has for each family and being part of a team that advocates for each child’s success.
What got you interested in working with patients with autism and neurodevelopmental disorders?
After my nephew was diagnosed with autism and my son was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, I was introduced to a healthcare specialty that I quickly became passionate about. There is much more education and advocacy available than ever before and for that I am thankful.
What is the most valuable thing you have learned in your time working at the Thompson Center?
The most valuable thing I have learned from working at the Thompson Center is how unique each individual child is. The saying goes, “if you have met one person with autism, you have met one person with autism.” This rings true for all people with neurodevelopmental disorders. It absolutely is a spectrum.