Meet Our Nurse Practitioners!
Sarah Bansen, APRN, MSN
Education/Training: MGH Institute of Health Professions, RN, and MSN, Women’s Health
Certification: Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
I have always been fascinated by the physical and emotional changes women experience in their transition to motherhood. I guess that started at age 3 when I decided I would someday love being a mom!
I started at Somerville Hospital in 1990, and from the beginning I loved the culturally diverse population we serve. Over my years of practice I have enjoyed building lasting relationships with women and their families, and establishing a safe space for women to ask questions and get support. I like having the opportunity to work with women at a time when they are motivated to make positive health changes and to learn more about how their bodies work. Over the years, I have seen whole families of women through their pregnancies and gynecology care. My relationships with patients mean a great deal to me.
Outside of work, I like to walk and hike with my family and our dog. I also cook a lot, and sing in a chorus. Both of my children (now teenagers) were born in a birth center, so I am happy that we can offer that option to our patients.
Karen Lefkowitz, APRN, MSN
Education/Training: Tufts University, BA History
MGH Institute of Health Professions, MSN, Women's Health
Certifications: NCC Women's Health
I began working at Somerville Women's Health in 1992 as a nurse practitioner student, and never left. I am drawn to women's health because I enjoy listening to the histories of my patients while helping them realize healthy and fulfilling lives. In addition to being a women’s health nurse practitioner I am a certified yoga instructor. I have a holistic view of women's health, believing that biological, psychological, and social factors all play a significant role in wellness; I try to bring this perspective to every patient visit.
I appreciate the unique role that nurse practitioners bring to women's health, particularly their advocacy for putting patient's needs first. To this end, I serve as the co-chair of the Nurse Practitioner Council at the Cambridge Health Alliance.
When I am not at work, I enjoy my personal yoga practice, walking my beautiful black lab, and spending time with my family.
Evelyn Neiman, APRN, MSN
Education/Training: SUNY/Buffalo, BSN
Boston College/Harvard Medical School, MSN, Maternal Child Health
Certifications: NCC Women's Health
My nursing career started in 1975 in oncology and critical care. I then worked in high risk antepartum, postpartum and labor and delivery units at Beth Israel Hospital. Since 1983, I have worked with women throughout their reproductive cycles at Somerville Women's Health. My fluency in Spanish and Portuguese has allowed me to provide quality care and continuity within a cultural context, which has greatly enriched my own life as well. My non-clinical roles have included childbirth education, development of childbirth education material in multiple languages, coordination of maternal infant care grant programs and integration of care with community agencies and inpatient services. I have taught nurse practitioner students on the graduate level both in the classroom and in the clinical setting, and mentored many less experienced nurse practitioners; my own learning continues every day.
I enjoy laughing with friends and family, listening to music, reading and going to the ballet. I am an avid baseball fan, even when my team is losing.