Valerie Kading

Valerie Kading, DNP, MBA, MSN has a diverse work experience in the healthcare industry. From 2023, they serve as the VP Clinical & Medical Development at Acadia Healthcare. Prior to this, they were the Group Chief Executive Officer at Sierra Tucson from 2020 to 2023, and the Chief Executive Officer at Sierra by the Sea from 2019 to 2020. Valerie also held multiple roles at Sierra Tucson, including Chief Operations Officer, Interim Chief Medical Officer, and Chief Medical Operations Officer from 2015 to 2019. Valerie started their career as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner at CODAC Behavioral Health Services, Inc. from 2005 to 2016. Valerie has also worked as an Adjunct Professor at Grand Canyon University in 2012 and had their own Private Practice as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner from 2008 to 2010. Furthermore, Valerie served as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner at Southern Arizona Mental Health Corporation from 2004 to 2010 and as a Medical Director at Arizona Residential Care from 2007 to 2010.

Valerie Kading has a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from the University of Arizona, which they obtained from 1992 to 1996. Valerie also holds another Bachelor's Degree in Nursing Science from the University of Arizona, which they completed between 1999 and 2002. Valerie then pursued a Master's Degree in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from the University of Arizona from 2002 to 2004. Later, they earned a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from New Mexico State University, attending from 2013 to 2016. Finally, Valerie completed a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Arizona - Eller College of Management between 2017 and 2019.