Julie Leonhardt NP
I grew up just south of Boston the oldest of three children in a very tight knit family. From an early age I was known as a care taker, nurturer and highly coveted babysitter. I spent much of my time working with children and families through babysitting, volunteering in schools and in my community. After a life changing biology teacher in high school set me on my path, I attended Stonehill College where I studied biology and psychology; planning to apply to medical school and become a pediatrician. In my junior year I met an incredible nurse practitioner and I realized that the pediatric nurse practitioner role was truly made for me! I love to focus on the whole person as well as the family and health education. I attended Regis College where I received my second bachelors degree and my masters degree in nursing certified in pediatrics. I did additional training at the college health center where I focused on young women's health. After graduation I was lucky to join Pediatric Health Care at Newton Wellesley in August 2005. I love working in a small practice where I truly know the families and develop deep and lasting relationships. I dread the conversations with the young adults when it's time to leave our practice and move on to adult medicine!
As I welcomed my children I stayed with PHC in a part time capacity, which has allowed me the life/work balance I so deeply appreciate. As I walked through motherhood for the first (the second and third!) time I developed a passion for maternal child health, lactation support and breast feeding education and new parent support and care.
In my "free" time my husband and I are raising our three wonderful, incredibly strong willed and fiercely independent children (two daughters and one son). I enjoy playing with my children outdoors, cooking, exercising, and volunteering in our small town community. I also have a large tight knit extended family and I love to serve as "on-call" support for them as they all raise their own children.
Dawn Nathanson NP
I decided to become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner to enjoy the growth and development of children, from newborn to young adult. I have spent 8 years becoming an expert in pediatric primary care and have a Master’s in Nursing Science from MGH IHP. I have chosen to work with children since graduating from college and then earning my first Master’s degree in Elementary Education. I spent many years teaching children and adults subjects, including Spanish. In my free time, I like to travel to as many new places around the world as possible and enjoy biking, walking, and yoga. I also support many charitable causes including Boston Children’s
I am the mother of three grown children, a daughter who is a graduate student studying classical piano and pedagogy, a son who is a research assistant at Boston Children’s hospital, and another son who is currently studying at Cornell University. I look forward to meeting you and taking good care of your family.