As a family nurse practitioner and owner of Anchored in Health, Amy Ester has created a practice centered on personal connections, compassionate service and accessible health care.

“As a Family Nurse Practitioner and founder of Anchored in Health, I’m devoted to providing personalized, relationship-centered Direct Primary Care that truly honors each patient’s story,” Amy says. “My greatest passion is creating a space where individuals and families feel supported, understood, and empowered to take an active role in their health.”

Building the practice is among Amy’s proudest accomplishments, reflecting the faith, military experience and commitment to service that have shaped both her life and career.

“My time in the Army taught me discipline, resilience, and what it means to serve people with humility and purpose, and those lessons have shaped the way I care for my patients today, especially the veterans whose stories mirror so much of my own,” she says.

To Amy, Anchored in Health represents far more than a professional achievement. It is the realization of a longtime calling to care for people in a way that recognizes their individual experiences and needs.

“It’s more than a practice to me; it’s the fulfillment of a promise I made long ago to show up for people in a way that honors their dignity, their struggles, and their hope for a healthier life,” she says.

Amy’s service also extends into her church community, where she volunteers as the medical provider for youth camp. Although she initially felt nervous about taking on the responsibility, the experience reinforced her desire to support others through both health care and faith.

“Being able to offer care, reassurance, and a steady presence has made a positive impact not only on their wellbeing, but also on my own sense of calling, reminding me how powerful it is when faith, service, and compassion come together,” she says.

Her husband has been one of the strongest influences on her leadership and success. His military service and medical knowledge have helped him understand the demands and purpose of her work, while his encouragement has carried her through the challenges of establishing a practice.

“From the very beginning, he believed in my calling even on the days when I struggled to believe in it myself, and I don’t think he fully realizes just how much his encouragement has shaped the woman, provider, and leader I’ve become,” Amy says.

Her children also motivate her to lead through her actions and demonstrate the value of faith, determination and hard work.

“They are the reason I push forward when things get difficult, the reason I strive to be a strong example of faith in action, and the reason I pour my heart into this work,” she says.

Amy encourages future professionals and community leaders to trust God’s direction, especially when pursuing it requires courage.

“I’ve learned that His voice often leads you into places that feel scary, unnerving, and far outside your comfort zone, but those are usually the very places where He grows you the most,” she says.

“Trust that He equips you for every step He asks you to take. And hold tightly to the truth that no one can derail what God Himself has designed for your life.”