Nicole Taylor, CNM joined the OB/GYN team at Optum in 2019. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Frontier Nursing University in Hyden, KY. She is also certified in Advance Life Support in Obstetrics. Her specialties include caring for high- and low-risk pregnancies, contraception counseling and routine women’s care for all ages. Nicole is looking forward to joining a provider-led care team with a strong history in Colorado Springs.
Robert Crandall, PA-C has relocated to Optum Medical Center Point located at 1633 Medical Center Point in Colorado Springs.
To schedule an appointment, please call 719-598-9446.
Christy Nelms, FNP-C has relocated to Optum Medical Center Point located at 1633 Medical Center Point in Colorado Springs.
To schedule an appointment, please call 719-598-9446.
I have spent the last 6 years working in family practice. I enjoy getting to know my patients and their families and working with them to meet their personal health goals. My practice philosophy is providing high quality medical care while collaborating with and focusing on my patient's personal goals.
Melinda Poland, NP, joined the Partners in Women’s Health team in December of 2020. In 1996 Melinda earned her master’s in nursing from the University of Colorado Health Science Center Denver and she offers over 20 years of women's health care experience. Melinda is passionate about providing empathetic, holistic, and personalized health care to women from early teens through post-menopause. She believes in promoting health and wellness through healthy lifestyle choices, diet, and exercise.
As an Air Force veteran and not being from anywhere in particular, it is great to call the beautiful state of Colorado home. I have always known that my calling was to care for children and make a positive impact on their lives. I am a Certified Lactation Counselor and have a special interest in the amazing lifelong benefits of helping moms breastfeed. I am also a Nationally Certified Asthma Educator and fluent in English and Spanish. Because I am a mother of four children, I know the importance of having a good support system.
I was born and raised in Tucker, GA and moved to Colorado Springs, CO to attend the United States Air Force Academy in 2007. I was a collegiate gymnast for all four years while attending the Academy. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biology in 2011 and started my Air Force career as a Force Support Officer. I switched career paths in 2013 to head to Physician Assistant School at Fort Sam Houston, TX, where I received my Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies in 2016. I served a total of seven years of active duty service, with two and half of those years as a military PA.
I grew up in Colorado Springs, and then headed up I-25 to Colorado State University for my undergraduate education. There, I received my Bachelor’s in Health and Exercise Science with a Sports Medicine concentration. Following my undergraduate education, I worked as a Cardiovascular Technician in Fort Collins for four years, and grew to love cardiology and medicine. I then headed further north and completed my Masters Degree in Physician Assistant Studies at Rocky Mountain College in Billings, Montana.
I was born and raised in Denver, CO where my close-knit family still lives. I attended Colorado College here in Colorado Springs and fell in love with the city and the gorgeous Pikes Peak view! After earning my Bachelor degree in Biology, I left to attend PA school in Chicago, IL where I received my Master of Medical Science degree in Physician Assistant Studies. I moved back to Colorado Springs to begin practicing medicine and have been here ever since; this is home and this is where I want to grow my roots.
I began my nursing career more than 30 years ago because I truly enjoy helping others. I completed my Bachelor of Science in Nursing at University of Miami and later received a Master in Nursing from University of Washington as a Nurse Midwife. After retiring from the US Air Force, I made the decision to pursue my post-masters education as a Family Nurse Practitioner through University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. During my career, I have worked in women's health, pediatric, and family practice settings. I enjoy all aspects of family practice and care for patients in all age groups.
