Ms. Hartley, an Arizona native, grew up in Tucson and briefly attended college in Flagstaff, where she met her husband, Ryan. They later relocated to Tempe, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Genetics, Cellular, and Developmental Biology from Arizona State University. During her college years, Ms. Hartley worked as an EMT, caring for patients with substance-use disorders. This experience fueled her passion for compassionate, whole-person care and ultimately guided her towards a nursing career.

As a nurse, Ms. Hartley discovered her true calling in labor and delivery. She enjoyed educating patients and ensuring they felt heard. Her love for maternal health blossomed, leading her to want to care for women throughout their lives, particularly during the childbearing years. She pursued a Master’s degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner and later sought additional training in nurse midwifery at Vanderbilt University in Nashville.

While at Vanderbilt, Ms. Hartley welcomed her first child, Henry. This unique experience allowed her to learn about pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care while experiencing it firsthand. Additionally, she participated in the MEADOW program, which offered advanced training in caring for pregnant women with psychiatric disorders, supporting rural communities, and serving underserved populations. This inspiring work ultimately motivated her to return to her roots in Arizona.