Published on:
May 7, 2026
Carrissa Hankins is a dynamic healthcare leader, entrepreneur, and sleep medicine specialist whose career has been defined by a deep commitment to improving patient outcomes through education, clarity, and innovation. With over 15 years of professional experience spanning clinical care, provider education, and business leadership, Carrissa has established herself as a trusted authority in sleep health and pulmonary medicine. Her ability to translate complex medical concepts into practical, actionable guidance has become a hallmark of her work and a key driver of her impact.
Carrissa began her journey in healthcare with a strong foundation in nursing, earning both her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and her Master of Science in Nursing as a Family Nurse Practitioner from Widener University. Early in her career, she demonstrated a passion for both patient care and teaching, serving as an adjunct clinical nursing instructor while also gaining hands-on experience in clinical settings. This dual focus on education and practice would later become a defining theme throughout her professional trajectory.
Her early clinical years were spent at The Aroostook Medical Center, where she served as a Nurse Practitioner specializing in sleep medicine for nearly a decade. During this time, she developed deep expertise in diagnosing and managing sleep disorders, particularly obstructive sleep apnea. She worked closely with patients over extended periods, helping them navigate complex treatment plans and achieve meaningful improvements in their quality of life. This experience solidified her understanding of the challenges patients face and reinforced her commitment to making healthcare more accessible and understandable.
Carrissa’s career continued to evolve as she joined Central Maine Healthcare, where she expanded her scope into pulmonary medicine. There, she managed a wide range of respiratory conditions, including COPD, asthma, lung cancer screening, and chronic cough, while continuing her work in sleep medicine. Her approach was rooted in collaboration and education—she believed in showing patients how to understand their conditions rather than simply telling them what to do. This philosophy fostered stronger patient engagement and better clinical outcomes.
In addition to her clinical roles, Carrissa has consistently contributed to the advancement of healthcare education. She has served as a guest lecturer for institutions and professional organizations, delivering presentations on pulmonary and sleep medicine topics to healthcare providers across the country. Her ability to break down complex physiological concepts into clear, relatable explanations has made her a sought-after speaker and mentor. Through these efforts, she has influenced not only patient care but also the development of other clinicians.
Recognizing a significant gap in sleep medicine education for healthcare providers, Carrissa founded The Sleep NP, LLC in 2021. This venture was designed to provide mentorship and specialized training for nurse practitioners and physician assistants seeking to incorporate sleep medicine into their practice. Through highly personalized programs, she has helped clinicians build confidence and competence in interpreting sleep studies and managing CPAP therapy, ultimately expanding access to quality sleep care.
Building on this success, Carrissa launched Hello Sleep Health in 2024, a patient-focused brand offering coaching, consulting, and clinical services for individuals navigating sleep apnea and related conditions. This initiative reflects her broader mission to empower patients with knowledge and tools that enable them to take control of their health. By combining clinical expertise with a compassionate, human-centered approach, she has created a platform that meets patients where they are and supports them throughout their journey.
Carrissa’s leadership is further distinguished by her entrepreneurial mindset and her ability to identify and address unmet needs within the healthcare system. She has successfully built two complementary businesses that serve both providers and patients, demonstrating her capacity to operate at the intersection of clinical practice and business strategy. Her work exemplifies how innovation in education and service delivery can drive meaningful change in healthcare.
Her background also includes service in the New Jersey Army National Guard, where she developed discipline, resilience, and a strong sense of duty. This experience continues to influence her leadership style, characterized by accountability, adaptability, and a commitment to serving others. Combined with her international exposure in regions such as the United Kingdom and New Zealand, Carrissa brings a broad and informed perspective to her work.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Carrissa is deeply grounded in her personal values. She is passionate about helping others feel seen, heard, and understood—whether they are patients struggling with sleep disorders or clinicians seeking to expand their knowledge. Her interest in raising chickens reflects her appreciation for simplicity and balance, qualities that also inform her approach to healthcare and life.
Today, Carrissa is actively seeking opportunities to serve on boards where she can contribute her expertise in healthcare, education, and entrepreneurship. She is particularly interested in organizations that value innovation, patient-centered care, and the integration of practical education into their strategies. With her unique combination of clinical insight, business acumen, and communication skills, she is well-positioned to provide meaningful guidance and support at the board level.
Carrissa Hankins stands as a leader who not only understands the complexities of modern healthcare but also possesses the rare ability to simplify them in ways that drive action and improvement. Her career reflects a consistent dedication to empowering others—patients and providers alike—and her future contributions promise to further advance the field of sleep health and beyond.
Character:
Carrissa demonstrates integrity through her unwavering commitment to patient advocacy and ethical care. She approaches every interaction with empathy, ensuring individuals feel heard and respected in their healthcare journeys. Her background in military service and clinical practice reflects a deep sense of responsibility and dedication to serving others.
Knowledge:
She possesses extensive expertise in sleep medicine, pulmonary care, and healthcare education developed over more than 15 years of hands-on experience. She continually seeks to expand her knowledge and applies it in ways that are both innovative and practical. Her ability to translate complex clinical data into understandable insights sets her apart as a true subject matter expert.
Strategic:
Carrissa has shown a strong capacity for strategic thinking through the successful development of two complementary healthcare businesses. She identifies gaps in the market and designs solutions that address both provider and patient needs. Her vision for scalable education and improved access to care reflects a forward-thinking approach to healthcare innovation.
Communication:
Exceling at simplifying complex medical concepts into clear, actionable guidance that resonates with diverse audiences. She is an engaging speaker and educator, known for her ability to connect with both clinicians and patients. Her communication style fosters understanding, confidence, and meaningful change in those she serves.
https://www.hellosleephealth.com/
