Dr. Spear is a dedicated healthcare professional with an 18-year career focused on serving older adults. She earned a Masters of Science in Nursing from Seattle University and a Doctor of Nursing Practice from the University of Arizona. Her research in delirium prevention in post-acute care, recognized with the prestigious Mary Opal Wolanin Outstanding Dissertation for Excellence in Nursing with Vulnerable Populations, is set for publication in the Nurse Practitioner journal. 

Dr. Spear holds national certifications as an Adult-Geriatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner as well as a Gerontology Specialist. Currently serving as the Geriatric Nurse Practitioner for Sonoma Valley Hospital, Dr. Spear leads initiatives aimed at enhancing care for older adults, earning the hospital recognition as an Age-Friendly Health System Committed to Care Excellence. 

Beyond her professional role, Dr. Spear is actively involved in the Northern California chapter of GAPNA (Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association), contributes to the American Delirium Society pre-conference planning committee, is a grant reader for the Alpha Phi Foundation, and serves on the Board of Directors for the Village of Sonoma Valley and the Sonoma Valley Woman's Club.