Shannon D Santo DNP, WHNP-BC, CNM has demonstrated a deep commitment to women’s health and nursing education throughout a stellar career marked by a series of progressive roles across clinical, academic and entrepreneurial environments. In her current capacity as menopausal strategist with Ash Tree Hormone Health, PLLC, she provides evidence-based care to women, educates patients on medical backgrounds and health decisions, and coaches virtually through a hormone clinic. Dr. Santo also takes students for clinical rotations in hospitals, teaches undergraduate nursing students in classroom environments and trains empathetic healthcare students, reflecting her dedication to fostering the next generation of nurses.
Since 2026, Dr. Santo has excelled as an adjunct professor at Rio Salado College in Arizona, where she imparts her expertise to aspiring nurses. Beginning in 2025, she was recruited as the associate clinical professor at Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation at Arizona State University, further solidifying her influence in academic circles. That same year, she established Ash Tree Hormone Health, PLLC, where she has found success as clinical director and women’s health nurse practitioner by overseeing patient care and guiding the company’s mission to advance hormone health for women.
Dr. Santo’s entrepreneurial spirit is also evident in her diverse efforts with Ash Garden Wellness, PLLC since 2024 and Young Living Essential Oils since 2014. From 2023 to 2025, she was certified as a nurse midwife at Women’s Care in Phoenix, Arizona, providing specialized care in obstetrics and gynecology. Her tenure as an advanced nurse practitioner at Valley Perinatal Services, LLC from 2017 to 2023 was particularly notable during the COVID-19 pandemic. The organization’s approach includes dividing staff among telehealth, office visits and hospital care, which enabled Dr. Santo to provide essential services while minimizing exposure risks. She valued the opportunity to deliver care through telehealth and appreciated the safety measures implemented upon her return to in-person work.
Dr. Santo previously served as an assistant DNP clinical coordinator at Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation from 2015 to 2016 and OB clinical instructor PRN at The University of Arizona from 2017 to 2018. She also contributed as a clinical placement assistant at Arizona State University during that period. Dr. Santo began her career with Banner Health in Arizona, working first as a cardiovascular ICU nurse extern from 2003 to 2004, then as a cardiovascular ICU and telemetry registered nurse from 2004 to 2006, followed by nearly a decade as a registered nurse specializing in labor and delivery from 2006 to 2015.
Over the years, Dr. Santo has developed recognized expertise in women’s health, labor and delivery, high-risk obstetrics, hormone health, nurse midwifery, telehealth and nursing education. Her breadth of knowledge is reflected through her affiliation with GLMA: Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ Equality, The Menopause Society, Obesity Action Coalition, Arizona Nurses Association and American Nurses Association. She is also a member of The National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health (NPWH), American Association of Nurse Practitioners, Association of Labor and Delivery Nurses (now AWHONN), Golden Key International Honor Society and Phi Theta Kappa. Moreover, Dr. Santo has been involved with Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing and the Graduate Nurse Organization at Arizona State University.
Dr. Santo’s impressive educational background has been instrumental in shaping her achievements. She initially pursued an education at Mesa Community College, from which she earned an Associate of Arts in general studies in 1995 and an Associate of Applied Science in registered nursing in 2004. She later obtained a Bachelor of Science in nursing from Arizona State University in 2013. Graduating with a Doctor of Nursing Practice in women’s health nursing at Arizona State University in 2017, Dr. Santo ultimately concluded her academic efforts with a postgraduate degree in nurse midwifery from Frontier Nursing University in 2022
Dr. Santo has also acquired credentials, including her certifications in basic life support in 2002, advanced cardiac life support in 2004, and neonatal resuscitation and advanced fetal monitoring in 2006. She is licensed as a registered nurse by the State of Arizona through 2028. Dr. Santo further holds national certifications as a women’s health nurse practitioner through NCC and as a certified nurse midwife through the American Midwifery Certification Board.
The path that led Dr. Santo into nursing was deeply personal, having initially resisted the family legacy of nursing. After experiencing a profound loss, she was inspired to pursue medical knowledge and advocate for women facing similar challenges. Born in Butte, Montana, as the eldest of four siblings—and uniquely so among generations rooted in Arizona, Dr. Santo balances professional achievement with a vibrant family life.
Dr. Santo credits several influences for her success, such as the unwavering encouragement from her mother instilled confidence that hard work would yield results and steadfast support from her husband enabled her to balance family life with professional ambitions. She is incredibly proud of becoming a nurse, a goal achieved despite significant personal resistance. Recognition for Dr. Santo’s work includes honors as an Outstanding Graduate Student and her nomination for Outstanding Representative of Professional Leadership and Involvement.
A former volunteer with the Sandra Day O’Connor High School Marching Band from 2021 to 2025, Dr. Santo was previously appointed to the public policy committee for the Arizona Nurses Association between 2016 and 2020. In addition to participating on the clinical volunteer staff at SHOW Health Faire Phoenix and HopeFest Phoenix in 2015, she was active as a student reporter for The National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health during that same year. Elected as treasurer for the Graduate Nurse Organization at Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation between 2015 and 2017, she was likewise involved with the Resolve Through Sharing Team at Banner Estrella Medical Center in an administrative capacity between 2011 and 2013. Dr. Santo additionally advanced through shared leadership positions within Banner Health Arizona from 2004 to 2013.
Looking toward the future, Dr. Santo remains dedicated to helping women feel more heard, understood, and appropriately treated within healthcare settings while preparing students to interact compassionately with patients, regardless of technological advancements within medicine today. She aims not only to foster technical competence but also genuine empathy among future nurses—qualities she believes are essential for meaningful patient care—while she continues supporting her children toward their own successes.