Rosa Roche

Rosa Roche, PhD, APRN, PPCNP-BC is a board-certified Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner with a specialization in the integration of mental health and primary care within pediatric populations. Currently, she a Clinical Associate Professor at Florida International University and the pediatric program leader for graduate nursing. She also works in the Psychiatry Department at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, where she actively oversees the medical needs of children with mental health conditions, ensuring their comprehensive care within the primary health setting. Rosa is an advocate for the integration of mental health into primary care education and curriculum development, emphasizing the importance of holistic approaches in pediatric practice.

A three-time alumna of Florida International University in Miami, FL, she holds a Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD in nursing. Rosa is committed to evidence-based practice and research, particularly in the areas of improving mental and physical health outcomes for children with chronic illnesses and those who have experienced sibling loss. Her passion for curriculum development focuses on enhancing primary care providers’ capacity to address pediatric mental health needs within routine care settings.

She is actively involved in professional organizations such as Sigma Theta Tau, NAPNAP, and the Florida Nurses Association, where she advocates for policy changes and curriculum improvements that support the integration of mental health into pediatric care. Her dedication to community engagement is evident through her work with organizations like the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the Ventilator Assisted Children’s Center, and her role as a Clinical Director for the Special Olympics Medfast and Healthy Promotions.