Dr. Carla Stanley

Dr. Carla T. Stanley, CEO/Founder of Vital Path Consulting and Education is a dedicated
advocate for reducing healthcare inequities and enhancing outcomes for vulnerable populations,
particularly those in corrections settings. Driven by a commitment to justice, knowledge, and
visionary leadership, she empowers healthcare professionals to excel and thrive not just survive
as leaders in their fields.
With more than 30 years of distinguished experience in both healthcare and business, Dr.
Stanley offers invaluable expertise, strategic leadership, and practical insights into each sector.
Her career began in acute and critical care nursing, where she quickly progressed to executive
nursing positions, leading large teams and directing care for marginalized communities facing
persistent health disparities. These formative experiences have inspired her passion for
equitable healthcare delivery and motivated her to support continuing education for clinicians,
offer legal nurse and leadership consulting, and publish thought-provoking content for her
Audience.
Dr. Stanley holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Leadership from the University of
California, San Francisco (UCSF), as well as undergraduate degrees from Valparaiso and
Purdue University. She also earned an MBA in Healthcare Management from American Sentinel
University (ASU). Her board certifications include FACHE and HCM-BC from the American
College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), along with NEA-BC and NE-BC from the American
Nurse Credentialing Center (ANCC) and Continuing Education Provider Approval from the
California Board of Registered Nurses (BRN).
Her professional affiliations underscore her commitment to advocacy and community
engagement. Dr. Stanley is an active member of the Central Valley Black Nurses Association
(CVBNA), a lifetime member of the National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) and is also
involved with the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), the American Nurses
Association of California (ANA/C), and the American Organization of Nurse Leaders (AONL).
Throughout her career, Dr. Stanley has served marginalized communities in Gary, Indiana;
Grenada, Mississippi; Goldendale, Washington; West Texas; and West Fresno, California. She
currently leads nursing teams at San Quentin Rehabilitation Hospital, overseeing care for
incarcerated patients with mental health and medical needs. Additionally, she provides legal
nurse consulting to support fair representation for individuals affected by Social Determinants of
Health (SDOH).
Dr. Stanley authored “The Lost Decade” where she shares how Black and Brown people are
dying ten years sooner than their White counterparts.”