Meet Evelyn W. Branch, FNP

Director & Nurse Practitioner, School-Based Health Center

Education

• Master of Science in Nursing, Grambling State University
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Northwestern State University School of Nursing
• Pre-Nursing Studies, Northeast Louisiana University
• High School Diploma, Riverfield Academy, Rayville
• Nationally certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP)

Professional Memberships

• American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP)
• Louisiana Association of Nurse Practitioners (LANP)

Work Experience

Evelyn Branch serves as the Director and Nurse Practitioner for the School-Based Health Center
(SBHC) at Richardson Medical Center, located on the campuses of Rayville High School and Rayville
Junior High School. Hired in 2006 to write the original grant that established the clinic, Evelyn opened
the SBHC in 2007 and has led it ever since—ensuring that students in Richland Parish have access to
quality, compassionate healthcare right where they learn. What began as a clinic on two campuses has
now expanded to include services on the campuses of Holly Ridge, Rayville Elementary, and Start
Elementary Schools, extending healthcare access to children across the parish.

Before entering school-based health, Evelyn worked as a registered nurse in multiple specialties,
including Adult Intensive Care, Home Health (as owner and operator), and as a Travel Nurse in Hawaii.
Her diverse clinical background continues to enhance her leadership and patient care approach today.

Mission

Evelyn’s mission is simple yet powerful:
“To provide quality healthcare that keeps children healthy, in school, and parents at work.”
She believes that healthy students are better learners, and that accessible, school-based healthcare
strengthens families and communities.

Achievements & Community Involvement

• Leader of The P.O.P. Shop (Purpose Over Possessions) — a care closet operated by the SBHC
  that provides students with free access to clothing, shoes, and personal care items.
• Born and raised in Delhi, Louisiana, Evelyn has dedicated her career to serving the communities
  she calls home.
• Married to her husband, David, for 34 years, the couple has made their home in Rayville, where
  they raised their two children, David Joe and Maryanna—who, along with her husband Randy Dark,
  has a young son named Sheppard.
• Evelyn and her family are active members of First Baptist Church of Rayville, and she considers
  family her greatest joy and priority.

A lifelong advocate for rural and school-based health, Evelyn continues to serve with faith, compassion,
and commitment to the community that raised her.