Stacie Cowell, FNP-C, MSN

I’m Stacie Cowell, FNP-C, a certified family nurse practitioner who joined the Phelps Health Pain Management Center in December 2025. My collaborating physician is Glenn Kunkel, MD. I see patients ages 18 and over for chronic pain, diabetic peripheral neuropathy (diabetic nerve damage), arthritis, shingles pain, headaches, spinal stenosis (when the space inside the backbone is too small) and more.

I’ve always been interested in the medical field. When I was growing up, both of my parents were paramedics/firefighters, and I was fascinated by their training books. My interest continued through high school, but I didn’t pursue a career in healthcare until after the birth of my first child. One of the nurses who cared for me impressed me so much that I chose nursing as my career path.

I attended LPN school at Cass Career Center in Harrisonville, Missouri, and went on to earn my associate degree from State Fair Community College in Sedalia, Missouri. After taking time away to care for ill family members, I returned to my studies and earned my Bachelor of Science in Nursing, followed by my Master of Science in Nursing with a specialty in family nurse practitioner from South University in Savannah, Georgia.

Pain management is close to my heart because I’ve had my own experience with chronic pain. This, along with 20 years of nursing experience, helps me empathize with my patients and gives me a better understanding of their feelings and daily struggles. 

I chose to work at Phelps Health because they have a reputation as a great employer. I am delighted and honored to be a part of the Phelps Health family.

I am an advocate of holistic healthcare and believe in treating the whole person, not just the symptoms. While symptom management is important, it is equally important to address the underlying cause. I also believe in treating patients’ families with the same respect and dignity we afford the patient. Having a family member with a chronic illness can be challenging. By showing families the same compassion we show patients, we can help make their situation a little easier.

I am originally from Holden, Missouri, in the Kansas City area, but currently live near Salem, a short drive from Montauk State Park. My husband and I live on a 35-acre farm with our four dogs, two cats, and many other animals, including goats and emus. We have two children and enjoy monthly family outings to area attractions. We love the natural beauty of the landscape and the remote location. 

When I’m not working, I enjoy reading, volunteering, participating in heritage organizations, collecting rocks and spending time on our farm.

I also offer telehealth visits, which allow patients to visit with me remotely using a smartphone, tablet or computer with an internet connection and audio-video capabilities.