Stephanie Acosta, NP

Stephanie Acosta, MSN, BSN, AGACNP-BC
Nurse Practitioner, Rheumatology

Valley Arthritis Care is proud to welcome Stephanie Acosta, MSN, BSN, AGACNP-BC, a board-certified Nurse Practitioner. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and later completed her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with specialized training as an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. With more than 10 years of experience in healthcare—including critical care, emergency medicine, cardiology, and inpatient medicine—Stephanie brings a strong background in complex patient management and high-acuity clinical decision-making to the care of patients with rheumatic and autoimmune disease.

Stephanie is passionate about caring for adults living with autoimmune and inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, psoriatic arthritis, gout, vasculitis, and connective tissue disorders. She is especially committed to helping patients with complex comorbidities navigate chronic illness while maintaining independence, function, and quality of life. Drawing from her extensive critical care and complex disease management experience, she takes a comprehensive, systems-based approach to autoimmune conditions and emphasizes early recognition, evidence-based treatment, and coordinated care tailored to each patient’s needs.

At the core of Stephanie’s practice is compassionate, patient-centered care built on listening, education, and partnership. She prioritizes clear communication and shared decision-making, ensuring patients understand their condition and feel confident in their treatment plan. Patients often describe Stephanie as attentive and approachable, and they appreciate her ability to explain complex medical information in a way that feels understandable and empowering.

Stephanie chose rheumatology because it allows her to build long-term relationships with patients while managing systemic, often lifelong conditions that require thoughtful, individualized care. She finds the work deeply meaningful—especially when patients regain mobility, experience less pain, and return to the activities they love. She is also continuing her doctoral education, focused on advancing patient outcomes and quality of care.

Before transitioning into nursing, Stephanie served in the U.S. Coast Guard as a corpsman, an experience that shaped her values of resilience, teamwork, and service—principles that continue to guide her clinical approach today. She speaks a little Spanish and welcomes the opportunity to support patients from diverse backgrounds.

Outside of the clinic, Stephanie enjoys hiking, camping, and spending time with her family and animals. Prior to entering healthcare, she was a professional horse trainer, and she still enjoys working with horses whenever she can.

Stephanie is accepting new patients at all Valley Arthritis Care locations throughout the Valley. To schedule an appointment, please contact our office.