Dr. Hertel attended higher education at Fort Hays State University where she earned Bachelor’s and Master's degrees. The doctor launched her career working as a probation officer and later returned to Walden University where she earned her Ph.D. in Health Psychology in 2019.

A licensed clinical marriage and family therapist, Dr. Hertel’s illustrious career was shaped by many experiences including a stint as an evaluation therapist at Serenity Psychology Services & Consulting LLC in Hays, KS and asserts that she built her skills off of her earlier experience as the manager of Hertel Therapeutic Services from 2010 to 2014. She attributes her success to her professionalism, integrity, and education, as well as to the relationships she established with her work mentors and community members. 

The doctor asserts that she has had many notable career accomplishments, including her involvement in starting and organizing several human resource organizations in the community. She was also the director of the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Program, established in 1970; was involved in spearheading the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America program in the area; was instrumental in starting the Dolly Parton Imagination Library in her area; and with the support of the 20th, 23rd, and 24th Kansas Judicial District Chief Judges, she became the founder and director of the Citizen Review Board in those three judicial districts. A dedicated civil servant, the doctor is a member of the Wonder Woman’s League and has remained active in the local Northwest Kansas Developmental Services Program by giving her ongoing support and being involved as a quality assurance team member.  

Accounting for her passion for her work, Dr. Hertel lost her daughter at the age of 17 to multiple pterygium syndrome among other significant losses. She notes that her devotion to her work has helped her to cope with her losses and she enjoys being involved in and starting community programs that aid others. She also sits on many local boards and attributes her success to her father who is her hero and biggest supporter.  

Dr. Hertel is enjoying a well-deserved retirement spending time with her family and hopes to continue to dedicate her time in voluntary community activities and charities.