Who is Christopher Messmer?
MSN, RN, APRN-CNP, PMHNP-BC, ACTIVE-DUTY VETERAN
I hail from Columbus, Ohio, where my late father’s family has deep roots in the South Side/German Village area. Our family still proudly owns the German-style brick home that my great grandfather built from scratch. On my mother’s side, we have ties to the Vinton County/Hocking Hills area, providing me with the unique experience of growing up surrounded by both the tranquility of the countryside and the vibrancy of city life.
Some of my fondest memories involve driving through the hilly countryside in Hocking Hills with my maternal grandparents. Singing church hymns on our way to church or to buy Laurelville cider created a deep connection to my roots. These experiences, coupled with my early exposure to diversity, set the stage for a broader appreciation of people during my time in the U.S. Navy, where I met sailors from 51 states and foreign navies such as Greece and England. After my six years of active duty as a hospital corpsman, I immediately worked to finish my undergraduate degree in Psychology from Ohio State, where I also completed my Master’s training in advanced practice nursing.
One memorable figure from my childhood is Wally Crishbaum, a blind elderly family friend. Our encounters were brief, but his warmth and inquisitiveness left a lasting impact on me. It was during those early years that I developed a genuine appreciation for connecting with people.