Cristal Buescher, FNP-C

Family Practice

Cristal Buescher is a dedicated Family Nurse Practitioner and lead provider at Thrive Life Wellness, where she brings her passion for compassionate, patient-centered care to the community she proudly calls home. Born and raised in Walla Walla, Cristal graduated from Walla Walla High School in 2001 and continues to reside here with her husband and their three adult children. Cristal began her healthcare journey at Walla Walla Community College, earning her Associate Degree in Nursing in 2011. She launched her career at Walla Walla General Hospital as a medical-surgical nurse, gaining diverse experience across departments including emergency care and the ICU. She also served as an interim occupational health nurse, strengthening her expertise in workplace safety and employee wellness.

Her desire to expand her clinical skills led her to travel across Washington State as a nurse, where she worked in various healthcare settings and broadened her proficiency across multiple specialties. In 2014, Cristal joined the Washington State Penitentiary, providing essential care in a challenging environment. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she transitioned into a pivotal role as an Occupational Nurse Consultant for the statewide COVID-19 response team, contributing to critical public health efforts from home. Cristal continued advancing her education by earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Western Governors University in July 2021. She then obtained her Master of Science in Nursing as a Family Nurse Practitioner from United States University, graduating with distinction in August 2023. Cristal’s career reflects her unwavering dedication, resilience, and commitment to excellence in healthcare. As the founder of Thrive Life Wellness, she is passionate about improving the well-being of her community by offering personalized, high-quality healthcare services. Cristal looks forward to partnering with patients and families to support their health, vitality, and overall wellness.

Lauren Berg, FNP-C

Dermatology

Lauren Berg is an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centered dermatologic care. A proud Pacific Northwest native, Lauren began her education at Columbia Basin College—where she also played collegiate basketball—before earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Washington State University. She began her nursing career in 2012 in cardiac care and later returned to WSU to complete her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree in 2016. During her doctoral training, she also served as a clinical instructor, sharing her commitment to education and high-quality patient care with nursing students. Lauren is board-certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and has been practicing in dermatology since 2021. She is passionate about helping patients feel comfortable and confident in their skin, focusing on personalized, evidence-based care for individuals of all ages.

Her clinical interests include general dermatology, skin cancer prevention through routine screenings, and targeted treatment for conditions such as acne, eczema, and rashes. She is also trained in dermatologic procedures, including the removal of skin cancers and benign lesions such as cysts. Outside of her clinical work, Lauren enjoys spending time with her husband, Adam, and their three children. Whether she's cheering at sports events or helping with school activities, she loves staying active and connected with her family and community. Lauren looks forward to partnering with you to support your skin health and overall well-being.