Dr. Khara Breeden, DNP, MS, APRN, FNP-C, SANE-A, SANE-P, AFN-BC, is a nationally recognized forensic nursing leader, healthcare innovator. 

Widely regarded as one of the nation's leading experts in forensic nursing, Dr. Breeden has dedicated her career to expanding access to trauma-informed care for survivors of violence. Under her leadership, TXFNE has grown into the broadest regional forensic healthcare network in Texas, providing 24/7 forensic nursing services, Adult Forensic Interviews, advocacy, counseling support, education, and multidisciplinary collaboration across 44 counties and four regions of the state. 

Recognizing critical gaps in both forensic healthcare and victim services, Dr. Breeden has pioneered innovative approaches that expand access to specialized care in urban, rural, and underserved communities. In collaboration with multidisciplinary partners, she helped develop and launch the nation's first Adult Forensic Interview program, creating a trauma-informed model that has strengthened coordinated responses for victim survivors and helped shape the evolution of adult forensic interviewing across the country. Under her leadership, TXFNE's Adult Forensic Interview program has grown into the largest and most established program of its kind in Texas. 

She has also championed community-based and mobile forensic nursing models that bring specialized care directly to patients and healthcare facilities when and where services are needed most. Her work has helped transform access to forensic healthcare and forensic interviewing services for thousands of survivors across Texas. 

Dr. Breeden is a published researcher, contributing author, educator, and frequent national speaker. She has served in leadership roles with the International Association of Forensic Nurses, the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault, and statewide initiatives focused on advancing forensic healthcare and survivor services. Her expertise has been featured by the Houston Chronicle, Forensic Magazine, KPRC2 Houston Newsmakers, and numerous professional publications and conferences. 

Her professional honors include recognition as a Texas Nurses Association District 9 Top 20 Nurse, a Houston Business Journal Healthcare Hero, and a Houston Business Journal Most Admired CEO. 

Dr. Breeden holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Duquesne University, a Master of Science in Patient Safety Leadership from the University of Illinois Chicago, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Regis University, and an associate degree in nursing from Houston City College, where her journey in nursing began. 

Through visionary leadership, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to survivor-centered care, Dr. Breeden continues to advance the future of forensic healthcare and forensic interviewing while strengthening systems of care for communities across Texas and beyond.