Tory Queensley, RN

Tory Queensley is a Registered Nurse at Sanford Health and the Co-Founder of EmpowerHER North Dakota, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting mothers impacted by addiction. She works primarily in behavioral health and medical-surgical care, providing direct patient care in a high-acuity hospital environment that includes a locked behavioral health unit and overflow med-surg services. In addition, she serves in a behavioral health rapid response role, assisting patients across the hospital who are experiencing confusion, aggression, or acute crisis.

Tory began her nursing career after initially working in non-clinical roles, ultimately pursuing healthcare with a strong desire to create a better future for herself and her family. She first became a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), working in clinical settings for two years before advancing her education. She later earned her Associate of Science in Registered Nursing from Minnesota State Community and Technical College in 2024, successfully transitioning into her current role as a Registered Nurse. Her journey reflects perseverance, resilience, and a strong commitment to professional growth.

In addition to her clinical responsibilities, Tory is deeply committed to advocacy work through EmpowerHER North Dakota, which she co-founded after participating in the Jeremiah Program, a national initiative supporting single mothers in higher education. Through EmpowerHER, she works to address the stigma surrounding mothers struggling with addiction and help create pathways toward recovery, stability, and long-term healing. The organization focuses on providing education, skill-building, and holistic support services, with the long-term goal of developing housing solutions that allow mothers to remain with their children during recovery.

Tory’s experience in behavioral health nursing plays a central role in both her clinical and advocacy work. She is trained in crisis response and regularly assists in managing high-risk situations involving patients experiencing psychiatric emergencies. Her work has strengthened her passion for mental health care and reinforced her commitment to creating systems that are more compassionate, accessible, and supportive for vulnerable populations, particularly women and mothers facing addiction.

Beyond her professional and nonprofit leadership roles, Tory is a dedicated mother of three and a Jeremiah Program alumna, experiences that continue to shape her purpose and drive. She is committed to personal growth, community service, and empowering women to overcome barriers and rebuild their lives. Through both her nursing career and her nonprofit leadership, she continues to make a meaningful impact in healthcare and community support systems in North Dakota.

• Minnesota State Community and Technical College - A.S. in Nursing, 2024

• ADN
• Registered Nurse (RN), Licensed Practical Nurse

• Jeremiah Program Alumni Recognition
• Selected participant in “Spark Tank” innovation pitch program
• 4.0 in your LPN program (and serving as graduation speaker, featured in the Fargo Forum in 2022)
• 3.98 in your ADN program (also serving as graduation speaker)

• Jeremiah Program (Alumni Member)
• United Way of Cass Clay “35 Under 35 Women’s Leadership Cohort” (2026)

• Co-Founder, EmpowerHER North Dakota
• Advocacy and support programs for mothers affected by addiction
• Community-based education in recovery, communication, and life skills
• Support for housing equity initiatives for mothers in recovery
• Mentorship and empowerment programs for women and single mothers

Featured posts and community advocacy content related to EmpowerHER North Dakota Public speaking and nonprofit awareness presentations on maternal addiction recovery and support systems. EmpowerHER featured in Fargo Inc. (August 2025 edition)