Jessica Castro, OptiMantra’s Onboarding and Implementation Manager, didn’t set out to work in health tech. But with over 14 years of nursing experience and a career spanning the full patient journey—from prenatal to end-of-life care—she brings a rare depth of understanding to her work guiding practices through EMR adoption.
A Nurse's Perspective on Clinical Workflows
Jessica’s clinical experience shaped her expectations when it came to EMR systems. “In a busy clinical environment, I needed a system that was user-friendly and intuitive—something that wouldn't add extra steps to complete basic tasks,” she explains. “Customizable templates were also key, because I needed charting to reflect the actual workflow.”
After using several other systems over the years, she found herself drawn to OptiMantra for its smooth clinical workflows. “Everything is organized from check-in to check-out. It lets providers focus on patient care instead of extra clicks.”
A Personal Journey to Holistic Health—and Health Tech
After stepping away from clinical care due to long COVID, Jessica began exploring a new path forward—one that still allowed her to support healthcare in a meaningful way.
“I came across OptiMantra while navigating my own healing journey, where integrative and holistic medicine played a major role. It gave me a greater appreciation for root-cause medicine and whole-person care.”
She was immediately struck by OptiMantra’s commitment to supporting wellness providers. “The system was built for the kind of care that helped me heal. Once I saw how thoughtfully it was designed, I knew I had to be part of it. The opportunity to contribute to a mission I believe in, while using my background as a nurse to support providers who are making a real difference in patients' lives.”
A Culture of Connection
When Jessica joined the OptiMantra team, what stood out most wasn’t just the platform—it was the people.
“OptiMantra reminds me of the kind of small-town diner where everyone knows your name and genuinely cares about you,” she says. “The team is responsive, kind, and genuinely invested in helping practices thrive.”
Although she initially joined the customer support team, Jessica quickly gravitated toward onboarding. “I’ve always had a passion for relationship building, and onboarding let me work closely with practices from day one. I love being their go-to person—guiding them through setup, training, and helping them feel confident with the system.”
Bringing Clinical Insight to Every Onboarding
Jessica’s provider background is a huge asset during onboarding. “I know what it’s like to juggle patients, documentation, and workflows—especially while learning a new system. That lived experience allows me to anticipate questions, break things down clinically, and offer reassurance when things feel overwhelming.”
She loves watching providers grow more confident. “The best moments are when something clicks—when a provider realizes, ‘This is going to make my life easier.’ It’s exciting to be part of that transformation.”
Her Advice to Practices Evaluating EMRs
For practices considering a change, Jessica offers this:
“Think beyond the checkboxes. Find a system that supports your workflow, your team, and your mission. With OptiMantra, you’re not just getting an EMR—you’re gaining a partner. The support you'll get from the team is personal, responsive, and genuinely invested in your success. Take the time to ask questions, see how OptiMantra will help you meet your goals, and imagine how we'll help you succeed long term. Its a big decision to make but with the right partner it can be game changing.”
Favorite Features? Too Many to Count.
Jessica admits it’s hard to pick a single favorite feature. “I love showing off the customizable patient portal and how intake forms flow right into charting—it saves so much time!”
If she had to choose, though? “I’d highlight the charting templates and our ‘dot phrases’—actually, they use the ‘@’ symbol! You can insert commonly used notes with just a few keystrokes. It’s a small thing that makes a big difference.”
She’s also excited about the AI-powered charting integration with DeepCura. “It’s incredible how AI can streamline workflows and give providers more time with patients.”
The Heart Behind the Tech
For Jessica, the work is about more than software. It’s about people. “My ideal weekend involves rocking on my front porch with a good book and a cozy blanket. That same sense of calm and connection is what I try to bring to every practice I support.”
With Jessica leading the charge, practices transitioning to OptiMantra are in expert—and empathetic—hands.
Schedule a demo or start a free trial to experience what provider-powered support really feels like.
