A former pediatric nurse and director of nursing for a home health agency, Dr. Reifenstein obtained her Ph.D. in nursing research from the University of Rochester (UR).  Her research focused on care-seeking behaviors of African-American women with breast cancer symptoms.  Dr. Reifenstein completed a postdoctoral fellowship in 2013 at Oregon Health and Science University, focusing on research in individual and family symptom management. She joined the UR Nursing faculty in 2011 and served as the Director for School of Nursing Education for Diversity and Inclusion, Faculty Diversity Officer, School of Nursing Program Director for Dual Degree Nursing Students, and as an Assistant Professor of Clinical Nursing.  As of February 2020, Dr. Reifenstein has served as the Senior Associate Dean for Student Affairs and Diversity at Oregon Health and Science University, School of Nursing.