Advancing Holistic Nursing Education and Maternal Mental Health: My Journey to USF

My experience working with nursing faculty and students this summer was very fulfilling and confirmed for me that USF's values and mission align with my own. In particular, I was inspired by the university's commitment to cura personalis, or care for the whole person, which extends beyond academic achievement and aligns closely with my own holistic approach in nursing. I value appreciation of diverse perspectives, social justice, and community engagement. I believe the nursing profession’s focus on the holistic assessment of individuals, families, and communities is vital to mitigating health disparities among underserved populations.

I was drawn to nursing education several years ago when I attended a community health fair and spoke with nursing students who were conducting health assessments and providing health education. Their enthusiasm for health prevention and their engagement with community members inspired me to pursue a career in nursing education.

My teaching philosophy and approach are guided by a deep respect for students’ individual experiences and perspectives. I strive to create a safe environment that promotes learning by encouraging students to appreciate each other’s points of view and to stay connected to their professional aspirations. I believe that I have much to learn from my students, and I enjoy sharing my professional experiences. I encourage students to engage their creativity. One classroom activity I regularly use is case-based discussion: I present students with a complex, real-world clinical scenario and have them work in small groups to identify both the clinical and social determinants impacting the case. This encourages teamwork, critical thinking, and an appreciation for the varied backgrounds and insights each student brings. We then come together as a class to share ideas and reflect collaboratively on the broader implications for nursing practice. I strive to provide relevant content grounded in clinical practice that also addresses larger systemic issues we must consider as healthcare professionals.

I want to contribute to USF’s School of Nursing and Health Professions in ways that align with the university's mission and values. I hope to share my educational and clinical experiences in the field of maternal mental health and inspire psychiatric nurse practitioner students to address existing gaps in quality care for this population. I want to innovate community-based groups to address the need for social connection and support for various underserved populations that may be prone to isolation, such as new mothers. I would also like to collaborate with others to contribute to the literature on maternal mental health and to engage in qualitative research exploring matrescence. One specific collaboration I would welcome is co-leading a research project on the effectiveness of peer-support groups for new mothers at risk for perinatal mood disorders, with the aim of co-authoring a paper that highlights our findings and recommendations.

In addition to teaching and clinical work, I keep busy caring for my two active dogs and my many plants. I enjoy crocheting, all things vintage, and exploring nature trails. I find that these hobbies help me stay grounded and remind me of the importance of mindfulness, patience, and nurturing — qualities that are central to my approach as a nurse and educator. Whether tending to my plants or exploring nature, I draw inspiration from the natural world and the process of growth, which parallels my commitment to fostering a supportive and holistic learning environment for my students.