About Jamie Henderson, PMHNP After working in various psychiatry-related roles for more than 10 years – from mental health technician to mental health nurse to psychiatric clinical instructor – Jamie Henderson, PMHNP, has professional experience as an RN in psychiatric care in a hospital, in-patient rehabilitation settings and as a psychiatric clinical instructor at St. Mary’s College. Of her experiences and education, she says, “I learned the magnitude of simply listening and being present especially as a mental health provider – psychiatric patients are not always afforded the luxury of having their story heard.” With these experiences in her toolkit and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Bethel University (Mishawaka), Jamie went on to earn her Master of Science in Nursing, psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner, from IUPUI (Indianapolis). Now she is able to provide direct care to people in the Beacon Health System. “I essentially help to treat those suffering from mental health conditions whether emotional or psychological, which can dramatically affect someone’s quality of life, and present different treatment options,” Jamie says. Her care philosophy is to genuinely meet patients where they are in their mental health journey. She works to provide an environment that is conducive for healing and recovery and to also advise patients on different options to optimize their well-being.  “I have personally witnessed the impact of human suffering with mental illness, which has certainly shaped my empathy and I strive to make mental health services more equitable in healthcare,” she says. In treating patients, Jamie has learned about human resiliency. “I have been inspired by the ability of individuals to rise from traumatic circumstances and start toward their journey toward recovery,” Jamie says. “I hope patients learn that I’m passionate and have humility,” she says of her interactions with them. “I’m committed to mental health and provide an open and judgment-free environment that ensures patients feels safe.” In her own words… Who is or was the most influential person/role model in your life?  My mother – she is the definition of kindness and has always exemplified what unconditional love looks like. What was your first job growing up? What do you remember about it?  My first job was at a local sporting goods store that is sadly out of business today. I remember trying to sort through heaps and heaps of shoes stacked to the ceiling in the back and could never find the right sizes for customers. What is your favorite food? Movie?  I enjoy Middle Eastern food. My favorite dishes are probably chicken shawarma, tabouli and falafel – especially from Sultans Market in Chicago.  My favorite movie is Pride and Prejudice. What was your best/worst subjects in school growing up?  Best subject was mathematics, worst subject was probably economics. If you could sit down to dinner with anyone (alive or deceased) who would it be and why?  I would love to sit down with my baba, maternal grandmother, who immigrated from Ukraine and have her cook borsht and reminisce about life in the old country.  In addition to medicine, what are you passionate about?  I’m passionate about cooking, conservation, animals and books. What are your hobbies, interests?  I consider myself a devoted runner; I have completed the Chicago marathon and have run several half-marathons. You can generally find me outdoors, playing with my children, or snuggling up to a book. I enjoy birding, camping, cultivating native plants and reading. Do you have pets?  I have a 12-year-old dachshund named Daphne, and just recently adopted a 3-year-old Bernese mountain dog named Waldo. What is something most people don’t know about you?  I did not fly a kite until I was 27 years old.