Jennifer Dawn

I attribute my success to a combination of perseverance, continuous learning, and the incredible mentors who have invested in my growth throughout my career. While hard work and determination have been essential, I firmly believe that success is built through the guidance, support, and wisdom of those who help shape us along the way.

I have been fortunate to learn from exceptional Nurse Practitioners who challenged me to grow both professionally and personally. Angela Brickner, PMHNP; Carol Parker, DNP, PMHNP, FNP; Amanda Kiddey, PMHNP; and Eliverta Liska, PMHNP, have each played an important role in my development. Their knowledge, leadership, and commitment to patient care have helped guide my clinical practice, strengthen my leadership abilities, and deepen my understanding of addiction and mental health treatment.

I also attribute my success to the experiences that have shaped my perspective and passion for this field. Working with individuals and families affected by substance use disorders has reinforced the importance of compassion, resilience, and meeting people where they are. Those experiences continue to motivate me to learn, lead, and advocate for better care.

Most importantly, I have learned that success is not measured by titles or accomplishments alone, but by the impact we have on others. Every mentor, colleague, patient, and family member I have encountered has contributed to my journey, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue learning and growing while helping others do the same.

The best career advice I have ever received was to never let fear make decisions for me. Throughout my career, there have been opportunities that felt intimidating—whether it was returning to school, stepping into leadership, or taking on responsibilities I wasn’t sure I was ready for. The advice to move forward despite uncertainty taught me that growth often happens outside of our comfort zones.

I’ve learned that no one has all the answers, and waiting until you feel completely prepared can mean missing opportunities to learn and lead. Some of the most rewarding moments in my career have come from taking a chance on myself, trusting the foundation I had built, and being willing to continue learning along the way.

That advice continues to guide me today. It reminds me to embrace challenges, stay open to growth, and have confidence in my ability to adapt, learn, and make a positive impact.

My advice to young women entering the substance use disorder treatment field as nurses is to never underestimate the power of compassion, resilience, and authenticity. This work can be challenging, but it is also incredibly rewarding. Lead with empathy, continue learning, and remember that every patient deserves dignity, respect, and hope. Don’t be afraid to use your voice, advocate for your patients, and step into leadership opportunities, even when they feel outside your comfort zone. The relationships you build and the lives you help transform will become your greatest source of purpose and fulfillment.

One of the biggest challenges in the substance use disorder treatment field today is addressing the growing demand for services while ensuring access to high-quality, evidence-based care. We continue to face workforce shortages, stigma surrounding addiction and mental health, and barriers that prevent individuals from seeking or receiving treatment. As leaders, we must also navigate evolving regulations, funding challenges, and the increasing complexity of patients’ needs, including co-occurring mental health disorders.

The greatest opportunity in our field is the ability to change lives while helping shape the future of addiction treatment. Increased awareness of substance use and mental health disorders has created opportunities to expand access to care, reduce stigma, integrate innovative treatment approaches, and develop a stronger workforce. As leaders, we have the opportunity to advocate for recovery, mentor future professionals, and build systems of care that offer hope, healing, and lasting recovery for those we serve.

The values that are most important to me are integrity, authenticity, and accountability. I believe in being honest about who I am, following through on my commitments, and treating people with fairness and respect. Whether in my professional or personal life, I strive to be someone others can trust and depend on.

I also value growth and lifelong learning. I believe there is always something to learn from every experience, every challenge, and every person we meet. Staying open to new perspectives has helped me grow as a leader, a nurse, and an individual.

Most importantly, I value relationships. The connections we build with family, friends, colleagues, and those we serve are what give meaning to our lives. I believe success is not just about what we accomplish, but about how we treat people along the way and the positive impact we leave on others.