Sheena M. Daniels, DNP, ARNP, FNP-BC

I attribute my success to the incredible childhood I was fortunate to have—I feel truly blessed. From an early age, I knew I had a passion for helping others, which guided me through earning my doctorate and becoming a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner. Teaching part-time at Florida A&M University allows me to share that passion and mentor the next generation of healthcare professionals. Meeting my husband, who shares my love for children, opened the door to a new chapter in our lives. Together, we became the CEO team of Haven’s Open Arms, a network of group homes that has grown to four locations. With the help of my mother, who currently serves as our Extended Foster Care and Compliance Director, our work is fueled by our shared dedication to supporting children from challenging backgrounds, helping them thrive both before and after the age of 18. Our mission has always been to provide these young people with the love, guidance, and opportunities they deserve—giving them a life filled with hope, stability, and the chance to reach their full potential. Watching our vision grow alongside the hearts of the children we serve has been the most rewarding part of my journey.

The best career advice I’ve ever received is that you have the power to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others, while building a career that allows you to live a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life. Finding work that you love and that brings purpose is truly transformative.

My advice to young women entering this industry is to follow both your heart and your dreams—you can achieve success while staying true to your passions. I’ve been fortunate to receive recognition such as receiving the Nurse Excellence Award and being nominated for Faculty of the Year Award, which serve as reminders that dedication, compassion, and perseverance truly pays off.

One of the biggest challenges in my field is finding the balance between being fully present for others and making time for myself. At the same time, this presents an opportunity to model self-care and balance while pursuing a fulfilling career. I personally enjoy nurturing my creativity and well-being through attending concerts, outdoor activities like swimming and biking, and experimenting with new recipes while listening to music—activities that recharge me so I can continue giving my best to those I serve.

The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are teaching, mentorship, and providing love, guidance, and support. I am deeply committed to helping young nurses grow in their careers while also supporting the young people in my care, ensuring they have the encouragement and resources they need to thrive.