Chanel Thomas DNP,
PMHNP-BC/FNP-BC
I'm Chanel Thomas— a dog mom, anime and horror movie fan, and a dual board-certified nurse practitioner specializing in both psychiatric mental health and family practice. My unique identity as a Black, queer, and neurodivergent professional allows me to offer a deeply personal and diverse perspective in the mental health and wellness field.
Born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee, my upbringing in an intergenerational household—alongside my mother, sister, grandparents, and great-grandparents—not only nurtured a sense of community and family but also exposed me to the complexities of mental illness early on, as many individuals in my family struggle with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, autism coupled with distrust of the health care field. This environment, combined with witnessing the real-world effects of mental health struggles, ignited my passion for psychiatric nursing. It felt like a natural calling, akin to caring for my own family.
I had a late diagnosis of ADHD after seeking care well into my adulthood once what I thought was my “personality” started truly impacting my professional and personal life. My personal experiences with ADHD and navigating a healthcare system that often felt impersonal, racist, and daunting have deeply influenced my approach to care. I strive to create a therapeutic space that respects individual hesitations towards traditional medication and/or therapy and upholds an individual’s cultural identity while prioritizing patient-centered solutions.
I am here to be a long term partner and advocate in supporting you on your journey to wellness, offering a caring, comprehensive approach that respects your unique story.
I look forward to working with you towards embarking on a path to better mental health and wellness!
Credentials
BSN/BA from Belmont University- Nashville, TN
MSN from Middle Tennessee State University- Murfreesboro, TN
DNP from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center- Memphis, TN
Dual Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner
Completed Community-Based Health Nurse Practitioner Residency at Vanderbilt University Medical Center— Nashville, TN
Completed Fellowship in Integrative Psychiatry at Integrative Psychiatry Institute- Boulder, Colorado
BIPOC Brainspotting Phase 1 trained
Extensive experience in inpatient psychiatric settings
Martha Cruz, MA
Administrative Coordinator
My name is Martha Cruz. Born in New York and raised in Tennessee, I grew up in a close-knit Hispanic family, instilling in me a deep appreciation for community and culture. I am a proud mother of three and enjoy cooking, spending quality time with loved ones, and exploring thought-provoking documentaries.
Driven by a desire to serve my community, I decided to become a Medical Assistant. My personal experiences with mental health challenges within my family sparked a profound passion for supporting individuals navigating mental health and wellness. This personal connection continues to inspire my commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Meet the pups!
Blue -5 years old
-loving, spoiled, loyal, stubborn
Magenta- 4 years old
-loving, destructive, demanding, gentle
QUOTE
“It’s okay to not be okay. It’s okay to ask for help. And it’s okay to receive help.”
- Taraji P. Henson