“It’s easy to remember when I started because it was 2/22/2022,” says Patricia Brown, R.N., Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory’s new Wellness Center Director. “Nursing was my second career,” continues Mrs. Brown, “I did a short stint in communications (my first degree!) and worked with Herff Jones in their yearbook program for about a year here in South Florida. Then I got into an accelerated program for Nursing School and went straight to the ICU.” After working at Mt. Sinai for a year, Mrs. Brown moved to Chicago and completed three years in a general ICU followed by six years in a Neuro ICU. Mrs. Brown says she’s ready for something new and different at CMCP! 

“My brother, Coach Dan Scott, Athletic Facilities Manager/Head Baseball Coach, texted me when my family was planning on moving from Chicago that CMCP was hiring, and I put in my application,” recounts Mrs. Brown. “What I like the most about my job as Wellness Center Director is how closely I work with guidance,” she continues, “and I really like the team environment. We thrive on team environments in the hospital and it’s been comforting to see that here as well. I’m getting to know many of the students, so being able to bounce into Ms. Tucker’s office or Mrs. Crespo’s and receive a full picture of the students I interact with helps me handle each situation correctly.” 

Mrs. Brown looks forward to continuing to make the Wellness Center an inviting place. “I love that we call it the Wellness Center here at CMCP because that’s truly what it is; it’s more than just a clinic. I want students to come in and talk about preventative care. There are so many avenues in health - diet, exercise, healthy living. Stop in the Wellness Center!” 

One avenue Mrs. Brown wants to address now is mental health awareness. Did you know May is Mental Health Awareness Month? Here’s what Mrs. Brown wants to tell our #LionPride about Mental Health Awareness Month: 

Raising mental health awareness is critical as 50% of teens are affected by mental illness. Bring Change To Mind launched a campaign called Human To Human to help break the stigma against mental illness and encourage us to talk to each other--- call, text, email, or write to connect to one another. Just by checking in on a friend, classmate, or family member, we can help break down the barriers. 

Good mental health can lead to good physical health as they often go hand in hand. Many times mental health can be overlooked; when in reality, it should hold the same value as physical health. According to the University of Nevada, mental health and physical health have a direct correlation. So, what can we do to improve our mental and physical health?  Let’s develop some healthy habits such as exercising, avoiding procrastination, increasing water intake, sleeping 7-8 hours per night, taking a break from social media, establishing a routine, setting boundaries, meditating, and doing something that makes you happy (for example: join a club, find a hobby, go for a run, go to a movie). Mental health stability can allow us to navigate the good and the ‘not-so-good’ times and can help us to recognize when we need to turn to someone for help. 
At CMCP, the Guidance Department and the Wellness Center work together to provide a safe space and establish a trusting relationship with our students. High school can be a time of stress and a lot changes. We want to be able to help our students navigate this time.Our team ensures students are kept safe and receive the right attention. Students  are always welcomed and encouraged to see Ms. Tucker, Mrs. Crespo, Ms. Harvey, or Mrs. Brown at any time. 

As National Nurses Week came to a close on Thursday, your Lions here at CMCP want to take the time to thank you for all that you do for us this week and every day. Thank you for all that you do for our students, Mrs. Brown!