Here’s a big welcome home to Charleston native Shana Monique! She’s happy to be back close to the loving embrace of her Charleston-based family. Passionate about the care and engagement of those experiencing behavioral health illnesses, Shana is part of a collaborative team impacting the future of the nursing profession. Her life philosophy is to love people and make sure everyone she encounters has the chance to live their best life unapologetically! For herself, this means spending the time she isn’t changing lives reading, watching movies, taking walks in the park, and visiting her sanctuary– the beach! She also enjoys the fellowship of her friends and sorors in the Gamma Xi Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc!
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I’m very close to my parents and one sister. I’m a single mom to two boys, Shane and Christopher. Shane is currently in the United States Navy along with my daughter-in love Tazhane and grandson Kaison Amir. I also enjoy life with the love of my life Mike and have the pleasure of being a bonus mom to Cedney, Justice, Zi, and Amir.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I have been a part of the nursing profession since 2007 and a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner since 2009. I completed a Master of Science in Nursing for PMHNP at MUSC in 2007 and my Doctorate of Nursing Practice in August 2020. I gained my mental health experience in inpatient, outpatient, emergency/ crisis/ substance detox, and private practice. I am currently working at LifeStance Health in the North Charleston area, and I love being able to heal hearts and minds. My work has been published in the American Journal of Psychiatric Nursing with paper entitled “The Effects of Shared Decision-Making on Patient Participation in Discharge Meetings in a Behavioral Health Unit.” I’m also a contributing author in the following books: The Power of V, Healing Toxic Habits Volume 2, and The Waiting Room.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Nigel’s Good Food, Hannibal’s, The Fleet, Halls Chophouse
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I was born in Charleston and missed it so much after moving away that I had to return. From to 2002-2009 I attended the Medical University of South Carolina College of Nursing and started my nursing career working various floors at MUSC hospital and Institute of Psychiatry.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
That is a hard one! Our community is one of a kind!!
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I’ve heard Santorini, Greece is insanely beautiful! It’s on my bucket list.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Love and Basketball, The Notebook, any crime shows– Law and Order, Criminal Minds, Chicago PD
Q: What advice would you give to people?
What other people think of you is none of your business; live life unapologetically.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Write my own book, speak at a conference, and meet Oprah so she could read it.
Q: What is your go to band when you cant decide what to listen to?
I’m a 90s R&B kinda girl, so that’s a hard choice…. Boyz II Men, Dru Hill, and New Edition just to name a few.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
The Tiny Tassel for diversity and creativity. Hannibal’s Kitchen because I grew up with the owners.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I would love to meet and talk to Kamala Harris, who I met prior to her becoming Vice President. I would love to meet at Nana’s Seafood and Soul Uptown.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
The culture and the history… again very unique and interesting. My favorite thing is the sweetgrass baskets.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Having an outpatient behavioral health practice that serves those with or without insurance as well as those just seeking help. I want to provide various services to the community along with my family. I also see myself just being present with loving and living life.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I can be a big goofball!! I love to laugh and joke around.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
The Grand Canyon so far….
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving, and my favorite month is January (the month of new beginnings). The first of the month is the single best day for me!
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
The sweetgrass baskets- my grandmother makes them.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
This is a hard one!! My sister Shari and my boys. Everyday they remind me of my light!
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
The various smells of Sunday dinner
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Love, Peace, Happiness
