Lynda Miller ’12, ’16, ’19 chose Shenandoah University because of her love for learning. She received an associate degree from Laurel Ridge Community College while her husband was overseas serving in the military and wanted to continue her nursing education at the Shenandoah. Miller earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in nursing from the university as well as a Doctor of Nursing Practice and a postgraduate certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health.
“If you are looking for a school where you are valued and supported by faculty, Shenandoah is without a doubt the place to be,” said Miller. “My original goal was to obtain my Bachelor’s at SU but it was Dr. Janice Smith who planted the seed that I had what it took to move beyond the BSN, and obtain the MSN and FNP.”
Miller’s fondest memory while attending Shenandoah was working on her doctoral study that researched the use of cognitive behavioral therapy in women to prevent weight management relapse. She enjoyed fine-tuning the study with her professors and cohort.
Miller is now the partner and owner of Healing Hands Integrated Wellness & Primary Care in Winchester, Virginia. In this role, Miller provides primary care, mental health care, women’s health as well as hormonal therapy treatment for women, men and trans individuals.
“Myself, along two other SU graduates, Stacy Konyar ’11, Anna Ennis-Martinez ’12, and Laura Sutton, therapist in training, came together to open a practice that truly looks at patients holistically— mind, body, & spirit, by providing wellness and mental health under one roof,” said Miller.
Prior to Miller creating Healing Hands with her partners, she was a nurse practitioner at the Women’s Center of Winchester. The doctors of that practice, Division of Physician Assistant Studies Adjunct Clinical Professor Laura Dabinett and Carolyn Wilson, supported Miller when she decided to go back to Shenandoah to complete her postgraduate certificate and doctorate degree as well as encouraged her to start her own practice.
One of Miller’s most rewarding experiences in her career is being a member of the government relations board for the Virginia Council of Nurse Practitioners (VCNP), now serving as the president of the council. While being a part of the government relations board, she assisted in writing a bill to allow autonomous practice for nurse practitioners in Virginia.
Shenandoah helped prepare Miller for her career by providing her real-world experience during her clinical studies. The support she received from her professors also fostered exploration and growth in her, which was essential to her career progression and where she is today.
“I truly felt that the professors were vested in my success and most were my biggest ‘cheerleaders’ during my time at SU,” said Miller.
Miller’s advice to current and future students is: “Explore every opportunity that you can while in school to find your niche.”