Who is Monica Pannell, and how would you describe yourself to someone who has never met you?
I love the life I have built for myself and my loved ones. I’m happily married with two kids and one precious grandbaby. I’m also a homeowner. I am outgoing and enjoy connecting with like-minded individuals on a deeper level. I take making memories with family and friends seriously.
Where were you born and raised? What was your upbringing like?
I was born in Roanoke at Community Hospital and raised by a single mother. Growing up, I was still surrounded by love and a supportive village. We lived with my grandmother until I got to elementary school. On Sundays, I was always in church. My mom spent countless hours working and was a great provider for my siblings and I.
After high school, what was the next chapter of your life?
It took me some time to figure things out, but once I did, there was no turning back. After working at jobs that weren’t fulfilling, I decided to enter the healthcare industry. Becoming a certified nursing assistant (CNA) introduced me to a field that I was completely unaware of. Since then, I’ve accomplished a lot: Bachelor of Nursing Science (BSN), Registered Nurse (RN), and MSN-Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner.
What is your official title, and what do your responsibilities consist of?
I love what I get to do as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I work at an outpatient clinic, do evaluations for hospice, manage geriatric patients and work at different facilities throughout the month. In addition to psychiatric evaluations, I am also responsible for ordering tests, diagnosing patients, prescribing and medication management, detox assessments, psychotherapy, collaboration, educating, and providing patient-centered treatment plans across life spans. Also, I precept nurse practitioner students.
How important is family to you?
My family means the world to me. They created a stable foundation for personal growth. I wouldn’t be where I am right now if it weren’t for them. We spend a lot of time together and I plan on keeping it that way.
If you were building the ultimate music playlist for a six-hour road trip, which artists would be on it?
I love music, so my playlist would feature a lot of artists. On it would be Elle Mai, SZA, Chris Brown, Usher, Tems, Mariah the Scientist and Cardi B. My playlist would be so good that I would just let it play from start to finish.
What are some of your favorite City of Roanoke memories?
Growing up, catching football games at Victory Stadium and the Henry Street Festival were always a great time. My friends and I saw a lot of films at the movie theatre. Looking back, I am so glad that I have pictures that captured these precious moments.
What are some of your hobbies?
I love traveling, reading, researching, exploring new restaurants, bowling, and, of course, spending time with family.
Which people have had the biggest impact on your life outside of family?
My Aunt Tamita always encouraged me to chase my dreams. When she passed, her words of wisdom hit me on a different level. God has placed a lot of amazing people in my life, both personally and professionally.
If you could go back and give your younger self some advice, what would it be?
It would be simple and straight to the point: Always choose you first and believe in yourself…be a leader and never a follower.
