About Sheryl Vinci The desire to pursue a career in medicine/nursing, was clear to Sheryl Vinci, PMHNP, due to a personal experience with being sick when she was younger. “I knew that I wanted to help people like I had been helped,” she says. Her nursing career began after she graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Carlow University, Pittsburgh, PA. Eight years later, Sheryl earned her doctorate degree (Doctor of Nursing Practice with concentration as family nurse practitioner) from Robert Morris University in Pittsburgh, PA. Then, five years after that, she went to Wilkes University at Wilkes Barre, PA, and earned her Master’s Certificate as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Her work with kids, teenagers and adults focuses on helping them manage their mental health and live the best lives they can. “I want to help people improve their quality of life,” she says. Sheryl also uses the best evidenced-based practices and integrates what she knows to shape the goals established between her and her patients. “I learned to listen to my patients and integrate their goals to their treatment plan.” She would like her patients to know that it isn’t always comfortable to make progress in a mental health journey and that is okay. “My goal is to really work with the patients and their families to come up with a plan of care that will help them improve their quality of life,” Sheryl says. In her own words… Who is or was the most influential people/role models in your life?  My mom. She has always worked so hard in her field and with her family and has done so with patience and kindness. What was your first job growing up? What do you remember about it?  I worked as a babysitter. I remember thinking how hard it was to take care of kids for that short amount of time! What is your favorite food? Movie?  Favorite food: Chicken alfredo     Favorite book/movie: Harry Potter series What was your best/worst subjects in school growing up?  My worst subject was history     My best subject was science If you could sit down to dinner with anyone (alive or deceased) who would it be and why?  My aunt. She passed away while I was in college of a brain tumor, and I just miss spending time with her. She was the most joyful and the kindest person I have ever met. In addition to medicine, what are you passionate about?  Spending time with my family and making memories. What are your hobbies, interests?  I love to read and learn new crafts. I taught myself to quilt through YouTube videos during the pandemic. What is something most people don’t know about you?  I love traveling and discovering new places.