Dr. Katina Kennedy is a Psychiatric and Family Nurse Practitioner who specializes in primary care, mental health, gynecology, and sexual health. She is a Speaker, Author, Entrepreneur, Professor, Television and Radio Health Expert, and Fitness Advocate. She is the owner of her own medical practice in Coral Springs, Florida. She is also the founder of All About Healthy Living Foundation in which she hosts teen and women health parties. Dr. Katina’s vision is connecting health and wellness to your everyday life. She is committed to empowering and inspiring all to live healthy, active, and amazing lives.
Tell us the inspiration behind becoming a nurse practitioner.
Dr. Katina: I grew up in an inner city where I overcame the norm of being a high school dropout. I was determined and focused to excel in education. I wanted to make it to college! After the death of my grandfather who suffered a stroke, my grandmother who suffered from Alzheimer’s disease, and witnessing my childhood best friend battle diabetes and having to give daily insulin shots, I was determined to obtain the necessary skills of helping others by becoming a nurse practitioner.
What advice do you have for individuals who are hesitant to seek help for their mental health concerns?
Dr. Katina: Mental health is just as important as physical health. In order to be your best self, you must make sure your mental state is taken care of and is managed. You can’t take care of others without taking care of self first!
How can friends and family support a loved one who is struggling with their mental health?
Dr. Katina: Listen, be patient, be empathetic, be supportive and be understanding. You can also become involved in their mental health care with appointment settings or reminders. Educate yourself and equip yourself to understand the loved one’s diagnosis.
It’s Women’s History Month. Name two women who inspire you and tell us why.
Dr. Katina: My paternal grandmother Julia H. Davis was an all around leader in the family and the community. She was a guidance counselor and national grand basilus of her sorority Eta Phi Beta. She was strong, resilient, hard working, smart, and compassionate. She juggled family and community duties with a smile. She raised me and taught me to be a leader and not a follower and to never give up and to reach for my goals. She taught me the importance of giving back to others; community service!
A second woman I admire is my mentor and Soror of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Mrs. Mary Dedmon-Bray. She was the women’s health nurse practitioner for the Broward County Health Department for 20 plus years. I did my first nurse practitioner internship with her in graduate school. She is the reason I am a Delta and was a major contributor to my nurse practitioner educational journey. When I see her I see bravery, strength, dedication, perseverance, community, sisterly, knowledgeable, community change agent and uplifting.
Dr. Katina’s Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/drkatina_drk?igsh=bXV4OWxrOXhwYmRp
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Dr. Katina Kennedy
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