Daily Inspiration: Meet Jennifer Sills

Hi Jennifer, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
In 1986, Division 45 was developed to promote the development of knowledge and understanding of ethnic minority psychology; the application of psychological principles specific to ethnic minorities; consideration of how social concerns impact ethnic minority populations, and incorporation of the importance of diversity in society. I represent the 3% “OTHER” born in 1986. Growing up a multi-ethnic minority and living within enclaves of minorities as well as being surrounded with friends and family members who suffered from mental health conditions–some of which led to suicide and overdose–motivated my desire to want to work in psychiatry. The reason I was motivated to enter the medical field was because I felt someone like myself lacked representation and I often feared I would be “judged” by my provider or that psychiatrists were not culturally competent enough to really understand my worldview.

Also, stigma and shame are common obstacles to get help. I was fortunate to have many different work experiences prior to starting my professional career and was accepted at Miami Dade College physician associate program and became licensed to practice medicine as a PA-C in 2018. Currently, I am a serial entrepreneur and like many others, am enjoying new beginnings post “COVID-19 reset era.” I am collaborating with GIA (Global Institute on Addictions) Miami to offer cutting-edge evidence-based treatment options tailored to suit patient’s needs. The facilities I work in include cutting-edge technologies including TMS which is transcranial magnetic stimulation, a non-invasive FDA approved therapy that uses gentle magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain. For more than three decades, many people have benefitted from it and can cope better with depression, anxiety, addiction, postpartum depression and other mental disorders. The path for mental wellness is different for everyone, for most people the most effective treatment programs involve a combination of evidence-based therapies along with compassionate care and personal support. My goal is to offer these services and extend other options such as neurotoxins like botox or dysport as adjunct therapy. From a sociological perspective, it certainly is problematic that many women and men (and everything inbetween) still feel unique social pressures to prioritize anti-aging when they are stretched super-thin in many aspects of life. The frowning muscle called the “corrugator” is regarded as the principal muscle in the expression of suffering. The concept of freezing these muscles is that they not only express but regulate mood states.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

My road certainly has been a roller coaster of excitement! The biggest struggle is ensuring the most ethical standards during these confusing times! Sometimes stepping away from it all is the best way to look at the big picture. My hope is that by advocating, caring for and representing myself the best I can will help to uplift everyone else around me.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
In addition to working as a PA-C, I love having a creative outlet. Over the years, I have been able to collaborate on many different film projects from robot boxing in “Real Steel, “Oz the Great and Powerful,” to Telemundo novelas and music video sets. I have had the pleasure of working with some very talented people. I also enjoy live entertainment! “Running away with the circus” has always been my hearts desire and getting to know many performers over the years has improved my perspective on many nuances of human behavior and psychology. You can never stop learning!

We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Having a positive effect on other people and being at peace with yourself is the most valuable form of currency anyone can achieve. I have experienced living on both ends of the spectrum–from a world-class lavish life and urban barrio living and ultimately, you can’t take the material things with you when it’s your time to go.