Willa Augustitn shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Willa , thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What is a normal day like for you right now?
A normal day feels like I’m living two lives at once. I wake up early to make sure my high schooler is cared for, encouraged, and out the door on time. Then I step into my role as a healthcare provider, pouring into my patients, managing heavy workloads, and trying to stay centered even when the day throws challenges my way.
In the middle of all that, I’m still a mom answering texts, checking on them, juggling school events and reminders. After work, it’s dinner, homework, conversations, and trying to be present even when I’m exhausted. Once they’re settled, I finish documentation, prep for tomorrow, and hope I can carve out a few minutes just to breathe. It’s a lot, but I’m proud of how I show up for both my patients and my child.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Dr. Willa Augustin, and I am a dual board-certified Nurse Practitioner proudly serving Palm Beach County and the greater South Florida community. I specialize as both a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and a Family Nurse Practitioner, which allows me to care for my patients from a truly holistic perspective addressing both physical and emotional wellbeing with equal intention. I am also the Founder of Vital Choice Medical, a concierge primary and mental health practice created to offer patients a more personalized, accessible, and empowering healthcare experience. Through this practice, I am able to combine my clinical expertise with my passion for mental health advocacy and whole-person wellness bringing high quality, individualized care directly to the people who need it most.
With more than eleven years of clinical experience in family practice, internal medicine, and behavioral health, I am deeply committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care to diverse and underserved populations. My work is guided by my strong faith in God and a personal mission to serve with integrity, empathy, and purpose. For over eighteen years, I have dedicated myself to this community delivering primary care in Wellington and Belle Glade and supporting individuals through acute illnesses, chronic conditions, and life transitions.
What truly makes my journey unique is the blend of clinical expertise, mentorship, and community impact that defines my career. In addition to my practice, I serve as part-time faculty at HCI, where I have trained and mentored nursing students who will make meaningful contributions across the healthcare landscape.
Today, I am continuing to expand my work through initiatives focused on mental health advocacy, self-love, and empowerment. Whether I’m caring for patients, teaching future nurses, or creating resources that inspire personal growth, my purpose remains the same: to uplift, to educate, and to help others heal mind, body, and spirit.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
The person who taught me the most about work is my mother, Denise Cius. She came to this country from Haiti with nothing but her faith, her determination, and an unshakable belief that hard work could open doors for her children. Watching her as a young girl shaped every part of who I am today.
My mother worked tirelessly often in jobs that didn’t reflect her brilliance or the depth of her dreams, but she carried herself with dignity, resilience, and gratitude. She never complained. She never quit. She never let her circumstances define her. Instead, she showed me what real work ethic looks like: showing up even when you’re tired, pushing through barriers with grace, and choosing excellence even when nobody is watching.
She taught me that success isn’t handed to you ; it’s earned through early mornings, long days, and a heart full of purpose. She taught me to honor every opportunity, to stay humble, and to always reach back to lift others up. Most of all, she taught me that work is bigger than a job; it’s a legacy.
Everything I am my discipline, my compassion, my drive comes from her example. My mother’s strength is the foundation of my story, and her sacrifices are the reason I stand where I am today.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Absolutely there were many times I felt like giving up. Honestly, I think the first moment was the very day I stepped foot into nursing school. I remember looking around and thinking, “Lord, what did I sign up for?” And that was just the beginning.
Long before that, I faced challenges that could have easily broken my spirit. I was bullied in the fourth and sixth grade real character-building years, as I like to call them now. At the time, it hurt deeply, but looking back, those moments gave me the resilience I still draw from today.
Then came adulthood, which brought its own storms. One of the hardest seasons of my life was when I lost my job and went six months without work. As a single mother, waking up every day not knowing how I was going to feed my child or keep a roof over our heads was terrifying. It felt like the world was closing in around me. I cried, I prayed, and I questioned everything.
But even in those moments when I felt like quitting when life felt too heavy God always sent a reminder that my story wasn’t over. My faith, my daughter, and the quiet little flame inside me that refused to go out kept me moving forward. And somehow, every closed door eventually led me to a better one.
So yes, I had many “almost gave up” moments. But here I am still standing, still serving, and still laughing at the fact that the journey I once wanted to quit ended up becoming my purpose.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes the public version of me is absolutely the real me. I’ve learned that authenticity is not only freeing, it’s necessary. I don’t believe in pretending to be someone I’m not, because the moment you step into a role or an image that isn’t truly yours, you have to work overtime just to maintain it. And honestly, life is hard enough without trying to remember who you “performed” as last week.
What you see is what you get. I show up the same way in my personal life, with my patients, and in the community with sincerity, honesty, and a genuine heart. Being authentic keeps me grounded, keeps me connected, and allows me to build real relationships. I’d rather be imperfect and real than polished and unrecognizable. Authentically showing up as myself has been one of my greatest strengths.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’m with my family and my little dog Bella. No matter how busy life gets or how heavy my responsibilities feel, being around the people I love instantly grounds me. There’s something deeply comforting about the laughter, the conversations, and the sense of belonging that only family can give.
And then there’s Bella my little ball of joy. She has this magical ability to calm my spirit with just one look or one wag of her tail. I could be having the most stressful day, and she’ll curl up next to me like she’s reminding me to breathe, slow down, and enjoy the moment.
Those simple, quiet moments surrounded by love, warmth, and a tiny dog who thinks she runs the house are where I find my peace.
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