Ms. Kennedy

Bonnie Kennedy received both her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Psychiatric-Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist, from University of North Carolina, Greensboro. She received Post-Master’s certification as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and is board certified.

Bonnie loves her work, and it feels like a calling to her. She believes that the resilience that comes with good mental health allows people the opportunity to thrive and enjoy life.

She grew up in a small rural community near Asheville, North Carolina, and was born two months premature and had severe childhood asthma. The nurses who cared for her over the years inspired her to pursue a career in healthcare.

Later on, as a nurse caring for patients with spinal cord injuries and other traumatic injuries, she worked side-by-side with them through their physical recovery. She learned that emotional support was as important as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. While she could only provide a small fraction of what patients needed, this experience inspired her to pursue a career path that focused on providing emotional support and mental healthcare.

Bonnie seeks to accept herself just as she is and she accepts her clients where they are. She is not afraid of difficult problems or situations and she will persistently work with her clients to achieve their goals and help them feel better. She likes to quote the Greek Philosopher Epictetus when it comes to treatment. “It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.”

When she isn’t working, Bonnie loves to play in the dirt. Gardening is her favorite pastime. The Territorial Seed Company catalog is currently her favorite read. Year-round, she finds joy in planting seeds and then watching them sprout and grow. Propagating plants is another big thrill of hers. She finds both long mountain walks with her beloved dog, Einstein, and pulling up weeds profoundly therapeutic.