Michele Daniels Castro, a dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), is blazing unprecedented trails with a profound commitment to holistic mental healthcare. She began her early educational pursuits in Walterboro, South Carolina. She attended Walterboro High School and was a part of the NJROTC program. Her family later moved to Marion, South Carolina. She is the daughter of Phil Smith of Walterboro and Stacey L. Daniels of Newport News, Virginia. The late Charles Timothy and Lorraine Gelzer Memminger, also of Walterboro, were Michele’s maternal grandparents, who had a significant impact on her life, as well as her sister’s, Kimberly Daniels Walker. Michele graduated from Marion High School in Marion, South Carolina in 2003. After graduation, Michele served four years in the United States Navy, also during Operation Iraq Enduring Freedom, with the Navy Seabees.
Michele’s journey in the medical field began in 2011 when she earned her license as a practical nurse (LPN) from the Medical Careers Institute. Early in her career, Michele demonstrated a genuine passion for helping others, which fueled her drive to further her education and expertise. In 2014, Michele earned her Associate’s degree in nursing from the Medical Careers Institute, becoming a registered nurse (RN). This accomplishment allowed her to delve deeper into patient care, working with individuals of all ages and addressing a broad spectrum of mental health needs.
Continuing her pursuit of excellence, Michele earned a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Walden University in 2019. This milestone further solidified her dedication to providing comprehensive and empathetic care to their patients. In 2024, she reached a significant milestone by obtaining a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a specialization in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from Walden University. This advanced degree has equipped her with the skills and knowledge to take on a more autonomous role in patient care, providing a holistic approach to mental health treatment.
What sets Michele apart is her unwavering belief in a holistic approach to mental health. She understands that mental well-being is intricately connected to physical, emotional, and social health. This perspective has guided her practice, ensuring that each patient receives care that addresses all aspects of their lives. Michele Castro has consistently been an advocate and educator, passionately promoting the importance of mental health to her patients, colleagues, and the community. Her efforts have made a lasting impact, inspiring others to prioritize their mental well-being and seek the help they need.
When asked what made her decide to pursue a career in the medical field, Michele shared, “I wanted to be able to help those in need and see their progress towards getting better. I also wanted to be there for people who did not have anyone in their lives to confide in when their mental and physical health was not at its best.” Further, when asked if she could improve one thing in the field of mental healthcare, what it would be, she commented, “Advocating in schools. Treatment starts with prevention. I wish there was more education about mental health in the school systems.”
In her spare time, Michele enjoys Karaoke like a superstar! She is married to Victor Castro. They are the proud parents of three sons and the grandparents of one. She is employed with Eating Disorder Home for Adolescents. Michele and her family currently reside in Warrenton, Virginia.
As she continues to advance in her career, she remains committed to staying abreast of the latest research and best practices in mental healthcare. Her ultimate goal is to provide the highest quality of care and to be a trusted partner in her patients’ mental health journeys. With a career marked by compassion, dedication, and a holistic approach, Michele Castro, PMHNP-C, stands as a beacon of hope and support for those navigating the complexities of mental health. Michele, thank you for making Colleton County proud of your outstanding achievements in blazing trails for other African-American women pursuing careers in mental healthcare.
