Today we’d like to introduce you to Tamara Pottillo, APRN PMHNP-BC CCM.
Hi Tamara, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
From a young age, my aspiration was always to become a nurse and provide care for others. I hail from East Baltimore, specifically growing up in Douglass Homes. I must express that one’s potential isn’t solely determined by their environment.
I was fortunate to be raised in a two-parent household. My educational journey involved attending Dunbar High School, where I enrolled in the Health Curriculum program. Eventually, I fulfilled my dream by obtaining a Nursing Degree from Morgan State University.
Throughout my nursing career, I’ve delved into various specialties, ranging from the fast-paced environment of the Emergency Room to the comprehensive realm of Case Management. My affinity for Case Management remains a cornerstone in my approach to caring for mental health patients. I firmly believe that providers must thoroughly assess all facets of care to formulate effective treatment plans.
My passion for Child Psychiatry blossomed during my experiences at the Board of Childcare in Randallstown. This led me to decide to pursue a master’s degree in Psychiatry at Walden University, further deepening my commitment to understanding and addressing mental health needs.
I have gained experience working alongside Dr. Juhi Nayeem and Dr. Lisa Gresham, enhancing my proficiency in intricate mental health treatment methods and various psychotherapeutic approaches. I opted to establish my private practice, Release and Renew Mental Wellness, LLC, to ensure that patients receive personalized care and to have greater influence over tailoring treatments that align with their specific needs within a case management model.
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?
Balancing the responsibilities of caring for three children, a husband, working full-time, and pursuing education presents its own set of challenges.
During my nursing undergraduate days, I even took on additional commitments, volunteering in the community as a cheerleading coach for 3–5-year-olds at Parkville Recreation Council. Nursing school was one of the biggest challenges in itself that I faced.
Surprisingly, writing about my time in the military was not as stressful- but my time there allowed me to learn to work through adversity and “not to sweat the small stuff”.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I offer highly qualified focused patient and family-centered care. I am also deeply passionate about helping patients; 6-60 years old regain control of their mental health. My clinical practice focuses on consultation, evaluation, and treatment selection; which includes psychotherapy, lab evaluation, medical rule-out, and pharmacotherapy when necessary for patients ages 6-60 years old.
In a holistic approach to mental health care, I consider the physical, mental, emotional, and social aspects of a person’s well-being. Recognizing that mental health is interconnected with various other factors. I offer flexible telehealth sessions to my patients reducing waiting times for appointments. I also offer evening and weekend options.
My services include Medication Management, Psychotherapy (CBT and Motivational Interviewing, and Solution Focused), and Case Management Services. My areas of Treatment include:
ADHD
Anger Management
Behavioral Issues
Bipolar Disorder
Developmental Disorders
Eating Disorders
Emotional Disturbance
Oppositional Defiance (ODD)
School Issues
Self Esteem
Self-Harming
Sexual Abuse
Sleep or Insomnia
Stress
Teen Violence
Testing and Evaluation
Trauma and PTSD
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
The pandemic has highlighted the importance of being adaptable to change. The crisis emphasized the significance of mental and physical well-being. Resilience involves recognizing the importance of self-care and finding ways to maintain mental health during challenging times.
I learned how to navigate remote work, online education, and virtual social interactions all at the same time. I worked at the Governors Covid Hospital in Laurel, Md. I returned to direct care during the pandemic, because the need was high. Wow, at that time I was in school and worked 2 full-time jobs. The economic impact of the pandemic underscored the importance of financial planning and flexibility.
In essence, the challenges posed by COVID-19 have been an opportunity for individuals and societies to develop resilience by adapting, learning, and finding strength in the face of adversity.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.releaserenewmentalwellness.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/releaseandrenewmentalwellness/
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/ReleaseandRenewMentalWellness
