In Gaelic, solas translates to light, comfort or enlightenment – a word that speaks to those who are overcoming difficult life circumstances, and are motivated to make a change. We want to partner with you and cheer you on, to build a sustainable recovery, and to help you see that sliver of light. We have found that not only can life spiral downwards and out of control, but with the right treatment it can spiral upward; sometimes small changes start with that upward spiral.
Light holds many meanings, it can be a quiet presence in the dark, a sense of clarity after confusion or the first step toward hope after a difficult chapter. We believe healing is not always linear or loud -it’s often a gradual process of uncovering light within yourself, supported by the right care and connection. Solas also sounds like the English word solace which means “comfort or consolation in a time of distress or sadness,” something we seek to provide in every patient interaction.
We see patients dealing with Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar disorder, Schizophrenia, Insomnia, Trauma, PTSD, and Grief. We have a special interest in working with clients who are in substance use recovery and their family members. If active substance use is part of your story, we can help you connect you with resources for medication assisted treatment outside of our practice. We also recognize the rise of addiction disorders in the community and we are passionate about doing our part to reduce the use of habit forming medications.
Carol grew up on a remote Scottish island where the summer sun is constant, and winter nights are harsh and long. The return of light is a welcome relief after the dark winter nights. In mental health the first glimpses of hope are often like those early Spring days where the sunlight creeps back in slowly, but is an early sign of what is yet to come. Carol’s experience of navigating literal and metaphorical winters gives her deep empathy and understanding of what it takes to survive the darkness. A single candle flame allows you to see in a dark room.
Carol has over 19 years of experience working in health care and is dual certified; working as a Family Nurse Practitioner since 2013 and as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner since 2020. Her past residences include Scotland—both island and city—and England. Since 1996, she has lived in the United States, where she currently resides.
Carol practices in alignment with her values. She believes that the best mental health care is collaborative, that medication should never be a one size fits all approach, and that adequate time is essential to understanding the whole picture. She started Solas after becoming disillusioned with the industry approach of maximizing profit and minimizing patient time, as she believes each patient’s story deserves to be heard.
In her free time, Carol likes to spend time with family & friends, stay active with biking, running and swimming. And, of course, return home to her beloved island.
Education:
Post- Masters Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, VCU, May 2020
Master of Science, Nursing, VCU, May 2013
Bachelor of Science, Nursing Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) December 2011
Bachelor of Science Podiatry Queen Margaret University College, Edinburgh, Scotland 2003
Diploma in Podiatric medicine, Glasgow School of Podiatry, Glasgow, Scotland 1987
Certification and Licensure
American Nurses Credentialing Center: Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse practitioner (PMHNP)
American Association of Nurse Practitioners: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC)
Virginia Licensed Nurse Practitioner, Autonomous Practice Prescriptive Authority
