Sheila
Umayam
,
DNP, CPNP-PC, PMHS
1741 Ashland Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21205
United States
About
Sheila Umayam is a certified primary care pediatric nurse practitioner (CPNP-PC) and pediatric mental health specialist (PMHS) who has been providing care for autistic children and adolescents at the Center for Autism Services, Science and Innovation (CASSI™) since January 2020. The care she provides includes developmental monitoring and medication management of common co-occurring diagnoses such ADHD, anxiety, depression, disruptive behavior, sleep disorder, etc. Her goals are to advocate for her patients and their families and "meet them where they are"; deliver compassionate, evidence-based, and conscientious care; and ensure care that is neurodiversity-affirming, anti-ableist, anti-racist, gender-affirming, inclusive and equitable.
Education
Umayam’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Psychology (with Spanish and Biology minors) from Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), Bachelor of Science in General Science from MTSU, a Master of Science in Nursing from Vanderbilt University School of Nursing (VUSN), and Doctor of Nursing Practice from VUSN. Before her career in pediatrics, Umayam worked in home health care and research. She has Registered Nurse and Advanced Practice Registered Nurse licenses in Maryland and national board certifications in Primary Care Pediatrics and as a Pediatric Mental Health Specialist. She been practicing as a CPNP-PC since 2012 and provided care in a variety of settings when she lived in her home state of Tennessee, such as a mobile clinic that traveled to schools across the state to perform Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) exams; a privately-owned pediatric primary care clinic; and a busy pediatric walk-in clinic where she provided care for acutely ill or injured children. In addition, she has participated in international medical trips to rural Colombia, Peru and Honduras.
Research
Umayam previously participated as a research assistant through Vanderbilt University Center for Quality Aging where she obtained experience in a few different settings, including a long-term psychiatric facility.
Research Publications
Durkin, D. W., Umayam, S. P., Sims, N., Cleeton, P., & Simmons, S. F. (2012). Whom do veteran nursing home residents prefer to talk to about satisfaction with care?: Implications for nursing staff. Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 38(12), 38-45.