OUR BACKGROUND
The Heart Behind Shining Path Wellness Clinic
At Shining Path Wellness Clinic, we believe that everyone deserves compassionate, high-quality mental health care in a space where they feel seen, supported, and empowered. Our mission is simple: to walk alongside you on your journey toward wellness—where healing is possible, and hope is always within reach.
Our founder, Dr. Afusat Deng, began her nursing career with a deep commitment to caring for others. After earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), she continued her education with a Master’s degree in Nursing Education and later achieved her Doctor of Nursing Practice in Mental Health. Over the years, Dr. Deng has worked in a variety of healthcare settings—including the Department of Veterans Affairs, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, non-military affiliated hospitals, and academic institution—gaining invaluable experience and insight into the complex challenges many individuals face, especially veterans, in accessing mental health support.
Driven by a passion to create real change, Dr. Deng founded Shining Path Wellness Clinic as a place where individuals are not just treated, but truly cared for. The name "Shining Path" reflects our core belief: that no matter how dark the journey may seem, there is always a way forward. We are here to help you find that path—guided by empathy, clinical expertise, and a deep respect for your story.
Whether you're navigating anxiety, trauma, depression, or simply seeking a safe space to heal and grow, we are honored to support you. At Shining Path, you’re not alone—we’re here to light the way.
Dr. Afusat Deng, DNP, PMHNP-BC, MSN-Ed
A Foundation Built on Compassionate Experience
At Shining Path Wellness Clinic, our approach to care is deeply rooted in the extensive and compassionate experience of our founder, Dr. Afusat Deng, DNP, PMHNP-BC. With a rich background in mental health nursing, Dr. Deng brings a heartfelt commitment to delivering high-quality, client-centered care to every individual who walks through our doors. Her journey includes dedicated service as a psychiatric mental health provider with the Department of Veterans Affairs, where she gained invaluable insights into the complex, nuanced needs of clients from all walks of life.
Dr. Deng has provided care across a wide spectrum of mental health settings, including Addiction Medicine, Same-Day Clinics, Inpatient Psychiatry, Primary Care–Mental Health Integration, Emergency Psychiatric Consults, and General Mental Health Services. This hands-on experience has deepened her understanding of how to meet people where they are—with empathy, skill, and unwavering support. She listens deeply, takes time to understand your story, and tailors treatment to help you feel empowered and supported. Dr. Deng specializes in treating anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, mood instability, sleep difficulties, and stress-related conditions. She provides care to children, teens, and adults through a holistic, whole-person lens.
Beyond clinical practice, Dr. Deng has also demonstrated a strong commitment to education and professional development. As a Simulation Coordinator, she helped design and elevate nursing curricula, fostering future generations of nurses through evidence-based learning and innovation. Her roles as a Registered Nurse in the Ambulatory Procedure Unit, an Adjunct Clinical Nursing Instructor, and a clinician in both orthopedic and medical-surgical units have further sharpened her ability to deliver care that is both practical and deeply human.
At Shining Path, this diverse and meaningful experience is the backbone of our practice. We are here not just to treat symptoms, but to walk alongside our clients on their healing journey—offering personalized, compassionate support every step of the way. Dr. Deng’s unwavering dedication to mental wellness, education, and collaborative care shapes everything we do, allowing us to provide thoughtful, effective solutions to the mental health needs of our community.
