A Dream for Mental Health: Margaret’s Story
Margaret Chipendo is a dreamer. She finds escape in romance novels, captivated by stories of perfect worlds where everything falls into place. But her biggest dream isn’t fictional; it’s rooted in reality. Margaret envisions a world where mental health stigma doesn’t exist, where seeking mental healthcare is as normal and accepted as treating the common cold. Every day, she works toward this vision, one patient at a time. Her hope is to help someone break free from the chains of stigma, follow their care plan, and take a step toward a healthier, more fulfilling life.
Margaret Chipendo, ARPN-FNP/PMHNP-BC, grew up in Zimbabwe, Africa, where conversations about mental health were nonexistent. “Mental health stigma is crazy in Africa,” she reflects. “It is an international struggle.” The stigma persists globally. Even in America, Margaret observes, “People would rather be diagnosed with diabetes or cancer.” Those illnesses are accepted. “No one wants to hear they need mental healthcare.” For Margaret, this stigma is heartbreaking, especially when it causes patients to resist treatment. “I feel gutted when people don’t take their medications,” she says. “Your brain simply doesn’t give you enough neurotransmitters to manage your emotions.” Her goal is to normalize mental health treatment, just like a physical illness, to encourage patients to embrace the care they need.
Margaret’s passion for mental health stems from her time working in a prison setting, where she cared for individuals with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorders. Now, at All Care Health Center, she sees many patients struggling with substance use and depression, often rooted in housing instability or homelessness. She believes in addressing these underlying factors and often works to help a patient improve their living situation to see progress. Yet, challenges remain. Many of her patients are on fixed incomes, and restrictive insurance policies often prevent them from accessing newer medications. Despite these hurdles, Margaret remains dedicated to finding solutions, appreciating All Care’s ability to provide transportation and other support that ensures patients make it to their appointments.
Margaret’s journey into healthcare wasn’t linear. Growing up in Zimbabwe, healthcare wasn’t promoted as a career path. She initially came to America on a student visa to study accounting but found her calling while working as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). This experience inspired her to pursue nursing, leading to her education at Iowa Western Community College and clinical training in Council Bluffs hospitals. Immersing herself in southwest Iowa’s communities, Margaret discovered a sense of belonging. “I learned about pigs, farming, and rodeos. I was crazy about country music! I just felt like I belonged.”
Her career took her from work at the VA to the ICU at Bergan Mercy in Omaha, a fast-paced environment where she thrived until she decided to pursue advanced education as a nurse practitioner. While working in dialysis during her studies, Margaret was deeply affected by the depression she observed in patients facing long-term health challenges. This experience fueled her desire to specialize in mental health.
After earning her nurse practitioner certification, Margaret worked with Indian Health Services in Sioux City, where she encountered significant health disparities in the low-income tribal populations. From there, she spent eight years in Lincoln working in a prison, initially in internal medicine before transitioning to psychiatry. This role solidified her passion for severe mental healthcare. “I learned not to lie and say it’s going to be okay,” she recalls. “I learned the meaning of mindfulness—to live in the here and now.”
Margaret’s journey eventually brought her to All Care Health Center, where she continues to care for vulnerable populations. She also runs a private mental health practice in her spare time, driven by an unwavering commitment to helping others. Her children often ask, “Why do you work all the time?” Her answer is simple: “I have a personal drive to put in the work.” Margaret’s passion, resilience, and dedication embody the heart of All Care Health Center, reminding us that one provider—and one patient—can make a world of difference.