Erin Quinlan Cashin '09: A Passion for Wellness

 

The Govs community was recently honored to have Erin Quinlan Cashin '09 as the inaugural presenter in our Passion in Practice series. In her webinar, Erin shared mindfulness techniques to reduce stress and improve wellness. A board-certified psychiatric and mental health nurse, Erin holds a BSN from Mass General Hospital Institute of Health Professions and an MS in Complementary and Integrative Health from Drexel University.

Recognized with the Boston Children's Hospital (BCH) 2022 Excellence in Nursing Practice Award, Erin has presented nationally and internationally on mental health in non-psychiatric settings and integrative therapies for staff and patient wellbeing. A Reiki Master and Certified Clinical Aromatherapy Practitioner, she also led the creation of the Secret Garden, a staff-only wellness center at BCH.

We caught up with Erin to learn more about her personal story of wellness.

GOVS: During your webinar, you shared that your experiences as a college athlete were a significant turning point in your personal development. How has this influenced your career path and personal growth?

ERIN:
I was accustomed to being the top goalkeeper, having been recognized nationally in high school and celebrated with numerous awards throughout my childhood and adolescence. Transitioning into college, however, I faced the difficult reality of not being the automatic starter and realizing that my coach was breaking promises. This shift was jarring and left me feeling discouraged, angry, and questioning my abilities.

Despite dedicating extra hours to practice and continually fighting for a chance, I remained overlooked. This was a hard pill to swallow, especially with the support and mentorship of a national Olympic player who saw potential in me that my college coach did not. During this challenging sophomore fall, this mentor introduced me to The Alchemist, a book that profoundly changed my perspective. She didn’t want me to give up, as she reminded me that I would accomplish big things in my career.

Reading and rereading “The Alchemist,” as well as watching the movie “The Secret,” helped me discover the power of mindfulness and positive thinking. I learned to reset my mindset, focusing on positivity, reframing challenges, and believing in the potential for transformation through practices like vision boards and mantras. This newfound outlook didn’t just stay with me; it resonated with my teammates at the University of Hartford after transferring, creating a community committed to a shared positive mindset. Together, we achieved more than we ever anticipated, reinforcing my belief in these practices.

This experience in college sports became a catalyst for exploring the field of mindfulness and wellbeing further. It taught me that embracing struggle—not shying away—can lead to growth and open doors to new paths you might not have envisioned. The mantra “no rain, no flowers” became one of my guiding principles, reminding me that challenges often bring the greatest growth and opportunities.

In my career today, I continue to apply the mindfulness techniques I learned back then, and they’ve helped shape my success and fulfillment. The adversities I faced during my college years were instrumental in leading me to my true passion and purpose, proving that the toughest journeys can indeed lead to the most rewarding destinations.

GOVS: You were offered the opportunity to continue your soccer career after college with the Women's Premier Soccer League (WPSL), but chose to pursue an accelerated nursing program at Mass General Hospital in Boston. Can you tell us more about that decision? Was it difficult to choose?

ERIN: 
It was challenging! But ultimately, it was an intuitive one. Soccer had been a defining part of my life since childhood, and becoming a professional player was a dearly-held dream. However, as my senior season ended, I found myself in a reflective state, assessing my accomplishments and considering the future.

I felt a deep sense of fulfillment with what I’d achieved in my soccer career. Having exceeded my expectations on the field, I knew I was at a crossroads where I needed to evaluate my life’s trajectory beyond soccer. Despite being eligible for a fifth year and the opportunity to transition to the WPSL, I realized there was more I wanted to accomplish outside of sports. I had a burgeoning sense of purpose that extended beyond the field, an inner drive to make an impact in different ways.

I decided to take a leap of faith and apply to the accelerated nursing program at MGH, not entirely confident I would be accepted. I left the decision to fate. If accepted, it would signify the right time to transition to a new chapter. If not, it meant I had unfinished business on the soccer field. Receiving that acceptance letter was both thrilling and affirming—a new path was calling, and I could set fresh dreams and goals.

Entering the nursing program marked the beginning of a new adventure full of meaningful opportunities to contribute to the world. The decision was tough, and giving up soccer was bittersweet. But it was the right one for me.

GOVS: In your webinar, you wondered why more mental health practitioners weren't using mindfulness modalities to support their patient's mental health. Is there a shift happening in healthcare circles to use more holistic techniques? 

ERIN: 
Yes, healthcare professionals are increasingly incorporating holistic techniques, including mindfulness modalities, to support mental health. The increased awareness and interest in these approaches have been amplified, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. During this period, many individuals encountered mental health challenges for the first time, sparking a greater interest in discovering effective tools and strategies to cope.

As more people acknowledge the benefits of mindfulness and other holistic practices, the demand for such methods in mental health support is growing. However, there are still obstacles to fully integrating these modalities into mainstream healthcare. A significant barrier is education: it’s one thing to be aware of mindfulness practices and another to learn and master them sufficiently to guide others effectively. Becoming proficient in these techniques requires time and dedication.

Despite these challenges, I am optimistic about the direction we’re headed. I believe this shift is gaining momentum, and I am passionate about being part of this cultural change. 

GOVS: You connect the physical harm of chronic stress and the health benefits that mindfulness can offer. Do you feel there is still a stigma around mental health support? 

ERIN: 
I believe there is still a stigma surrounding mental health support, although it has certainly improved over time. This stigma can sometimes be influenced by generational and cultural factors, where sensitivity to individual worldviews and perspectives on mental health is essential to navigating conversations around what we can do to help move the dial on stigma and facilitate access to care.

However, we are seeing positive changes, particularly as more research is conducted and advocacy around mental health grows. One encouraging development is the increasing openness in the sports world, where athletes have begun to speak out about their mental health struggles. This is significant because athletes are often placed in high-pressure roles and expected to perform consistently as professionals. Seeing them acknowledge mental health challenges helps to normalize the conversation and encourages others to seek support without shame.

Continued advocacy and awareness efforts are crucial in breaking down these lingering barriers. By fostering an environment where mental health is given the same importance as physical health, we can further reduce stigma and create a more supportive world for those seeking help.

GOVS: Thinking back on your time at Governor's, are there teachers, coaches, or fellow students who influenced or impacted your life?

ERIN:
Absolutely, my time at Governor’s was significantly shaped by a few key individuals who had a profound impact on my life. Bert McLean P'07,'09, my soccer coach, was an incredible mentor. Her guidance extended beyond the soccer field; she provided personal support and mentorship that helped me tremendously during my transition to prep school life. Samantha Boulais Howson P'17, also played a crucial role in helping me adjust to living away from home. Their support and encouragement were invaluable, and I am grateful to still keep in touch with them to this day.

In addition to my coaches, Paul Wann P'94, my dorm parent, along with his wife, left a lasting influence on me. They were incredibly kind and welcoming, making my first year at Governor’s much easier. I still remember how Mr. Wann's wife, Bonnie-Jean Wilbur, went out of her way to help sew my prom dress to ensure it fit perfectly. The Wanns encouraged us to embrace our unique selves and to be proud of our individuality. Their inspirational support and life lessons have stayed with me over the years, and I often reflect on how they shaped my journey.

GOVS: You introduced several mindfulness modalities—do you have a favorite? 

ERIN: 
It’s hard to pick just one! I deeply appreciate meditation and breathwork because they are accessible anywhere, anytime. Two of my absolute favorites are Reiki and Sound Healing. I’ve been practicing Reiki for over eight years, mostly in hospital settings with patients and staff, and it’s been incredibly rewarding. There’s something special about both giving and receiving Reiki.

Sound Healing is a newer practice for me, but I’ve come to really enjoy it. I first learned it during my master’s program, and it’s been an amazing tool. It’s especially great as an entry point for people new to mindful practices since it helps them ease into being present and still, which can be really helpful when transitioning to longer meditation sessions.

GOVS: How do you like to spend your free time?

ERIN: 
I find immense joy and relaxation in connecting with nature, particularly at the beach. Living in Newburyport, my husband and I are fortunate to frequently visit Plum Island, which holds a special place in our hearts. In addition to enjoying the tranquility of the ocean, I love to stay active. Engaging in activities like ice skating, hiking, and indoor rock climbing keeps me energized and balances my professional life. I also enjoy spending time with my growing family. It is fun watching my nieces and nephews grow and start playing sports!

GOVS: You’re about to open your own private practice—what inspired you?

ERIN: I'm thrilled to take this next step in sharing my passion for well-being beyond the hospital. My colleague, Jennifer Schlebusch, and I have spent seven years developing a sustainable model to reduce staff stress, and we’re eager to bring it to a broader community.

We’re starting small, balancing this venture with our roles at Boston Children’s Hospital while offering keynote speaking and consultation. For now, we're focused on building a strong foundation and seeing where this journey leads.