We had the good fortune of connecting with PierreJerry St Gelus and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi PierreJerry, as a parent, what have you done for you children that you feel has had the most significant impact?
What is the most important thing you have done as a parent in terms of the impact on your children?

The most important thing I’ve done as a parent is being an active, loving, and emotionally present father, especially during and after a life-changing divorce. I made a conscious decision to stay grounded — mentally, physically, and emotionally — so that my children would always have a solid foundation to lean on.

Being present doesn’t just mean showing up. It means showing up with purpose. I spend quality time with my kids, whether it’s helping with homework, attending school functions, running together, or just being available to listen. I make sure they never feel like they’re missing out on anything because of our family structure. I involve myself in both their academic and extracurricular lives, and I always ensure they have what they need not just materially, but emotionally and spiritually too.

My goal has always been to raise them with love, consistency, and security. So they grow up knowing that even through challenges, they are deeply cared for and never alone. That, to me, is the greatest impact I can have as their father.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
St. Gelus – The Man with Many Hats

My career has been anything but traditional and that’s exactly what sets it apart. I’m a Registered Nurse, a U.S. Army veteran, a graduate student pursuing my PMHNP, a dedicated father, and an entrepreneur with a mission to uplift others. Wearing many hats is not a burden for me; it’s a blessing and a reflection of the purpose I carry every single day.

What I’m most proud of is the resilience behind my journey. I came to the United States from Haiti 12 years ago with only $500 in my pocket. I didn’t grow up with privilege, and nothing was handed to me. Every degree, every job, every opportunity. I had to earn it while balancing fatherhood, military duty, staying physically fit, and developing businesses.

After going through a divorce, I had to dig deep to remain emotionally grounded for my children while continuing to pursue both professional and academic goals. That emotional discipline taught me one of the biggest lessons in life: true stability starts from within.

Getting to where I am now wasn’t easy. I’ve worked night shifts while studying for exams. I’ve sacrificed sleep and comfort to build a better life for my children. I’ve learned how to navigate complex systems both in healthcare and the military — and I’ve grown stronger through mistakes and setbacks. Every challenge became a sharpening tool.

What truly sets me apart is my blend of clinical expertise, lived experience, and entrepreneurial vision. I’m not just a nurse who treats symptoms. I’m a soldier who understands discipline, a father who embodies unconditional love, and a businessman who sees solutions where others see problems. Whether I’m educating a patient, mentoring a fellow veteran, or leading a new venture, I bring heart, hustle, and purpose to every role.

What I want the world to know about me and my brand is this:

You don’t have to be just one thing. You can serve, heal, build, and inspire all at once.

I’m building something greater than myself : a legacy that empowers nurses, veterans, single fathers, immigrants, and dreamers.
Motivation Nurse is my brand. It stands for resilience, community, and creating impact while staying true to who you are.

I wear multiple hats and each role is not a burden; it’s a badge. I wear them for my kids, my community, and the legacy I’m committed to building

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting for a week, there’s no doubt we’d base the entire experience around Las Olas Boulevard. The heart and soul of Fort Lauderdale. It’s a perfect mix of culture, food, fun, beach, and vibes. Here’s how I’d give them a trip to remember:

🗓 Day 1: Arrival + Sunset Welcome

Check-In: Riverside Hotel on Las Olas — classy, walkable to everything.

Dinner: 🍽 Louie Bossi’s — wood-fired pizza, pasta, rooftop vibes.

Evening: Walk Las Olas at night — lights, galleries, bars buzzing. Stop at YOLO for cocktails and people-watching.

🗓 Day 2: Las Olas Beach Day

Morning: Smoothie from Gran Forno Bakery.

Midday: Head down Las Olas to the beach. Rent bikes, walk the pier, soak in the sun.

Lunch: Coconuts by the water — fresh seafood + “That’s How We Roll” sushi.

Evening: Boatyard for dinner — stunning intracoastal views.

🗓 Day 3: Water Adventures + Art

Morning: Rent a jet ski or do a boat tour through the Las Olas canals.

Afternoon: Visit NSU Art Museum – modern art in a cool downtown setting.

Dinner: El Camino – vibrant Mexican food + killer margaritas.

Late-night: Hit The Wharf — outdoor nightlife on the water. Great music, great crowd.

🗓 Day 4: Spa + Self-Care Vibes

Morning: Spa day at The Ritz-Carlton Spa (just up the road).

Lunch: Pura Vida — healthy, tropical café vibes.

Afternoon: Window shopping on Las Olas, pick up something unique at the local boutiques.

Evening: Chill night in — wine + takeout from Wild Sea Las Olas.

🗓 Day 5: Culture + Community

Morning: Brunch at Java & Jam — amazing breakfast and retro decor.

Visit: Historic Stranahan House – the oldest building in Broward County.

Late Afternoon: Explore the Riverwalk, do a gondola ride if you’re feeling fancy.

Dinner: Sushi Rock — creative sushi rolls and neon lights.

🗓 Day 6: Day Trip + Rooftop Views

Day Trip: Drive to Wynwood Walls (Miami) for murals, food trucks, and art galleries.

Return: Stop at Las Olas Wine Café for tapas.

Night: Rooftop bar at Sparrow — panoramic views of the city.

🗓 Day 7: Farewell + Brunch

Brunch: The Floridian — legendary local spot. Funky, old-school Fort Lauderdale.

Stroll: One last walk down Las Olas Boulevard. Maybe pick up souvenirs or stop for coffee at Ann’s Florist & Coffee Bar.

Goodbyes: Walk along the water, take photos by the bridge — memories made.

💡 Why Las Olas?

Las Olas isn’t just a street, it’s a lifestyle. It blends beach energy, downtown culture, art, food, and community in one walkable stretch. From morning coffee runs to late-night music, it’s where Fort Lauderdale’s heart beats.

Whether you’re looking for luxury or laid-back vibes, Las Olas offers something for everyone. It’s where the sun meets the city, and I couldn’t imagine showing off South Florida without it.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Absolutely. My journey has been deeply shaped by the love, support, and belief of others and I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.

First and foremost, I want to dedicate this shoutout to my children. They are my reason, my strength, and my daily reminder of why I keep pushing forward. Everything I do as a nurse, a veteran, an entrepreneur, a student is with their future in mind. Their love fuels my resilience.

I also want to recognize my mother and father. I’ve been truly blessed with two incredible parents who helped shape the man I am today.
My father, a kind and steady man, is a pastor whose life reflects compassion, wisdom, and humility. His leadership and moral grounding have always inspired me to lead with purpose and integrity.
My mother is the heart of our family, a woman of unwavering prayer, deep values, and quiet strength. Her sacrifices laid the foundation for my growth, and she taught me three core traits that I carry through every season of life: discipline, faith, and humility.
Together, they didn’t just raise me; they equipped me. Their example reminds me every day that true success starts with character, service, and love. And for that, they deserve the deepest recognition.

To my mentors in both nursing and the military: thank you for pushing me beyond my comfort zone, teaching me leadership through action, and showing me how to serve with both strength and compassion.

I’m also grateful to the veteran and immigrant communities who inspire me every day. I see myself in their stories, in the struggles, the perseverance, and the triumphs. It’s my mission to give back and be a source of light in those spaces.

Lastly, books like “Can’t Hurt Me” by David Goggins and “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho have been mental fuel on this journey reminding me that pain has purpose, and that faith and discipline can guide you through anything.

This journey is not about me; it’s about all those who poured into me, believed in me, and stood by me. This shoutout is for them.

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