Meet Cherie Avants, DNP, APRN, NP, PMGT-BC, AP-PMN

Cherie Avants, DNP, APRN, NP, PMGT-BC, AP-PMN, is an adult Nurse Practitioner with more than 30 years of experience in nursing, including roles as a registered nurse, nurse practitioner, nurse manager, and nurse researcher throughout North Carolina.

Before joining Carolinas Pain Institute, Cherie worked as a nurse practitioner at a Level I trauma and academic medical center, where she cared for patients experiencing pain and/or substance use disorders. She is excited to transition into outpatient pain management and continue helping patients better understand and manage their pain through personalized care.

Education and Academic Background

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Acute Care Nurse Practitioner: University of Pennsylvania
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP): Duke University
• Postgraduate Certificate in Family Nurse Practitioner: Currently completing at Duke University, with anticipated graduation in May 2027

Cherie is committed to lifelong learning and continuing education in the field of pain management. Outside of her professional responsibilities, she enjoys cooking, gardening, photography, and spending time with her family — including being entertained by her daughter's three German Shepherds.

Professional Memberships and Involvement

Cherie stays actively involved in professional organizations that support advancements in pain management, nursing, and patient care, including:

• Peer Reviewer and Editorial Board Member for Pain Management Nursing Journal
• Member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners
• Member of the American Society for Pain Management Nursing
• Member of the American Society of Addiction Medicine
• Member of Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society

Through these professional memberships, Cherie remains connected with healthcare colleagues and emerging developments in pain management. She looks forward to reconnecting with the Pain Society of the Carolinas.

Experience in Education and Research

In addition to her clinical experience, Cherie has a strong interest in nursing education and research. She enjoys supporting future healthcare professionals and contributing to advancements in patient care.

• Online Adjunct Nursing Faculty at South College in Knoxville, TN
• Consulting Associate at Duke University School of Nursing in Durham, NC
• Passionate about mentoring students throughout their nursing education journey
• Interested in advancing pain management research
• Contributor to National Institutes of Health (NIH) studies, including the SKOAP and BACPAC trials

Cherie brings a combination of clinical experience, education, research involvement, and a commitment to individualized patient care to Carolinas Pain Institute. She looks forward to helping patients throughout North Carolina navigate their pain management journey.