Dr. Marcella M. Atwater has taught nursing in the state of North Carolina for 30 years and earned her PhD in Education from Capella University. Dr. Atwater also holds an MS with a specialty in Community Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing from Hampton University and an MA in Counseling from North Carolina Central University.

A Certified Clinical Nurse Specialist in Adult Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, Dr. Atwater holds a certification in Death, Dying, and Bereavement, works with grieving individuals, and has garnered tremendous praise for her article on "The Holiday Blues" published in 2004 in the Fayetteville Observant.

She is a member of several organizations, including the Nonfiction Authors Association. Her passion for the success of young adults led her to develop a seven-step process for building healthy relationships, which she uses in her development workshops for women of all ages.