Following in Her Mother’s Footsteps as Two Generations Find Their Calling at the IHP

Rhonique Brown

Date

December 16, 2025

Topics

Nursing

Mother and daughter share IHP nursing journey rooted in family, compassion, and dedication

For Christa Guerrier, walking into her Direct- Entry Nursing (DEN) pinning ceremony meant more than completing the generalist portion of the program — it meant walking in her mother’s footsteps. You see, when she was just three months old, her mother, Marie, graduated from the IHP as a nurse practitioner and Christa was there for the ceremony. Sharing in a moment that would become part of her story long before she could understand it.

This time, the roles were reversed as Marie stood beside Christa and pinned her at the ceremony, then watched from the audience as her daughter became a nurse in her own right.

“She is my inspiration. Since I was a little girl, I always wanted to be like my mom. This moment is a dream fulfilled,” beamed Christa Guerrier. “I never imagined attending the same school my mom went to and graduated from.”

Before enrolling at the MGH Institute, the younger Guerrier earned degrees from Union College and Boston University School of Medicine for her master's in medical science and was considering paths as a physician assistant or nurse practitioner. Following her mother’s advice, she applied to the MGH Institute and to her surprise, was accepted.

“I always wanted to go into the medical profession, but I realized when applying to medical school it did not fully align with my personality,” Christa Guerrier said. “The impact of my mom and seeing how she carries herself resonated more with who I am and led me to pursue the next two years of becoming a Nurse Practitioner”

Marie Guerrier attended the MGH Institute while pregnant, completing a dual track in adult and geriatric care. She felt called to nursing after witnessing the lack of compassion her grandmother received in the hospital. Marie Guerrier knew she wanted to make a difference and ensure that patients were truly seen, heard, and cared for.

A woman wearing graduation robes holds a baby — Marie Guerrier holds daughter Christa at her 1998 graduation from the MGH Institute’s Masters in Nursing program and became a nurse practitioner. Christa followed in her mother’s footsteps and came to the MGH Institute to become a nurse practitioner.

“When they see you and that smile, the compassionate feeling about you, they know that they can trust you. You are saving lives.” noted Marie Guerrier. “They will open up to you. You have to see the whole picture, not only the patients, but the families as well. It's a holistic approach.”

The mother could not be prouder that her daughter has come to embody these values and is now going on to help people in the ways that she has always taught.

“I am so happy,” gushed Marie Guerrier as she held Christa. “I see you in me. You just remind me of who I was going through that process, and I am so proud.”

The veteran nurse also taught the new nurse some of the challenges that can come with the profession.

“There are some good days, some bad days. Whatever problems you are facing before you get to work, leave those problems behind you,” Marie Guerrier reiterated. “As long as you love what you do, everything is limitless.”

Marie Guerrier continues to bring that dedication to her work with patients and families affected by dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s. Christa Guerrier, on the adult gerontology acute care track, hopes to bring the same commitment to her future work in the ICU.

“MGH is now part of the family,” Christa Guerrier shared. “My mom went there and now here I am, following in her footsteps.”

“Hopefully your children too,” added her mother. “The legacy will just keep going.”