Current nursing student Mistinquette Williams (center) proudly pins her daughter, Gwen Johnson, at Mount Saint Mary College’s nurse pinning ceremony in May of this year.
The song says to “teach your children well.” But here at the Mount, we’re seeing a remix of that classic tune: “teach your parents well!”
Fifty-five years after those lyrics were written, Mount Saint Mary College student Mistinquette Williams and her daughter, alumna Gwen Johnson ’25, are proving that it’s never too late to chase a dream – especially when you have family by your side.
Here’s how this dynamic duo is navigating nursing school, supporting each other, and living the Knight Life together.
A New Kind of Role Reversal
Mistinquette, a medical assistant for more than 20 years, was inspired to join the Mount’s accelerated adult nursing program after seeing her daughter’s success. Gwen started the program a year earlier, meaning that for a long time, they were hitting the books side-by-side on campus.
Gwen earned her RN license in 2025—a full year before her mom, who is on track to graduate in May 2026. For Mistinquette, having her daughter pave the way has been a fun twist on parenting.
“I’m proud to be following in her footsteps,” Mistinquette says. “It’s such a proud mommy moment… I was so proud because when I would meet someone that had Gwen as a student, it was like going to one of her teacher conferences! They were like, ‘Oh my God, your daughter is such a pleasure to have in class.’”
Why the Mount?
Mistinquette was hesitant to return to school as a working adult. But Gwen insisted that the Mount’s supportive environment was the perfect fit.
“Everything she said about the Mount was true,” Mistinquette says. “From the faculty to the staff in the bookstore, anywhere I go, I fit in perfectly.”
She credits professors like Janet Petroski (Chemistry) and Lynette DeBellis (School of Nursing Chair) for making learning a joy and helping her rebuild her confidence in the classroom.
Built-In Cheerleaders
Nursing school is tough, but the mother-daughter team has a secret weapon: each other. Gwen has become half academic advisor, half cheerleader for her mom.
“When she was having an unsure moment, I was reassuring her that I know she did well,” Mistinquette explains. “And when I’m unsure, she's like, ‘No, Mom, you’re on the right track. You’re smart enough. You can do this.’”
The bond came full circle at Gwen’s pinning ceremony, where Mistinquette had the honor of pinning her daughter. Now, she’s looking forward to 2026, when Gwen, the professional nurse, will return the favor and pin her mother.
“I’m incredibly thankful for the chance to graduate from nursing school,” Gwen says. “I want to thank all the staff and professors at Mount Saint Mary College for always being there to support and guide me.”
The drive for excellence runs deep in this family. With two other daughters also pursuing degrees in nursing and law, the legacy of compassionate service is growing stronger every day.
Are you ready to start your own journey? Check out the School of Nursing to learn more!