Today we’d like to introduce you to Susana Marquez.
Susana, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I am a mother of a 3-year-old boy… a Marriage and Family Therapist, Maternal Mental Health Clinician, Educator and Wellness Columnist for Mommy in Los Angeles Magazine. I am the owner of MeMyselfnMommy, a company focused on providing postpartum support groups, education and awareness on maternal mental health and breaking the stigmas of mental health in the Latina community.
MeMyselfnMommy’s goal is to empower, validate and strengthen a mother through her journey and teach her techniques for effective stress management, self-care and give her a voice to begin her healing and growing process. I am also a member of Latina Mother’s Collaborative, an organization focused on uplifting professional Latina women, inspiring and empowering mothers and business owners who focus their work with pregnant and new mothers.
After my son was born, I fell into a severe postpartum depression with postpartum anxiety. I knew as a clinician that this was not normal and I needed help but like most first time moms, I was scared and felt alone in my journey. I did not think anyone would understand what I was going through and I was afraid to speak up and be judged or worst criticized that I was a bad mother. I spent many months in silence, feeling isolated and after my son turned 1 year old, I lost my father in a tragic car accident and I spiraled out of control. I began having thoughts of suicide, I clung to my son in desperation not wanting, or allowing anyone else to be near him for fear of losing him too, I negotiated with death daily to bring back my dad and take me instead. I knew I could seek one on one help with a mental health clinician but I wanted to be a part of a group setting, hear other moms relate to my story and be a part of community that supported and uplifted one another. That is when I realized that I could use my education and own story to start my own support groups for other moms and better yet be able to provide services in Spanish as well, which I knew were non-existent or very difficult to find.
I received my Maternal Mental Health training from Maternal Mental Health NOW, I received my Master’s at Alliant International University and finishing up my doctorate degree from Alliant, which was placed on hold after my son was born. I am out in the community offering services in Spanish and English for mother’s, collaborating with organizations whose sole focus is working with mothers. I am a big advocate for mental health and use my platforms to address mental health issues and share my story in order to raise awareness and break stigmas within my community.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
No, it has not. It has been a very challenging road with many roadblocks in the way. That has only made me push harder and more determined to make these services available for my mother community. Especially having them available in Spanish and free for mothers who can’t afford therapy.
I have struggled to find locations to host my groups, not everyone has believed in my mission or the purpose of these groups. Other places charge high fees to use their space or they don’t have the accessibility for me to host a consistent weekly group causing some of my groups to be placed on hold. Though in the midst of all that, I have found a few community centers and businesses that support what I am doing and have offered their spaces for free as well as other clinicians working towards the same goal as myself who have guided me and supported me.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
MemyselfnMommy is a maternal mental health company supporting mothers through their journey. It provides postpartum support groups in English and Spanish for FREE. It connects mothers with other resources in the community, teaches self-care and stress management techniques. I specialize in providing a safe space for mothers to vent about their journey, their struggles, their hardships and their accomplishments while connecting with other mothers whom can relate. Mothers are taught therapeutic techniques they can implement in their daily life to make their journey less challenging while also helping them assert and identify their needs and work towards healing and growth.
I am known for the support and encouragement I give all the mother’s whom I connect with. Mothers who come to my groups know they will be respected and heard while also being able to be their true self and not have to hide their emotions. They become a tribe of moms all working towards similar goals. They know they can connect with me outside of the group, reach out to me anytime and I will answer their questions or just be there to listen to them.
I am proud to know that I can reach more mother’s in need and no one is left behind due to lack of resources. I am proud that I have created something that validates, empowers and strengthens women through their motherhood journey while also inspiring them to not forget about their personal goals as we women wear many crowns.
What sets me apart is that I provide groups in English and Spanish and they are free for all mothers. What also sets me apart is my authenticity and realness to the groups. Besides being a clinician, I am also a mother who has dealt with many of the challenges that many other mothers are facing, so I become more relatable to my community and approachable.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I have always been a go-getter and very outgoing. When I put my mind to something there is no stopping me and I usually don’t let rejection or NO stop me. I was always more of a leader type. I was involved in all types of clubs and activities at school, held leadership roles in student council and am very outspoken about issues I am passionate about. I am an extrovert, love meeting and connecting with likeminded people. I am very passionate and driven, I dream big and I believe I can make it happen. I am very stubborn and won’t stop until I realize for myself that I can’t make something happen or force it but I won’t let the loud noise drown me.
I am very organized responsible and assertive. I have a good sense of humor, I have no shame in making fun of myself, and I am always one to break the ice. In other words, a social butterfly.
My interests vary, everything from watching basketball to reading. I love the Lakers, Kobe is my favorite player and I follow the team religiously but I also enjoy reading psychological thrillers and self-help books. I love watching horror movies, psychological thrillers and comedies. I love listening to music, 2pac to Phil Collins. Now as a mother I enjoy the outdoors more than before, connecting with nature and being mindful of my surroundings.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.memyselfnmommy.com
- Phone: 562-668-0186
- Email: memyselfnmommy@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/memyselfnmommy
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/memyselfnmommy
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/memyselfnmommy
Image Credit:
Carolina Adame
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
