Meet Maritza Montano, PhD

Today we’d like to introduce you to Maritza Montano.

Maritza, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Cuba. We had to surrender all of our assets to the Communist Government in order to leave our Homeland. When we arrived to Miami in 1971, we stayed at the Freedom Tower for a couple of days and flew to New York City where my dad’s uncle lived. He gave us shelter and food for about 6 months. In New York City, I was 10 years old, felt lost and intimidated by the tall buildings, large city, the language was different, the culture. I lived in a country where the tropical weather never dropped under 68 degrees. When we arrived in NY, the weather was 20 degrees… I started 6th grade at a Public School where my teachers did not speak Spanish. I don’t know how I manage to pass the grades.

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?
I was bullied in school. I was unable to fight back because I did not speak the language. A kid grabbed me when I was going down the stairs and his friend tried sexually molest me. I was cornered by the 2 teenagers when I was 13 years old. I fought to get away and my friend came and help me get away. Attending public school and being a new girl was really tough. I struggled with the language, culture and financial hardship. I had to wear the same outfit to school every other day. The kids will pick on me. I earned the Medal of Honor during my 9th grade graduation for my effort and academic grades. I scored highest in my 6th grade standardized exam.

I studied Counseling Psychology and hold a PhD. Graduated from FIU with a BA in Counseling Psychology, also completed a Masters in Mental Health from St Thomas University, I received the Sunshine Award in 2015. Received recognition by other organizations for my dedication and contribution. I am also the founder of Carnation Queens Organization. Its mission is to empower women from all walks of life. I am a public speaker, I present events to educate and empower them. I am currently finishing a book, “Meant to Last Together”, the book is about creating and making relationships work and dealing with psychological/ personality challenges.

I was driven to write after I lost my husband to brain cancer after 23 years of marriage. I had to push myself out of my grief and continue to recreate my life. The book shares personal and clinical experiences. I want to mentor others not to allow obstacles to hold them back from achieving their goals. The only limitation is yourself.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Maritza Montano PhD story. Tell us more about the business.
My profession is full of lessons. My clients are like books, they each have a story. I get to listen and learn what it feels to have emotions pain, some are broken without hope.  Having said that, it’s rewarding to help them grow, cope and develop strategies to break old behaviors and create new ones. Providing options, hope and support is extremely important. I am authentic and caring. My style is very different because I demonstrate warmth and nonjudgmental support. Aside from my routine counseling and psychotherapy, I have served as expert witness in court. I enjoy the challenge of working with legal issues. Most clinicians avoid dealing with cases that have any legal involvement. This makes me different from most of them. My private practice is in North Bay Village. I love the area because there is a diverse population.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I have met wonderful and powerful mentors. People who have been there to open doors and to push doors for me. Dr. Maria Christina Regueiro, funded the Florida National Scholarship for the nonprofit… Clover Logistic, Vixen Workout, Janet Jones and Cathy Medina from Zumba, all supporters of our Women Empowerment events. Celebrity Cruise became our primary sponsor, my last event in their ship. My personal life,
I have been blessed with 2 beautiful children Jj, Christine and 2 grandchildren, Roman and Karolina. My family is extremely supportive. I was blessed with a great marriage until I had to let him go.

Contact Info:

• Address: Maritza Montano, LMHC, PhD
  7601 East Treasure Drive, CU 6
  North Bay Village, Fl 33141
• Website: Www.stresstherapy4you.com
• Phone: 786-955-5995
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: Maritzamontano PhD
• Facebook: Maritza Montano PhD
• Other: Www.CarnationQueensOrg.Com

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