Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Riesgo.
Melissa, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I am a 1st generation Cuban American. My parents both immigrated from Cuba with their families when they were 7 years old. I was one of the 1st grandchildren to attend college and receive a Master’s Degree. While I was in grad school, finishing my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health, I started a photography company “The Snappy Shrink Photography”. I love photography and use it as a creative outlet but my true passion is Mental Health. After grad school, I worked with the foster care system in Broward County for several years providing therapy to foster children while also doing photography on the weekends. In 2016 I married a wonderful man and together we have 4 Children ages 13, 8, 5, and 3. In 2020 during the Pandemic my sister and I decided to open Full Circle Therapy to help the growing need for mental health awareness and action during one of the most difficult times in American history. I am so proud of what we have accomplished in 2 years. We have served over 500 clients, started mental health action groups for kids and teens, added Occupational Therapy to our practice, started a wonderful Equine Assisted Psychotherapy program, partnered with the University of St. Augustine as a nontraditional site for OT interns, and created a loving and supportive environment for our therapists to grow as clinicians. We now have 7 mental health counselors, a Dr of Occupational Therapy, and 1-2 OT interns on staff. Although I’m very busy with the practice you can still find me photographing my kids or nieces and nephews on the weekends.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road to success would not have been possible without the love and support of my husband and my parents. My husband, Joe, has been amazing throughout this journey. Without his love and motivation, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I also owe much of my success to my mom and dad for supporting all of my crazy ideas and big dreams. I surely took after my dad when it comes to my drive and entrepreneurial skills. My mom has been a huge help in growing Full Circle she works so hard for us, learned how to bill insurance, and is always available to help us and answer all of our insurance questions even when she don’t know the answer.
As you know, we’re big fans of Full Circle Therapy. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Starting Full Circle Therapy with my sister, Liz, has been one of the most rewarding parts of our business. Liz has been the best business partner I could ever ask for. She is so thoughtful and caring. she makes coming to work such a fun and loving experience. She is also a wonderful clinician and has made a big difference in many of her clients’ lives. I am very proud of how family-oriented our business is. Our cousin, Dr. Kristian Llaca is also the doctor of Occupational Therapy we have on staff.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
At Full Circle we encourage people to move from awareness of mental health to taking action for themselves, for their loved ones, or for their community. The best thing you can do for someone struggling is get them connected with mental health resources in their community. An easy way to do this is by sharing our website www.fullcircletherapyllc.com
Contact Info:
- Website: www.fullcircletherapyllc.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/fullcircletherapyllc?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
Image Credits
The Snappy Shrink Photography
