We recently connected with Madeline Almonte and have shared our conversation below.

Madeline , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Was there a defining moment in your professional career? A moment that changed the trajectory of your career?

One of the most defining moments in my career came during my transition from being a special education teacher for eight years to becoming a first-grade bilingual teacher in the Department of Education (DOE). That year was one of the most challenging and heartbreaking experiences of my life, second to losing my mother at 19. The school’s administration used fear tactics to push teachers beyond their limits. Experienced educators were often targeted, and the leadership would march into classrooms in groups, critiquing everything as if they were conducting military drills. Nothing was ever good enough.

Being who I am, I pushed myself to meet their impossible standards—at the expense of my well-being. I spent weekends writing 35 lesson plans and stayed late every evening without extra pay to ensure perfection for the next day. By January, I no longer recognized myself. I went from being happy and bubbly to feeling completely broken. I reached a point where I was consumed by the thought, If this is what life is, I don’t want to live it.

One morning, I woke up crying uncontrollably. Despite the cultural stigma surrounding mental health in my Dominican heritage—where seeking therapy was often seen as something only “crazy” people did—I knew better. As a first-generation New Yorker, I realized I had to prioritize my mental health. I called five clinics that day, and the last one heard my desperation and gave me an appointment.

That school year didn’t improve, but my mindset did. My therapist helped me realize I was measuring my worth by the wrong yardstick. He opened my eyes to the fact that teaching wasn’t the only path—that I could reinvent myself and pursue new opportunities. At the time, I already had a Master’s in Early Childhood Special Education, but I decided to take a leap. I returned to teaching pre-K special education and, over time, earned two additional Master’s degrees: one in School Counseling and another in Educational Leadership.

My journey led me back to the DOE, but this time as a school counselor, where I could nurture what truly matters—students, staff, and families. I also became a licensed mental health counselor to give back what my therapist gave me: my life, my peace of mind, and a renewed sense of purpose. Today, I am passionate about supporting individuals with mental health needs and committed to growing my practice to serve as many people as possible. That dark year didn’t break me—it shaped me, redirected me, and gave me the tools to help others find light in their own darkness.

Sincerely,
Madeline Almonte, LMHC, MS Ed

Madeline , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Madeline Almonte, and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC, Bilingual), an educator with three Master’s degrees, and the founder of THRIVE Wellness & Coaching, LLC. I specialize in supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds—including children, teens, and adults—on their journey to improved mental health, self-discovery, and personal growth.

My Journey Into This Work

My path into mental health counseling and education was born from a combination of personal experiences and professional challenges. I started my career as a special education teacher and spent over eight years working in that space before transitioning to the Department of Education as a bilingual teacher. That year was pivotal for me, as I faced one of the most emotionally difficult periods of my life. It was during this time that I reached out for help, breaking the stigma surrounding mental health in my Dominican heritage. That experience opened my eyes to the profound impact therapy could have—not just on me, but on others.

Since then, I’ve made it my mission to create spaces for healing, empowerment, and growth. I went back to school and earned additional degrees in School Counseling and Educational Leadership, expanding my ability to nurture not only individual clients but entire school communities. Today, I balance my role as a school counselor in the NYC Department of Education with running my private practice, THRIVE Wellness & Coaching, LLC.

What I Offer

Through my practice, I provide:

• Therapy Services: Individual therapy for children, teens, and adults, focusing on anxiety, depression, self-esteem, trauma, and life transitions.

• Parent Coaching: Support for families navigating behavior management and communication challenges.

• Workshops and Community Support: I host workshops on social-emotional learning, behavior management, and self-care for schools, parents, and organizations.

• Personalized Counseling Approach: I integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, and Person-Centered approaches to create customized strategies that align with each client’s unique goals and challenges.

Problems I Solve

Many of my clients come to me feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or stuck. I guide them in navigating:

• Life transitions, such as career changes, relationships, grief or parenting.

• Mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, and trauma.

• Social-emotional and behavioral struggles in children and teens.

What sets me apart is my ability to truly listen—to hear not just what my clients are saying but what they may be struggling to articulate. My bilingual fluency in Spanish and English also allows me to connect deeply with clients in underserved communities, especially those who often feel unseen or misunderstood.

What Sets My Brand Apart

At THRIVE Wellness & Coaching, LLC, my focus is on creating a holistic experience that goes beyond therapy sessions. I believe in empowering my clients with tools to thrive in every area of their lives, whether it’s personal growth, professional development, or family dynamics.

I’m also proud of the unique identity my brand embodies. From my Dominican roots, being first generation to my experiences growing up in East New York, Brooklyn, my story resonates with clients who see themselves reflected in me.

What I’m Most Proud Of

I’m incredibly proud of the lives I’ve touched—whether it’s a child building confidence, a family improving communication, or an adult rediscovering their sense of self. But more than that, I’m proud of the example I set for others. As a first-generation Dominican-American and the first in my family to earn advanced degrees, I strive to show that no matter where you come from, you have the power to overcome obstacles and create a meaningful life.

What I Want You to Know

If there’s one thing I want potential clients, followers, and collaborators to know, it’s this: You are not alone. Whether you’re feeling lost, overwhelmed, or just unsure of the next step, there’s always a way forward—and I’m here to help you find it.

At THRIVE Wellness & Coaching, LLC, we’re not just about overcoming challenges. We’re about creating a life that feels aligned, balanced, and fulfilling. Together, we’ll celebrate your wins, tackle your struggles, and ensure you walk away feeling empowered to thrive.

Sincerely,

Madeline Almonte, LMHC, MSEd

Founder, THRIVE Wellness & Coaching, LLC

Thrive-WellnessandCoaching.org

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

Success in my field comes down to much more than just training and knowledge. It’s about being genuine and building strong, healthy relationships with each client. Providing unconditional positive regard, actively listening, and showing empathy are the cornerstones of meaningful therapeutic work. Clients need to feel heard, valued, and understood, and that connection begins with authenticity. Trust is built through consistency, compassion, and a deep commitment to their well-being. These human qualities, combined with professional expertise, create the foundation for truly transformative work.

If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?

Absolutely, I love being a Mental Health Counselor. It took me years to recognize that this is my gift—my purpose in life. The journey wasn’t always clear, but every step brought me closer to this realization. Witnessing my clients change their negative thoughts, rewrite self-limiting beliefs, and thrive is the most rewarding feeling in the world. There’s nothing more fulfilling than seeing someone I’ve worked with embrace their potential and achieve the growth they once thought was impossible.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Thrive-WellnessandCoaching.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrive_wellnessandcoaching/profilecard/?igsh=MjFnandoc2xoejk1
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madeline-a-92846179?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
• Other: Headwayhttps://care.headway.co/providers/madeline-almonte?utm_source=pem&utm_medium=direct_link&utm_campaign=99935

  Psychology today

  https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/thrive-wellness-coaching-llc-brooklyn-ny/921420