We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Anna Flores Locke. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Anna Flores below.
Alright, Anna Flores thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Was there a defining moment in your professional career? A moment that changed the trajectory of your career?
Struggling to get pregnant for three years, changed my professional trajectory forever. Despite being a mental health counselor, I suffered in silence with infertility for more than 8 years and never sought professional support. When I finally broke my silence by writing about my infertility story in, “Body Betrayal: Living and Understanding Infertility”, I realized the power of healing through sharing. My mission is simple – to open doors for conversation on the stigmatized topic of infertility so others don’t have to suffer in silence. Through mental health counseling, public speaking, writing and offering support groups, I am actively breaking down the barriers that stop people from healing through sharing.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My mission is simple – to open doors for conversation on the stigmatized topic of infertility so others don’t have to suffer in silence. Through mental health counseling, public speaking, writing and offering support groups, I actively break down the barriers that stop people from healing through sharing. Community building and addressing systemic health disparities through leadership in the American Society for Reproductive Medicine and on social media promotes this mission. Further, in order to provide access to mental health support for those suffering from infertility, I offer weekly tips on Facebook and Instagram. I am most proud of being a Latina twin mom and small business owner dedicated to providing mental health support to women trying to get pregnant, who are pregnant, or are new moms.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
Living in a COVID world, where remote working and online living is the norm, I am pivoting my business plan to offer more online support. My goal is to provide weekly tips on Facebook and Instagram, on demand mental health counseling videos, and downloadable worksheets to guide people through effective coping strategies. I know people are suffering in silence with infertility, and I want to increase access to quality mental health care through online means. I also plan to write more and be an active advocate on social media for equitable women’s reproductive health care.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
Connecting with all my clients in an authentic and genuine way has led to word-of-mouth referrals. When clients feel better, they tell their friends and family members, who then can potentially become new clientele.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.charlandra.com
- Instagram: Charlandra_counseling
- Facebook: Charlandra1
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-anna-flores-locke-35660321/