We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dr. Marcelline Girlie. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Marcelline below.
Alright, Dr. Girlie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?
As a child, I distinctly remember times when my parents opened up our home to people migrating to the United States and/or just was in need during their time of transition. They would care for them and at times their family without asking for anything in return. I would watch them give away cars and money just to ensure others had a good start or felt supported. It was then that my parents showed me the true value of compassion and empathy. They explained how some people faced difficult circumstances and how it was our duty to help those in need. Witnessing their selflessness and genuine care for others left a profound impact on me. Through their actions, my parents taught me the importance of kindness, generosity, and the power of making a difference in someone’s life. Their guidance not only shaped my understanding of values, but also instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility to contribute positively to the world. This experience was just one example of how my parents consistently demonstrated their commitment to teaching me values that I continue to uphold today. Furthermore, whenever I faced adversity or self-doubt, my parents were my unwavering support system. In moments when the world seemed uncertain and even cruel, they nourished my confidence with unwavering love and encouragement. They reminded me of my unique strengths; celebrated my achievements and helped me learn from setbacks. Their constant support not only helped me overcome challenges, but also fostered a resilient spirit within me. They showed me that I had the power to rise above any obstacle and achieve my dreams. With their guidance, I grew to believe that my aspirations were not distant dreams, but tangible goals that I could reach with dedication and hard work. Their unwavering belief in my potential gave me the courage to pursue my passions fearlessly, never settling for less than what I truly desired. They taught me that no dream was too big and that I was capable of achieving greatness. Their faith in me fueled my determination and taught me to embrace the limitless possibilities life has to offer. Thanks to their unwavering support, I stand today with a strong sense of self and the conviction that I can make a meaningful impact on the world. I love you Mom and Dad!
Dr. Girlie, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I am a wife and mother of 2 miracle babies. They are my absolute, world, my why and the fuel in my fire. They are my answered prayer after years of waiting.
I’m a proud Haitian-born native of St Martin. I grew an interest and passion for the healthcare field since I was a little girl. I enjoyed helping others feel better while figuring out what was causing them discomfort. But in high school I found myself caring for my mother after a major life-saving cardiothoracic surgery. And as I watched a nurse named Jessica, effortlessly, gracefully and skillfully work to keep my mother alive, I knew then that healthcare was the path for me and I didn’t care what I had to do to get there. I attended the Great Bethune-Cookman University and completed their rigorous yet stellar nursing program then matriculated to Robert Morris University and the rest was history. After many years of caring for patients I found myself yearning to help people live their most abundant and most vivid lives from the inside out. This brings me to the present as a practicing dual board-certified Family Practice and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I offer comprehensive and compassionate psychiatric care through a telepsychiatry practice, Vivid Minds Mental Care. I take a very unique approach by combining my healthcare expertise with a captivating approach, empowering my patients in Florida to prioritize their physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Driven by my passion for philanthropy, I co-founded a nonprofit organization Imperial Legacy, Inc with my sister, where we spearhead initiatives in family literacy, language acquisition, health literacy, and financial literacy. Additionally, because fashion is an outlet for many to heal, I created CurvEssentials, an e-commerce boutique that inspires plus-size women to embrace their curves with confidence, reflecting my commitment to helping others live vividly from the inside out.
I wear multiple hats, but the mission and the message remains the same, which is to equip others with what they need that will empower them to change and evolve into the best versions of themselves.
What I would like others to know about me is that I want to meet them right where they are. No need to put up a front or disguise their needs. Just be honest, open and transparent. I might meet them where they are, but I won’t leave them there alone. They will be equipped to shift and this flows through anything that I do or am involved in.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
I have always been a driven individual with a deep passion for caring for the whole person and not focused on the corporate numbers. It has always been more about quality of care than quantity of visits for me. Unfortunately, my values weren’t always the same as some organizations I’ve worked for. However, after years of working in corporate healthcare settings, I felt a longing for more autonomy and the opportunity to truly make a difference in my patients’ lives. I wanted to put my spin on care, create a reliable experience and give other’s the opportunity to not feel like another billing code. So with a clear vision of a patient-centric practice, I took a leap of faith and decided to pivot into private practice.
The journey was far from easy. I encountered numerous challenges, from navigating legal requirements to building a strong network and client base. However, my unwavering resilience fueled my determination to succeed. I refused to let setbacks deter me from my ultimate goal. So I planned and planned and planned some more. I had long hours of research, networking, and seeking mentorship. No advice was too little and I approached every facet of this new venture cautiously yet excitedly. And I can say that I have gained valuable insights into the world of private practice.
Diligence became my closest companion as I painstakingly built the private practice from the ground up. I worked tirelessly, meticulously designing every aspect of the practice to align with my vision and values. From hiring a compassionate and skilled team to creating a warm and welcoming environment via Telehealth, I had no desire to leave a stone unturned. This time it was all about the patients and being dedicated to providing personalized patient care and fostering meaningful relationships.
My journey serves as a testament to the power of vision, resilience, and diligence. By staying true to my vision of a patient-centric practice, I have been able to overcome obstacles and build something that I am proud of. And all of the hard work feels like a drop in the bucket in comparison to being able to leave a lasting impact on my patients’ lives.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
As I embarked on the journey of growing my own private practice, I discovered the most effective strategy wasn’t about the technicalities or the intricate steps. It was about focusing on the why—the deep-rooted passion that fueled my desire to make a difference in people’s lives. By connecting with the purpose that led me to become a healthcare professional, I was able to authentically connect with my patients and create meaningful relationships. When I focused on the why, the how fell into place naturally.
Instead of getting lost in the intricacies of marketing plans or growth strategies, I realized that the true essence of growing a thriving practice was understanding the underlying motivation. It was about tapping into that innate desire to heal, to alleviate suffering, and to bring comfort. By staying true to my calling and reminding myself of the impact I wanted to make, I naturally attracted patients who resonated with my genuine intentions. The why became the beacon that guided every decision and action, creating an authentic and fulfilling practice.
Don’t get me wrong, I did network with other providers in other specialties such as primary care, pediatrics, surgeons, and therapists. I engaged in giving valuable health and wellness information to my community by speaking in various settings. I also volunteered with various organizations to spread awareness to physical and mental disparities plaguing our community; however, that alone did not grow my clientele more than me understanding my message and using that message to create relatable moments which connected me to various client groups.
I learned that the most effective way to grow my private practice was to never lose sight of my why. It wasn’t about the number of patients or the financial gains; it was about the deep satisfaction that came from positively impacting lives. By continually reminding myself of the intrinsic motivations, I stayed aligned with my purpose and attracted patients who valued and appreciated the unique care I provided. Focusing on the why not only fueled my passion, but also cultivated a sense of fulfillment and purpose in every aspect of my practice.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.vividmindscare.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vividmindsmentalcare/
- Facebook: Facebook.com/vividmindsmentalcare
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/vividmindsmentalcare
Image Credits
Justin Wu with The Wu Gallery