We were lucky to catch up with Amy Green recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Amy, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
Having faced the profound heartbreak of three losses with my partner, Isaac, prior to the birth of our first child, I encountered the immense challenge of finding adequate support during such a trying time, despite my background as a therapist. This personal journey of healing fueled my determination to make a difference in the field of perinatal mental health.
Following my own recovery, I pursued a certification in perinatal mental health, driven by the desire to better understand and address the unique challenges faced by individuals during this vulnerable period. Subsequently, I joined a private practice, where I had the privilege of providing maternal mental healthcare. However, I found myself grappling with an internal conflict related to the business model – a structure predominantly centered on private pay, catering to a majority of middle-to-upper-class, and primarily Caucasian women.
Identifying a significant gap in care, I made the decision to establish my own practice, one that would not only offer accessible maternal mental healthcare to women and their families but also operate on a business model that embraces inclusivity & diversity.
My purpose in founding Mamaya Health was twofold: to bridge the accessibility gap in maternal mental health care and to ensure that these vital services are covered by insurance. Today, we stand as the sole insurance-based practice in Tennessee providing maternal mental healthcare, hold a Medicaid contract with United HealthCare to provide maternal mental health, and boast a team of specialty-trained maternal mental health providers. This journey reflects my commitment to making a tangible impact on the lives of individuals and families navigating the complexities of perinatal mental health, irrespective of their background or financial circumstances.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am most known for saying, “How is your heart?” This simple yet profound question embodies a core philosophy that I bring to both my personal and professional interactions. It reflects my belief in the importance of genuine human connection and empathy in all aspects of life, including business. A dear friend, Cathie Quillet, gifted this phrase to me during a season of secondary infertility, and I found it deeply meaningful & seen during a time when I felt very invisible in our fertility struggles.
In a business context, “How is your heart?” goes beyond the usual pleasantries and serves as a reminder that behind every professional role and title, there is a person with emotions, aspirations, and challenges. This question encourages meaningful conversations and opens the door to understanding the well-being and motivations of colleagues, clients, and partners.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
1. Authenticity: For me, authenticity is not just a buzzword; it’s a commitment to showing up as my true self in every aspect of my work. By embracing and expressing my genuine self, I create an environment that encourages others to do the same. This authenticity becomes a catalyst for openness, trust, and genuine connections.
2. Inclusivity: Inclusivity is a cornerstone of my values, guiding both personal growth and the culture within our workspace. It involves actively addressing and dismantling biases, fostering awareness of privilege, and cultivating an environment where everyone feels seen and heard. Our commitment to inclusivity extends beyond internal dynamics; it influences how we interact with clients, creating a space where diverse backgrounds and perspectives are valued.
3. Mission-Centered: Our mission is not just a statement but a lived experience in every story we share, both internally and externally. We find purpose and fulfillment in the healing journeys of our clients, driven by their access to care and the unique expertise of our therapists. Being mission-centered means that our work transcends transactional interactions; it contributes to a larger narrative of positive impact and meaningful change.
Looking ahead, my focus for the upcoming year is on capturing, understanding, and sharing the profound impact of our work. This involves not only recognizing the transformative stories within our community but also communicating our mission to a broader audience. Through this, I aim to deepen our connections, inspire our team, and contribute positively to the well-being of our community and beyond.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
The most impactful thing my mom did for me was when I was 14- she signed us up for a business course at a local community college in Buffalo, NY. Every week, we attended the course together, immersing ourselves in the essentials of building and running a business. From crafting a business plan to understanding financial intricacies like profit and loss statements, the course equipped me with foundational skills.
This experience ignited my dream of opening a therapy practice. I delved into writing a detailed business plan, envisioning the various therapy groups and individual sessions I would offer. I even found myself imagining the layout, furniture, and decor of the future space. My mom’s proactive support not only provided me with practical knowledge but also nurtured my aspirations and laid the groundwork for the realization of my entrepreneurial dream in the field of therapy.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mamayahealth.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mamayahealth/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mamaya-health
Image Credits
Fizza Raza (my headshots)
