Miami Moms Blog Welcomes: MIA MOM Meli Rentas

Hi Miami Mom! Let’s chat. My name is Melissa, but my friends call me Meli! I am very excited to be sharing with you in the Miami Moms Blog community!

What do you love reading about the most on this blog page?

Miami

While I wasn’t born in Miami, I was raised here since the age for four. My Cuban parents met in Miami and moved to Texas.  My dad was in seminary and my two sisters and I were born in the great state of Texas. I was born at one in the morning on a cool autumnal night in Fort Worth, Texas. Yeehaw!

We later moved to Miami when I was four years old. I believe even though I wasn’t born here, I’m still a Miami-girl through and through.  And, I don’t actually say “Yeehaw”.

From a very young age I always felt a strong desire to love and serve the people around me. Because of that I graduated with my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Masters in Counselor Education from Florida International University. My love for change as well as teaching and helping lead to a variety of work experiences.

I’ve taught in both the elementary and middle school settings and have worked as a counselor with kids ranging from the ages of 12 through 18. I also worked in community mental health and in the private practice setting as a therapist. Working with children and families both as a teacher and a counselor has been the most meaningful and fulfilling work I’ve ever done.

What would you like to learn from a teacher, counselor, and friend in this blog page?

Moms

I became a mom in December 2014 with my first son, Joseph. During this time, I was working as a School Guidance Counselor at a middle/high school in Hialeah Gardens. Although I returned to work when my son was six months old, I soon realized I wasn’t able to bear the time away. While it was a blessing to stay with him, being home alone has been difficult.

Being a stay at home mom can be challenging. Many stay-at-home moms feel confused, lonely, sad, and so much more. I have experienced all of this and then some. At the same time, it seems that any hardship SAHMs face is seen as selfish and ungrateful. I know that these feelings are real and valid.

Can I get an amen?

Blog

There is a lot I’ve learned in the past five years about motherhood and identity, anxiety, depression, and so much more. I really look forward to sharing a lot of this in the hopes that I will continue to live in my life’s purpose of helping and serving.

I’m really excited to serve you: my fellow Miami Mom!

Comment below and tell me a little something about yourself. I can’t wait to meet you at a Miami Moms Blog event!