Today we’d like to introduce you to Moniek Garside.
Hi Moniek , it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My journey hasn’t been easy, but it has been filled with purpose. From an early age, I navigated challenges that shaped my perspective and fueled a deep desire to understand myself and help others do the same. Those experiences laid the groundwork for my passion to walk alongside people as they heal, grow, and navigate life.
I’ve been in the field of social work for over 20 years, working in a variety of settings including healthcare, hospice, academia, and private practice. Each role has taught me something different about people, systems, and the power of presence. I have been a licensed clinical social worker for over 12 years. I am licensed in multiple states. Today, I focus on speaking, consulting, and mentoring the next generation of social workers, helping them build both skill and confidence.
I earned my undergraduate degree in Social Work from Aurora University, followed by a Master’s in Social Work from Loyola University Chicago. Wanting to expand my understanding of systems and leadership, I completed an MBA in Healthcare Management from Colorado Technical University. Currently, I’m pursuing a PhD in Social Work with a specialization in Crisis, Disaster, and Intervention.
Each step of my academic and professional path has affirmed what I’ve always known to be true: my gift is in holding space for others. Being a therapist is more than a title—it’s a calling, and I feel fortunate to do this work from a place of deep authenticity, lived experience, and academic preparation.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not at all—it’s been anything but smooth. There were absolutely challenges along the way, both personally and professionally. I had to do the inner work first. That meant going to therapy myself, facing my own trauma, navigating complex relationships, and learning how to set and honor healthy boundaries. I couldn’t fully show up for others until I had truly shown up for myself.
From a business perspective, there were growing pains. I had to build my confidence, not just as a clinician, but as an entrepreneur. Creating a private practice and brand that felt authentic and could truly support individuals navigating mental health challenges took time, intention, and trust in myself. I also had to overcome imposter syndrome and give myself permission to take up space in this field.
Building a strong community and professional network was key. I leaned into mentorship, collaboration, and staying rooted in my values. I now consider myself an expert in the field, but that didn’t happen overnight—it came from years of dedication, consistency, and doing the work, both within and around me.
We’ve been impressed with FitLife Wellness LLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Under FitLife Wellness, I wear many hats—I’m a subject matter expert, speaker, clinical supervisor, consultant, therapist, and advocate. I’m also an author and professor, which allows me to combine clinical expertise with education, mentorship, and real-world application. What sets my work apart is its integrative approach, with a focus on how the mind and body are deeply connected in the healing process. I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Instead, I tailor support to meet people where they are, whether that’s through therapy, supervision, coaching, or community care.
My practice is rooted in the values of authenticity, balance, and intentionality. I specialize in helping adults navigate anxiety, depression, life transitions, trauma, grief, and burnout—all while emphasizing the importance of boundaries, self-awareness, and self-care. I also provide affordable, high-quality supervision for social workers pursuing licensure, as well as group coaching and retreats that foster healing, reflection, and connection.
What I’m most proud of is the evolution of my business—not just in the number of clients I’ve been able to reach, but in how I’ve grown personally and professionally. My brand has expanded to include not only clinical work but thought leadership, mentorship, and community building. Whether it’s through my journal, wellness products, speaking engagements, or clinical services, my mission remains the same: to create safe, intentional spaces where people feel seen, supported, and empowered to heal and grow.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Discipline has been the most important driver of my success. I often say, “Discipline will take you places motivation cannot reach.” It’s about showing up and doing the work even when you don’t feel like it—especially on the hard days. That consistency has allowed me to build something meaningful and sustainable.
Beyond discipline, I’ve learned the value of staying open—open to growth, to change, to possibility. I’ve never boxed myself in, and that has allowed me to evolve in my work while staying rooted in authenticity. Being true to myself, trusting my path, and leading with integrity have made all the difference.
I’m also incredibly grateful for my support system. It may be small, but it’s mighty, and I don’t take that for granted. And at the heart of it all is passion—a deep love for mental health, for people, and for holding space where healing can happen. That purpose fuels everything I do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.moniekgarside.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fitlifewellnessllc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fitlifewellnessllccounseling/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniekgarside
- Other: https://www.fitlifewellnessllc.com/
Image Credits
Modest Media, LLC
