Today we’d like to introduce you to Natasha Merchant.
Hi Natasha, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My journey began in San Antonio, Texas, where I grew up as the first-generation only child in a traditional immigrant family. Throughout my upbringing, I became aware of the lack of accessible resources in our community. Motivated to make a difference, I embarked on a path to change the world, starting as a social worker. My inspiration to pursue a career in social work stemmed from my early experience as a caregiver for a young adolescent with Autism. Witnessing the challenges faced by his family due to the absence of adequate care providers and the limited availability of resources in the school system for children with emotional and mental behaviors, I recognized the urgent need for support and intervention. Driven by my passion for working with families and individuals in need, I became determined to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) to provide guidance and assistance to those who struggled to navigate the system or required additional tools to manage their emotional and mental well-being effectively.
Over the years, my commitment to empowering individuals led me to explore ways of reaching more people within the comfort of their own communities. It was then that I discovered my calling and founded “Building Blocks Behavioral” Through this service, we empower individuals to develop their mental and emotional well-being, laying a strong foundation for their personal growth. By strengthening their inner strength and resilience, individuals can create a supportive and thriving community around them. At Building Blocks Behavioral, we believe in fostering a comprehensive approach to mental health and well-being. Our services range from customized workshops to group sessions tailored to meet the unique needs of the sectors we serve: educational institutions, businesses/organizations, and religious communities. We are dedicated to making a positive impact, providing the tools and support necessary to bridge the gap and help individuals lead fulfilling lives.
Today, I am proud to lead Building Blocks Behavioral in our mission to promote emotional and mental well-being, supporting individuals, families, and communities in their journey toward a stronger and healthier future.
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?
Building Blocks Behavioral has been an incredible journey, full of both internal and external challenges that have shaped our growth and success. It has been a testament to the power of perseverance and the unwavering support of my family and friends. On an internal level, one of the significant struggles I faced was bridging the gap between envisioning my goals and actually taking steps to bring them to life. The inner battle of transforming aspirations into tangible achievements required determination and a firm belief in my abilities.
Externally, the influences of our team’s respective communities played a role in shaping our process. Coming from a South Indian family background, where traditional expectations often prioritize careers in fields like medicine, law, or engineering, I faced the hurdle of pursuing a path in social services. Overcoming societal expectations and forging my own unique journey was a challenge I embraced wholeheartedly.
Throughout this transformative journey, I often had to navigate uncharted territories on my own. Building up Building Blocks Behavioral required relentless dedication and countless hours of hard work. However, every obstacle and setback has served as fuel to push forward, knowing that the impact we are making in the lives of individuals and communities is worth every ounce of effort.
I am proud to stand at the forefront of Building Blocks Behavioral, a testament to the power of determination and resilience. Our team’s collective passion drives us to continually innovate and provide the highest quality of support and resources to those in need. We have embraced the challenges along the way and turned them into stepping stones toward our vision of creating a world where mental and emotional well-being are valued and nurtured.
As we reflect on the journey so far, we are grateful for every hurdle we’ve overcome, as they have made us stronger and more dedicated to our mission. We remain committed to empowering individuals and communities, creating lasting change, and paving the way for a brighter future.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
We are a community-focused program offering personalized, targeted, and integrative coaching and development programs. Our aim is to enhance the mental and emotional well-being of our audience, helping them thrive in any environment. Through a series of workshops, we foster strong connections and empower individuals with the tools and awareness needed for success.
We design workshop series for diverse organizations, groups, and communities, including LGBTQ, faith-based, schools, and more. Our commitment to creating stable and emotionally intelligent environments reduces stressors and promotes harmony. With our inclusive and compassionate approach, we ensure every client thrives.
Tailor your experience by combining our offerings into a custom series of workshops. We prioritize community-based support by meeting clients where they are, making emotional and mental health services accessible and inclusive for all.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
One surprising aspect that most people who know me or our brand, Building Blocks Behavioral, might not be aware of is the multifaceted nature of my personal and professional life. While I am deeply committed to the growth and impact of Building Blocks Behavioral, I am also currently practicing as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in a private practice located in Marietta. With over ten years of experience in the field, I have had the privilege of working with diverse individuals and communities, witnessing firsthand the transformative power of mental health support. What sets me apart is my ability to connect with individuals on a deeper level, bridging cultural gaps and breaking down barriers. Fluent in Urdu and Hindi, I bring a unique perspective and understanding to our interactions and am able to connect with communities that don’t traditionally place as much of an importance on mental health as they should.
Beyond my professional pursuits, I find immense joy in networking and building meaningful connections. Engaging in group activities and exploring the great outdoors through hiking are some of the ways I recharge and find inspiration. These passions not only allow me to foster personal growth but also inform the work we do at Building Blocks Behavioral, where we emphasize the importance of community, connection, and personal well-being.
If you or your organization are seeking guidance, resources, or support in areas of mental health, behavior management, or fostering positive communication, we are here to help. Reach out to us through our website at buildingblocksbehavioral.org to learn more about our services and how we can tailor our expertise to meet your unique needs.
Together, let us embark on a transformative journey towards enhancing mental and emotional well-being in educational institutions, religious communities, and businesses/nonprofit organizations. Contact Building Blocks Behavioral today and let us make a lasting impact together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://buildingblocksbehavioral.org/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/building-blocks-behavioral/?viewAsMember=true
Image Credits
JR Negron
