Meet Susana Rodriguez | Sr. Managing Partner, Sondercare Behavioral health

We had the good fortune of connecting with Susana Rodriguez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Susana, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My thoughts evolved from personal life experienced and simply being a part of a system that did not appear to be as robust or as effective as it could be and from wanting to make a real difference. My thoughts continued to evolve as I watched and participated in a system that brands individuals by disabilities and diagnosis and creates a stigma that has oppressed the same populations. My thought process included empowerment, motivation and determination; all of which I can personally muster in an effort to make the real difference that I have sought out to make.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I believe my tenacity and dedication sets me apart from others. I consider myself to be a dreamer, of sorts. I work hard to create a vision that is attainable and realistic. In this particular endeavor, I saw a need for compassion, for empathy and for empowerment of others that have either had a similar experience to my own or an experience that has set them apart from others, not for any other reason but because of the stigma placed on them. The real challenge was to create a place that provided the empathetic and compassionate environment that I mentioned, to create an environment where one can learn and grow and develop from their core being without judgment or barriers. This has not been a simple task as there have been those that have not had the same belief in me that I have mustered. It has not been easy because I did not come from a place of unlimited funding and had to work hard to get others to buy into in my dream and support the vision that I presented. I overcame the challenges before me by maintaining a solid belief system and pushing myself to never give in or give up. The lessons have been many; however, the greatest lesson of all has been learning that I do have the courage, the strength, the skill base and the determination to make it work. I want others to know that my brand stands out from the rest by providing a service that encompasses love, kindness, authenticity, respect and above all dedication to help the disenfranchised, the mentally ill and those less fortunate and capable than others.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If I had the opportunity so show my best friend a phenomenal time, I would share a weekend at La Paloma Resort with her. I would make sure we were on the hiking ventures, we would eat great food, share stories until late at night, and would hang out as if we owned the place—getting massages, going swimming, shopping and spending time with each other just chatting. I would also invite her to check out some of the more interesting and historic places in Tucson such as Barrio Viejo, the Botanical Gardens, Madera Canyon and just simply enjoy the Arizona sunsets which are by far the best I have ever seen.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My journey includes three men who have been inspirational and motivating. Firstly, my co-worker who had faith in me beyond my own. He believed in my creativity and tenacity and pushed me to bring my goal to fruition. Secondly, my doting partner, He also had faith in my dream and stood beside me and pushed me to work hard, work steadily and focus on what was true and inspiring to me. He was present to help me birth my experience and dream. Thirdly, my devoted brother. He has been a stabilizing force in my life and has helped me develop strength, wisdom and perseverance. I am extremely grateful for the roles each of these men have played in my life; without their support and encouragement I may have not followed through.

Website: www.sondercarebhs.com

Instagram: Sondercare_bhs

Linkedin: susier@sondercarebhs.com

Facebook: Sondercare Behavioral Health