Mental Health Counselor Marlyne DeLima practices what she preaches regarding her psychological well-being. Starting her day off at 5:00 AM, DeLima spends her waking hours with prayer and reading scripture. After getting ready, she prepares a healthy green smoothie to kick-start her morning. After a long day of counseling at school, DeLima walks two miles each evening to stay active and connect with nature. 

During high school and college, DeLima developed a keen interest in literature. Much like psychology, she relished analyzing different characters and their actions. Throughout her time in school, her English teachers had the “magic and patience to teach in a way that connected students.” This unpacking of literature throughout her life sprinkled its way into her career. 

“From teaching literature and deeply connecting with students, I got to see how kids could trust and talk to me while simultaneously being their English teacher; I realized then that I did want to go into psychology,” DeLima said. 

For DeLima, the path to psychology was a natural one, since she had always felt the desire to help others. While attending Florida International University, DeLima taught at different institutions and immediately fell in love with the connections she made with students.

“Long before I was a counselor, I felt like one,” DeLima said.

With the help of her college professor, Dr. Hagador — which she claims to be one of her greatest inspirations — DeLima was able to gear toward psychology and start exploring the large umbrella the mental health world provides.

“Dr. Hagador took the time to explain to me, in such detail, the different aspects of psychology and how mental health would be a good direction for me to go on — it was a pleasure for him to help me during this journey,” DeLima said.

DeLima worked as a Trust counselor at Miami-Dade County public schools for 15 years before opening her private practice, “Changing Perspectives,” a mental health organization that facilitated additional therapeutic guidance to her clients and students when needed. DeLima collaborates alongside other experienced mental health professionals at “Changing Perspectives” and continues to expand the practice as she advances in her role at the upper school. 

“[Changing Perspectives] is a place where people can get the help and tools they need to better their everyday lives,” DeLima said. “I feel I have the best of both worlds because I get to work with students and expand my practice.”