Episode Resources: www.hercomebackpodcast.com

Guest: Dr. Antoinette Cruz, Founder of Providence Family Life Center & Mind-Body Movement Living Laboratory

Journey to Body-Centered Trauma Recovery

• Transitioned from traditional clinical work at University of Michigan and Columbia University
• Recognized gap between treating symptoms vs. addressing root causes of trauma
• Developed integrated approach combining mental health, chronic illness, and wellness

Hurricane Irma Awakening (2017)

• Personal experience with hurricane trauma revealed lack of mental health preparedness
• No emotional support systems in place for disaster victims
• Began addressing both housing needs and emotional trauma recovery

Mind-Body Movement Living Laboratory

• Teaches trauma survivors how to understand their nervous system
• Uses somatic experiencing and yoga to help body release stored trauma
• Focus: "The body keeps the score" - trauma lives in the body, not just the mind
• Provides tools for nervous system regulation and stress management

Hurricane Ian Response (2022)

• Worked with FEMA and Red Cross in disaster shelters
• Helped 200+ people with housing, repairs, and relocation
• Observed complex trauma from multiple hurricane experiences
• Developed disaster support groups and breathwork sessions

Providence Family Life Center Origins (2008)

• Started after personal life transformation as single mom
• Began with 3 bags of clothes, coffee pot, and crock pot
• Grew from 20 people on Thursday nights to 300+ every Saturday
• Focus on homeless individuals with undiagnosed mental illness

Success Story: Hollywood General Motors

• Homeless for 26 years with schizophrenia diagnosis
• Through advocacy, became stabilized with housing and benefits
• Now employed 6 years, authored book, reconnected with family after 40+ years
• Exemplifies lives transformed through integrated care approach

Research & Impact

• 30-day study shows immediate decrease in anxiety, stress, and insomnia
• Participants gain motivation for self-care and healthcare engagement
• Community-based model emphasizes partnerships and collaboration

Personal Comeback Journey

• Career changer who returned to education at midlife
• Earned degrees from University of Michigan as non-traditional student
• Now grandmother pursuing doctorate and running innovative programs
• Living example of transformation after 50

Vision for Future

• Integration of traditional medicine with holistic/alternative approaches
• Community-based prevention models
• Education to give people agency over their own healing
• Collaboration between MDs, alternative healers, and community workers

Contact Information

Website: www.mbmll.live Phone: (239) 676-3159 Social Media: @ProvidenceFamilyLifeCenter (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn)