Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Stantial.
Hi Michelle, 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?
I actually started my career on a very different path. I graduated from Northeastern University with a degree in Political Science, then went on to earn a Master’s in Business Management from Boston University’s Rome, Italy campus. At that point, my life was centered around international travel, and I went into the corporate world, but several years in I started to feel that something was missing.
Over time, I began to realize that I didn’t feel truly useful. I wanted to make a genuine difference — to see the impact of my work in people’s lives, not just in a few numbers in a report or spreadsheet. So, in what most of my friends, family, and colleagues considered a complete surprise, I made a major shift: I became a special education teacher. Everyone thought I’d come running back to the corporate world after one year.
That decision changed everything. Working with children—especially those who struggle to be understood or need extra support—gave me something my earlier career never could: connection, meaning, and the quiet joy of watching progress happen in real time. I discovered I loved the one-on-one interaction most of all, the moments when a child felt seen and capable. That sense of connection eventually led me to become a therapist, combining my background special education with a deep focus on human growth and resilience.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s been a winding and interesting road, though not an easy one. Changing careers midlife required humility—going back to school, starting from the bottom again, and stepping into environments that were completely new. There were financial challenges, long hours, and a few moments of self-doubt about whether I had made the right choice.
But it helped me refine my purpose. Working in special education had taught me how to hold compassion and perspective, and then give it to the child. Later, as I trained in counseling, I learned how to hold space for grief, anxiety, and healing in others while continuing to grow myself. Balancing multiple roles—teacher, counselor, parent, caregiver—has been complex, but it’s also been profoundly meaningful.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Woodlands Haven, PLLC?
My practice, Woodlands Haven, is based in The Woodlands, Texas. I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor–Associate, working under the supervision of Cynthia Nava, M.S., LPC-S. to complete the 3,000 supervised hours required for full licensure (much like doctors who train extensively before practicing independently.) My approach to therapy is rooted in cognitive-behavioral techniques and guided by my belief that everyone has the inner resources to heal and grow.
I specialize in working with individuals navigating grief, anxiety, and life transitions, helping them restore balance and renew hope—both of which have become the heart of my brand and tagline: “Restoring balance. Renewing hope.”
Woodlands Haven was created from a genuine desire to help people find peace and direction in seasons of struggle. It’s not just a practice—it’s a place of calm, connection, and renewal. What sets it apart is the heart behind the work. Every session is approached with authenticity, compassion, and respect for each person’s unique journey. No judgement.
I don’t see clients as “cases” or “diagnoses”; I see people doing their best to navigate life’s complexities. My goal is to create a space where they feel safe enough to explore, reflect, and begin again. It’s deeply personal work, grounded in hope.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I really believe in staying open—to change, to learning, and to growth. Mentorship doesn’t always come from one person or one place. Having more than one mentor, and networking, has been invaluable to me because every professional brings a different perspective, approach, and way of thinking. That variety gives me more choices and insights to draw from as I continue evolving personally and professionally. I truly believe it’s important to listen, stay curious, and never assume you’ve outgrown the role of a learner.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.woodlandshaven.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/woodlands_haven/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575622525269
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-stantial-619339299
