We recently had the chance to connect with Cherice Greco and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Cherice, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Right now, and always really, I get so much joy from my family. I have 4 small kids (ages 8, 6, 4 and 4 months) that bring me joy on a daily basis. Now, don’t get me wrong, they can also be a huge source of stress and anxiety for me, but I absoutely love watching them grow and learn and figure out who they are and who they want to be. I enjoy spending time with my two girls and two boys, and my husband when I am not working. I like the balance of having my own business and having control over my schedule to be able to be present for all the moments, big and small, with my kids.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a Tampa native, a wife and mother, and a business owner. I am a licensed school psychologist in the state of Florida and work with young children up to young adults on concerns that cause them distress. I conduct evaluations for learning difficulties, autism, and emtional/behavioral concerns (ADHD, anxiety, etc.), provide individual and group therapy, and provide parent coaching and Parent-Child Interaction Therapy for young children with challenging behaviors. Prior to opening my private practice, I was a school psychologist for the public schools.
I help kids (and their parents) understand how they learn and think, what is easy for them and what is more difficult, and give them recommendations on how to be successful. I work with parents on changing challenging behaviors to develop a better relationship with their children and a calmer environment at home (and school). I collaborate with other clinicians and with schools on how to set kids up for success. I work with kids (and teens and young adults) so that they can learn the skills they need to feel better and be successful. My experience working in the schools gives me insight and understanding to what goes on in the classrooms, and with 504 and ESE services. My experience as a mother provides me with empathy for other parents, and an understanding of how hard it actually is to parent in the world we live in today.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who taught you the most about work?
I think my grandparents taught me the most about work, or what it means to be successful. My grandparents were married young, in their teens, and started a business of their own that they successfully grew and ran for over 50 years. The business was known in the community and was a place where people felt comfortable and welcome to just come and hang out. They created lifelong customers with their charm, kindness, and integrity. They worked very hard, 6 days a week, to build their brand and their loyal clientele. But they also played hard and were able to take some of the most amazing trips around the world because of their diligence and hard work. They didn’t limit themselves because they were young and inexperienced. They worked harder to attain the things they truly wanted. They also did a phenomenal job balancing family with work.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
You don’t have to know everything now. Life will work itself out as long as you have the skills to adapt to the adversities you face. And you’re allowed to change your mind. Be goal oriented, but flexible at the same time.
When I was younger, I thought I needed to have a plan for everything. And I did. But a lot of what I had planned on my timeline didn’t actually happen the way I thought it would. I spent my teens and 20’s focused on trying to fit my plan into my life, instead of following my heart and slowing down. And when things didn’t fall into place the way I wanted, I had to learn to adapt. I changed careers, got married, and had my babies in my 30’s. Things have only gotten better since.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
The public version of me is a real version, but isn’t the only version. I enjoy presenting on topics related to children, learning, and parenting, but I also enjoy learning from others and being in the background more. I like to get dressed up and go out, but I also really like to hang out on my couch cuddled in a blanket with my family. I like meeting new people and trying new things, but can also be very introverted.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I believe I am doing what I was born to do. I absolutely love working with children and always wanted to do something tha involved kids, even when I was little. I used to play “teacher” as a kid and even thought about becoming one after college. I actually switched careers, from a sales job with a top medical publisher to school psychology, in my early 30’s. I enjoy the 1:1 aspect of being a psychologist. I am able to really get to know the children I work with, and help them to know themselves. I am able to provide support for the kids and their families, and help them to advocate for what they need. And I think my experience as a parent provides me with insight into how all the “best practices” translate into real life in families.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.childpsychtampa.com
- Instagram: @ChildPsychTampa
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/childpsychtampa
Image Credits
Carrie Wildes Photograpy
