Dr. Meredith Moran LMHC, CCTP shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Meredith, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
As someone who appreciates routines, my weekday mornings are quite structured. The first 90 minutes typically begin with me hitting snooze three times before reluctantly getting out of bed. Next comes showering, feeding the dog, and then getting ready with my hair and makeup. I then prepare my protein shake for breakfast, choose my outfit for the day, and head out to work. If I deviate from this order, I always feel like I’ve missed something important.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am Meredith Moran, Ed.D., LMHC, CCTP, a dedicated professional with over two decades of experience in counseling, training, and law enforcement. I hold a Doctor of Education in Counseling Psychology, a Master of Arts in Criminology, and a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology. Currently, I serve as the Senior Academic Program Coordinator at St. Petersburg College, coordinating the Applied Mental Health Certificate for First Responders. In addition to my academic role, I own and operate Front Line Wellness, a mental health counseling practice specializing in first responder trauma and incorporating animal-assisted therapy. I also serve as the Clinical Director for the CISM of West Central Florida.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
Growing up, my father, a physician, significantly shaped my work ethic. Witnessing his dedication and success instilled in me the importance of hard work. However, he also emphasized the need for work-life balance, a lesson I’ve carried with me. His influence extended to upholding strong values; we never succeeded in faking illness to skip school. This experience has set a high personal standard for my own work performance.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Throughout my career, I’ve faced many moments where I considered quitting. Significant hardships and instances of institutional betrayal led to contemplation of abandoning everything. Yet, I persevered. These challenging experiences have shaped me and brought me to where I am today.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I am deeply committed to improving the mental wellness of first responders. A pervasive culture, particularly within law enforcement, encourages suppressing emotions and avoids discussing challenges. This harmful dynamic has tragically resulted in over 985 suicides since 2020. I am dedicated to effecting positive change through my private practice, and clinical work. My efforts are focused on creating a supportive environment where first responders feel comfortable seeking help and prioritizing their well-being.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope that when I am gone, people will remember that I made a difference in the culture of first responder wellness and in the lives of my family, friends, and clients. I strived to create a supportive environment and positively impacted those around me. My dedication was focused on fostering resilience and well-being, leaving a legacy of care and understanding.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.flwellness.org
- Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/meredith-moran-ed-d-lmhc-cctp-7b37947
