Theresa Melito-Conners, PhD (Dr. MC)

CEO/Founder

www.drmcselfcare.com

Been part of the group for years, a paying member - this is my first year

Saugus, MA - born and raised in MA. Grew up in Melrose

My company is Dr. MC’s Self-Care Cabaret, a suite of theatre-inspired self-care and professional development services for helping professionals. The Self-Care Cabaret encompasses workshops, a podcast, and educational curricula — focused on accessible, realistic strategies that equip and empower.

Many reasons pushed me to start this business. I have been studying and interested in self-care to ward off my professional burnout for many years. When I started, I thought this was something that only I was experiencing. As I progressed through my career in education, I realized burnout is a significant issue, especially for helping professionals. This led me to pursue my PhD, where I studied self-care and renewal as my main area of scholarship. As I was wrapping up my doctoral studies in 2019, I wanted a way to share my expertise and unique live experience, and thus Dr. MC’s Self-Care Cabaret was born.

My definition of success is doing work that is rewarding and meaningful while also having the flexibility to attend to your needs. So often, we associate success with overdoing it, but to me, success has balance. You will know you have reached it when you are satisfied with your career path and feel at ease.

In 2019 shortly after officially launching Dr. MC’s Self-Care Cabaret, I presented at a large conference for professionals who work with at-risk youth. It was an excellent presentation, and at the end of it, I called my mom and told her how amazing I felt, and I realized that presenting was like performing. I might not be starring on Broadway as I once dreamed, but I am starring in my own show that I created, and I am helping people along the way! I felt all my passions come together in that moment, and the path became clear.

When you are an entrepreneur, there is a lot of noise and people looking to sell you things you don’t need. I found it challenging to resist these offers until I got really clear on my path. I’m a Pisces dreamer and can easily get swept up in my visions. So I am constantly balancing my operational side that can get sh*t done with my dreaming nature. It reminds me of a great Glennon Doyle quote, “This life is mine alone. So I have stopped asking people for directions to places they've never been.” I am the business, and I am in control. There is no rulebook, and no one else has the answer.

I give myself space. I vent to those closest to me. I feel my feelings, and I pick myself up again. As a self-care expert, I recognize the critical importance of listening and honoring my body and rest. As a result, I always come back stronger.

It is such a wonderful and supportive community. I love asking questions or sharing exciting updates and getting fantastic feedback.

One of my first self-care presentations went viral! It was a virtual workshop for educators across the Commonwealth on self-care. It was May 2020. We were navigating uncertainty, school closures, and a fear of the unknown as a global pandemic was altering our lives. I had over 500 educators attend this webinar, and local news outlets picked it up. The front page headline read, “Dr. MC Says Self-Care is Not Optional.” It was so cool. I framed that article, which is displayed on my inspiration/vision board wall in my bedroom. https://www.wickedlocal.com/story/melrose-free-press/2020/05/26/dr-mc-says-self-care/64853362007/

I am a strong, sassy, zesty, fun-loving, left-handed, honest, and operational woman who loves to help people. I am passionate about my mission and genuinely believe in my work. I am incredibly proud of what I have overcome and strive daily to heal generational trauma. I love to dance, laugh and spend time with my loved ones. I am happily married to an amazing man for eight years (together for 14). Italian and Portuguese descent. No children by choice. I value consistency, time, abundance, vulnerability, and loyalty.

Overcoming childhood trauma, abusive dating relationships in my twenties, and multiple eating disorders that developed during my teen years have made me the fierce, resilient woman I am today. Also, my education makes me stand out. Less than 2% of the world’s population has earned a PhD. My paternal grandfather was illiterate, and my father dropped out of high school. My mom is a first-generation Italian American born to an immigrant father and a young mother. When I reflect on the struggles of my ancestors, I am in awe and so proud of what I have achieved.

In my work, I bring authenticity, weaving together my personality, lived experience, professional theatre credits, education, and research to create memorable, engaging, and relevant workshops for helping professionals.

I am most active on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn and would love to connect with fellow BBW members. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrMCselfcare Instagram: www.instagram.com/drmcselfcare LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmc/