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The Heart of Healing: Women Who Drive Change in Mental Health & Wellness

Writer: Zachary WiseZachary Wise

Updated: 12 hours ago

In celebration of National Women's History Month 2025, we spotlight five extraordinary women in Utah who exemplify this year's theme through their work in mental health, wellness, and advocacy.

Understanding March National Women's Month

National Women's History Month 2025 arrives with a powerful theme: "Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations." This annual celebration provides us with an opportunity to recognize and honor the countless women whose leadership, mentorship, and educational contributions shape our communities and future generations.

Impactful woman leaders like those we'll explore today serve as the bedrock for societal advancement. Their work doesn't just change individual lives; it transforms families, organizations, and entire communities through a powerful ripple effect of inspiration, education, and empowerment.

Two people in a field hold daisies covering their faces, during a moody sunset with pastel skies in the background.

 
 

The Power of Women in Education and Mentorship

Throughout history, women have been instrumental in expanding educational opportunities and providing mentorship, often against substantial societal barriers.


From pioneering educators like Maria Montessori [1] to modern-day leaders, women have consistently championed innovative approaches to learning and development.


In mental health and wellness fields specifically, women practitioners often bring unique perspectives and approaches.

Despite making up approximately 70% of the mental health workforce [2] women remain underrepresented in leadership positions, holding less than 30% of executive roles in major mental health organizations. [3]

This disparity highlights the ongoing need to amplify women's voices and leadership in these essential fields.

Honoring Women Who Inspire and Educate Today

Today, we celebrate five remarkable women whose work in mental health, wellness, and advocacy exemplifies this year's theme. Each brings unique expertise, personal experience, and a passionate commitment to educating and inspiring others.

Hannah Lima: Empowering Others Through Recovery and Compassion


  • Specializes in Brainspotting, helping clients process deep-seated trauma

  • Provides family education and support, connecting loved ones to resources on mental health, trauma, and self-care

  • Over a decade of working in mental health and substance abuse treatment.

  • Certified Substance Use Disorder Counselor, Certified Social Worker

  • Helps clients transition into aftercare programs for long-term recovery

  • Finds personal rejuvenation through music appreciation, yoga, and spending time with her dogs

Background & Experience


Hannah Lima is a Certified Substance Use Disorder Counselor and a Certified Social Worker. Originally from South Florida, Hannah relocated to Utah in 2017, where she became an indispensable member of the Chateau Health & Wellness team.

Her Impact on Education & Mentorship


Hannah's approach is distinguished by the profound blend of professional knowledge and lived experience she brings to her role.


Her personal triumph over substance use and mental health challenges fuels her unwavering commitment to guiding others through similar struggles. This authentic perspective creates a unique bridge between clinical theory and real-world application.

Hannah plays a pivotal role in connecting individuals to therapeutic modalities that promote lasting sustainability for people in recovery. Through Brainspotting, Yoga Nidra, and Experiential Therapy through music, Hannah provides a rich experience for those needing help.


She skillfully balances administrative responsibilities with direct therapeutic intervention, facilitating both group and individual therapy sessions that foster a nurturing environment where clients can safely address their challenges.

Personal Inspiration & Leadership


Beyond her professional sphere, Hannah finds solace and rejuvenation in music appreciation, yoga practice, and cherishing time with her canine companions.


These diverse interests contribute significantly to her effectiveness as a counselor, enabling her to connect with clients on multiple dimensions.

Hannah's personal journey of resilience and growth serves as a living inspiration within the Chateau community.


Her genuine compassion, combined with her wealth of experience, enables her to create meaningful connections with clients experiencing similar struggles, making her an exceptional advocate for mental health and substance use recovery.

Maren Eberhard: Championing Trauma Recovery and Mental Health Advocacy

  • Holds a Bachelor’s in Psychology (University of Utah) and a Master’s in Social Work (University of Houston)

  • Certified in Neurofeedback, Traumatic Stress Studies, and a Daring Wayâ„¢ Facilitator

  • Over 16 years of experience across residential treatment centers, hospitals, and private practice

  • Passion for trauma therapy rooted in personal experiences; her father, a Vietnam veteran, struggled with PTSD

  • Enjoys live music, hiking, children’s book collecting, and movies

  • Featured on an episode of No One Fights Alone Podcast, discussing ART (Accelerated Resolution Therapy) and her journey

No One Fight Alone Podcast with Maren Eberhard [4]

Background & Experience


As a Primary Therapist at Chateau Health & Wellness, Maren Eberhard brings impressive credentials to her work. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Utah and a Master's in Social Work from the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work.


Her specialized training encompasses BCIA Certification in Neurofeedback, Trauma Research Foundation's Certificate Program in Traumatic Stress Studies, and certification as a Daring Wayâ„¢ Facilitator.


Additionally, she has completed advanced training in Gottman Levels 1 & 2, Couples and Addiction Recovery, Attachment-Based Family Therapy, and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART).

Her Impact on Education & Mentorship


Maren's 16+ years as a licensed clinical social worker spans diverse therapeutic environments, including residential treatment centers, hospital systems, and private practice. This rich variety of experience enables her to draw from multiple treatment modalities and approaches when working with clients and mentoring other professionals in the field.

Personal Inspiration & Leadership


Maren's dedication to trauma recovery stems from deeply personal roots. Her father, a Vietnam veteran, struggled with PTSD, depression, and other service-related challenges throughout his life.


The limited specialized resources available during his lifetime have fueled Maren's passion to honor his memory by providing the support and treatment options that were unavailable to her own family.


Her professional commitment is fundamentally rooted in keeping her father's legacy alive by offering comprehensive care to others facing similar struggles.

Her professional perspective has been uniquely shaped by her international experience working as a social worker in Epsom, England, and studying under renowned researcher Brené Brown during her graduate school years.


Having recently transitioned from Texas to Utah, Maren continues her dedicated work while finding personal balance through movies, live music events, building her collection of children's books, and exploring the outdoors through hiking and camping adventures.

Daiana Ramirez: Leading with Compassion in Nursing and Trauma-Informed Care


  • Volunteered at American Fork High School for a day-long event, sharing her journey in mental health, professional experiences, and prevention strategies

  • Director of Nursing at Chateau Health & Wellness.

  • Experienced in high-acuity psychiatric care and detox units

  • Certified Trauma-Informed Care Instructor and American Heart Association CPR/BLS Instructor

  • Advocates for holistic healing, integrating emotional, spiritual, and physical wellness into her leadership approach

  • Finds balance through hiking, biking, and spiritual grounding practices in nature

  • Dedicated to expanding Chateau’s care programs for mental health and addiction treatment



Background & Experience


As Director of Nursing at Chateau Health & Wellness, Daiana Ramirez brings valuable expertise from her extensive background in behavioral health hospitals, where she specializes in detox units and high-acuity psychiatric care. Her journey into mental health and wellness nursing stems from deeply personal experiences, infusing her professional practice with exceptional compassion and understanding for those struggling with mental health challenges.

Her Impact on Education & Mentorship


Daiana's influence extends far beyond traditional nursing practice. As a Certified Instructor in Trauma-Informed Care and an American Heart Association Certified CPR/BLS Instructor, she has established herself as both a clinical leader and an educator committed to elevating standards of care throughout the organization.

Throughout her career, she has witnessed remarkable transformations as individuals heal and find liberation from lifelong struggles.


This firsthand experience of the recovery process informs her approach to both patient care and staff development, emphasizing the importance of compassion, patience, and specialized knowledge in creating effective treatment environments.

Personal Inspiration & Leadership


Daiana demonstrates her commitment to continuous growth by dedicating her free time to pursuing advanced knowledge that benefits both her patients and her own personal development.


Her philosophy that "you get what you put into the universe" guides her approach to both leadership and self-care.

Daiana's vision extends beyond immediate patient care to helping Chateau expand their treatment services and reach. Drawing from her diverse background and personal understanding of mental health and addiction challenges, she remains dedicated to developing and implementing the highest possible standards of care for all clients.

Six people and two service dogs pose in a classroom. Whiteboard shows "Natural High" text. Mood is friendly. Casual attire.
Daiana with Co-Facilitators and class teacher at American Fork High School

Lisa Pascadlo: Strengthening First Responders' Mental Health


  • Retired law enforcement officer with 30 years of experience and a BS in Criminal Justice

  • Spearheaded a Peer Support & Wellness program for law enforcement, integrating mental health support into police departments

  • Provides weekly support to residents at Chateau, facilitating group discussions and creating a safe space for first responders to discuss their experiences with trauma and mental health

  • Featured on the No One Fights Alone podcast

No One Fight Alone Podcast with Maren Eberhard [5]


Background & Experience


Lisa Pascadlo brings exceptional insight to her role as Alumni Coordinator at Chateau. With a BS in Criminal Justice and a distinguished 30-year career in law enforcement, Lisa possesses a firsthand understanding of the unique mental health challenges faced by emergency service professionals.


Her legacy in her department includes spearheading the development of a comprehensive Peer Support and Wellness program, ensuring the implementation of a culturally competent Employee Assistance Program, and fostering collaborative relationships with specialized providers to create a supportive environment for officers.

Her Impact on Education & Mentorship


Lisa's extensive training and certifications encompass critical areas for first responder wellness, including Critical Incident Stress, PTSI (Post-Traumatic Stress Injury), trauma response, peer support methodologies, and suicide prevention.


As a recognized advocate for prioritizing mental health within emergency services, she has elevated the conversation to legislative levels, speaking before the Utah State Legislature about the profound effects of trauma exposure on first responders and advocating for enhanced understanding, training, and resources to strengthen their resilience.

In joining the Chateau team, Lisa channels her passion for service through compassion, empathy, and guidance. She ensures that the specific needs of first responders are addressed with understanding and expertise throughout their wellness journey.


Her approach combines professional knowledge with lived experience, creating a foundation of trust with a population often reluctant to seek mental health support.

Personal Inspiration & Leadership


Lisa finds balance in hiking, hunting, fishing, and exploring Southern Utah’s canyon country. Her writing and photography have been published in outdoor magazines, and she stays active through road biking and jiu-jitsu, where she holds a 3rd-degree blue belt. Her commitment to physical, mental, and emotional wellness fuels her passion for helping first responders build resilience and healing.

Faith Morretti: Empowering Recovery Through Holistic Wellness


  • Alumni Program Director at Chateau Health & Wellness, supporting individuals transitioning from treatment

  • Deep background in Asian medicine and massage therapy, incorporating holistic wellness into recovery work

  • Uses her 11-year recovery journey to mentor others in overcoming PTSD, addiction, and mental health struggles

  • Finds fulfillment in painting, nature walks, and quality time with her two sons

  • Offers weekly Dharma Recovery support groups where she leads people through meditations and connects them to Buddhist-based principles

  • Has meditation resources available online where people can access her work


Background & Experience


As Alumni Program Director at Chateau Health & Wellness, Faith Morretti brings a diverse background that uniquely positions her to support clients in their recovery journey. Prior to joining the Chateau team, Faith immersed herself in the study of Asian Medicine and Massage Therapy, developing a deep understanding of natural health approaches that complement traditional treatment methods.


Her Impact on Education & Mentorship


Faith’s 11-year recovery journey fuels her deep empathy for those battling PTSD, addiction, and mental health struggles. She believes in "loving until others can love themselves," helping clients regain self-worth during critical transitions. Beyond her leadership role, she guides meditation, yoga, and holistic practices, equipping clients with tools for long-term resilience.


Personal Inspiration & Leadership


Faith embodies the balance she teaches. She embraces life's simple pleasures through quality time with her two sons, immersion in nature, contemplative walks, creative expression through oil painting, and deepening her understanding of Buddhist Philosophy. These personal practices inform her holistic approach to recovery and wellness.


Her unwavering belief that everyone deserves to meet their Higher Self and embrace a life of fulfillment and healing drives her dedicated work with alumni. By combining practical support with spiritual wisdom, Faith helps clients navigate their ongoing recovery with both resilience and grace.


How to Honor and Support Women Educators and Mentors

As we celebrate National Women's History Month 2025, there are numerous ways to recognize and support women like Hannah, Maren, Daiana, Faith and Lisa:

  1. Acknowledge their contributions publicly. Share stories of impactful women in mental health and wellness through social media, community publications, or organizational newsletters.

  2. Support mentorship programs. Contribute to or volunteer with organizations that provide mentorship opportunities for women, particularly in fields where they remain underrepresented in leadership.

  3. Advocate for equity in leadership. Examine your own organization's leadership structure and advocate for policies that promote women's advancement into decision-making roles.

  4. Invest in training and development. Support continuing education opportunities specifically designed for women in mental health, addiction recovery, and related fields.

  5. Prioritize self-care for caregivers. Recognize that women in helping professions often prioritize others' needs above their own. Create cultures that value and support comprehensive self-care practices.

Resources for supporting women in leadership, mentorship, and education include:

  • The American Psychological Association's Women's Programs Office

  • Women in Mental Health Network

  • National Association of Women in Mental Health

  • Women's Leadership Initiative for Addiction Professionals

These organizations provide networking, professional development, and advocacy opportunities specifically designed to advance women's contributions in mental health and wellness fields.

Moving Forward Together

The theme "Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations" reminds us that progress requires collective action.

Each woman that was highlighted brings unique strengths to their work:


  • Hannah's authentic integration of personal experience into professional practice

  • Maren's dedication to trauma-informed approaches and professional mentorship

  • Daiana's Holistic Nursing Leadership

  • Lisa's specialized support for first responders

  • Faith's profound depth of knowledge in Buddhist-based healing.


Together, they represent the powerful impact women have in shaping mental health and wellness approaches.

As we honor their contributions, let's commit to supporting similar work in our own communities. Whether through volunteer service, financial support of women-led initiatives, or simply recognizing the women whose mentorship has shaped our own paths, each of us can participate in "moving forward together."

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


What is the theme for National Women's History Month 2025?


The official theme is "Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations," highlighting women's contributions as educators, mentors, and leaders.

 

How can I support women in leadership and education?


Recognize their contributions, promote mentorship opportunities, support initiatives that uplift women in their careers, and advocate for policies that advance gender equity in leadership positions.

 

Who are some influential women in the mental health and wellness field?


Hannah Lima, Maren Eberhard, Daiana Ramirez, Faith Moretti, and Lisa Pascadlo represent just a few local leaders making significant impacts through their work in addiction recovery, trauma treatment, nursing leadership, and first responder support.

 

What resources are available for women looking to advance in leadership roles?


Organizations like the Women in Mental Health Network and the American Psychological Association's Women's Programs Office offer professional development programs, networking groups, mentorship initiatives, and continuing education in leadership skills.

 

How does women's leadership in mental health benefit communities?


Women's leadership in mental health creates ripple effects that strengthen families, improve organizational outcomes, advance innovative treatment approaches, and ultimately build healthier communities through their focus on holistic, compassionate care.


 
For over 13 years, Chateau Health & Wellness has been a trusted leader in residential mental health and addiction recovery. As one of the few centers recognized by the Fraternal Order of Police, we specialize in supporting first responders while also providing compassionate, evidence-based care to the general public. Our multidisciplinary team—including licensed professionals in social work, psychology, and medicine—ensures that each treatment plan is personalized and grounded in research-based practices. The information shared in our blogs is thoroughly researched, guided by professional insights, and shaped by the expertise of our dedicated staff, reinforcing our commitment to educating and empowering those on the path to healing. If you or a loved one is ready to take the first step toward recovery, contact Chateau Health & Wellness today at (435) 222-5225. Your journey to lasting wellness starts here.

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Sources

[1] American Montessori Society. (2025, January 29). About Dr. Maria Montessori | The American Montessori Society. The American Montessori Society. https://amshq.org/about-us/history-of-ams/about-dr-maria-montessori/

[2] Value gender and equity in the global health workforce  (2025, March 17). https://www.who.int/activities/value-gender-and-equity-in-the-global-health-workforce

[3] Gregory, A. (2025, February 4). BMJ study calls for maximisation of women’s potential in healthcare. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/feb/04/bmj-study-calls-for-maximisation-of-womens-potential-in-healthcare

[4] No One Fights Alone Podcast | First Responder Podcast. (n.d.). No One Fights Alone. https://www.nofapodcast.com/podcast/episode/b0c790c5/highlighting-chateau-clinicians-maren-eberhard [5] No One Fights Alone Podcast | First Responder Podcast. (n.d.). No One Fights Alone. https://www.nofapodcast.com/podcast/episode/1d6ea29c/lisas-journey-from-salt-lake-city-pd-to-healing-and-advocacy


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About The Author


Zachary Wise, Trauma Recovery Advocate & Mental Health Educator

With eight years of experience in treatment and recovery. Combining professional expertise and personal experience, he helps individuals heal from trauma, addiction, and mental health challenges. As a writer, he focuses on trauma-informed care, resilience, and holistic healing, empowering others with practical strategies for lasting recovery.

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