Michelle Rehbein, MCAP/RMHC

 
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The Love Necklace Campaign means something different to everyone, but we are a community and I believe it is important for us to know one another, what inspires us, and what gifts we bring to the women we serve through The Love Necklace Campaign. 

As a new member to the San Pedro community, I thought it was fitting to begin this interview series with the woman who, not only is the first to donate a Love Necklace to Hope Haven, San Pedro, but who ensures that I have a roof over my head and a studio to create in as I continue to embark upon this mission to support women’s health, safety, and dignity.

Michelle Rehbein, MCAP/RMHCI, is a therapist and works with University of Central Florida in UCF RESTORES/ trauma clinic treating veterans and first responders with PTSD. As a therapist who works directly with clients who have endured horrific trauma, Michelle has an expert grasp on our thought processes and emotions in times of stress, which is something that many victims of abuse endure. I’m blessed to call Michelle a dear friend and I am honored to talk to her about The Love Necklace Campaign, and how she perceives the purpose and impact of this project.

Michelle, what is it that inspires you? 
I'm inspired by anything and anyone that has something positive to contribute to the world, or just their part of the world. People are inspiring and goals that leave a positive impact are also.
I like organizations that help promote kindness, contributions and teaching leadership, family, good citizenship values.

What does it mean to be a part of The Love Necklace Community?
The Love Necklace Community reminds me that while on the outside people look and appear to "have things all together", or "outward happiness" that, it isn't always what we have going on in the inside of our minds and bodies. We are a complex being that has been subject to constant efforts to thrive and the need to thrive must be nurtured.

Why did you choose to donate your ‘sister necklace’ to Hope Have, San Pedro?
I choose to share with Hope Haven in San Pedro, Belize on Ambergris Caye because I have established a home there that I hope to be a part of permanently in my near future. These people are my people too.

If you could say something to a woman healing from domestic violence, what would you say?

We are a village, we might not ever stand shoulder to shoulder, but we are within the human race that has been created by God; and no matter how this world has let you down and no matter what people have done to you....you matter. You always matter.