Her Comeback with Dr. Antoinette Kruse

Episode Resources: www.hercomebackpodcast.com Guest: Dr. Antoinette Cruz, Founder of Providence Family Life Center & Mind-Body Movement Living Laboratory Journey to Body-Centered Trauma Recovery Transitioned from traditional clinical work at University of Michigan and Columbia University Recognized gap between treating symptoms vs. addressing root causes of trauma Developed integrated approach combining mental health, chronic illness, and wellness Hurricane Irma Awakening (2017) Personal experience with hurricane trauma revealed lack of mental health preparedness No emotional support systems in place for disaster victims Began addressing both housing needs and emotional trauma recovery Mind-Body Movement Living Laboratory Teaches trauma survivors how to understand their nervous system Uses somatic experiencing and yoga to help body release stored trauma Focus: "The body keeps the score" - trauma lives in the body, not just the mind Provides tools for nervous system regulation and stress management Hurricane Ian Response (2022) Worked with FEMA and Red Cross in disaster shelters Helped 200+ people with housing, repairs, and relocation Observed complex trauma from multiple hurricane experiences Developed disaster support groups and breathwork sessions Providence Family Life Center Origins (2008) Started after personal life transformation as single mom Began with 3 bags of clothes, coffee pot, and crock pot Grew from 20 people on Thursday nights to 300+ every Saturday Focus on homeless individuals with undiagnosed mental illness Success Story: Hollywood General Motors Homeless for 26 years with schizophrenia diagnosis Through advocacy, became stabilized with housing and benefits Now employed 6 years, authored book, reconnected with family after 40+ years Exemplifies lives transformed through integrated care approach Research & Impact 30-day study shows immediate decrease in anxiety, stress, and insomnia Participants gain motivation for self-care and healthcare engagement Community-based model emphasizes partnerships and collaboration Personal Comeback Journey Career changer who returned to education at midlife Earned degrees from University of Michigan as non-traditional student Now grandmother pursuing doctorate and running innovative programs Living example of transformation after 50 Vision for Future Integration of traditional medicine with holistic/alternative approaches Community-based prevention models Education to give people agency over their own healing Collaboration between MDs, alternative healers, and community workers Contact Information Website: www.mbmll.live Phone: (239) 676-3159 Social Media: @ProvidenceFamilyLifeCenter (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn)