Oh, Suma!

Let's Get to know Suma Hodge!

Licensed Therapist

YP Membership Chair

Favorite Quote and why?

That's a tough one, sheesh. I have many and if you know me, I love quotes and throwing them out there as they relate to a situation.  But for the sake of blog space I'll give one that I recently used.  I try to be as honest as I can. So one is "What is done in darkness, will come to light." This could be good or bad. Lol. But means whatever you try to do and hide someone will eventually find out. 

Also, Everyone knows the Golden Rule. But we need to start living the Platinum Rule: Treat Others As THEY Would Like To Be Treated. What you want for yourself is not necessarily what another want for themselves. If we could live this Rule, more Respect would start.

Can you give us a little more insight on the program that you facilitate and manage? 

Suma Hodge , M.S, L.A.C

I manage an outpatient department in the west valley for my program. I oversee three programs in that department; the day program, adult mentors and child mentors. I ensure that the programs all have a therapeutic environment. I also facilitate groups, individual counseling and family counseling (as needed.)

Were you a mother while in school?

My daughter was two months when I went back to grad school full time. Oh, and worked full time. Crazy, I know.  

How did you balance college and parenting? 

Balancing grad school and an infant and then toddler was difficult. But I knew it was something that had to be done to give my daughter the quality of life she deserved. I worked full time as well. I would work during the day, mommy mid day and when she went to sleep I was a grad student. I had some days where she would spend with her dad and those would be my study or work times.  

 Do you have any advice for a young mother trying to pursue her goals and also parent?

Just do it. Push through because children see everything. I remember a night I was so broken down exhausted and my daughter was next to me as I was typing. At this time I was working 40 hours a week, interning 20, doing papers for other classes and a loving and caring mom. The next early morning I took her to daycare I said mommy has to go to school (internship) and she said "to make us more money." I smiled and was welling up with tears and said "yes baby to make us more money." I had felt so horrible for having her spend long hours in daycare but that moment made me understand that it was all worth it. She understood at the tender age of 2.5 that what mommy was doing was for "US." So pursue. Children are resilient. I knew if I spend time away from her, it better be damn worth it. It's possible and don't let anyone tell you any different.  

Alongside of being a therapist, what else does Suma have going on in her life?

Suma is starting a business with you. lol. #CourtMe is for young girls and women alike to appreciate who they are and what they have to offer. It is about knowing yourself worth and being able to teach other how to treat you. And if they treat you anything less than you know what you're worth how to leave it. Teaching how to not accept the bare minimum but demand the best. 

Let’s discuss your dating life, are you currently dating or being courted?

I would say I’m in the middle. I believe we are shifting from dating to courting.

Oh! So it’s pretty serious? Can we officially say Suma is off the market?

It is pretty serious. I will be officially when this shift takes place.

Any new business ventures? 

I'm also working on a blog to have finish before the end of this year. I secretly like to write. I'm no novelist or writer. I just have thoughts on things and I get them out. Most of the time it's related somehow to my therapist side but it's my passion. It's in everything I do. So I write. I get it out. Writing has saved many friendships and relationships now. I don't say everything. This blog will be about my life as a mom and therapist and how I fit into the world of politics, love, parenting, business owner, manger, therapist, etc.  

So when are you releasing the blog for our reading pleasure?

January 1, 2017!

You can connect with Suma via Facebook: Suma Hodge 

or IG: @withmycrownon