Influential Woman · Mental Health & Social Work
Dr. Moniek Garside, Ph.D., LCSW
Psychotherapist, FitLife Wellness, LLC
Atlanta, GA 30058
Her Story
About Moniek
Dr. Moniek Garside, Ph.D., LCSW, is a psychotherapist, mental health expert, educator, author, and speaker with more than 20 years of experience in social work and over 15 years in the mental health field. Her career spans healthcare, community-based services, private practice, higher education, clinical supervision, and professional development, reflecting her commitment to advancing mental wellness across individuals, organizations, and communities.
As Founder and CEO of FitLife Wellness, LLC, Dr. Garside provides therapeutic and wellness-focused support designed to help individuals create more balanced, intentional, and fulfilling lives. Her integrative approach recognizes the connection between mind, body, and overall well-being. Her areas of expertise include psychotherapy, crisis and trauma intervention, burnout prevention, self-care, workplace mental health, resilience, and intentional living. She is clinically licensed in Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, South Carolina, and Minnesota.
Dr. Garside is also an experienced educator who currently serves as an adjunct professor, bringing real-world clinical and social work experience into the classroom. Through online instruction, mentorship, and meaningful dialogue, she is committed to preparing future professionals to approach their work with competence, compassion, critical thinking, and an understanding of the complexities of human behavior. Earlier in her career she worked in various healthcare settings contributing to the care of patients and families navigating complex medical experiences.
She earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work from Walden University, a Master of Social Work degree from Loyola University, and holds a Master of Business Administration in Health Care Management from Colorado Technical University. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has also completed the Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate, reflecting her continued interest in interdisciplinary learning and professional growth.
Beyond clinical practice and higher education, Dr. Garside is an author, speaker, mental health advocate, and contributor to broader conversations about wellness, leadership, and human behavior. Her published works include The Power of Your Pause: From Autopilot to Awareness: The Transformative Power of Stillness and I can I will, a 30-Day guided journal. She also serves as an Executive Contributor for Brainz Magazine and is a CREA Global Awards honoree, recognized for her innovation and contributions to her field.
Dr. Garside is also the founder of The Social Work Collective, a professional community created to support emerging social workers as they navigate the path toward clinical licensure and continued professional growth. Through clinical supervision, continuing education, peer connection, networking, and professional development, she is helping cultivate a community where social workers can learn, grow, and feel supported throughout their careers.
At the center of Dr. Garside’s work is a commitment to helping people move beyond simply functioning and toward living with greater awareness, alignment, and intention. Her professional philosophy is grounded in authenticity, accountability, resilience, and the belief that meaningful growth requires spaces where people feel seen, supported, and empowered to prioritize their mental health and well-being.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Moniek
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to consistency, resilience, faith, and a willingness to keep evolving. I’ve learned to trust the process, stay grounded in my purpose, and keep showing up even when the path changes. I also believe my success comes from being intentional about creating opportunities, investing in my growth, and using my experiences to help others.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is to trust my voice, take up space, and not shrink myself to make others comfortable. I’ve learned that growth often requires stepping into rooms before you feel completely ready, speaking with confidence, and allowing your experience and expertise to be seen.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the mental health and social work profession is to recognize the importance of having support and not being afraid to push through challenges. Be grounded in the leader that you are, remain confident in what you know and what you do, and continue moving forward even when the path becomes difficult.
Stand strong, know who you are, and remain clear about what you came to accomplish. Your confidence, resilience, and ability to remain grounded in your purpose can help you navigate challenges and continue growing as a professional and as a leader.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in mental health right now is meeting the growing need for accessible, quality care while addressing burnout among the professionals providing that care. At the same time, there is a tremendous opportunity to expand how we think about mental wellness, moving beyond crisis intervention to focus more on prevention, workplace wellness, self-care, and creating healthier communities. I believe we have an opportunity to make mental health a part of everyday conversations and help people prioritize their well-being before they reach a point of crisis.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
One of the most important values in my life is being the best example I can be for my son through accountability and authenticity. I believe in showing up authentically and honoring the things that I say and do.
I also value surrounding myself with people who are genuine, honest, and accountable. Whether personally or professionally, I believe that authenticity and integrity are essential to building meaningful relationships and creating an environment where people can trust and support one another.
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