Today we’d like to introduce you to Teresa Noss.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Esmeralda Wellness Haven LLC was created from the heart and as a living tribute to my late grandmother, Esmeralda De La Cruz. who was a curandera, a “healing woman” in Dominican Republic. My grandmother believed that true wellness begins within and flourishes through community, connection, and care. Growing up, I watched her bring people together around her kitchen table, and to our home, through the power of food, herbs, and love to heal not just the body, but the spirit. Her ability to nurture others and create spaces of belonging left a lasting impression on me. Esmeralda taught me that healing isn’t just about treatment, but about being seen, heard, and supported. Since childhood, I watched her and adapted a lot of her teachings. I started engaging in social work and community work, before I knew what I was doing. At an early age, age 12-13 I was invested in health education and advocacy. In my middle school I advocated for sex education and health courses after seeing an influx in teen pregnancies. I connected and collaborated with a local community hospital- The Montiefore Adolescent Rep program in the Bronx to provide crucial education and care to students in my school. My advocacy efforts continued into High School, where I advocate for advanced education opportunities for students and supported teachers.
After many years, I felt called to carry on my grandmother’s legacy and my passion for advocacy in a way that bridges traditional wisdom with modern mental health care. That calling became Esmeralda Wellness Haven. My practice is a place where healing is holistic, where the mind, body, and spirit are honored as one.
Through psychotherapy, mentorship, and consulting services, I’ve help individuals rediscover balance, purpose, and authenticity in their daily lives. My goal has always been to empower others the way my grandmother empowered her community by reminding them that wholeness and healing start from within and not outside of them. The goal is to help everyone heal, harmonize and flourish together.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road has been anything but smooth. There have been countless roadblocks, both personal and professional. In all honesty, I held myself back for many years. I fought my own beliefs, traditions, and passions while struggling with imposter syndrome and walking down unhealthy paths that didn’t serve me. After nearly a decade of living in toxic environments — personally and professionally, I finally reached a breaking point. I was mentally and physically exhausted, but what I didn’t realize at the time was that this discomfort was life’s way of pushing me toward change. When I finally found the courage to stand up for myself and walk away from everything I’d ever known, transformation began. But as you may know healing wasn’t linear, it came with deep grief, health issues and painful growth. Losing my grandmother, Esmeralda, during that time forced me to confront everything I had been suppressing. Her passing became a catalyst for purpose.
As I channeled my grief into something meaningful, I had to face myself again and the fear, the self-doubt, the uncertainty. I had to learn everything from the ground up: how to build a business, how to invest even when it felt terrifying, how to ask for help/reach community and how to embrace failure as part of the journey. Every challenge taught me resilience, humility, and the importance of self-trust. Those lessons are now the foundation of Esmeralda Wellness Haven.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Esmeralda Wellness Haven was born from a journey of healing, resilience, and legacy. Inspired by my late grandmother, Esmeralda De La Cruz. a curandera or “healing woman” who believed in nurturing wellness from within. I created this space to continue her mission of restoring balance and connection through compassion and community, especially at a time where community is essential. Esmeralda Wellness Haven takes a holistic approach to mental health, honoring the mind, body, and spirit as one. I integrate the whole person and explore systems, relationships. culture and all the uniqueness the individual has. My goal is to highlight individuals strengths and help them see that healing is possible. Esmeralda Wellness Haven offers psychotherapy, mentorship/coaching, and consulting services designed to help individuals and organizations promote healing, growth, and a sense of community. Our therapy provides a safe space for adults to explore identity, trauma, and life challenges, while coaching focuses on future goals, balance, and empowerment. Our consulting work helps agencies and professionals create trauma-informed, culturally responsive environments that truly support those they work with and serve. What sets us apart is the heart behind our work, blending ancestral wisdom with modern therapeutic practices. I don’t just integrate my academic and field experiences, I also integrate the individuals experiences to empower long lasting healing. This isn’t just a business; it’s a movement toward authenticity, healing and wholeness. I’m most proud that our brand stands as a living tribute to my grandmother’s legacy, culture and community. Our brand stands for all and everyone, reminding folks that through pain, we can channel growth, creativity and expansion of self. Our mission is to help everyone heal, harmonize and flourish inside out.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
I’ve learned that true healing begins the moment you choose yourself. Growth often comes wrapped in discomfort, and the pain that once broke me became the foundation of my strength and passion. My grandmother’s legacy taught me that healing isn’t just personal, it’s something we share with our communities. I’ve learned to honor every part of who I am no matter where I am at. Honoring my culture, my spirit, and my story always. I’ve learned to see vulnerability not as weakness, but as power. Most of all, I’ve learned that transformation starts from within, and when we heal ourselves, we give others permission to do the same.
Pricing:
- Accept Insurance for therapy patients
- Coaching Packages Available
- Consulting Pricing varies on project/commitment time
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.esmeraldawellnesshaven.com
- Instagram: Healwithesme
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559838443431
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teresaenossmsw-lcswc-6065ba46
- Youtube: HealwithEsme
