Hi Detroit Moms–I’m Marni and I’m so excited to be here! I’m a girl mom (x2), wife, social worker, therapist for moms, new entrepreneur, re-awakened dancer, sleep-away camp enthusiast, extroverted-introvert, and reality TV junkie. With 13 years in the mental health field, I transitioned from community mental health to private practice during the pandemic, focusing on maternal mental health. Last year, I took a big leap and launched my solo therapy practice: Momentum Therapy Services. So, while I’m helping moms navigate motherhood, I’m also figuring out how to be a business owner.
Summers are extra special because I work as a social worker at Tamarack Camps (aka “the greatest place on earth”), supporting middle school campers while reliving my sleep-away camp glory days. And as a former dancer, I recently dusted off my tap shoes because, well, once a dancer, always a dancer! This year, I’m reconnecting with my rhythm, having fun, and finally stepping back onto the dance floor instead of just cheering from the sidelines.
Finding Time for Me (Still a Work in Progress)
How do I put myself first? Great question–I’m still figuring that out! Some days, I’m killing it with dinners with friends, date nights, dance classes, long walks, an afternoon nap, and a hot cup of coffee I actually finish. Other days? I can’t remember the last time I did something for myself.
One thing I try to prioritize is therapy (yes, even therapists need therapy, and no, we don’t have it all figured out). I focus a lot on what I can control, which is something I remind my clients (and myself) daily. I can’t control my daughter melting down over makeup wipes (hello, tween years!), but I can take a deep breath and blast my favorite playlist on the drive home.
This year, I’m committing to two themes: connection and fun. And what better way to start than by joining this incredible community of Detroit Moms?
Meet My Family
At a wedding 14 years ago, my husband, David (who may have been slightly over-served), introduced himself to my parents as their “future son-in-law.” We were acquaintances at most, and my parents had no clue who he was–except as the guy who had eaten two hamburgers the night before (but that’s a story for another time). We all laughed–and, well, here we are!
David and I have been married for almost 12 years, and we have two incredible daughters who keep us on our toes.
My 10-year-old made her entrance into the world in dramatic fashion (double footling breech, broke my water a month early, all on her own terms). Nothing has changed–she is sharp, self-assured, determined, dynamic, and incredibly caring and empathetic. Tween life is in full force over here, and let’s just say, I’m learning a lot!
My 7-year-old was once “the quiet one” but has since found her voice (loudly). She’s brilliant, hilarious, creative, light-hearted, kind, and a total social butterfly. Watching her come into her own has been amazing.
I am a working mom, girl mom, tween mom, dance mom, gentle(ish) mom, and forever student mom because motherhood has taught me that while I might be the parent, my kids are also my greatest teachers.
From Montreal to Metro Detroit
I was born and raised in Montreal, moved to Toronto for school, and then landed in Metro Detroit for love. After earning my Master of Social Work at Wayne State University, my husband and I settled in Huntington Woods, where we’ve built an amazing village.
Some of our favorite local spots:
- Huntington Woods 4th of July Parade: One of our favorite family traditions!
- Detroit Zoo: It’s basically in our backyard. The penguin exhibit is our fave.
- Detroit Riverwalk: Beautiful views, fresh air, and a little piece of Canada across the water.
- Favorite eats: Republica (chopped salad!), Sahara (best lentil soup), Mother Handsome (great coffee + vibes), and Frosty Freeze (our ice cream go-to).
Even after 14 years, I’m still discovering Detroit–its energy, diversity, and sense of community deepen my roots here.
A Defining Motherhood Moment
When my daughter was in second grade, she experienced some tough–yet age-expected–social situations. Most days resulted in tears as she narrated the drama of second grade recess, which often felt like “The Real Housewives of the Playground.” As she recounted the ever-changing alliances, dramatic exits, and surprise betrayals, I had to fight the urge to step in and fix everything. Instead, I reminded myself that my role wasn’t to solve her problems but to support her in navigating them.
I want to guide my daughters to be kind, confident, and emotionally aware. That means letting them experience failure, disappointment, and hard emotions while knowing they have my support. It’s a huge undertaking (one I’m learning alongside them), but my hope is to raise girls who stand strong, make mistakes, learn, and keep going.
The Power of Community
Motherhood can be isolating, and for me, building a village has been crucial–especially since my family is in Toronto and my husband’s parents have passed away. While we have an amazing extended family here, I’ve learned that a mom community is just as important.
We need fellow moms to vent with, cry with, laugh with, and remind each other that we’re not alone. Some days, I feel like I’ve got it all figured out. Other days, loneliness creeps in. And that’s normal.
That’s why I want to be open about the unspoken parts of motherhood. We don’t have to do it alone–and we shouldn’t.
Why I’m Here
I joined Detroit Mom because I believe in the power of real talk and real connections. Even as a therapist, I don’t have it all together, and I want to normalize that. My hope is to create a space where we can be open about the hard stuff, celebrate the good stuff, and support each other through it all.
Beyond that, I also see this as an opportunity for personal growth. I want to challenge myself, learn from other incredible moms, and step outside my comfort zone. Community isn’t just about giving support–it’s also about receiving it. I hope to find that here, to continue evolving as both a mother and a person, and to create connections that truly matter.
Let’s lift each other up, share the messiness of motherhood, and build the kind of village that reminds us: we are never alone in this.
