For Marybeth Melendez, home is a sanctuary.

“Just reflect on the amazing day and some of the good work we did today,” said Melendez, while relaxing at her Staten Island home.

Melendez has been a grief and trauma therapist for six years.

Exercising helps her unwind after a hard day. She says her own struggles allow her to connect with patients. She has Retinitis Pigmentosa which left her blind.

Her service dog, Trixie is her eyes.

She follows her to work every day.

“This condition did something more than rob you of your eye sight. For some people it robbed them of their dignity, their independence, their humanity,” said Melendez.

“First blind woman to represent the United States both locally and internationally and come back home with a meda,l” said Melendez.

That’s right - Melendez was on the 1998 Olympic Judo team bringing home the bronze. However, she doesn’t have the pictures or medals to relive those days. They were washed away in the damage caused by Hurricane Sandy.

She’s had other setbacks, like running for assemblywoman in 2014. She lost the election, but continues to give back through her therapy agency.

Marybeth and her team feel that there is not enough support for those struggling with their mental health as we turn the corner on this pandemic and that’s why no one is turned away no matter what financial situation they may be in.

“We’re gonna have to find creative ways of keeping the doors open, and nobody walks out without receiving the help that they need,” Melendez explained to her team.