Today we’d like to introduce you to Gwendolyn Martin.
Hi Gwendolyn, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m walking in my purpose, full of love and inspiration. My footsteps are guided, calculated, intentional, and authentic to my goal on this journey to BECOMING the best ME I can be.
After 25 years as an educator, I chose faith over fear, submitted my resignation, and began this entrepreneurial journey. Yes, it was difficult, frightening, and risky, but I did it anyway. Today is the day of renewal and forward motion, as I surrender the past and embrace the opportunities that await me. I closed the biggest chapter of my career. The students gave me great pleasure and taught me so much over the years as a special education teacher, school counselor, and administrator. I take with me many cherished memories.
In January 2022, I charted a new course as the Founder/CEO of Coastal Crossroads Counseling Solutions LLC, a private counseling practice in Savannah, Georgia. I bring with me a wealth of knowledge, education, and experience. I have served in various positions in schools and clinical settings over the years to champion my journey. I hold a doctorate in educational leadership, a specialist degree in counselor education (community), a master’s degree in counselor education (school), and a bachelor’s degree in psychology with teaching certification in behavior disorders.
I have always been very passionate about helping others, and through my practice, I provide high-quality counseling services to my community and surrounding areas. The office primarily serves children aged 4-17 but is open to adults, too. Therapeutic approaches are primarily focused on Social Learning and Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT). However, I use a variety of techniques and interventions. Some services provided include treating people with learning autism, ADHD, anxiety, depression, grief, emotional disturbances, self-esteem issues, school/work performance issues, and social skill development concerns.
I welcome and appreciate support in the form of encouragement, recommendations, shared experiences, referrals, invitations, and intentional connections to potential partnerships as I navigate this transition from educator to entrepreneur.
In 2019, I started an online support group for counselors during the pandemic that led to the creation of Dr. Gwen’s Counselor Cafe LLC. For as long as I can remember, I have been the person people turn to for solutions to problems, both personally and professionally. My strength is that I am solution-focused, meet people where they are, can see the big picture, and provide a calm, soothing voice of reason amid a crisis and confusion. Dr. Gwen’s Counselor CAFE LLC stems from the need to help other educators, entrepreneurs, and helping professionals, especially women, establish a healthy work/life balance. The CAFE has expanded to include research-based programs that help organizations with training and tools to reduce work stress, burnout, and compassion fatigue, improve quality of life, maximize potential, and increase productivity.
The mission of Dr. Gwen’s Counselor Cafe is to restore the well-being of those who serve others by equipping teams and leaders to sustain emotional balance, strengthen connection, lead with heart, and cultivate a culture of care. I embrace my role as a helper and am constantly evolving in the practice of self-care. I have a plethora of resources, tools, strategies, and ideas that are not only useful but life-changing. Since 2019, I have authored three self-care guides (for educators, teens, and new beginnings), four self-care journals, co-authored two chapters in inspirational anthologies for women, and created multiple games, card decks, and self-care kits. I feel empowered to create change, take calculated risks, break the mold, and add greater value to the world.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Transitioning from an educator to an entrepreneur has been anything but smooth. It’s an entirely different world, one that requires constant learning, asking for help, networking, taking classes, attending workshops, and staying open to growth in ways I never imagined. And even with all of that, there are still invisible barriers to certain clubs, social circles, and opportunity networks that quietly influence access to contracts and capital. As a solopreneur, building partnerships with larger corporations and even nonprofits, many of which have long-established, tight-knit networks, can feel like its own uphill climb. But despite these ongoing challenges, I continue to walk in my purpose. I genuinely believe that what’s for me is for me, and I remain committed to doing good work, serving with integrity, and creating impact one step at a time.
As you know, we’re big fans of Dr. Gwen’s Counselor Cafe LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Dr. Gwen’s Counselor Cafe helps schools, nonprofits, and mission-driven organizations move from burnout to balance and from disconnection to community by making emotional wellness a core part of organizational culture.
Founded by Dr. Gwen, a counselor, educator, and leadership development expert with over 25 years of experience, the Cafe blends clinical expertise, emotional intelligence, and authentic connection to create fundamental, lasting transformation.
What sets me apart from others is that we don’t just talk about mental health and wellness; we help you build it into your culture. Our programs merge professional insight with human warmth, creating experiences that are practical, transformative, and deeply restorative.
The thing I’m most proud of, brand-wise, is the opportunity to educate service people, from local to international, about the importance of mental health and wellness.
I want readers to know that Dr. Gwen’s speaker events are inspiring and evidence-based, featuring personal stories and highlights that ignite reflection and action, fostering connection and renewal. The available wellness tools and resources include self-care guides, games, card decks, and wellness strategies that help organizations sustain growth long after the event. Speaking engagements are ideal for conferences, staff development, and leadership retreats.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays were spent with extended family and friends. I enjoyed spending time with my cousins, whom I didn’t see often, and the house being filled with great food and laughter. The gifts I remember from childhood were an Alf stuffed animal and a Cabbage Patch doll.
Pricing:
- $7.49 posters
- $12.99 journals
- $12.99 – $20.00 books
- $28.95 to $34.95 sets (guide, journal, poster)
- $52.95 – $79.95 bundles (2 or more sets)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://drgwenscounselorcafe.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drgwenscounselorcafe/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrGwensCounselorCafe
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drgwenscafe/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.gwenscounselorcafe7504
