Author Marisa Youngblood

Marisa Youngblood, LMSW, CAADC, is a licensed clinical social worker, certified advanced alcohol and drug counselor. A breast and liver cancer survivor who continues to live with joy and purpose through God’s guidance. A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Marisa is also hearing impaired and leads her life with strength, faith, and a commitment to helping others thrive despite adversity.

After over 30 years of service in the mental health and substance abuse fields, Marisa retired following her diagnosis of Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (HER2+ Positive) in 2020. During her tenure, she provided prevention and clinical counseling services for children, adolescents, and adults— including trauma-informed treatment, intensive home-based therapy, clinical supervision, and substance use recovery.

Today, Marisa serves as the Founder and Director of Life Changing Counseling Services, L.L.C., where she offers counseling, education, and life skills development for youth, families, and individuals.

Marisa is also a peer support volunteer with the American Cancer Society and supports women across the nation navigating breast cancer diagnoses.

My Bio

She is an active member of several advocacy and survivor networks, including:

• Sisters Network of Greater Metropolitan Detroit
• Gilda’s Club
• Taking Our Lives Back
• Black Women Surviving Survivorship Anthology
• My Sistah’s Pink Journey
• LIFT After Breast Cancer
• The Transparency Table – Your Story Matters Here

She regularly joins cancer research with Karmanos Cancer Center and Wayne State University, participating in programs like C.A.P.A.B.L.E. and LIVES TRONG at the YMCA. Active in her community and church, Marisa volunteers as a Behavioral Health Coordinator and serves on multiple boards for trauma-informed care and substance abuse prevention. She provides behavioral health resources in Southfield and supports Detroit’s Brightmoor community through Leland Missionary Baptist Church/Leland Community Affairs, Inc., and works with her District and State Ministries. She is a member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW).

At 61, Marisa found her father and paternal relatives through Ancestry DNA, broadening her support network. Her daily life is inspired by Isaiah 40:31 and Psalm 121:1-2. Marisa walks over 10,000 steps each day and participates in multiple fundraising walks each year.

Author of "The Bald Eagle: Bald and Beautiful”