ABOUT MOVEMENT COLLECTIVE
ELITE PROGRAMMING CONTACT

OUR TEAM

BELIEF #1

Overwhelm is a signal, not a failure; clarity is the first step to change.

BELIEF #2

True wellness is holistic and interconnected.

BELIEF #3

Growth happens faster, and more sustainably, in community.

I'M DR. EMILY STEVENSON

FOUNDER & CO-OWNER OF OPTIMIST LIVING –
The place dedicated to making education around well-being genuinely accessible.

  

From a young age, I noticed something fascinating: people rarely answer “How are you?” with the truth. Everyone has mental health, yet we treat it like a quiet corner of life. That awareness, combined with my love for athletics and movement, shaped everything that came next. 

I earned a Bachelor’s in Interdisciplinary Studies (Psychology, Sociology, Communications), a Master’s in Clinical Psychology, and a Doctorate in Psychology. Over the past decade, I’ve worked in public and private practice, deepening my understanding of the mind and the many ways people move through the world. 

Today, I blend lessons from my roles – clinical psychologist, somatic educator, group fitness instructor, and artist –to help people soften life’s intensity and feel grounded, present, and empowered. My work at Optimist Living provides tools to reconnect body, mind, and energy – always accessible, approachable, and fun. 

In my free time, I’m an athlete and creator, recharging and discovering new ideas. My hope is that our time together helps you feel lighter, more centered, and more at home in your everyday life. 

MOVE WITH ME

I'M MOLLY MARCUM

CO-OWNER OF OPTIMIST LIVING
LEAD COACH OF MOVE YOUR MONEY

 

A personal finance expert with over a decade of experience in institutional finance and asset management. I now help working professionals build financial literacy – developing both the competence and confidence need to make clear, values-aligned money decisions.

My career spans both the sell side and buy side of the financial industry, giving me a unique, practical perspective on how markets actually work – and how individuals can make them work for their real lives, not just on paper.

At Optimist Living, we believe financial health is a key part of overall well-being. Money often carries a heavy emotional weight, shaped by responsibility, expectations, and long-standing habits. My approach is strategic, data-driven, and deeply human – combining institutional expertise with an understanding of how money decisions show up in everyday life.

​Whether you're navigating unexpected financial stress, planning major life milestones, or seeking clarity around the patterns that shape your financial life, I offer insight, empathy, and actionable strategies to help you MOVE YOUR MONEY with confidence.

MOVE WITH ME

I'M DR. LAURA GARZA

OPTIMIST LIVING EDUCATOR 

 

An Educator with a doctorate in psychology, I bring a thoughtful, structured approach to helping people create clarity, organization, and sustainable momentum in their lives. My passion lies in building clear pathways that allow individuals to move forward with confidence and thrive.

Grounded in psychological science and real-world application, my work focuses on transforming overwhelm into systems that support growth, balance, and follow-through. Together we will organize your goals, routines, and priorities in ways that feel achievable, empowering, and aligned. 

MOVE WITH ME

I'M SHANNON ROSSI

OPTIMIST LIVING RYT 200 YOGA INSTRUCTOR

 

Movement has always been my reset button. What started as a way to feel better in my body became a practice of coming home to myself. I believe yoga isn’t about perfect poses – it’s about presence. It’s about learning how to stay when things feel uncomfortable, how to breathe when life feels heavy, and how to reconnect to the part of you that feels steady underneath it all.

As a RYT 200-certified yoga instructor, my classes offer grounding flows, intentional breath-work, and space to slow down and truly feel. I blend strength and softness, structure and freedom – creating an experience that feels empowering, accessible, and real. My hope is that when you practice with me, you leave feeling clearer, lighter, and more connected – not just to your body, but to your direction.

MOVE WITH ME

I'M MAE SURLA

BUSINESS OPERATIONS & CLIENT EXPERIENCE

 

I oversee the day-to-day operations that support your experience across our social media, elite programming, and Movement Collective content. I’m deeply involved in client care and service excellence – ensuring every interaction feels seamless, thoughtful, and aligned with the high standards of our mission at Optimist Living.

Behind the scenes, I manage the workflows and systems that keep everything running smoothly, from forms and automations to email communications and client follow-up. I take a detail-oriented, proactive approach so nothing falls through the cracks, allowing you to feel supported, informed, and confident at every step of your journey.

I'M ANGELICA SILLACAY

BUSINESS OPERATIONS & CLIENT EXPERIENCE 

 

I make sure your experience with Optimist Living feels effortless, from our social media touch-points to elite programming and the Movement Collective. My focus is on creating smooth, thoughtful interactions at every step, so you always feel seen, supported, and in the loop.

Behind the scenes, I design and manage the systems, workflows, and automations that keep everything running like clockwork—from forms and email communications to client follow-ups. I take a proactive, detail-driven approach, so nothing slips through the cracks and you can enjoy the full Optimist Living experience with confidence and ease.

SHARED EXPERIENCES

LIZZY


"Optimist Living has been an incredible light in my life.

The team was very open and kind from the moment I discovered them. I have never once felt judged or pressured to feel or process things a certain way.

This team has given me the tools I never knew I needed to live my life. I feel like I understand my emotions more, and I am more aware of how I react to things in life,
positively and negatively.

The patience the team showed with walking me through how to cope with things out of my control has been meaningful.
I'm incredibly grateful for the care, compassion, and dedication this team shows their clients.

I can't recommend Optimist Living enough."

Move with Us – Live

We're hosting a live webinar and would love to have you join us.