
Coaches Bios
Dr. Emily Stevenson
Co-Founder
My name is Emily and it was very early in life that I noticed people weren’t telling the truth when answering questions like: How are you? and How is everything going? Everyone has mental health, and yet it remains a shushed topic. If your brain is the master of the body, why aren’t we taking better care of it? I began my journey as an empathetic child, which continued into my hormonal teenage years, and led me to obtain a Bachelor’s in Interdisciplinary Studies (emphasis in Psychology, Sociology and Communications), then a Master’s in Clinical Psychology, and my Doctorate in Clinical/School Psychology.
Molly Marcum
Co-Founder / Personal Finance Expert
Molly Marcum is a personal finance expert with over a decade of experience in institutional finance, now focused on helping working women build financial literacy -- competence and confidence around money and finances. Her career spans both the sell side and buy side of the industry, giving her a unique perspective on how financial markets work and how individuals can make them work for their lives. At Optimist Living, we believe financial health is an essential component of overall well-being. For so many, money and finances occupy a heavy percentage of the weight they carry either alone or for their family. Molly’s approach is strategic, data-driven, and deeply personal. She combines her institutional expertise with a passion for empowering women to take control of their financial futures.
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Whether you're navigating career transitions, planning for major life milestones, or simply seeking clarity in your financial life, Molly is here to guide you with insight, empathy, and actionable strategies.
Macarena Gallardo
Health & Wellness Coach
My name is Macarena and since I was very young I have been in tune with people and their energy. I remember knowing when my friends needed to chat, recognizing when people wanted to say more than just...I’m doing okay. Both here in the United States and in South America where I was born and raised, as I grew older I started to realize a few things. We live in a society that defines and demands we constantly fulfill our roles at work, at home, in relationships (new and old) with colleagues, family, lovers, friends with the overwhelming but undisclosed understanding…we can always do more. But in the rush, it seems we forget a few others: well-being & mental health.
Professionally, I obtained my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, multiple certificates in Sexual Hookup Culture from the Kinsey Institute, 300hr Yoga teacher trainings, Reiki, Yoga for 12 Step Recovery, Yoga for Trauma, RBT, Mindfulness coaching and many more, and am currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. As you can tell I have committed my life to studying and applying all that I learn to my everyday life as well as to the work that I have been called to do. I am dedicated to
helping the world talk about the topics that are taboo: relationships, communication, gender/sex and inner child work so that people can continuously grow, feel their best, and walk their path with success.
*Macarena is fluent in Spanish as well as English.
Dilyla Meza
Health & Wellness Coach
My name is Dilyla Meza, I’m a mother to my 13yr old son and a dog mom to my beautiful pit bull Honey. I am a certified life coach from the Health and Wellness Institute, and I’m currently in college for a degree in Psychology. I became a coach because I have been on the other side of the couch. I have had years of feeling unworthy and unmotivated about a lot of areas in my life. Being a single mother, having a career I wasn’t happy with, and being in a difficult relationship. Everything changed for me once my difficult relationship came to an abrupt end. I took a good look at my life and decided things for me had to change. I had to make a changes within myself to create a happier atmosphere for me and my son. Once I asked myself “what choices am I willing to make differently for me?” My path became clear. My journey took work with a therapist, spiritual healing, books, and inner work for my growth. My goal is to help others who just like me need guidance, and the right support into becoming the best version of themselves. The journey isn’t easy but it’s possible, because if I can do it so can you!