News and Events

We are a compassion-based, spiritually-informed, holistically-minded mental health counseling and holistic services agency. We rely heavily on our fundraising events, community outreach and news about our work to support our mission.

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Back to School Mental Health Tips for Students & Parents

Back to School: Mental Health Tips for Students & Parents

The start of a new school year brings a mix of feelings for the whole family — excitement, nerves, a little grief for the slower days of summer. That’s true for kids, and it’s true for parents, too. This season doesn’t have to be something to push through. It can be a chance to check … Read more

Blog Image - Access Is Equity Honoring BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month

Access Is Equity: Honoring BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month

She sat in her car in the parking lot for 20 minutes before going inside for her first appointment. It wasn’t nerves about the therapy session itself – it was the numbers she’d done in her head that morning, weighing a session against rent, groceries, gas … the growing list of things that felt more … Read more

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Former News Anchor Liam Martin Delivers Powerful Keynote Address at 2026 Fashion for Compassion

“… For a long time, mental health struggles were things we whispered about. Things we hid. Things we were ashamed of. I want to talk about these things honestly…” These words rang through the packed ballroom at Granite Links in Quincy, Massachusetts shortly after the 8pm hour on Tuesday May 19. The attentive audience had … Read more

PixieMonfredo

Meet the Maker: Karin Monfredo of George & Dino

Sometimes the best businesses start with a simple, relatable problem. For Karin Monfredo — known to her friends as Pixie—it was this: she wanted a bag that could keep up with her life, and actually look good doing it. Not just mom-bag good. Really good. Cool enough that her kids wouldn’t cringe and her husband … Read more

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No insurance. No barriers. Just care. 💛That’s what Sara found at Maria Droste Counseling Services

No insurance. No barriers. Just care. 💛 That’s what Sara found at Maria Droste Counseling Services — and it changed the trajectory of her life and her children’s. Fashion for Compassion exists so that cost is never a reason someone goes without support. Join us May 19 at Granite Links and help make care accessible … Read more

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

May Is Mental Health Awareness Month: A Time to Turn Compassion Into Action

Every May, communities across the United States come together to recognize Mental Health Awareness Month—a national observance that has existed since 1949. Originally established by Mental Health America, the month was created to educate the public about mental health, reduce stigma, and promote access to care. More than 75 years later, the mission remains just … Read more

Karen Donnellan HS

Walking with Purpose: Karen Donnellan’s Journey for Mental Health

Sometimes a journey is more than miles traveled. Sometimes it is an act of remembrance, love, and hope. In September 2025, Karen Donnellan, a board member of Maria Droste Counseling Services, undertook a remarkable pilgrimage along the Camino de Santiago, walking nearly 400 miles from Lisbon, Portugal to Santiago, Spain. Each step was taken in … Read more

Lisa Donovan

Emcee Spotlight: Lisa Donovan — Bringing Heart, Humor, and Connection to Fashion for Compassion

We are thrilled to welcome Lisa Donovan as the emcee for our 2026 Fashion for Compassion event! Lisa’s path to radio is anything but conventional. After a decade in public relations, including roles as Senior Manager of Public Relations for Coach Inc. in New York City and Vice President of Kortenhaus Communications in Boston, Lisa … Read more

Liam Martin

Keynote Speaker Spotlight: Liam Martin—Using His Voice to Change the Conversation Around Mental Health

We believe that storytelling has the power to change lives. That’s why we are honored to welcome Liam Martin as this year’s featured speaker at our 2026 Fashion for Compassion event. Liam is an Emmy Award–winning journalist and mental health advocate whose career has been defined by empathy, authenticity, and a commitment to telling meaningful … Read more

Constant Contact (Social Media)

Fashion for Compassion Returns — and You Won’t Want to Miss It

Tuesday, May 19, 2026 · 6:00 PM · Granite Links, Quincy, MA Mark your calendars. Fashion for Compassion is back! Dazzling runway looks. Extraordinary stories. A community united behind a cause that has never mattered more. Join Maria Droste Counseling Services on May 19, 2026, 6 pm at the stunning Granite Links in Quincy, MA … Read more

Video Resources

This guided imagery meditation video led by Meghan Earle, LMHC is appropriate for both beginners and those well practiced in meditation. Find a comfortable position and take a moment to be peacefully present with yourself.

Articles & Press

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