When working I was employed as a medical social worker, Mindy Crouch discovered the need for a geriatric mental health therapist who goes to the nursing homes. She couldn’t find a resource for this need so decided to open up a private practice that did mental health therapy in nursing homes. A year and half went by and there were more therapists interested in doing what she was doing, so she decided to open up Pando Geriatric Counseling to expand the services more into the community. She has also acquired her Iowa Social Work License and her Grief Recovery Certificate since then.
Tell us a little about your family. – I have been married for six years and I have a 13-year-old stepson and a 2-year-old daughter. My husband has been wonderful at supporting me and my ambitions to start this company.
What has been the biggest turning point in your life? – I had always wanted to be a macro social worker and when I finished graduate school, I had a hard time finding a job. I became a mental health therapist and realized that it was something that I actually liked. It was then that I realized that I needed to stop making my own way and let God take me where He wanted me. I am so blessed to be where I am now but laugh when I look back on it because it was not in my plans.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – I like to spend time with my family and stay home with my daughter during the weekdays when possible.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people don’t know? – I love to dance. My daughter and I have dance parties in the kitchen quite often. I also crochet baby blankets for my friends.
What are you the most proud of? – My husband and I have worked very hard to get to where we are today and it has been a wonderful road to travel. To have jobs that we love is amazing.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – In order to save the world, you have to save yourself first; then your family, community, city, state, nation and then the world.
What is the one goal you’d most like to accomplish? – I have many of those. I really want my PhD. When my kids are grown up, I would like for my husband and I to go on a missions trip.
If you could have a super power, what would it be? – I would like the ability to snap my fingers and be any place I want to be like in the movie Bewitched.
What talent would you most like to have? – It would be fun to write a book and actually have people read it. And in my head, I can dance and sing like they do on TV.
What is your favorite book? – I am currently reading Treasure of Khan by Clive Cussler and Dirk Cussler.
What is your favorite movie? – The Sound of Music.
What is your favorite local restaurant? – We really like Mai Thai and HuHot; food that I don’t know how to cook.
If you could have dinner with one person from the past or present, who would it be? – I would probably say Princess Diana. Her charity work and love for humanity was ever present and inspirational. For the present, I would say Sandra Bullock. I think that she is hilarious in her movies and she does great charity work.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – pandogeriatrics@gmail.com or (402) 321-8995