Daily Inspiration: Meet Emily-Rose Santamaria

Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily-Rose Santamaria. 

Hi Emily-Rose, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My story begins with a passion for mental health. I am 25 years old, a Master’s level Social Worker, with a love for travel and photography. I am currently working at the therapist in teenage boys group home for those with behavioral and psychiatric needs, as adolescent mental health quickly became my niche in graduate school. I was sent to Cincinnati to become a trainer for my agency, for Therapeutic Crisis Intervention, and I had every intention to turn this “business trip” into an opportunity to grow more within my career and outside of it, as a professional and an individual. Cincinnati quickly became familiar to me as I walked through the streets, guiding myself to exploring the staples and underground feats that the city has to offer. While there, I was able to capture moments and images that I now hold dear to my heart as I look back on the experience. The pictures remind me of growth, beauty, exploration, and gratitude. 

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Healing is never linear (nor smooth). Because of my own mental health, I became passionate about it as I began to explore the field of social work. College and graduate school were some of the hardest years of my life, as it can be very demanding. As for photography, this road has also never been smooth. I am optimistic that this hobby is now a “side-hustle”, although I have lulls in my bookings as the need always varies. I continue to look forward to opportunities for growth, which is one of the ways that I optimized my time in Cincinnati. This trip allowed me to explore different climate, people, and experiences, as I was able to connect with many while in the area. I hope to become more involved in my photography as I grow older, and I am hoping to continue spreading my name and art wherever possible. I am definitely not the most popular photographer in my area; however, I take pride in my work, knowing I am able to capture a moment that may never exist again. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am both a professional and a creative. I wear many hats in my life, those two are among my favorites. I take the utmost pride in my social work practice, and I continue to grow in the area of being a creative by continuing my journey as a photographer. For social work, I specialize in Adolescent Mental Health, and I continue to work on my skill set whenever possible. I am most proud of my ability to empathize with others in a way that allows individuals to guide themselves through their mental health journeys with my expertise and knowledge from experiences and education. I am most proud of my boys, as they continue to show up for themselves every day, despite the ongoing mental health challenges. I believe my empathy goes beyond and it sets me apart from others. For photography, I am most proud of my “eye”. This is something that had started me within this creative hobby to begin with, as I was told repeatedly to dive deeper into the field because of my “eye”. Because of this, I find my pictures to be unique. 

The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
Life keeps going. Even when we stop, time keeps going and life continues. 

Contact Info:

• Instagram: instagram.com/3y3s0fm1ne

Image Credits
Emily-Rose Santamaria
Eyes of Mine Photography