MotherlandCo., LLC​​​
virtual support for folx in DC, MD, VA, WA + WI
Meet The Team

Founder & Clinical Director
Desirée L. Israel, PhDc, LCSW-C, LICSW, LCSW, CBS
Desirée has over 15 years experience in child welfare and reproductive health. She is a trained birth + postpartum doula, herbalist, and certified breastfeeding specialist. She is a PhD candidate in Social Work at Widener University. In 2017, Desirée co-founded the Perinatal Mental Health Alliance for People of Color, a program within Postpartum Support International, to bridge the gap in perinatal mental health support services for birthing persons, providers, and communities of color.
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Desirée navigates the world as a Black, fat, queer, femme, woman, mother & partner. She is a liberatory feminist grounded in Black feminist thought.
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Desirée's approach to therapy centers on empowering and validating your lived experience and prioritizing your agency in the healing process. She is not only committed to promoting reproductive justice but also the dismantling of oppressive & racist structures that disproportionately harm communities of the global majority.

Associate Clinical Therapist
Michelle Hernandez, APSW
Michelle is an Advanced Practice Social Worker (APSW) based in Wisconsin, currently undergoing supervised practice at Motherland Co. LLC. She holds a Master's degree in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, with a focus on behavioral and mental health.
Michelle brings a humanistic approach to her therapy practice, fostering an environment where clients can explore personal growth and healing without judgment. With personal experience in postpartum challenges, she specializes in supporting individuals through the perinatal period, addressing complex issues such as hormonal shifts, relationship changes, and societal pressures. Michelle is committed to advocating for clients' empowerment, particularly those affected by gender, race, and systemic oppression, aiming to create inclusive and affirming therapeutic spaces.
Michelle accepts Wisconsin Medicaid, Open Path Collective and pay what you can.

Generalist MSW Intern
Leslie Mariano, MSWc
Hello everyone! My name is Leslie Mariano. I am a current graduate student at Salisbury University/UMGC Europe program pursuing a Master of Social Work. I am currently in my generalist year of my program, where I am building a strong foundation for the social work core concepts and principles. As a proud Latina woman living in Italy, I bring a unique experience to my work and am committed to serving a diverse community. I am passionate about advocacy and supporting individuals and families through meaningful client-centered approaches.

Clinical Coordinator
Shanaé Hudson, LCSW, LICSW, CCTP, RYT-200
Shanaé is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Virginia, Georgia, South Carolina and District of Columbia. She is passionate about providing an authentic and non-judgmental space for those who may simply need someone to listen and walk-through life’s adversities.
She has actively practiced in the field of social work for over ten years collaborating and holding space to create holistic treatment plans for long-term positive treatment outcomes. She has experience providing services to individuals impacted by substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, end of life concerns, stress, and adjustment to chronic illnesses.
As the Clinical Coordinator at MotherlandCo., Shanaé manages grant funding and operation systems.