Having spent more than 20 years helping others as a counselor, Maria L. Rodriguez, PhD, is the chief executive officer, president, and founder of the Care Counseling Center of Bridgewater, in New Jersey, where she is responsible for the clinical supervision of counselors on her team, daily administration of the business, and the marketing of her company. Crediting the success of her business to word-of-mouth stemming from her trusted reputation, she has established the Care Counseling Center of Bridgewater as a beacon of exceptional service through her work with families, many of whom immigrated to the United States or have close relatives who did as part of their background.
Although Dr. Rodriguez is thriving professionally, she still strives to become a better clinician each day by understanding the feelings and challenges of everyone she seeks to help. To keep up with and contribute to the latest developments in her field, she has maintained membership with the New Jersey Psychological Association, the National Women’s Studies Association, and the Latino Mental Health Association of New Jersey. As a professional authority and in addition to running her own counseling center, Dr. Rodriguez co-authored “Success Redefined” in 2024.
Throughout her career, Dr. Rodriguez has embraced countless opportunities to continue learning and growing. The families with whom she has worked, for example, have taught her many invaluable lessons, including how to be a better communicator, manager, and even parent. A licensed professional counselor in New Jersey, Dr. Rodriguez began her academic career at William Paterson University of New Jersey, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and women’s studies. Enthusiastically continuing her education, she earned a Master of Arts in clinical psychology at the same institution before matriculating at Capella University, where, in 2010, she secured her Doctor of Philosophy in general psychology.
Before founding the Care Counseling Center of Bridgewater, Dr. Rodriguez spent nearly two decades sharing her knowledge as an adjunct professor in the women’s and gender studies and psychology departments at her alma mater, William Paterson University of New Jersey. While working as an educator, she was also the deputy chief of staff for community outreach in Assemblyman Joe Danielsen’s Legislative District Office from 2016 to 2018. As a dedicated entrepreneur, Dr. Rodriguez founded and was the president of the Future Knowledge Center for Women Inc. from 2006 to 2016, additionally garnering experience as the chief operating officer of The Future Project from 2004 to 2016. She began her career in 1996 as a case manager and counselor for the Passaic County Women’s Center, after which she worked at St. Mary’s General Hospital, Passaic County Community College, Clara Mass Hospital, and Raritan Valley Community College.
In recognition of her professional excellence and commitment to serving people in need, Dr. Rodriguez was recognized as the Health Thought Leader by the Women of Truth in 2024. In 2023, she was named among the Top Women Leaders of New Jersey, and in 2022 and 2023, she was listed as the Best in Somerville. Further, in 2011, she received an Unsung Shero/Hero Award, and in 2012, she was honored with a Woman of the Year award. Dr. Rodriguez remains unwavering in her commitment to serving her community, which led to her receiving a Hispanic Leaders in the Community recognition in 2008 and being featured in Who’s Who in America and Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers. Among her ongoing achievements, she considers working with families to be her greatest accomplishment, as she has been able to help others through periods of immense emotional distress and grief. Looking to the future, Dr. Rodriguez aims to expand her company by opening new centers and hiring more counselors to reach as many people in need as possible.