Mary Bertha Okon is an author, podcast host, seasoned entrepreneur, and transformational leader. With over 20 years of experience across education, psychology, human resources, financial management, and counseling, she is seamlessly navigated multiple industries while

leaving an indelible mark. Over two decades ago as a young mother with limited proficiency in English, she relocated from Germany to Nigeria and single-handedly established a crèche which started with just three students is now a thriving educational institution, now serving over 400 students, ranging from early childhood to senior secondary school. Beyond education, Okon is a certified psychotherapist, a sought-after speaker, and a media entrepreneur committed to shaping narratives that heal and empower. Having mentored, trained, and counseled countless
individuals—including students, parents, professionals, and corporate leaders, she also
pioneered a culturally sensitive Special Educational Needs (SEN) department within her school to provide inclusive education and free emotional support to families in need. In this interview,
she speaks on her passion for education and therapy.
By Ngozi Egenuka
⁠From Germany to Nigeria, limited English, and a new life as a young mum—how did that
journey shape your path from educator to therapist?
My journey from Germany to Nigeria, with limited English and becoming a young mum, was
both humbling and transformative. Adjusting to a new culture while learning a new language
and embracing motherhood pushed me to grow in unexpected ways. It deepened my empathy
and opened my eyes to the quiet resilience people often carry—especially women navigating
unfamiliar and demanding life transitions.
As an educator, I found myself drawn to the emotional well-being of my students as much as
their academic success. Admitting special needs children into our school and watching how
their parents and caregivers struggled deeply stirred my interest in special education. I wanted
to understand how to better support them—not just academically, but holistically. The true
turning point came through a deeply personal experience that led me to seek guidance from a
priest. His warmth, wisdom, and the way he connected with me on a soul-deep level created a
safe space for growth. For four years, he mentored me in spirituality, teaching me the power of
discernment, empathy, and meditation. It was through his encouragement that I eventually
pursued a formal study of psychology. That spiritual grounding, combined with my lived
experiences, ultimately led me to the path of psychotherapy. Today, as a therapist, I carry those
moments with me—every challenge, every encounter—into the work I do. My journey has
become my foundation, and it fuels my passion to walk with others as they find their own
strength and healing.
⁠Two decades in education and therapy, what’s been your deepest source of purpose?
With over two decades in education and therapy, my deepest source of purpose has always
been people—their growth, healing, and quiet resilience. Whether within my school community
or one-on-one in a therapeutic space, I’m guided by the conviction that every individual carries
unique potential and inner wisdom. As a holistic psychotherapist, I don’t view healing simply as
recovery, but as a powerful return to one’s true self and deeper life purpose. Supporting others
as they reconnect with their inner voice and begin to live more mindfully and authentically is
the heart of my work. Even the smallest transformations—those quiet shifts in perspective or
moments of clarity—are a constant reminder of why this calling means so much to me.

You pioneered a culturally sensitive Special Needs programme early on. How did that
experience prep you for your current work in trauma and healing?
Pioneering a culturally sensitive Special Needs programme was a defining experience—one that
taught me the importance of seeing and honouring the whole person, not just their diagnosis or
challenges. It deepened my empathy, sharpened my listening, and reminded me that healing
always begins with understanding. Working closely with families and children from diverse
backgrounds showed me how culture, identity, and community shape the way we process pain
and access support. That foundation now informs my work in trauma and healing, where
creating safe, inclusive spaces is essential. Whether I’m in a therapy session or hosting a
conversation on the podcast, I carry those early lessons with me: every story deserves to be
heard, and healing must meet people where they are.
⁠Mental health still carries stigma in many African communities. Through your podcast and
therapy sessions, how are you shifting this narrative?
Mental health stigma remains a significant barrier in many African communities, where silence
is often mistaken for strength, and vulnerability is wrongly seen as weakness. Sadly, our African
men are often raised to suppress their emotions and shoulder the heavy burden of being sole
providers, leaving little room for their own healing. Through my podcast and therapy sessions,
I’m creating spaces where real conversations about emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being
are not just welcomed—they’re normalised. On Mary with the Voice Podcast, I share stories,
tools, and truths that invite listeners to view mental and emotional health as essential to
whole-person living—not something to fear or be ashamed of. In therapy, I lead with cultural
sensitivity, helping clients unlearn deeply rooted beliefs that stand in the way of their healing.
Bit by bit, voice by voice, we’re breaking the silence, challenging stigma, and building a new
narrative—one where vulnerability is strength, and seeking help is an act of courage, not
weakness.
From safe classrooms to emotionally safe podcast episodes. How are you using your
platforms to normalise vulnerability and encourage healing?
Whether in a school setting or through the podcast mic, creating safe spaces has always been at
the core of my work. In my school community, emotional safety was just as important as
academic success—we nurtured not just minds, but hearts. That same intention flows into
Mary with the Voice Podcast, where each episode is designed to feel like a soft landing for
anyone navigating life’s complexities. I use my platforms to normalise vulnerability by showing
up authentically, sharing real stories, and inviting guests who speak from the heart. I believe
healing begins when we feel seen and heard, without judgment. By modeling openness and
compassion, I hope to encourage others to do the same—to drop the masks, lean into their
truth, and recognise that seeking help is not a weakness, but a powerful step toward
wholeness.
Healing souls one story at a time. What inspired the Mary with the Voice podcast, and what
impact are you seeing already?

Mary with the Voice Podcast was born from a deep desire to heal souls one story at a time.
After years in education and therapy, I saw how many people carry silent struggles—wounds
they’ve never had the language or safe space to express. I wanted to create a platform where
those stories could be shared, honoured, and transformed into hope. The inspiration came
from my own healing journey and the countless lives I’ve seen begin to shift through honest,
heart-centered conversations. On the podcast, we dive into real-life issues—trauma, faith,
identity, and purpose—with grace and authenticity. The stories we share are sometimes deeply
personal, other times educative and enlightening, offering both reflection and practical tools
for healing and growth. The impact has been humbling. Listeners often say, “I feel seen,” “This
gave me permission to feel,” or “Now I know I’m not alone.” That kind of feedback reminds me
that we’re doing more than recording episodes—we’re creating a space where healing,
learning, and transformation meet.
⁠You just co-authored Her Story with 40 women across the globe. What did that experience
open up for you—and how has it shaped your view on storytelling?
Co-authoring Her Story alongside 40 incredible women from around the world was nothing
short of transformational. It opened my heart to the power of collective storytelling—the way
our diverse experiences, though shaped by different cultures and backgrounds, often echo the
same universal truths: resilience, identity, healing, and hope. Being part of this global
sisterhood reminded me that storytelling isn’t just about being heard—it’s about creating space
for others to feel seen. It reinforced my belief that when one woman shares her truth, she gives
others permission to do the same. That experience deepened my commitment to storytelling as
a healing tool. Whether through writing, podcasting, or therapy, I now hold space with even
more intention—knowing that every story carries the power to heal, connect, and inspire.
You wear many hats—wife, mum, entrepreneur, therapist, media voice. How do you protect
your peace while pouring into others?
Wearing many hats is a beautiful part of my journey, but it also means I have to be intentional
about protecting my peace. I’ve learned that I can’t pour from an empty cup, so I prioritise
alone time, meditation, and mindfulness. These practices help me quiet the noise, stay
centered, and reconnect with my purpose before I show up for others. I also honour my
boundaries—saying no when needed, asking for help, and embracing rest without guilt. As a
therapist and media voice, I advocate for healing and balance, so I hold myself accountable to
live what I teach. For me, protecting my peace isn’t just about self-care—it’s sacred. When I’m
grounded, I can love deeply, lead wisely, and serve with authenticity.
From education to emotional healing—what’s the one thing you hope every woman reading
this takes away from your story?
If there’s one thing, I hope every woman takes away from my story, it’s this: you are allowed to
evolve. You can grow, shift, heal, and rise—again and again. Your past doesn’t define you, and
your potential is limitless when you choose to reconnect with your true self. One of the
greatest gifts we can give ourselves as women is learning to truly listen—to our inner voice, our
instincts, and the quiet wisdom within. So often, we’ve been conditioned to doubt ourselves, to

second-guess our knowing. But healing begins when we tune in, trust our inner compass, and
honour what we feel. Whether you’re a proprietor of a school, raising a family, building a
business, or navigating your own healing, your voice and your journey matter. You are worthy
of peace, joy, and the fullness of who you’re becoming.