Georgia Rose holds a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology and has been practising for over 15 years. She’s the older child for her mother and the youngest for her father, a mother of three (one girl, two boys), an educator, and a mental health specialist. Naturally, she’s a leader. The second-city resident, who was born in Clarendon and raised in Kingston — proud Merl Grove High alum — continues to change lives and experience life with faith and a cheerleader of a mother through the Peace Management Initiative Western and the Jamaica Red Cross St James Branch, all while reading for her PhD in Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health. To say she has a lot going on is an understatement. She shares more…

Why the move to Montego Bay?

For the job! I came here for work 15 years ago, and then life started to evolve here, so there was no real need to go back to Kingston. When I finished graduate school, I couldn’t get a job [in Kingston] and I really wanted to work, to give my mother a break, and be able to fund college myself.

How old were you then?

I hadn’t hit my 22nd birthday yet, so imagine, I’m 21 with a master’s degree and I’m coming to the other side of town with no family, no friends, nothing there for me.

How did that work out for you?

I was sending several job applications and I could not get a job. I was very disheartened, then a job came up at the Montego Bay Community College, and I applied. I’d never been to Montego Bay; I didn’t even know how to get to Montego Bay. I remember an older cousin had just bought a car and she and I set out for the interview. It was at 9 o’ clock in the morning. I think we got to Montego Bay at 5:00 am.

First place on your “travel” list…

Paris…for Pierre Hermé macarons and the gelato.

What does style mean to you?

Personal comfort. Whatever you feel most beautiful in and most comfortable in is style. I don’t think style has anything to do with labels, and it definitely does not involve cost or trends — pretty much anything that makes you come alive.

Where do you go to unwind or relax?

Because of the nature of my job, I’m always talking, so, when I’m at home with my children and I’m able to spend some time to read a good book, I’m good.

What’s your idea of a good book?

I love autobiographies. I love reading other people’s stories and how they’ve overcome struggles, or anything that is based off factual events in [the author’s] lives. If the writer is really skilled and they can take me into their world, that makes it even better!

Last three good reads…

When a Crocodile Eats The Sun by Peter Godwin

The Dead Yard: Tales of Modern Jamaica by Ian Thomson

Born a Crime by Trevor Noah

Hardcover or paperback?

Hardcover.

What are you most passionate about?

Infant and early childhood mental health. I really believe that the root of healthy mental development in adulthood starts in early childhood; I believe that if we’re more conscious about the care and well-being of our children we lay the foundation for them to grow into healthy adults. I’m even more intrigued by children who have atypical presentation, who meet the diagnostic criteria for developmental disabilities.

My goal is…

…to see in what ways we can support children and families that have exceptional needs so that they are more able to manipulate the environment and lead fulfilling lives.

Who is your hero?

My mother. She is one of three children from rural Clarendon; her mother was a homemaker, her father was a farmer. Her highest level of education is grade nine. She’s a single parent; she left home at 15 years old and has been working since. She is a fierce disciplinarian and a woman of faith.

Any children of your own?

I actually have three children. My first was my foster daughter. She’s a 21-year-old student at The Mico University College; she was adopted at two years old and has lived with me since she was 12. I have two younger boys, a four-year-old and a two-year-old. At first it was just her and I for a very long time and that was really cool. It was a lot of learning, a lot of humbling experiences and she taught me a lot about what it means to be a parent. She tested me, and really brought to the forefront how important it is to be committed as a parent.

Heels or Flats?

It used to be heels, but now I love a good pair of flats.

Jeans or LBD?

LBD. I’m not a lover of jeans.

Favourite designer?

Zimmerman and For Love & Lemons.

If you could, what would you splurge on?

Oh, my gosh! The most gorgeous wedding dress in the world. Netta BenShabu, he’s an Israeli designer, he designs the most feminine wedding gowns, ever. So, I’m gonna save up all the money in the world and go to Israel to buy that wedding dress.

Planning a wedding?

Yes, I am currently engaged. He proposed while I was pregnant with my second son. We plan to get married as soon as I’m through with school.

What does he mean to you?

He’s a good balancing force. He’s very calm, an extremely humble individual, who’s not about the fluff. He doesn’t like to be on the social scene; he’d rather stay home. We complement each other in that way. He’s a simple, honest human being and a good partner to have.

What are your shortcomings?

I’m a workaholic. It can be difficult to get into my space — 95% of my friends are friends from many years ago; I don’t make new friends very easily, but that also adds to the fact that I’m generally very busy, so it’s hard for someone to pin me down to start a friendship.

What would you say to your younger, teenage self?

You’re going to do well; seize every opportunity.

Any regrets?

I wouldn’t have changed a thing, ’cause I’m very happy where my life is right now. I feel much contented. I may not be wealthy, but I don’t think I’ve ever measured contentment or success in monetary terms. I could be deluded, but that’s the story in my head and I like that narrative.