Meet Dr. Nicole Fallah-Helo | Executive Director of Meadowglade

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Nicole Fallah-Helo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Nicole, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Honestly, I would have to say that while my responsibilities, job scope and, in turn, workload have grown as I have advanced in my career, I have also moved closer to my life purpose and passion for serving the community. As a result, this has created a more manageable work-life balance for me as I truly love what I do. Additionally, with more meaningful work, it doesn’t always feel like I am working. I can be far more productive without any real feeling of burnout or imbalance between work and my personal life. For that reason, while my work-life ratio is not always perfect, I feel so grateful for everything I have, from my amazing role to my wonderful family, which, at the end of the day, is what truly matters to me.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I appreciate the opportunity to share my journey and passion with your readers. My career path has been a winding and transformative one, shaped by a combination of personal experiences and a deep-rooted commitment to making a positive impact in the mental health field.

My story began in Iran, where I was born and lived as a small child, but it was my family’s move to the UK when I was four years old that ignited my curiosity about the world and its diverse cultures. This early exposure to different ways of life instilled in me a sense of empathy and a desire to connect with and help people from all walks of life. After completing my bachelor’s degree, I embarked on a journey that led me to the United States. It was a pivotal moment in my life, and I seized the opportunity to dive into the healthcare sector. I started working for non-profit organizations like Cedar-Sinai, gaining valuable experience and insights into the intricacies of healthcare management. Along this path, I became a mother to my daughter, which served as a powerful motivator to pursue higher education. I earned both my master’s and doctoral degrees, empowering me to assume more senior roles in healthcare operations.

Today, as the Executive Director of The Meadowglade, a retreat-style mental health rehabilitation center, I find myself exactly where I’m meant to be. My mission is clear: to reimagine the health and wellness industry by providing compassionate, client-centered care that combines scientific knowledge with holistic approaches. We tailor our treatments to meet the unique needs of each patient, focusing on mental health, trauma, and eating disorders.

But what truly fuels me is my “why.” I believe in the power of leadership to effect change, especially for marginalized and immigrant communities like my own family. Being a strong voice and advocate for those in need drives me everyday. I want to show my daughter that women can reach the highest leadership positions and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. I also want to emphasize that my journey to this point has not been without its challenges and struggles. Like many, I faced obstacles and moments of self-doubt along the way. Balancing motherhood, pursuing higher education, and climbing the ranks in the healthcare industry was demanding and often overwhelming. But it’s precisely these challenges that have shaped me, teaching me resilience, determination, and the importance of never giving up on my aspirations. Each hurdle I overcame fueled my passion and commitment to my work in mental health. I hope that my story can inspire others to persevere in the face of adversity and chase their dreams relentlessly.

As for our exciting projects, we’re on the cusp of launching a series of mental health educational workshops. These workshops will cover a range of topics, from building coping mechanisms to recognizing toxic relationship patterns and increasing mental health awareness. We aim to engage and empower our entire community with knowledge and resources.

Additionally, we’re forging partnerships with local non-profit organizations, focusing on initiatives like supporting the homeless and providing free clinics. We believe in the strength of collaboration to address the complex challenges in mental health care. Last but not least, we’ve recently launched a YouTube series and Podcast dedicated to mental health topics, featuring interviews with world-renowned experts in psychology. These platforms allow us to share invaluable insights and help raise awareness about issues like PTSD and trauma recovery.

In essence, my career has been a journey of growth, transformation, and an insatiable passion for improving mental health and well-being. I’m truly excited about what the future holds, and I’m determined to continue making a positive impact in the lives of individuals and communities alike.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Planning a week-long trip for my best friend in Los Angeles is a task I’ve become quite adept at, given my passion for exploring the city’s diverse culinary scene. LA’s rich cultural tapestry and foodie heaven make it an ideal playground for showcasing the best of the city.

Day 1 – Middle Eastern Flavor Tour
Our adventure begins in Glendale or Westwood, where Middle Eastern culture thrives. We’ll dive into Iranian delights at the renowned Raffis in Glendale and enjoy the aromas of shisha lounges like Habibi Cafe in Westwood. And, of course, we can’t resist indulging in Armenian and Arabic pastries like Baklava and Kanafa—a true treat.

Day 2 – Global Tastebud Trip
Our taste buds will go on a world tour, starting with one of my favorites, Bossa Novas for some lip-smacking Brazilian eats, Park’s BBQ for the most delectable Korean barbeque, and Fixins Soul Kitchen for some down-home Southern comfort food. We might even pop by Pink’s Hot Dogs and Muss & Frank Grill for a dash of celebrity flavor.

Day 3 – A Mexican Fiesta
We’re mixing shopping and traditional Mexican cuisine at Olvera Street, also known as Old Los Angeles. Expect some lively Mexican marketplace action and mouthwatering Mexican dishes. And, yes, there are fantastic food tours to spice things up so if we have time, you can be sure we will sign up for one of those.

Day 4 – Art and Culture Adventure
Our artistic spirits will come alive as we visit world-renowned museums like the Getty Center and LACMA. We’ll also take time to wander through local markets, perfect for finding those unique LA souvenirs that capture the city’s essence.

Day 5 – Nightlife on the Town
We’re hitting the town for some LA nightlife, complete with world-renowned live DJs at LA’s trendiest Hollywood bars and ultra-chic lounges often filled with A-list stars and Fortune 500 executives. Bar the New York night scene, not too many places come close to Tinseltown’s grandeur.

Day 6 – Iconic Sights and Celebrity Spotting
We can’t skip the Hollywood Walk of Fame, stargazing at Griffith Park Observatory, and the Universal City Walk for that full-on film studio experience. Plus, we’ll keep our eyes peeled for celebs on Mulholland Drive and during our hike in Runyon Canyon.

Day 7 – Beach Vibes and Relaxation
Our weekends at the beach – Santa Monica and Malibu are on the menu. We’ll dine with ocean views at Moonshadows and Geoffreys. And don’t miss the rooftop Skyline Terrace and Cafe 27 for some fantastic city and mountain views.

To keep things balanced, we’ll also squeeze in shopping on Rodeo Drive, check out The Grove and Westfield Topanga Mall, and maybe even pamper ourselves at a spa-like Tomoka or Milk & Honey, my absolute favorites. And if we’re lucky, we’ll catch a cool musical, play, or concert in Los Angeles to wrap up an unforgettable week in the City of Angels.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are so many people in my life who deserve recognition and credit. In terms of where I am in my current chapter today as a healthcare executive in the mental health field, I would have to shout out our amazing and most inspiring organization founder, and CEO, Mr. Nuchie Schapiro. Mr. Schapiro is truly an authentic, one-of-a-kind servant leader, and particularly in today’s world where so many talented employees go unrecognized, he has broken the mold and gone above and beyond to not only elevate and empower women in our organization with 3 of our company executives as female but also minorities and people in the LGBQT+ community. That genuine commitment to embracing diversity when hiring is truly a rarity in more progressive states and countries like ours, so I have to thank him for that and for allowing me to have a voice and platform to share my ideas and unique experiences with the community.

Website: https://themeadowglade.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/embraceimperfectionsbydrnicole/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@embraceimperfectionsbydrnicole