In this episode of The Path Forward: Mental Health with Maps, Dr. Gina Pasquale sits down with Liz LaRose, President of Monadnock United Way, for a personal conversation about meaning making, resilience, childhood experiences, and the power of community.

Liz shares a story from early childhood about a frightening encounter she did not fully understand at the time. Years later, as her awareness grew, she began to make sense of what happened, not by forcing a silver lining, but by reflecting on how the experience shaped her understanding of purpose, service, connection, and care for others.  

Together, Gina and Liz explore how we continue to understand our experiences over time, how community support can help us move through difficult moments, and why relationships, belonging, and shared connection are essential to mental health. The conversation also highlights the work of Monadnock United Way, the importance of early childhood support, financial stability, social-emotional resilience, and the growing Monadnock Chamber of Connection initiative.  

This conversation dives into:

• Meaning making after difficult experiences

• Childhood confusion, adult reflection, and self-compassion

• The role of family, friends, and community in resilience

• Why belonging and connection support mental health

• The impact of early childhood support and financial security

• How one person’s life of service can grow from personal experience

• The importance of creating “points of connection” in a community

Whether you are reflecting on your own story, looking for a deeper sense of purpose, or thinking about how communities help people heal, this episode offers a powerful reminder: we are not meant to move through life alone.