Today we’d like to introduce you to Mariquena Davenport and Maribel Hurtado Mariposa.
Hi Mariquena and Maribel, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Our story really begins long before Mariposa Therapeutic Services ever existed, back when we were two sisters growing up in Argentina. We used to watch a show called Chiquititas, which centered around an orphanage and a special place the children called their “rincón de luz”; their “corner of light.” Even at a young age, that idea moved us. We would talk about how, one day, we wanted to create something like that for others; a safe, warm space where people felt supported and understood.
As we grew older, those early conversations followed us into adulthood. We both chose to pursue social work, though our journeys into clinical practice unfolded at different paces, eventually our different journeys lead us to work together at the same group practice.
While we valued the experience, one major challenge was the distance. We were driving almost two hours each way, one to two times a week. After about a year of this, we sat down together and started researching what the needs were in our own community of Sanford, NC. We quickly realized that there was a significant Hispanic population in need of accessible, culturally sensitive mental health services. That discovery became the spark we needed.
Within six months, we opened Mariposa Therapeutic Services PLLC. A year later, as the demand grew, we moved into a new office to better serve our clients.
Today, we’re proud to say that we have created the kind of space we dreamed about as children — our own version of a “rincón de luz” for the community. A place where people feel seen, supported, and cared for. We’ve chosen to keep the practice intentionally small so that we can maintain the level of quality, connection, and person-centered care our clients deserve.
Mariposa Therapeutic Services is more than a business to us — it’s the fulfillment of a shared vision, years in the making, rooted in our values, our culture, and our commitment to our community.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a perfectly smooth road, but we also can’t say we faced major obstacles that pushed us off our path. In many ways, the process of opening Mariposa Therapeutic Services PLLC felt surprisingly aligned. We often found ourselves asking, “Why is everything falling into place so easily?”. There was a sense of peace throughout the journey, as if every step was confirming that we were exactly where we were meant to be.
That said, starting a practice still came with the usual learning curves: navigating licensing, managing business logistics, balancing full workloads, and taking a leap of faith in ourselves and our vision. Those challenges felt manageable because we faced them together and stayed grounded in our purpose.
Today, our biggest challenge isn’t internal, it’s the reality of the community we serve. There is a tremendous need for accessible, culturally attuned mental health services, especially for Spanish-speaking clients and those with Medicaid. Unfortunately, there simply aren’t enough clinicians who are bilingual or Medicaid-approved, which limits the options families have.
As a result, we often find ourselves wishing we could take on more clients than we realistically can. It’s a constant reminder of how important this work is, and how much more support our community still needs.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Mariposa Therapeutic Services PLLC is a sister-owned mental health practice created with the intention of offering high-quality, culturally connected care to our community. We specialize in person-centered, culturally sensitive, trauma-informed therapy with a strong focus on serving immigrant, Hispanics, and bilingual families in Sanford and surrounding areas. We provide services in both English and Spanish, which has become one of our greatest strengths given how limited bilingual and Medicaid-approved clinicians are in the region.
We’re known for the environment we’ve intentionally created a warm, welcoming, safe space that feels more like a “rincón de luz” than a traditional clinic. Because we come from the community we serve, our clients often share that they feel understood and at ease from the moment they walk in. Being immigrants ourselves, we deeply understand the cultural layers, transitions, and challenges that many of our clients face. This shared experience shapes the way we show up with empathy, cultural sensitivity, and genuine connection.
We intentionally keep our practice small so we can prioritize quality over quantity. This allows us to build meaningful therapeutic relationships, tailor treatment to each client, and stay truly present with the individuals and families we support. We do not view clients as numbers, we become a partner in each of our clients healing journey.
Brand-wise, we are most proud of what Mariposa represents. The butterfly symbolizes transformation, resilience, and growth, themes that mirror our own story as immigrants as well as the journeys of many of the people we serve. Our brand is not just a logo; it is a reflection of who we are, where we come from, and the community we’re committed to uplifting.
For readers who may not know us yet, we want them to understand that Mariposa Therapeutic Services PLLC is more than a business, it is a mission. We are here to fill critical gaps in mental health access, especially for Spanish-speaking families and Medicaid clients, and to offer a space where individuals feel truly seen, supported, and empowered to heal.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Our biggest advice for finding a mentor and building a strong network is to stay connected to your community and to show up as your most authentic self. Networking doesn’t always have to follow a traditional formula. Some of our best connections came from thinking outside the box and being open to conversations in unexpected places. When you’re genuine and grounded in who you are, people feel that, and trust grows from it.
For us, connecting with other mental health clinics has been especially valuable, particularly with practices that offer different services than we do. This helps build a supportive referral network where everyone benefits, especially the clients. Maintaining professionalism and following up with those who send referrals has helped us foster long-term, reciprocal relationships.
One thing we always encourage is showing up in person whenever possible. When people see the faces and personalities behind a business, it becomes easier for them to remember you, refer to you, and build meaningful connections.
At the start of our journey, we sought guidance from everywhere we could, Facebook groups for mental health providers, past supervisors, former colleagues, and even professionals we admired from a distance. We’ve learned that every relationship holds significance, even if its purpose isn’t clear in the moment. Those connections often circle back unexpectedly, offering support, guidance, or opportunities when you need them most. Networking is not just about what you can receive, it’s also about how you can give back. When you support your community, collaborate genuinely, and uplift others, trust grows naturally. And in our experience, trust is the heart of any strong professional network.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mariposatherapeuticservices.org/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BWauhDmqQ/?mibextid=wwXIfr
