Our Story

Why We Do
What We Do

Hearts2Heal was founded by Maria Brown-Spence with a clear mission: to reimagine grief support for communities historically excluded from accessible and culturally responsive care. The organization began as a response to personal loss and the broader systemic barriers that make healing difficult to access.

Following the deaths of her grandmother and partner, Brown-Spence searched for support and found systems that were costly, clinical, and emotionally detached. What should have been a path toward healing felt isolating and disconnected from her reality as a Black Latina veteran and community leader.

In sharing her experience publicly, she received hundreds of responses from others facing similar struggles. That collective outcry revealed what research has long shown: grief is a public health issue, and meaningful recovery requires care that reflects the cultural and emotional needs of those affected.

In 2019, she founded Hearts2Heal to meet that need with a trauma-informed, community-centered approach. Today, the organization offers education, peer support, mental health training, and a clinical internship program grounded in evidence-based practices and lived experience. It serves as a trusted space for individuals, families, and professionals seeking care that honors both personal identity and collective healing.

Through her leadership, Hearts2Heal continues to expand its impact, working alongside schools, nonprofit organizations, and mental health professionals to ensure that grief is never faced in isolation.

Maria Brown-Spence

Founder, CEO & President

Meet Our Team

We’re a diverse team united by a shared belief in the power of healing. Despite busy schedules and demanding day jobs, we’re dedicated to providing the mental health resources our community desperately needs.

Board Member

Vice-President

Board Member

Board Member, Clinical Internship Coordinator

-RECOGNITION-

Awards & Grants

City of Austin 2024

Grant Recipient -$3,000

With FACE Grant funding, we were able to host a panel discussion on grief and mental health, moderated by Lamanda Ballard, founder of FloEver.

Learn more at www.AustinTexas.gov/FACE

St David's Foundation 2023

Grant Recipient – $64,200

This grant supported our Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support Groups, facilitated by Neasel Conner, LPC

CTAAFSC 2023

Award Recipient – Maria Brown-Spence

The Together We Will Heal Award was created in direct response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This award recognized individuals who are effecting change and wellness in the African American community.

Whole Foods 2022

Grant Recipient – $2,750

This grant provided critical support for our free therapy voucher program.

Hearts2Heal

Healing Grief, Building Community.

Clinical Internship & Professional Development

Culturally Responsive Grief Support

Trauma-Informed Education & Training