Mary Blake ’98
Tell us about your current position:
I currently serve patients in two capacities. I work with insurance companies conducting comprehensive in-home health assessments, which allows me to connect with individuals in their everyday environments and address both physical and mental health needs.
After two years of preparation, I launched my own private practice, Align Mental Health & Wellness. As both the owner and provider, I care for adults experiencing depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, mood disorders, and substance use concerns. I provide medication management and also offer psychotherapy, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and supportive counseling. My role combines clinical expertise with business leadership, and it has been incredibly rewarding to create a space where patients feel safe, supported, and empowered in their healing journey.
Were there any professors, mentors, or courses that had an impact on you?
Yes, several professors at Brockport left a lasting impact on me both personally and professionally. Dr. Carmella Rhetz was especially meaningful — I cared for her mother during my very first year as a nurse, and we stayed in touch after graduation. Over the years, we shared many moments, including helping her get her first dog and later welcoming her when she visited me in North Carolina. Dr. Margie Lovett Scott inspired me as the only woman of color on the nursing faculty at the time. Seeing her in that role showed me that my own dreams were possible and gave me the confidence to pursue them. Dr. Kathy Peterson, our Pediatrics instructor, also stood out to me — she was consistently kind, patient, and supportive, which made a big difference in my student experience. Each of them influenced the nurse and provider I am today.
Were there any “aha” moments during your time at Brockport?
I can’t point to one single “aha” moment, but rather a series of experiences that shaped me. The combination of challenging coursework and diverse clinical rotations steadily built my confidence and clarified my passion for nursing. By the time I graduated, I felt prepared, motivated, and equipped to take the next steps in my career.
If you had to attribute your success to one thing at Brockport, what would it be?
I attribute my success to the excellent nursing foundation I received at Brockport. The combination of challenging coursework and varied clinical experiences prepared me to transition smoothly into practice. My clinical rotations exposed me to diverse patient populations and healthcare settings, and one of those placements even led directly to my very first nursing job. Brockport gave me both the knowledge and the confidence to begin my nursing career on solid ground.
What advice would you give to current students?
For those pursuing nursing, remember that the opportunities are truly endless. Nursing can take you into hospitals, clinics, education, administration, or even your own private practice. No matter where you go, you will always find a job—nursing skills are needed everywhere. Nursing also offers a variety of schedules, such as three 12-hour shifts, four 10-hour shifts, or weekends only, so no matter where you are in life, you can find a schedule that fits your needs. It is a profession where you will constantly learn and grow, so it’s important to embrace lifelong learning.
Success in nursing also requires discipline, because the safety and lives of others will depend on you. It requires teamwork, because nursing is never a solitary job. The BSN program is one of the most rigorous for a reason—it equips you to critically think, multitask, and prioritize, skills you will use every day in practice.
Above all, know that nursing is one of the most respected professions in the world, and it is truly a calling. If you commit to the journey with perseverance, compassion, and openness to growth, you will find a rewarding and meaningful career.
Anything else you’d like to add?
I am deeply grateful to Brockport and the School of Nursing for providing the foundation that launched my career. The education, support, and clinical experiences I gained there continue to shape the nurse practitioner I am today. I hope current and future students will see that nursing truly offers endless opportunities, and with dedication and compassion, they can create a career path that is both meaningful and fulfilling.