Marisa Bernardo, BSW, RSW (MSWc) is the founder of Defining Journeys, a counselling, psychotherapy, and reproductive support practice dedicated to individuals and families navigating infertility, surrogacy, reproductive loss, oncofertility, postpartum adjustment, parenthood transitions, grief and loss, trauma, PTSD, chronic pain, palliative journeys, and other life-altering health experiences. As a registered social worker, psychotherapist, and surrogacy specialist, Marisa provides both clinical support and practical guidance to those facing complex emotional and medical decisions related to family building and health.

 

Marisa’s path into this work is both professional and deeply personal. Following a cancer diagnosis that resulted in the loss of her ability to carry a pregnancy, she pursued parenthood through surrogacy, ultimately becoming a mother through three journeys. Through this experience, she witnessed firsthand how overwhelming, isolating, and difficult to navigate fertility and surrogacy can feel without informed, compassionate support. This realization led to the creation of Defining Journeys — a space designed to offer ethical education, emotional care, and steady guidance from the earliest questions through decision-making, treatment, and life beyond.

 

Today, Defining Journeys has grown into a full counselling and psychotherapy practice supporting individuals and families navigating infertility, oncofertility, reproductive trauma, postpartum transitions, parenthood after infertility or surrogacy, grief and loss, cancer, chronic pain, PTSD, palliative care journeys, and major life changes. Marisa’s work blends therapeutic support, education, and advocacy, helping clients feel grounded, informed, and emotionally supported throughout their journeys.

 

In addition to her clinical work, Marisa is an active leader within the fertility and surrogacy community. She serves as a board member with the Oasis Fertility Support Network, where she develops resources, facilitates free support groups, and advocates for greater awareness, accessibility, and equity in reproductive care, and a Fertility Friends Foundation partner and ambassador. Through education, community initiatives, and public advocacy, she has supported hundreds of intended parents and families and has reached millions by sharing informed, compassionate guidance online.

 

Marisa brings a unique combination of professional training and lived experience to her work. Her approach is client-centred, trauma-informed, and rooted in the belief that no one should have to navigate infertility, surrogacy, health challenges, palliative experiences, or major life transitions alone.