Following a battle with cancer that took her ability to become pregnant,  Defining Journeys founder Marisa Bernardo took on three surrogacy journeys in the pursuit of motherhood.

 

Along the way, she began openly sharing her experiences online, reaching millions with her encouragement, and advocacy. As she connected with more intended parents, a recurring theme emerged: many felt lost and overwhelmed, wishing there was personalized and accessible, step-by-step support to guide them through surrogacy.

Recognizing this gap, Marisa created Defining Journeys.

 

Named in part after her miracle baby DJ, Defining Journeys was designed to answer the question so many intended parents ask: “Is there one place I can turn for guidance from my earliest questions, through matching, and all the way to postpartum?”

 

Today, Defining Journeys has grown into a full counselling and psychotherapy practice as well as surrogacy counselling and education. Marisa now supports not only intended parents but also individuals and families navigating infertility, oncofertility, reproductive loss, cancer, grief, health challenges, and major life transitions.

 

Her work blends psychotherapy, practical guidance, and community-building, offering a safe and validating space where clients feel supported, informed, and less alone in their defining journeys.