Daily Inspiration: Meet Maritza Pietri

Today we’d like to introduce you to Maritza Pietri.

Hi Maritza, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
In 2015 I became the mother of a child with a rare disease, Congenital Hyperinsulinism. It quickly became apparent that my life would never be the same again. Navigating the health care system for a child with a rare disease was a big feat, but I was determined to get the absolute best care and resources for her. This journey cost me my accounting career and led me to the world of family caregivers.

In 2020 I founded ANIMO Homecare, a home care agency that specializes in hiring family members as caregivers. Experiencing firsthand the financial and emotional impact of having a disabled relative, I created ANIMO to help others. My agency specializes in hiring family members of disabled children and adults to be compensated for providing personal care to their loved ones. We empower families financially so they can focus their love and attention on the things that matter most.

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?
Starting ANIMO has truly highlighted the lack of information about social programs within our community. My agency is 100% woman-owned and operated, and everyone on our staff is bilingual in English and Spanish. We strive to provide an equitable experience for members of the Spanish-speaking community that we have found are often underserved.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I truly believe that working with the special needs and elderly community was my calling. The name of my agency is ANIMO, which in Spanish means to give someone courage. I chose this name because that is exactly what I believe can change a person’s life.

When faced with the reality that one must be a caregiver, we mustered up the courage to find purpose in life and to continue to find joy. Raising my two daughters to be courageous in spite of hardship has shown me that courage is infectious. I carry that courageous energy with every client and family I encounter, and I have seen how empowered they become.

Risk-taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I believe being a mother has brought me on a journey full of risk. I have always considered myself a risk-taker because I would rather experience life regardless of the outcome. Those who know me know that I navigate most of the things in my life fearlessly with a healthy dose of caution.

As a role model to my children, one who has Sensory Processing Disorder and the other with a rare disease I encourage them to participate in everything they set their hearts to. We explore the outdoors and expose ourselves to all of the elements as if nothing can stop us, and to this day nothing has.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.animocares.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/animocares
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ANIMOCARES