Guiding You Through the Path to Recovery

Are you searching for peace from a toxic relationship or stressful home environment?

Do you struggle with body image, food, or weight issues? Depression or Anxiety?

Is your teen dealing with anger, self-harm, peer pressure, or bullying?

Are you dealing with the devastating effects of a cancer diagnosis?

Are you living with the aftermath of overwhelming stress, grief, or trauma?

Help is available....

Pathways to Peace, Inc. is a mental health practice based in Lake Mary, Florida. We provide counseling for relationship difficulties, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, emotional distress associated with cancer, traumatic stress, and other mental health conditions.

Pathways to Peace, Inc. helps children and adults, couples, and families take control of their lives and regain peace. We provide specialized treatment for eating disorders and other mental health issues. We work with individuals who find themselves in unhealthy relationships as well as families dealing with separation, divorce, marital conflicts, and family crises. We also help cancer patients navigate the emotional, financial, and body image distress that comes with a cancer diagnosis and treatment. Pathways to Peace can help you develop skills to overcome distressing situations and resume a heathy and happy life.

Meet Our Team

Maria Nemec, LCSW, CEDS, President and Owner 

Maria Nemec has more than 30 years of experience in psychotherapy and mental health counseling. She graduated from California University of Pennsylvania in 1990 and the University of Maryland School of Social Work in 1993. Maria received her Master’s degree in Social Work with a clinical concentration in mental health. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Florida, a member of the National Association of Social Workers, a member of the International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals, and a Certified Eating Disorders Specialist.

Before starting her own practice, Maria had worked in a variety of settings including:

In-Patient and Out-Patient Mental Health Centers
In-patient and Out-Patient Eating Disorders Treatment Programs
In-Patient and Out-Patient Substance Abuse Centers
Emergency Room Psychiatric Evaluation and Management
Child Welfare
Family Therapy
Oncology (Medical Oncology, Radiation Oncology, and Surgical Oncology)

Maria began treating eating disorders full time in 1996. She is a former therapist for the Center for Eating Disorders at St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland. Maria also maintained a private practice in the Baltimore and Annapolis areas for more than 15 years where she specialized in eating disorders and family therapy. Maria is recognized by the International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals as an eating disorders specialist.

Maria worked for the Advent Health Cancer Institute for 7 years as an oncology social worker providing supportive counseling to cancer patients and their families. While working in that capacity, Maria developed a body image and cancer curriculum offering specialized treatment of body image distress in the oncology setting.