What led you to your current position as a Bilingual Mental Health Consultant?
When I was a teen and experienced family therapy for the first time, we were connected to a therapist who didn’t look like us or sound like us. There were cultural and language differences between us and while the therapist was helpful and BELIEVED ME, I remember wondering how different the experience might have been if my family and I had been supported by someone who shared more of our background. That experience motivated me to enter this field and to be the kind of therapist who can provide culturally responsive care and create a space where clients feel fully seen and understood.

What inspires you to do this work?
I am inspired by the opportunity to support individuals and families grow, heal, and succeed. I know firsthand how powerful therapy can be. I also understand how important it is for clients to feel safe, witnessed, and represented. Being able to provide this space – especially those who may not always see themselves reflected in professional spaces – is deeply meaningful to me.

What is a recent highlight you’ve experienced in the work or an important lesson you’ve learned in this role?
This year I have witnessed how youth have the incredible capacity to adapt, be creative, and be honest even when they are navigating trauma, stress, or family challenges. I have recognized that each student comes with a unique cultural identity, family dynamic, and lived experiences that deserve support and reminders that their stories are still being written. A recent highlight a teacher shared was her describing how a few students no longer have that “dark cloud over them”, are more engaged, and visibly seem more happier than before.

Share your life motto or something unique about yourself.
“You are who your ancestors sang about in their ceremonies. You are their revolutionary prayer. You are their sacred gift to the world.” And also: “Cabrona, recuerda que through your biggest wound encuentras tu medicina.” -Spritual Cabrona