As a trained social scientist, I have a deep appreciation for the ways our macro and meso systems intersect with the life experience of individuals and groups. I have lived in and worked with diverse communities across the United States and Latin America, learning from the incredible resilience of grassroots activists and organizations that another world is indeed possible. I’ve studied urban cooperatives in post-financial crisis Argentina and participatory community development in rural Venezuela. In the United States, I’ve collaborated with schools, community organizations, and public institutions working to reduce inequality and improve life outcomes for youth. I strongly believe in the National Association of Social Workers’ Code of Ethics, that social work is at its core an endeavor in social justice.

After working as an applied researcher for many years, I was drawn to clinical work to expand the role I play supporting young people, their families, and communities. Adverse social, political, and economic circumstances can dramatically affect the mental health and well-being of children and families. Undiagnosed or untreated mental health needs can violently disrupt the individual, family, and community systems. As a survivor of adverse childhood experiences myself, I am particularly concerned with ensuring that all children and their families have access to resources to support their mental health and wellbeing.

I am particularly n addition to deep knowledge of school-based systems, my background as a cultural anthropologist and bilingual English/Spanish speaker informs my work with diverse communities. I have worked in and with schools and community-based organizations supporting the delivery of integrated student supports, mental health services, and culture/climate initiatives. I am committed to creating healing-centered spaces for all young people and their families.