I have dedicated my life to making a positive impact in the lives of children. My career as a licensed mental health counselor lets me do this every day. I have a Master’s degree in mental health counseling and addiction studies, as well as advanced training in relational interventions and trauma processing with children and teens. I love what I do! My services are unique, because I specialize in incorporating modalities that process trauma, such as EMDR, with relation-based therapies, such as TBRI, and I incorporate all of these with experiential modalities that ease and speed processing, such as sand tray therapy, play therapy, and art therapy. That’s a lot of ‘therapist talk’ to say that I am equipped to meet your child where they are, use interventions that equip them to connect to others, and empower them to change their lives. Click on the Services tab to learn more. 

I was born in Medellin, Colombia and spent my childhood surrounded by my several brothers, sisters, and my parents. Since my early years, I have spent most of my weekends helping others in my faith community, especially children who struggle academically. Living in many countries and working as a foreign language teacher gifted me the opportunity to experience different cultures and languages. This profoundly impacted my belief in the importance of mutual respect and acceptance of individuals’ differences. Here in Florida, I have continued my life’s passion of helping others by volunteering as a Spanish teacher, helping in ministry, and leading parenting groups, as well as helping in many other capacities, such as being a soccer mom, nanny, and senior companion.

While working with other parents and seeing the changes that were possible in their relationships and family dynamics, I became inspired to pursue my graduate degree at Palm Beach Atlantic University, where I received a double master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling and Couples and Family Counseling. I also received my Teen Triple P Certification from Triple P of America, which gives me the opportunity to work alongside parents of teenagers and help them navigate these wonderful and challenging years. I am EMDR trained, and I maintain a Clinical Trauma Professional Certificate (CTPC) and a Trauma-Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) certification. I incorporate these modalities into my work with clients that are experiencing post-traumatic symptoms, as well as a host of other issues. I deeply believe that we are ALL created with the capacity and limitless potentiality to overcome the most difficult of life’s challenges. Sometimes, we need the help of a professional to rediscover the potential for healing that already exists inside us. I am confident we can work together as a team to overcome whatever challenges are facing your child and/or your family.

Children have been my life’s work and passion.  My career began in 1998 as a teacher working with children, birth-2nd grade, in school settings such as Montessori.  I found myself drawn to the children that needed extra support in a variety of ways, including their social/emotional needs. I currently hold a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling and graduated at the top of my class in a CACREP accredited program.  During my internships, I was exposed to individuals of all ages and backgrounds, but my heart was to return to working with children.  Post-graduation, I worked for a nonprofit and focused on Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Counseling, which included working with mothers from the prenatal stage through the first five years. I also frequently work with children and families whose lives have been impacted by trauma. I completed the Child Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) program and utilize this to help families heal through processing their trauma. I am also trained in Conscious Discipline and utilize those techniques with the children and their parents. Each child is unique, and therefore, our time together will also be unique. Each child will have a plan specifically created just for them and their needs.  The modalities we use to meet their goals can include play therapy, sand tray therapy, art therapy, body-based regulations, guided imagery, and more. My goal is to make everyone feel as if they are the only client I have.  Children have been my greatest joy in life, and I’m excited to provide them with the tools they will utilize for the rest of their lives.

Hi!!! I’m Waffles! To borrow a line from my favorite movie star, Dug, from the movie Up, “I have just met you and I love you!” I am 1 year old, and I am learning to be a great therapy dog. It’s hard, because sometimes I want to run around and be loud and excited at times when I’m supposed to be quiet and focused, but I am doing better every day.  

Some of my favorite things are meeting new kids, playing with my friends at the dog park, chasing my tail, chewing my toy fox, and playing in water. Did someone just say water?!? I love water! The pool, ocean, puddles, rain, water hoses, sprinklers, bathtub… I love it all! I’m looking forward to meeting you and hearing about your favorite things.