Psychologist
Counseling Psychology, University of California, Santa Barbara
SRB Educational Opportunity Program (EOP)
Hi!
I grew up in a small, agricultural town in Southern California that has historically been about 70% Latinx. My parents instilled in me the importance of education and hard work. As a first-generation undergraduate student at Stanford, I experienced the struggle of feeling different and of learning how to navigate a university setting. I chose to be a psychologist because I have been lucky in my life to have a handful of mentors who guided me, encouraged me, and advocated for me, helping me maneuver higher education and helping me process and reject racial and gender discrimination, implicit bias, and the internalization of negative, oppressive social messages. I want to be a mentor and an advocate.
Since 2008, I have been fortunate to be in a CAPS satellite office in EOP. I work closely with EOP, including co-leading Nuestra Comunidad: Finding Strength in Community, a support space for Latinx and Chicanx identified students.
Often my work at UCSB involves working with BIPOC students who are dealing with trauma, including racial and cultural trauma; anxiety and depressive symptoms; relationship issues; family issues; multiracial identity development; the first generation college student experience; and/or the current socio-political climate. I want to provide a safe, culturally sensitive space for you to develop ways to cope with and reject bias and discrimination, to find your voice, to navigate the university system, to improve your relationships, to cope with anxiety, depression, or trauma, and to feel welcome at the university. I strive to create an affirming, warm place where you can explore concerns and gain skills for coping more effectively with life's challenges.
If I am not at UCSB you can probably find me looking for seaglass on the beach, on a walk with our dog, watching a movie or tv series, enjoying a paleta, or laughing with my partner and three kids.
I believe every person you meet in life changes your path in some way. I learn from my students and I hope I have a positive impact on them. I would feel honored to work with you.
Groups: Nuestra Comunidad: Finding Strength in Community
Office location: SRB Educational Opportunity Program (EOP)