I am a Latina Women of God! I am Puerto Rican and the first person in my family to graduate from College. I believe that God has created every single person unique and with a specific purpose. My boys are my life. They have really helped me to be the person I am today. I love helping people be the best version of themselves. Through my own healing journey from past traumas, I’ve gained insights and experiences that enable me to effectively support others in their paths toward healing and growth. I LOVE bringing hope to others and encouraging them. A nice hot cup of coffee is my bestfriend and I love chocolate. I enjoy going to the beach, it helps me disconnect from the world and stay focused. When it gets cold I still go to the beach or for nice nature walks. I enjoy life with my boys and we do a lot of laughing, singing, playing volleyball, and dominoes. My journey is a testament to the power of faith, resilience, and the transformative influence of love and support from those that are in the same journey. The pastors of my Restoration Church have been instrumental in shaping and guiding my life’s journey.
Q: Please tell us about your current career and what you love most about what you do?
I have been working at Family Health Center of Worcester since 2016. While going to nursing school I worked in a prison and it was my foundation for the addiction and mental health work I do now. I am a Certified Addiction Registered Nurse, and passionate about the work I do. In my role I advocate for services that are needed and making sure we have access to meet the need in the Worcester community. I get to meet people as they present which for some is rock bottom. Just being myself and treating people as humans is so vital. Building relationships with my patients helps them to meet their goals and live a better life. Humor is good for the soul. Sometimes people take life too serious and just making jokes with people helps change the environment or vibes. For some patients, they have never been treated with respect and being kind goes a long way. I am always in training to stay up to date with the changes that keep happening in the addiction world. We have come a long way but we still have a lot of work to be done. I advocate for patients to get the best quality care. Harm reduction saves lives and sometimes thinking outside the usual is needed. I love helping people get the care they need and deserve.
Q: What is your favorite restaurant in Worcester, and what is your favorite dish?
I have a couple. Sazon when I want some Spanish food like white rice, beans on the side with bistec encebollado. NuKitchen Buffalo Kale Chicken Wrap and coffee. Raices has some really good empanadillas. Thai Time for some yummy Pad Thai.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve ever met?
My patients! I enjoy hearing their stories and things that they have overcome in life.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
To one of the top beaches in the world. I love the beach, turquoise waters, white sand, and the beauty!
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
We love music in my family. If we are in the car we are listening to music and it becomes a live concert. We enjoy Forrent Frank Good Day. I love me some Mary Mary, some old school Fred Hammond. If I am cleaning I love listening to salsa, it brings me back to when I was young at home cleaning with my siblings.
Q: What is your best advice?
Keep learning. I always tell my son, Jeremiah, if we are not learning or growing then what are we doing? We were not created to just sit. Yes we do need to have time to relax. Overall in life, continue to be happy and grateful for all things. There is always something to be grateful. Be HAPPY.
Q: What are the top three on your Bucket List?
Visit more beaches that I have never been to, go on a cruise with my boys, and go on a mission trip as a Nurse or volunteer.
Q: What current/former local business makes you the most nostalgic about Worcester, and why?
Nuestra restaurant that closed. It had the best passion fruit wings, and authentic Puerto Rican food.
Q: Choosing anyone alive and a non-relative with whom would you love to have lunch, and why?
I find great fulfillment in conversing with individuals who have triumphed over adversity. I firmly believe in refraining from judgment, recognizing that everyone has a unique narrative. Hearing the stories of others and witnessing their journeys of overcoming life’s challenges is something I deeply value.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Being the best version of myself. Helping to put programs in place or develop a process to help those in need of addiction and mental health services.
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you, even your friends or family.
I went through a time in my life where work was everything, to the point that I was very sick and decided that I would never let myself get to that point again. I took self care to another level. I look at my work schedule three months in advance and schedule random days off. I take myself out for lunch, or meet a friend. Its always random days but when the day approaches its always much needed. Unplugging is very important and reminds myself of my goals and the “why”.
Q: What 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Love, peace, food
Q: If a motion picture was made of your life, what actor/actress would you choose to play you?
Jim Carey
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about Worcester?
The diversity. When I started to work in Worcester, I met so many different people from different backgrounds and culture. I have really met some passionate people for the work that they do, making it easier to come together as a force.
Q: What is your favorite smell?
The ocean and coffee.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
God and my two boys.
