I am a social worker first and a goofball second! I pride myself on my dedication to my community and social inclusion. I am always the first to offer a hand, go beyond the expected, and lead by example. There are many pivotal moments in my life which have driven me to a dream of bettering my community and supporting others in my culture. As a multi-racial Latina, I have had several first hand experiences of the challenges BIPOC individuals face within all systems and seen how privilege can often be misused and abused by individuals in less marginalized communities.
I have a special place in my heart for Worcester due to having spent many of my formative years living here. Since I was 15 years old, I have worked with the community providing social support. My very first job was Through The Community Action Council serving food to the transient community at Sally’s Kitchen on Main Street here in Worcester. I then went on to get a job as a peer counselor at Girls Inc. at 18. Thanks to the Interfaith Hospitality Network my family was able to have steady shelter for 8 months when I was 16.
I went on to attend and graduate from Clark University with a Bachelor’s in Psychology. I would walk one mile down Park Ave. from Clark to my job as a file clerk in a mental health clinic which served the marginalized community. Upon graduation, my first job was as an Applied Behavioral Analysis Technician working with children on the autism spectrum. After 18 months, I applied to Springfield College to obtain my Master’s of Social Work. The longest job I have held was at Tri-Valley Inc. in Dudley. I supported my local elder community by providing them with in-home resources through case management all while completing my master’s degree.
In March 2021, I co-founded The WellStorm, Inc. with my graduate school cohort and have been balancing operating an emerging non-profit and a full time therapy career. Our Community Fridge,The Bridge Fridge, is our first program, and I am thankful for the opportunity to support my community through increasing food security, normalizing mental health resources and increasing opportunities for individuals experiencing homelessness.
Please tell us about your current career and what you love most about what you do?
I am currently a Telehealth Therapist at Attunement Counseling and Wellness Collective conducting couples counseling and individual therapy. I love building a connection with my clients and providing them with a safe space to be their authentic selves and discuss the most challenging aspects of their lives.
What is your favorite restaurant in Worcester, and what is your favorite dish?
I’m going to pretend it isn’t Wings Over Worcester and say The Fix Burger Bar!
Who is the most interesting person you’ve ever met?
Honestly nobody is cooler than my clients. I have had the opportunity to work with powerful people, performers, influencers, veterans with heroic stories and so many talented people. Mental Health affects everyone, and I think this is more uniting than we realize.
If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I would travel to Puerto Rico! My father moved to the US from Puerto Rico in 1988. I share the same last name as a town my family grew up in. Being from a family consisting of 16 aunts and uncles, I would love to see the roots of my family and experience the beauty of the island and my culture.
What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Go to Band? I am a pop-punk kid through and through. Nowadays, I am more into true-crime podcasts than music.
What is your best advice?
No matter who you are or what you have done, you deserve self forgiveness, compassion, and help.
What is one of the top three items on your Bucket List?
I want to spend a year travelling. I would love to live on a sustainable farm. I would be amazed if I ever get over my fear of swimming.
What current/former local business makes you the most nostalgic about Worcester?
I can’t even skate and nothing is more nostalgic than SkyLite.
Choosing anyone alive and a non-relative with whom would you love to have lunch? Why?
I have to say Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. She is an idol for latinx individuals everywhere and just getting started a conversation we should have been having decades ago.
Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
In 5 years, I see myself maintaining my therapy career and increasing the program development of The WellStorm, Inc. to expand the support in our community. In 10 Years, I want to become more involved in governmental policy writing and see The WellStorm, Inc. erecting their tiny house village to provide free housing to those in need.
What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you, even your friends or family.
I have sensory processing sensitivity and am the most sensitive to auditory stimulation. I am infamous for replaying a video at least 30 times when I find a sound I like and then keeping it as a future self soothing skill.
What 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Home is where you are your most authentic self.
If a motion picture was made of your life, what actor/actress would you choose to play you?
I think the age difference would make it hilarious but Maya Rudolph playing me at 16-29 would be amazing!
What is your favorite thing or something unique about Worcester?
My favorite thing about Worcester is how it has so many hidden gems and beautiful public spaces. I often forget its a large city because the layout includes so many various landscapes and interesting architecture.
What is your favorite smell?
Lemon everything!
Who inspires you to be better?
My ancestors. All the people who have been lost due to injustice. All the tragedies that are experienced and continue to be experienced by others makes me vow to not only do no harm but reduce harm that has been done.
