About

I believe we all need someone to talk with. Someone who will listen without judgment and accept us for who we really are. I provide a warm non-judgmental approach so that you have someone to walk alongside you in this journey of exploration, discovery, and problem-solving. A space for individuals to explore and resolve struggles with life’s transitions, challenges with relationships, life stressors, and healing from past traumatic experiences.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have over 20 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults from diverse backgrounds and a wide array of presenting problems. I have worked with various forms of trauma and have had extensive experience working within the child welfare system of Cook County. I also spent four years at an early head start program working with low-income families. I worked at an inpatient psychiatric setting of a hospital for four years and have been counseling clients in a private practice setting for ten years. One of my specialties is working with teens and their families to provide support and positive direction.

Also, I have a deep desire to assist first responders in healing from the cumulative trauma they have experienced due to their position and assist their families with the help they need. I have a Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Work (BS), with a minor in Sociology from Illinois State University and a Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW) from Aurora University. I am also ART (Accelerated Resolution Therapy) trained. It is a creative method of therapy for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and other mental health problems where it helps desensitize clients to their distressing memories and feelings but also gives clients the opportunity to experience positive emotions and thoughts in association with the previously upsetting or traumatizing memory.

My treatment approach involves using Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused, and Strengths-Based Perspective. I use a variety of other techniques and develop a framework suitable to meet the individual needs of my clients. My focus is empowering people and helping them identify problem areas and then giving them the tools they need to help resolve or manage those areas of concern. I use a warm and caring approach. You will find my personality to be encouraging, motivating, supportive, and directive when necessary.

Our sessions will most resemble a warm conversation. You will find my office to be relaxing, inviting, and comforting. A safe place to laugh, cry, or express anger as needed. This is YOUR space and I want to make the most of your time while you are with me.

If you feel you are ready to commit to making positive changes in your life, I encourage you to take that first step. I will support you unconditionally. It is my goal to provide a safe place where clients feel comfortable sharing the challenges they are currently facing in life. Most of all, it is important for me to build rapport so clients can trust me. It is my hope that you will find this experience to be worth it in the end, and you will come out stronger.

Life can be difficult all on its own and it can be made harder by experiences in your life. Sometimes we don’t know where to turn but we know we want to seek relief from what we are experiencing and feeling. Other times we can just feel lost and overwhelmed with our feelings. Many of us feel like we can handle issues ourselves, but then find it going on for so long. It is hard to need help sometimes or to ask for it. I want to be there for people who take that vulnerable leap and be a safe place to be able to come and sort out life’s struggles. I want an individual to come to me and help them find who they are or help them achieve their goals. Maybe that is finding themselves again, seeing their strengths, or maybe it is being in a space where they can be themselves and feel safe.

I have a passion to help people be who and where they want to be. I want to be the guide to help people get there. In therapy, I use the CBT approach because I believe many of our behaviors come from what we are feeling and thinking. However, I want to be there for my clients to the best of my ability and I also utilize DBT and trauma related approaches. I have experience working with depression, anxiety, trauma, and crisis intervention.

I have been working as a social worker for 5 years.  I started working in this field doing individual therapy as well as working with Victim Services to help Firefighters, EMT, and Police with crises. I have been involved in many different crisis situations and have worked in a police department where I was more hands on with that department. While in the department, I would work with officers to help a victim or someone that might have needed resources. I would also go with them if they got a call and they felt that I could be of some assistance. That became something that I loved to do and was very happy to be involved in that world. I like to work with many populations including adolescents, young adults, adults, and a more specific group- first responders.

Whether you’re faced with a new problem or you’ve been doing your best to survive for a long time, I’m proud of you. You made it here. You’re searching for help. You’re taking a step, and that makes all the difference.

I want to learn about you: Who you are, what matters to you, what experiences made you you, and what you’d like your life to be like. I truly believe that you already possess a set of skills and strengths that has led you this far. Using your strengths as the foundation, I can teach you some evidence-based tips and tricks and partner with you as you reach your goals.

I enjoy working with a range of topics including anxiety, depression, life transitions, and navigating relationships. I have a passion for working with trauma survivors and have extensive practice with people who have experienced domestic and sexual violence. Being the daughter of immigrant parents, I care about the immigrant experience and Latino culture. I speak Spanish fluently.

I also specialize in working with first responders and civilian emergency services personnel. Having served as a police social worker for over half of my decade-long career and having family in the fire service and dispatch, I understand that while a career in service can be invigorating and fulfilling, giving so much of oneself can lead to burnout, trauma, and exhaustion and can start to impact our lives outside of work in ways we might not have expected when first began the career.

If you think we may be a good fit, I hope to hear from you.

Ya sea que esté atravesando por un nuevo problema o ha estado tratando de sobrellevar una situación difícil por mucho tiempo, estoy orgullosa de usted. Está buscando ayuda. Está dando un paso. Y eso hace toda la diferencia.

Quiero aprender sobre usted: quién es, qué es importante para usted, cuáles experiencias lo han formado, y cómo quisiera que sea su vida. Usted posee habilidades y tiene fortalezas que le han ayudado a llegar hasta este momento. Usando sus puntos fuertes como la base, le puedo guiar y enseñar cómo lidiar con dificultades con intervenciones basadas en evidencias.

En mi trabajo me desenvuelvo con diversos temas incluyendo ansiedad, depresión, cambios de vida y cómo navegar las relaciones. También me gusta trabajar con sobrevivientes de trauma, y tengo mucha experiencia trabajando con personas que han pasado por violencia doméstica o sexual. Al ser hija de padres inmigrantes hace que entienda y valore la cultura latina y la experiencia de familias inmigrantes.

Adicionalmente, me especializo en trabajar con personal de servicios de emergencia. De los 10 años de experiencia profesional que tengo, he pasado mayormente desenvolviéndome como trabajadora social policial. Esos años de trabajo más el tener familia en el cuerpo de los bomberos y el despacho hace que entienda que aunque una carrera de servicio puede ser emocionante y gratificante, dar tanto de sí mismo puede resultar en agotamiento y experiencias traumáticas, y a veces la carrera empieza a impactar nuestra vida fuera del trabajo en maneras que no esperamos cuando la comenzamos.

Si estuviese interesado/a en trabajar conmigo, favor de comunicarse.

I believe healing is courageous work. I see my clients as resilient individuals who have navigated experiences most people will never fully understand. You have survived, adapted, and carried challenges with strength and my role is to help you reclaim your power, your clarity, and your voice.

In 2019, I earned my Master’s degree in Social Work from Aurora University. Since then, I have developed extensive experience across outpatient care, crisis intervention, and large nonprofit settings. I have received specialized training in trauma treatment and evidence-based modalities, equipping me to provide skillful, compassionate, and effective care tailored to each person I work with. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Domestic Violence Professional, I specialize in working with survivors of domestic and sexual violence, as well as individuals navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, life transitions, and relational wounds. I am also deeply committed to suicide prevention. If you are experiencing hopelessness, emotional exhaustion, or thoughts of not wanting to be here, you will be met with steadiness, honesty, and compassion. In our work together, we focus on safety planning, strengthening protective factors, and building practical coping strategies while gently addressing the root pain beneath those thoughts. You will never be shamed for what you are feeling. Together, we work toward creating stability and a life that feels meaningful and sustainable.

My approach is trauma-informed, evidence-based, and grounded in both clinical expertise and authentic human connection. We focus on rebuilding safety — both internally and externally. Healing is not about returning to a previous version of yourself; it is about stepping fully into your strength, resilience, and self-direction. Our sessions are active, intentional, and collaborative. We identify triggers and emotional patterns. We explore how past trauma may still influence present reactions. We strengthen emotional regulation skills so your nervous system is no longer stuck in survival mode. We build practical tools for grounding, boundary-setting, communication, distress tolerance, and self-trust. This is work that extends beyond the therapy room and into your daily life.

While the work can be deep, therapy with me is never cold or detached. I intentionally bring warmth and humor into our sessions because healing can be serious and meaningful and still allow space for relief, connection, and even laughter. Laughter can coexist with tears. Strength can coexist with vulnerability. Both belong here.

My goal is not just symptom reduction – it is transformation. I help develop insight, emotional resilience, and concrete skills so you can build the world you want to live in, rather than simply survive the one you were handed. This is collaborative work. I will challenge you when growth calls for it, support you consistently, and walk beside you through discomfort and change. You do not have to do this alone.

If you are ready to step into your healing with courage and support, I would be honored to work with you.

Joshua has his Associate of Arts in Psychology and is working towards his Bachelors in Psychology, with a long term goal of becoming a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor.

With a passion for encouraging personal growth and a keen interest in understanding each person’s unique life perspectives, he takes pride in his role supporting the dedicated counselors at Sugar Grove Wellness. Joshua’s journey in the counseling field has only just begun, but it has already been incredibly rewarding. He witnesses firsthand the transformative power of therapy and support, and he enjoys creating a welcoming environment for clients while ensuring smooth operations within the office. Whether it’s managing appointments, assisting with administrative tasks, or simply offering a friendly smile, Joshua is committed to making a positive impact.

“Having seen the positive effects of counseling and therapy in my own life and the lives of my loved ones, I’m passionate about mental health and the importance it has in every-day life. I look forward to working with people directly as a licensed counselor, and am very grateful for every opportunity I have to learn from practicing counselors and therapists today!”