Get to
Know Maria

Co-Founder & Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

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I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over a decade of experience serving individuals with complex mental health needs across community mental health and specialty behavioral health settings. Much of my clinical career has been dedicated to working within Full Service Partnership (FSP) programs, supporting individuals living with chronic and persistent mental illness through crisis intervention, stabilization, recovery-oriented services, and long-term treatment.

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Throughout my career, I have worked extensively with individuals who have experienced significant trauma, including childhood trauma, complex trauma, interpersonal violence, chronic stress, and other adverse life experiences. This work has given me a deep understanding of the lasting impact trauma can have on emotional well-being, relationships, physical health, and overall quality of life.

In addition to my clinical work, I have served in senior leadership roles overseeing behavioral health programs for adults, older adults, and Spanish-speaking communities. As a Regional Director, I have been responsible for program implementation, operations, quality improvement, clinical oversight, and the training and development of therapists and multidisciplinary teams. This experience has provided me with a comprehensive understanding of both direct clinical care and the systems that support effective mental health treatment.

My professional background includes extensive experience working with culturally diverse populations and ensuring treatment approaches are responsive to the unique cultural, linguistic, and social factors that influence mental health and healing. Throughout my career, I have remained committed to expanding access to quality behavioral health services and helping individuals navigate challenges related to trauma, mental illness, life transitions, and recovery.

Therapy Approach

My therapeutic approach is grounded in the belief that healing occurs when we address the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. While my clinical foundation was built working with individuals experiencing severe and persistent mental illness, my passion for mental health has evolved into a more holistic approach that recognizes the powerful connection between emotional well-being, physical health, relationships, and lifestyle.

I strive to create a compassionate, collaborative, and culturally affirming space where clients feel safe exploring their experiences, challenges, and strengths. I integrate evidence-based therapeutic interventions with a trauma-informed lens, helping clients better understand their emotions, develop effective coping strategies, and build resilience. As a practitioner trained in Trauma-Informed Yoga, I recognize that stress and trauma are often experienced not only emotionally but physically within the body. When appropriate, I incorporate mindfulness, nervous system regulation, body awareness, and holistic wellness principles into treatment to support deeper healing and lasting change.

I believe therapy should be personalized, empowering, and rooted in each individual's unique values and experiences. My goal is to help clients move beyond simply managing symptoms and toward creating a life that feels balanced, meaningful, and aligned with who they want to be.