Get to know me.
This is my story. I was born in a country with hyperinflation, and my family emigrated to the resilient city of Newark, NJ without generational wealth or community ties. My parents divorced, I watched loved ones suffer from incarceration, and I was growing in my awareness of social injustices. Much like my hard-working family and neighbors, I was devoted to making the best out of my circumstances.
Like many around me, I was fueled by the hustle. I took on several part-time jobs, filling in my evenings and weekends in the service industry aside from being a full-time student. I also partied hard, and I justified it as “balance”. Student loans helped me to pursue my dream of having quality education.
But I wasn’t truly balanced. I struggled with anxiety, severe depression, and body image issues. The education system failed to address the burnout that is common in the helping professions. I needed to find out how to stay grounded.
I was motivated to understand what was happening and how to feel better. I started to question what I was numbing out and why I kept losing myself in painful relationships. I decided that I would look internally as much as I sought out external support and connection.
I continue to grow, and I am grateful for what I learned (so far!) I found that it is possible to heal through talk therapy, body work, and a dedication to staying conscious of what is true. When we tend to our wounds, we are better equipped to pour into the collective.
I’m dedicated to helping you do the same.