I am a first generation, Mexican-American that was born and raised in Santa Ana, California. Mental health stigmas prevalent in my community often led to people suffering in silence or believing that it was normal to not feel “normal”. Social stigmas combined with a lack of accessible resources forced people to tap into their strengths and exercise resiliency - even if it meant masking the root of the problem.

My passion for mental health lies in a desire to raise awareness and normalize reaching out for support. I believe that everyone should have access to care without the fear of being judged or ridiculed. Providing a safe space for people to reflect, express and address their feelings is my main objective.

I graduated from UCLA with a master of social welfare (MSW) degree in 2016. After graduation, I worked in the community mental health sector while I worked towards licensure. I became a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in January 2020 and shortly thereafter shifted into school-based services - where I currently serve high school students and their families. 

I am a proud husband and father of two beautiful girls. I love spending time with them and creating lifetime memories. In my free time, I enjoy watching sports, listening to music, playing video games and reading material that stimulates my mind!