Adversity takes many shapes, here are a few that shaped me…
As a first generation Afro Latina woman born to immigrant Dominican parents, I had the best of both worlds, even if I didn’t realize it as a young girl growing up in the Bronx during the 1970s. At home, I was surrounded by the sights, sounds and smells of my parent’s native land. But outside I had to navigate the pressure to assimilate and adapt to the world around me that shared different customs, language and beliefs. I grew up in a tough environment and like many Americans struggling today, things did not come easy for us. Overcoming adversity was less of a choice and more of a necessity. While I would not wish hardship on anyone, these challenges shaped the career path that would lead me to this moment. I wanted more and I knew that I had to leave the “comfort of my block” in order to do that. I went on to graduate with my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Marist College and obtain my Master of Science in Social Work from Columbia University with my licensure as a Certified Social Worker in 1999.
Nurturing healing before it becomes a problem
As a retired New York City Police Officer and a licensed mental health clinician, I have seen people struggle at every level. One thing that stood out to me was that if people are given a chance to heal, they can find their own strength and shape their lives in meaningful ways. After years of witnessing the inconsistency among our mental health and criminal justice systems, I decided to create a space where I could work with people before the need arises.