Hi! My name is Sandy (she/they), and I am a Clinical Associate and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over a decade of experience supporting children, adolescents, and young adults in school-based, community, and clinical settings. Born and raised on the South Side of Chicago, I bring both lived experience and professional training, including graduate degrees in counseling and education and a Bachelor’s in Human Development and Family Studies. As a first-generation Mexican American, I am committed to providing culturally responsive care where clients feel seen, supported, and understood. Traveling to over 30 countries has deepened my appreciation for cultural diversity and the shared human experience.

My approach is trauma-informed, person-centered, and strengths-based. I integrate cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness-based, restorative, and expressive techniques to support emotional growth, coping, and resilience. I work from a non-judgmental and compassionate stance, meeting clients where they are and walking alongside them through challenges such as anxiety, depression, grief, behavioral concerns, life transitions, and LGBTQ+ identity-related experiences. I also bring an advocacy lens to my work, collaborating with individuals, families, and systems to reduce barriers and increase access to care. My goal is to create a safe, collaborative space for healing, growth, and meaningful change.