THE AUTHORS - VOL III

Madrinas/Padrinos

Madrinas "godmothers" of Social Work take an active interest and acts as a mentor, sponsor, or supporter of emerging social workers.

Dr. Edith Chaparro

PhD, LCSW

Dr. Edith Chaparro

PhD, LCSW

Dr. Edith Chaparro is a licensed clinical social worker with a doctorate in psychology and experience in leadership, academic, clinical, mentorship, and education. Dr. Chaparro created the Social Work Exam Prep Bootcamp in 2004 and owns a private practice that provides psychotherapy, immigration psychological evaluations, and court-mandated evaluations, primarily for Spanish-speaking clients. Dr. Chaparro is an adjunct professor at New York University and Columbia University. She provides clinical supervision and professional development workshops for organizations. Dr. Chaparro is the Vice President of the National Association of Social Workers NASW-NYC Board of Directors.

Phone:917-683-8601
Email:Dr.EdithChaparro@gmail.com

Laudy Burgos

LCSW-R, PMH-C

Laudy Burgos

LCSW-R, PMH-C

Laudy Burgos, LCSW-R, PMH-C is a bilingual English/Spanish licensed clinical social worker with over 26 years of experience in the areas of perinatal mood disorders and family and children’s services. Burgos is trained in trauma-informed treatment approaches including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT). She is currently the Associate Director at Mount Sinai Hospital in the Department of Social Work Services. Burgos received her Bachelor’s of Science and Master’s in Social Work from NYU Silver School of Social Work. Burgos is an adjunct faculty member in the BSW program at NYU and the MSW program at Columbia University. She is also a board member at Postpartum Support International and Siembra Today.

Cristina Contreras

LMSW, MPA, FABC

Cristina Contreras

LMSW, MPA, FABC

Born in the Dominican Republic, Cristina Contreras started her career as a caseworker in New York. In 2021, she was appointed as Chief Executive Officer at NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan in East Harlem. Passionate about improving the health of the communities she serves, in this role, Cristina has expanded access to care for underserved populations. Cristina serves as the Chair of the National Dominican Day Parade, on the Board of the NY Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, and on the Board of Directors of R.A.I.N. Total Care, Inc. She holds a Bachelor’s in Social Work from Herbert H. Lehman College, a Master’s in Social Work from Fordham University, and a second Master’s in Public Administration from Baruch College. In 2023, she received the New York College of Podiatric Medicine’s honorary degree of Humane Letters, Honoris Causa, at their annual commencement.

Cristino N. Chavez Jr.

LMSW, CTP

Cristino N. Chavez Jr.

LMSW, CTP

Cristino N. Chavez Jr. is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) and Certified Trauma Professional (CTP) and is currently an Adjunct Professor at the New York University Silver School of Social Work, as well as an Immigration Court Mental Health Evaluator. Cristino received his BA in Psychology at SUNY Old Westbury and his MSW at Adelphi University School of Social Work. Cristino is currently enrolled as a Doctoral Student at Yeshiva University Wurzweiler School of Social Work on his journey toward earning his Ph.D. in Social Welfare. His focus in research, policy, and clinical practice includes criminal and juvenile justice, immigration, gang and gun violence, restorative justice, government, politics and law, mass incarceration, and criminal justice reform.

Mariana Lopez

LCSW-R

Mariana Lopez

LCSW-R

Originally from Ecuador, Mariana is a social worker, executive director, psychotherapist, mental health consultant in schools, clinical supervisor, and mother of three with over 20 years of service in the field of mental health and social services, with a focus on early childhood development, special education interventions, and clinical interventions to improve relationships and prevent domestic violence. Mariana is the founder and CEO of Lifeskills Counseling Services, a mental health clinic renowned for providing culturally sensitive care to thousands of families in Queens, Brooklyn, and Hempstead. She is also the Founder and Executive Director of the nonprofit Centro Comunitario Hispano. She completed her academic studies at LaGuardia Community College, New York University (NYU), and Harvard University.

Madeline Maldonado

LCSW-R

Madeline Maldonado

LCSW-R

Madeline Maldonado, LCSW-R has over 20 years of experience in program administration, clinical supervision, psychotherapy, diagnostic evaluations, and social work consulting. Madeline’s greatest joy is to motivate and inspire her clients and other professionals as an agent of hope and change. Madeline is the president & founder of Madeline Maldonado, LCSW Consulting P.C. providing social work consulting services for children referred by the NYC Early Intervention Program. She is the co-founder and President of Minette LCSW Psychotherapy Services PLLC, a clinic that specializes in culturally humble psychotherapy for Latino and BIPOC children, adults, and families. Madeline is also an adjunct professor at Fordham University’s MSW Program. She received a Master’s Degree from New York University Silver School of Social Work. Rosita has a Master of Science in Nonprofit Leadership from Fordham University and a Master of Social Work from The Silberman School of Social Work. She is a George and Belle Strell Executive Leadership fellow and a John Harford Scholar.

Email:madeline.maldonadolcswr@gmail.com

Rosita Marinez

MSW

Rosita Marinez

MSW

Rosita Marinez is the Senior Vice President of Supported Housing at the Institute for Community Living. She oversees the nation’s most extensive NY OMH housing portfolio for individuals with serious mental illness and co-occurring disorders. Her focus areas of practice are mental health, substance use, HIV/AIDS, and housing. She is also a board member of the nonprofit Siembra Today. Rosita has a Master of Science in Nonprofit Leadership from Fordham University and a Master of Social Work from The Silberman School of Social Work. She is a George and Belle Strell Executive Leadership fellow and a John Harford Scholar.

Email:rosita.marinez@iclinc.net

Camila Pastor

LCSW, SEP

Camila Pastor

LCSW, SEP

Camila Pastor, LCSW, SEP is a bilingual Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Somatic Experiencing Practitioner working in private practice. Camila currently works as a Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) therapist running individual and BIPOC KAP groups. In Peru, her country of origin, Camila facilitates ayahuasca plant medicine-based journeys, which have been scientifically proven to aid in the healing of depression, anxiety, and substance abuse disorders. Camila volunteers as a child advocate to support undocumented detained minors as they navigate the criminal justice system. She has been a Big Sister since 1999 at Bigs & Littles NYC Mentoring, where she has served on the board. Camila is currently a board member at Inanna Rising, a collective of psychedelic medicine and therapeutic clinicians, on their Indigenous and Racial Equity and Access Honoring Committee.

Dr. Jessica Hardial

MA, LCSW, CCTP

Dr. Jessica Hardial

MA, LCSW, CCTP

Dr. Jessica Hardial is a bilingual mental health practitioner, clinical supervisor, proud author of Latinx/e in Social Work, workshop facilitator, adjunct professor and Board Member of Siembra Today. Dr. Hardial is the founder and CEO of Blossoming Lotus Therapy, where she oversees a team of mental health professionals who provide ongoing support to individuals and families. Blossoming Lotus Therapy was founded to help BIPOC & Queer folx find a space to be seen and heard. Dr. Hardial’s practice is geared toward LGBTQIA+ community members and their families, the foster care and adoption population, as well as non monogamous folx and Black, Indigenous People of Color. Dr. Hardial’s expertise encompasses trauma, anxiety, and family conflict, utilizing a somatic and psychodynamic oriented approach. She contributes to the social work profession by offering supervision to graduate and postgraduate students to enhance their clinical skills of how to be affirming and competent in working with marginalized communities. She holds her associates degree from CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College, her bachelor’s degree from CUNY Queens College, her master’s degree in Social Work from Fordham University, her second master’s degree in Human Development from Fielding Graduate University and her Doctorate of Philosophy from Fielding Graduate University. As a queer woman of color, Dr. Hardial draws from her clinical experiences and leadership skills to cultivate a safe space and foster connections in her work as a speaker, facilitator, and entrepreneur. She has been featured on Canvas Rebel, Latina CUNY TV, and more.

Phone:516-254-9201
Email:info@example.com

Dr. Jessica Flores

LMSW, MPS

Dr. Jessica Flores

LMSW, MPS

Rev. Dr. Jessica Flores, LMSW, MPS is a mother, wife, daughter, and aunt. Her passion is to equip families, organizations, and communities to thrive. She is the founder and CEO of Building Leaders Building Community, a business focused on building emotionally healthy leaders through training, executive coaching, life coaching, and consulting. Rev. Dr. Flores also serves as the Executive Director of a family-focused mental health program at a community-based organization in Harlem, working on a grass-roots level towards community transformation. She also serves as an associate pastor and elder at an urban church in the Bronx, New York.

Evelyn Bautista-Miller

LMSW, SDA

Evelyn Bautista-Miller

LMSW, SDA

Evelyn Bautista-Miller is a bilingual Certified Licensed Social Worker (LMSW) & School District Administrator in NY and NJ. In 2014, Bautista-Miller founded the non-profit Tender Steps of New York, Inc. (TSONY, Inc.). As President, she oversees TSONY’s work to meet unmet social needs while advocating with legislators for more inclusive policies. Bautista-Miller is a graduate of the Rockefeller School of Social Welfare at SUNY-Albany, and is currently completing her Ph.D. in Social Welfare from CUNY-Graduate Center. To learn more about Bautista-Miller and TSONY, Inc., please visit www.tenderstepsofny.org/

Jacqueline Aviles-Torres

MSW, LSW, SSW

Jacqueline Aviles-Torres

MSW, LSW, SSW

Jacqueline Aviles-Torres is a first-generation university graduate who has served over 25 years in the field of social work. Jacqueline takes great pride in representing her community. Although she has worked most of her professional career in New Jersey, she is now expanding her work to New York City to serve undocumented and underserved populations, focusing on Latinx communities. Her purpose is to be a leader, advocate, and voice for those that are unheard and feel invisible in this country. Jacqueline is the founder of Core Family Solutions LLC, which will be the continued foundation of her therapeutic and overall services.

Email:Corefamilysolutions@gmail.com

Erica Priscilla Sandoval

LCSW

Erica Priscilla Sandoval

LCSW

Erica Priscilla Sandoval, LCSW, SIFI is an award-winning social worker, speaker, executive coach, entrepreneur, podcaster, philanthropist, and author. She is the creator of the book series Latinx/e in Social Work. Erica is most recently the Executive Director of Siembra Today, a women-run, BIPOC-led nonprofit devoted to providing accessible mental health and wellness support through narrative storytelling, books, workshops, healing circles, conferences, and social media campaigns. Siembra Today’s goal is to destigmatize and promote mental health and wellness for the Latino/a/x/e and BIPOC community, so that they can plant seeds of hope for themselves and future generations. Erica is also the founder and CEO of Sandoval Psychotherapy Consultation—known as Sandoval CoLab—which offers talk therapy, ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP), and holistic offerings. Erica holds a Post Master’s in Clinical Adolescent Psychology and a Master’s in Social Work from New York University, Silver School of Social Work. As a proud immigrant from Ecuador, her passion is fueled by supporting her community.

Dr. Juan A. Rios

DSW, LCSW

Dr. Juan A. Rios

DSW, LCSW

Dr. Juan A. Rios Jr., an Associate Professor at Seton Hall University, is a first-generation college graduate dedicated to social justice and community well-being. With over two decades of clinical and academic experience, he champions liberation health models, mindfulness practices, and transformative education. He founded the RIOS Lab, pioneering research in social justice and technology, including empathy-building through virtual reality. Recognized for his innovative teaching and community-based participatory research, Dr. Rios bridges disciplines to reduce health disparities among marginalized communities. His life’s work centers on empowering the underrepresented, fostering compassionate communities, and integrating cutting-edge solutions with holistic, community-engaged scholarship.

Emerging Leaders

Michelle Castillo

LCSW

Michelle Castillo

LCSW

Michelle Castillo, LCSW works full time as a Program Coordinator at a community-based organization, where she coaches staff on using mental health interventions to support youth in the Coney Island neighborhood and provides psychotherapy to people of all ages, primarily of Latinx backgrounds. She also works part-time as a Psychotherapist at Sandoval CoLab, a group psychotherapy practice, where she provides trauma-informed therapy using mindfulness, somatic therapy, and EMDR. Through her work she strives to provide holistic spaces for others to heal and get the resources they need to lead fulfilling lives.

Jessica Ramirez

LMSW

Jessica Ramirez

LMSW

Jessica Ramirez (she/her/ella) is a bilingual licensed master social worker and first-generation Colombian-American with over 20 years of experience in trauma-informed care. She has dedicated her career to advocating for equitable mental health resources in BIPOC communities. Currently, Jessica is a Clinician for Mount Sinai Hospital’s Sexual Assault and Violence Intervention (SAVI) program, specializing in providing holistic and integrative support to survivors of gender-based violence. Additionally, Jessica works as a Clinician with Sandoval CoLab, passionately advancing her mission to dismantle stigma related to mental health support within the Latinx/e community. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from St. John’s University and a Master of Social Work from Fordham University. She is currently pursuing her LCSW licensure after completing post-graduate studies in integrative trauma. Her greatest life accomplishment is her son, Xavier, who continues to inspire her daily.

Sandra N. Crespo

LICSW

Sandra N. Crespo

LICSW

Sandra N. Crespo is a licensed clinical social worker, professor, and advocate for diversity in social work leadership. As Clinic Director for Transformations Care Network in the DMV region, she integrates technology with clinical therapy for inclusive mental health care. Sandra founded Unalome Consulting Group (UCG) to coach and nurture leaders, focusing on the LatinX and Neurodivergent communities. Her career includes clinical practice, program design, and executive administration in Child Protective Services and Juvenile Justice in Massachusetts, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. A Neurodivergent leader, she is pursuing a DSW at Simmons University with a focus on Neurodivergent Leadership: Embracing Diverse Minds for Organizational Success.

Contributing Authors

Arlys Tineo

LMSW

Arlys Tineo

LMSW

Arlys Tineo, LMSW is a native Spanish speaker, social worker, and strong advocate for language access and cultural humility in all spaces. Arlys’ passion in the social work field stems from her experiences as a first generation Dominican American. Arlys is currently employed as the Lead Clinician for an unaccompanied minors shelter program at JCCA in Westchester, NY. Arlys continues to expand her clinical expertise as a part time psychiatric screener/social worker at Good Samaritan Hospital in Suffern, NY, in which she provides psychiatric emergency room screening and supports ED staff with psychiatric and substance use patients. She is also a member of the Education Committee for the Latino Social Work Coalition. Arlys received a Bachelors of Science in Social Work (BSSW) from Medgar Evers College in 2020 and a Master’s in Social Work (MSW) from NYU Silver School of Social Work Advanced Standing Program in 2021.

Byanka Ramos

LCSW

Byanka Ramos

LCSW

Byanka Ramos, LCSW, is a dedicated school social worker based in San Antonio, Texas. She graduated with a Bachelor's in Social Work from Our Lady of the Lake University, the oldest social work school in Texas, in 2018. She then earned her Master's in Social Work from the University of Texas at San Antonio in 2019. Byanka has a diverse background in social work, with experience in aiding unhoused individuals, LGBTQ+ communities, and victims of violence and trauma. However, her true passion lies in working youth labeled at-risk. She has been a school social worker for four years, specializing in serving students in alternative education settings, those with behavioral issues, and supporting campus Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) initiatives. In addition to her role in schools, Byanka also works as a therapist at a behavioral health hospital. She has organized and chaired the Oiga Mi Voz LaTeena Youth Conference, which promotes positive cultural identity among young Latinas. Byanka is passionate about Latina causes, proud to be Chicana, and committed to spreading cultural pride. Byanka lives in San Antonio with her husband and two children.

Elizabeth Amadiz

MSW

Elizabeth Amadiz

MSW

Elizabeth Amadiz is an MSW candidate and a passionate community educator focused on mental health awareness. She actively participates in community events, providing education to normalize conversations about mental health and encourage seeking care. On social media, Elizabeth engages her audience by discussing crucial topics like self-care and self-awareness. Born and raised in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, Elizabeth witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by disproportionate communities, which inspired her to dedicate over a decade to serving primarily Latinx populations. Her mission is to change the perception of mental health, advocating for it to be recognized as an integral part of overall health. Elizabeth is committed to helping families and communities have open, stigma-free conversations about mental well-being, just as they would with any other health issue. She strives to destigmatize mental health and eliminate the taboos that often accompany it, fostering a culture where accessing care is prioritized and normalized.

Kelly Pacheco

LMSW

Kelly Pacheco

LMSW

Kelly Pacheco, LMSW is currently the Chief Operating Officer at Lifeskills Counseling Services, as well as the MSW Research Assistant at Weill Cornell Medicine. She began her career in family social work at a Head Start program. Kelly holds a BA in Forensic Psychology from John Jay University and a Master of Social Work from New York University.

Pilar O. Bonilla

MSW

Pilar O. Bonilla

MSW

Pilar O. Bonilla, MSW, earned her Master of Social Work degree from Hunter College Silberman School of Social Work. A dedicated social justice advocate, Pilar is actively involved in the Payment for Placements (P4P) movement, the Social Worker Equity Campaign (SWEC), and the #StopASWB Campaign—advocating for racial, gender, and socioeconomic justice through collective action necessary for long-term systemic change. In her leadership roles, Pilar serves as co-chair of P4P’s Advocacy Alliance, a movement that aligns with the broader struggle for dignity and better working conditions for all oppressed workers. Additionally, she is a member of the Social Worker Equity Campaign’s steering committee, which is grounded in the principles of equity, unity, and action.

Vivianna Morfin

ASW

Vivianna Morfin

ASW

Vivianna Morfin, ASW works as an inpatient social worker for the OB, ICU, and ER at a hospital in the rural town of Ukiah, California. Prior to entering the medical social work field, she worked as a mental health clinician providing therapeutic services in English and Spanish to families with limited resources. Vivianna also started an annual Toy and Food holiday fundraiser in her mother’s hometown of San Nicolás de Ibarra in Jalisco, Mexico. She is an alumnus from Fordham University’s graduate school of social service and recipient of the 2023 Future of Social Work award from the Latino Social Work Coalition. Vivianna hopes to use her degrees in business management and social work to help BIPOC communities reach their greatest potential. He sees the culmination of his life’s diverse experiences and education in his role as a psychotherapist. His journey is a testament to resilience, determination, and the relentless pursuit of one’s dreams, and he has a deep-rooted commitment to helping others achieve theirs.

Zuleyka Ayala

LMSW

Zuleyka Ayala

LMSW

Zuleyka Ayala, LMSW, is a dedicated school social worker and bilingual mental health therapist serving individuals and families across New York City. As the founder of AtréveteNow and a mother to her son, Eladius, Zuleyka has a strong personal and professional commitment to her community. She is contracted by Inspiring Futures, a grassroots organization, to continue providing mental health services to youth and young adults with current or past foster care, kinship, or adoption history. Zuleyka earned her MSW from Fordham University in May 2021 and is currently an aspiring LCSW and a Doctorate of Social Work Candidate at LIU, Brooklyn Campus. A New York native and Fordham Graduate School of Social Services alum, Resia prides herself on promoting human rights, justice, and access for all. As a teacher by nature, she is also a Google I Am Remarkable facilitator and offers free empowerment webinars.

Email:Ayala.TherapyVibez@gmail.com

Jaran Manzanet

MSW

Jaran Manzanet

MSW

Jaran David Manzanet, MSW was raised in The Bronx and is now a resident of Harlem. He works as a Functional Family Therapist, helping youths between the ages of 11-18 build support systems with family members and their communities. He has been in social service since 2014 and has worked on Community Board projects for Harlem’s District 10. Currently awaiting to retake the License Exam at the time of publication, Jaran David is also deciding on the best options for continuing education in the field of social work.

Michelle Ribadeneira

MSW

Michelle Ribadeneira

MSW

Michelle Ribadeneira, an Ecuadorian American, recently completed her Master’s in Social Work and is working towards her LMSW. She earned a Master’s in Special Education in 2014 and now serves as a school-based counselor at Greater Brunswick Charter School (GBCS) in New Jersey. At GBCS, she developed bilingual mental health workshops and launched the first Mental Health Assembly. Outside work, Michelle leads youth and dance ministries at Harvest Community Church and runs a small business, Mishi’s Delights. She also hosts the podcast Cafecito and Real Talk and co-authored Today’s Young Inspired Latina Vol. V. Michelle is committed to promoting mental health and empowering her community.

Natalie Gutierrez

LMSW

Natalie Gutierrez

LMSW

Natalie Gutierrez LMSW: Counselor at Sanctuary for Families, Founder of Release Wellness NYC and Psychotherapist at Sandoval CoLab. Natalie is a licensed psychotherapist specializing in trauma, CPTSD, grief, anxiety, BIPOC individuals and LGBTQIA+ communities. She serves as Program Coordinator for Emotions Matter, a nonprofit dedicated to providing advocacy and support to individuals living with Borderline Personality Disorder. Natalie is also the host of her own podcast called “Tea Time” where she has conversations with other professionals in the mental health and social work fields. Natalie proudly identifies as Dominican-American. Natalie received her Masters in Social Work from Fordham University Graduate School of Social Services and her Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from SUNY College at Old Westbury. Natalie is a current doctoral student at the University of Kentucky’s Doctorate of Social Work Program.

Rafael Tejada

MSW

Rafael Tejada

MSW

Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, Rafael Tejada is the proud son of Dominican immigrants. After starting a career as an EMS paramedic, Rafael earned a Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts and Master’s in Child Development from Sarah Lawrence College. He then received a Master’s of Social Work from New York University. Rafael currently works as a Clinical Supervisor & Psychotherapist for NYC Health + Hospitals. He sees the culmination of his life’s diverse experiences and education in his role as a psychotherapist. His journey is a testament to resilience, determination, and the relentless pursuit of one’s dreams, and he has a deep-rooted commitment to helping others achieve theirs.

Resia M. Cooper

MSW

Resia M. Cooper

MSW

Resia Cooper, MSW is a first-generation Haitian American, military spouse, mother, and macro social worker with a passion for bridging the gap between social work students and professionals. Resia is currently an Engagement Coordinator at the National Association of Social Workers New Jersey and Delaware chapter. She is also the founder of Social Work Student Success Solutions, a consultant firm that supports future and current social work students from application to graduation. A New York native and Fordham Graduate School of Social Services alum, Resia prides herself on promoting human rights, justice, and access for all. As a teacher by nature, she is also a Google I Am Remarkable facilitator and offers free empowerment webinars.

Stephanie Sorady

LCSW

Stephanie Sorady

LCSW

Stephanie Sorady is a licensed clinical social worker, author, and field instructor at California State University, Los Angeles. As the proud daughter of a Mexican immigrant, Stephanie’s passion for removing the stigma around mental health is fueled by her personal and professional experiences. She has penned a bilingual self-love poetry collection, Kiss From God, and The Better Habits Workbook, both aimed at helping individuals heal and achieve their goals. Stephanie is the owner of Luz Trauma Therapy, a private practice that specializes in healing from parentification and trauma. She resides in her hometown of Los Angeles, California.

Guest Contributors

Dianne Morales

MS, Ed.M

Dianne Morales

MS, Ed.M

Founder and President of StillRising – wrote the Introduction to Vol. III

Dr. Anthony T. Estreet

MBA, LCSW-C

Dr. Anthony T. Estreet

MBA, LCSW-C

Chief Executive Officer of National Association of Social Workers - wrote the Foreword to Vol. III

Lynda Perdomo-Ayala

MSW, LMSW, CLC

Lynda Perdomo-Ayala

MSW, LMSW, CLC

Wrote the Afterword to Vol. III, Chair of Suffolk County Human Rights, Chair of Suffolk County Interfaith Anti-Bias Task Force, Treasurer, National Association of the Puerto Rican and Hispanic Social Workers, Inc. Retired, Administrative Department Head, Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University