I am currently working on my CADC to earn my certification to become an addictions counselor at Portland Community College. I then will be transferring to Pacific University to earn my bachelors degree in social work and my masters degree in social work as well. I volunteer for multiple committees, alliances, and councils within the Oregon Health Authority. I currently am an advisor on the Oregon Consumer Advisory Committee to advise Oregon Health Committee on mental and behavioral health. I strive to put the same amount of passion behind my work I do at SARC as the work I do with OHA. I value the people and want to do my best at reforming a system and creating better systems of care.

I graduated with a BS in Health Care Administration, however, I realized it was not for me, it just did not appeal to me, so I have decided to go into social work, where I felt more comfortable working with diverse communities. I was very fortunate that my first job was managing a statewide program for 5 years in tobacco prevention and education specifically with the Latino communities in Oregon, where I gained valuable experience. After we lost funding for the program, I decided to take a 6-year break to raise my first-born son. Once I came back to the work force, I worked as a shelter coordinator for 4 years at Portland Homeless Family Solutions. After the shelter relocated to SE Portland, I decided to explore different opportunities closer to home in the Beaverton area.  I found a job with the Beaverton School District, where I work as a community liaison.  I work with Spanish speaking families to advocate their needs, I assist with interpreting and translating.  On my spare time I like to spend time with my husband and our three boys. We enjoy family outings either at the beach or on a hike. I also love going out with my girlfriends to eat a good brunch (my favorite!).  I identify as Mexican Muslim and enjoy working with my Latinx and BIPOC communities. My goal is to assist our diverse communities with the challenges they (we) often face with accessing resources. I want to create a safe and inviting space with the communities we serve.  I am super excited to be part of SARC team as an On Call Response Advocate. I am gaining available skills and experience.

I am very excited to be joining the SARC team. I have experience working with women and children dealing with domestic violence. I have also worked with homeless individuals who are dealing with mental health and /or drug addiction. I have a post baccalaureate in psychology from Portland State University, I also have a bachelors in Sociology from the Women’s university In Africa. I am hoping to get a masters and get licensed as a social worker in the near future. In my spare time I enjoy gardening and spending time with family. I am grateful for this opportunity to learn and serve in such a wonderful team.

I’m honored to have the opportunity to work with survivors as part of SARC’s counseling team, and to be a part of the movement to end sexual violence. I believe we all have within us the resilience we need to heal and reconnect with ourselves, and my approach to counseling focuses on providing gentle guidance and a compassionate witness to the journey. My work centers the unique experience of each survivor and collaboration with clients on goals and selecting the best treatment approach. I use EMDR, Internal Family Systems Theory, emotional exposure processing, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques to support growth and healing.