Vanessa is a Queer, Neurodivergent, Latina who believes intersectional identities can overlap and shape how we view and experience the world.

Education —

Vanessa earned a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in Art Therapy from Lesley University. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a minor in Fine Arts from Florida International University.

Experience —

Vanessa began working within the field in 2016 at a memory and tutoring center that assisted in the development of executive functioning skills required to learn, such as, memory, organization, active listening, focus, attention, and cognitive processing with neurotypical and neurodiverse children. In 2018, Vanessa sought to continue serving the community as a reading and math interventionist in Miami-Dade County Public Schools to disenfranchised students. 

While in graduate school, Vanessa completed her internship in a hospice and palliative care setting, providing in-home counseling to clients, family members, and caregivers. Vanessa then completed her practicum at an expressive arts outpatient therapy center, where she served individuals across the lifespan, with a focus on children and adolescents in both individual and group settings.

Therapeutic Style —

Vanessa utilizes a person-centered approach in a collaborative effort to help empower clients in creating their therapeutic goals. She always tries to meet her clients where they are at, physically and emotionally; and focuses on building the therapeutic relationship in every session. Vanessa is proficient in applying biopsychosocial models, inclusivity, intersectionality, trauma-informed care, and cultural humility into each of her sessions.

As an art therapist, Vanessa utilizes art therapy interventions to promote self-expression, explore emotions, decrease anxiety, and create a space where the client can feel comfortable and confident. Vanessa finds that there is extreme therapeutic value in the art-making process itself, and thoroughly enjoys walking alongside her clients in this process.