Samantha is a dedicated social work graduate student based in New York, passionate about mental health advocacy. Aspiring to become a therapist or work within a hospital setting, Samantha is driven by the goal of making a profound impact, similar to the therapists who have influenced her life. She proudly serves as the student representative for her program, finding great fulfillment in this leadership role. In addition, Samantha runs an Instagram account documenting her mental health journey and social work experiences. She also coaches cheerleading, bringing joy to young adults, and hosts a podcast called "Life Unedited," where she discusses a wide range of topics.
Samantha joined the podcast to discuss the challenges of being a graduate student and navigating life outside of graduate school and young adulthood. To connect with Samantha, you can follow her at @therapist_in_bloom
For podcast updates follow: @healingcornerwithnat
D'Andrah Almanzar, LMSW (she/her) is a Queer Latinx Social Worker who holds a Master's in Social Work from Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service. D’Andrah is a Social Worker who works in outpatient care at NYC Health + Hospitals primarily focusing on counseling and care planning for high-risk populations such as HIV+ patients. Additionally, D’Andrah is a Licensed Psychotherapist specializing in Trauma, Grief, Women’s/LGBTQ+ Issues, and Anxiety/Depression. D’Andrah is also the host of her own podcast “Healing Through Advocacy” where she brings in mental health/social work professionals to discuss social justice and mental health related topics that are key in the field. D’Andrah is a board member of Release Wellness NYC, a non-profit organization providing holistic wellness and trauma informed support for survivors. D’Andrah received her Bachelors in Forensic Psychology with a minor in Addiction Studies from CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice.
D’Andrah joined the podcast to discuss navigating queer identity within the Latinx community, setting boundaries with family members, and finding self-love, pride and acceptance in queer identity. You can connect with D'Andrah and learn more about her work on instagram @healingspacewithdandrah and listen to her podcast: Healing Through Advocacy | Podcast on Spotify
Jessica Ramirez, LMSW (she/her/ella) is a bilingual Licensed Master Social Worker with over 20 years of experience in trauma-informed care. She has dedicated her career to working within BIPOC communities, particularly in Western Queens, where she has been a strong advocate for equitable mental health resources. Jessica is a clinician with Mount Sinai Hospital’s Sexual Assault and Violence Intervention (SAVI) program, where she specializes in providing trauma informed care to survivors of gender-based violence. She also serves as a clinician at The Sandoval CoLab, offering integrative support to individuals navigating symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, depression and the impact of generational trauma. Additionally, Jessica cohosts retreats at The Sandoval CoLab that promote mental wellness and holistic healing. Her professional journey was shaped by her early work with HIV/AIDS patients at Elmhurst Hospital Center, extensive volunteer experience, and lived experiences as a first-generation Colombian-American. In addition to her clinical work, Jessica is a contributing author in LatinX Vol. III, where she shares her experiences with trauma, resilience,and healing. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from St. John’s University and a Master of Social Work from Fordham University. After completing post-graduate studies in integrative trauma treatment, she is currently working toward her LCSW licensure.
Jessica joined the podcast to discuss her experiences in working with survivors of trauma, and how her own narrative of trauma, resilience and healing, have informed and inspired her work in the field.
To learn more about Jessica you can follow her on Instagram @that_latina_therapist
Vivianna works as an inpatient social worker for 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 where resources are extremely limited. She is an alumnus from Fordham University’s graduate school of social service, recipient of the 2023 Future of Social Work award from the Latino Social Work Coalition and has presented at multiple conferences on Latinx mental health issues. Wanting to positively impact as many lives as possible, Vivianna has also started an annual Toy and Food fundraiser in her mother’s hometown of San Nicolás de Ibarra in Jalisco Mexico providing free food and toys to children during the holidays. She recently became a published co-author of Latinx in Social Work: Vol. 3. In her free time, she enjoys traveling the world to learn about different cultures. Vivianna hopes to use her degrees in business management and social work to build an empire that focuses on helping BIPOC communities reach their greatest potential.
Vivianna joined the podcast to discuss breaking generational curses and cycles in her life in areas such as finances, relationships, and boundary setting, along with the challenges that come with trying to do things differently. You can follow Vivianna on instagram @lachicanatherapist, additionally you can follow her new collective @allshadesmorena
Sophia Jasmine Dupree, LCSW, PPSC, is a mixed-race Latina therapist treating women of color with anxiety, depression, and OCD. In her 13 years of clinical practice, she has worked with various populations including LGBTQ+, unhoused population, immigrant populations, and her first passion, working with children and adolescents. Sophia is the owner of Chirpy Tree Therapy, a virtual practice serving residents of California. She is a proud LA Native, and lives with her husband, two small children, her two cats, and she is an OCD and depression survivor.
Sophia joined the podcast to discuss her journey to private practice, her work with individuals living with OCD, the stigma around OCD especially surrounding BIPOC individuals, and the connection between trauma and OCD. To learn more about Sophia and her work you can follow her on instagram @chirpytreetherapy or visit her website:Home | Chirpy Tree Therapy
For podcast updates follow @healingcornerwithnat
Dr. Martine Laventure is a passionate Social Worker with over 14 years of experience dedicated to empowering individuals, families, and communities. Dr. Laventure earned her doctorate from Tulane University and began her career as an administrator in non-profit mental health housing programs, creating supportive environments for those in need. As a psychotherapist, Dr. Laventure guides clients towards healing and growth, and as a school social worker helps students & families thrive while advocating for homeless teens. Dr. Laventure is also the founder of Laventure Consulting Services LLC to support individuals, groups and organizations in embracing authenticity and evolving into their best selves.
As a parent of a teenager diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Dr. Martine Laventure is committed to advocating for understanding, inclusion and acceptance for individuals on the spectrum. Dr. Laventure joined the podcast to discuss her journey in supporting children with autism spectrum disorder and families and the importance of modeling advocacy as a Social Worker. You can contact Martine @ laventuresllc@gmail.com or follow her on instagram @laventurescsllc
For podcast updates follow @healingcornerwithnat
Gary T. Taylor, aka Trey, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Three-Time Published Author, Speaker and Facilitator, Assistant Professor, Doctoral Student (University of Kentucky: College of Social Work), and Deacon. He is from and resides in Caroline County, Virginia with his wife, daughter, and son. He has twelve years of experience in Mental Health and formerly provided individual therapy to Black Men and Women. He also consults businesses and community agencies about racial equity initiatives and is an Assistant Professor in the Social Work Department at Virginia State University. He blends his clinical expertise with lived experience to meet people where they are, via a social and racial justice lens. Trey is also a podcaster, sneakerhead, car enthusiast and coffee lover!
Gary joined the podcast to discuss wearing many hats in Social Work, including being a doctoral student & educator/ professor. Gary discussed his own journey so far in his doctorate program, and how he finds balance between the many roles he holds within Social Work. To learn more about Gary and his work you can follow him on instagram @retro_gt or visit his website: https://www.uphold318.com/
(1) Gary Taylor, LCSW | LinkedIn
For podcast updates follow @healingcornerwithnat on instagram
Shae Chisman is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist based in Canton, GA, specializing in individual, couples, and family therapy with a focus on relational trauma in marginalized communities. She uses an anti-oppressive and trauma-informed approach to create brave, safe spaces for healing, self-discovery, and empowerment.
With a background in mindfulness, Shae incorporates yoga and meditation into her work, helping clients reconnect with themselves through self-awareness and grounding techniques. She’s also passionate about advocacy and education, contributing to courses on inclusivity and sharing her expertise on podcasts about relational trauma and anti-oppressive practices.
Shae joined the podcast to discuss what it looks like to be a therapist that practices from an anti-oppressive lens, and shares some of the tools she's learned on her journey to being an inclusive therapist. To learn more about Shae follow her on instagram @sharewithshae or visit her website www.sharewithshae.com
For podcast updates follow @healingcornerwithnat on instagram
Grace Li, owner of Inner Alchemy Wellness, is a licensed therapist and trauma-informed yoga teacher who helps overthinkers and underfeelers heal from trauma and cultivate embodied, fulfilling lives. Her holistic approach is rooted in somatic therapies and Internal Family Systems (IFS), with a focus on relational and body-based healing. She specializes in working with folks who struggle with intellectualizing and avoidant attachment-- often working with people who are struggling to navigate their first healthy romantic relationship or wanting to heal relational wounds from years of complex trauma.
Grace combines her expertise with a compassionate, down-to-earth presence to support clients in exploring vulnerability, trust, and deepening emotional connection to self and others. When she's not working, you'll find her hiking, reading, dancing, and connecting with nature.
Grace joined the podcast to discuss somatic based approaches to healing, nervous system regulation after trauma, and different somatic based practices that can be incorporated into healing. To learn more about grace you can follow her on instagram @gracekflows
For podcast updates follow @healingcornerwithnat
During the last episode of Tea Time Podcast Season 3, host Natalie discusses the collective grief around election results, and the experiences of fear, fatigue, anxiety and uncertainty amongst a lot of communities. Additionally, Natalie discussed the challenges of holding space as a therapist, and the ways clients and communities may be impacted by proposed policies and agendas. The episode closed with a Q&A with questions from audience members and discussion about shifts in my goals as a Social Worker and DSW student. For podcast updates and for updates on Season 4 follow @healingcornerwithnat
Jacklyn (Jaxie) Ferguson graduated from the College of Charleston with an AB degree in psychology and the University of South Carolina with a Masters in Social Work, chosen by the faculty as the Charleston Cohort Student of the Year presented at graduation. Jaxie is currently working as a concierge care manager for a private insurance company but has previously experience in school social work, transplant social work and nephrology social work. She lives in Charleston, SC with her husband, incredibly curious 2 year old son and three mischievous dogs, affectionately known as the FURgusons.
Jacklyn joined the podcast to discuss her advocacy around the interconnection of social work and politics, the importance of advocacy, how politics impact clients and her platform on instagram dedicated to education and advocacy. You can follow @socialworkispolitical.
For resources, information and registration information around voting visit:
www.vote.org
https://ballotpedia.org/Main_Page
For podcast updates follow @healingcornerwithnat
Samantha Franco, MHC-LP and Ashley Cuasquer, LAC are the hosts of Therapists Unmasked Podcast. Both are licensed therapists who came together to begin a podcast to discuss the challenges that therapists may face in terms of their mental health, and in working in the field. The goal of their podcast is to destigmatize a lot of the challenges that therapists may face in terms of their own mental health.
Ashley and Samantha joined the podcast to discuss navigating disability, chronic health conditions and mental health while being a therapist. You can follow their podcast @therapists_unmasked
For podcast updates follow @healingcornerwithnat
Maria Aurora San Pedro is an AAPI Therapist in the state of California. She is a well versed Therapist with a demonstrated history of working in the mental health industry for 12 years. Skilled in Evidenced Based Practices, with an emphasis in providing culturally responsive care, Maria Aurora works with clients to build awareness around the mind and body. Maria Aurora functions through a family system and heart center approach to guide individuals in finding ways to live more authentically. By addressing intergenerational trauma and encouraging the practice self-compassion, she is able to assist clients in meeting their truest selves.
Maria joined the podcast to discuss the importance of cultivating healthy relationships, some of the barriers clients face in navigating dating and processing and working through trauma for healthy dating and relationships.
You can email Maria to work with her: mariaaurora@thegardensom.com. You can also follow her on instagram: @thegardensom.psychotherapy
For podcast updates follow: @healingcornerwithnat
Sarah Rincon (LPCC) is a queer latine therapist in Denver, Colorado. She offers support to individuals, couples and families to break out of intergenerational cycles of trauma & heal from relational wounds. She is the owner of Rincon Curativo and offers multiple different services including emdr & couples intensives to support your body and brains natural healing abilities.
Sarah is passionate about supporting everyone in finding ways to reconnect to their inner child. In couples work she is committed to supporting the relational system to tune into the underlying needs and desires our parts & inner child are communicating on a consistent basis. If you are looking for a holistic clinician who will welcome all parts of you and your partnership Sarah is the therapist for you! Sarah is also currently offering Emdr & relationship intensives with sliding scales for BIPOC queer folks.
Sarah joined the podcast to discuss her work with couples, and integrating parts work and inner child healing into her therapeutic work with couples.
To connect with Sarah visit her website RinconCurativo.com you can also follow Sarah on Instagram: @healingwithsarah or TikTok: @healingwithsarahr
For podcast updates follow: @healingcornerwithnat
Zaria is a twenty-one-year-old, full-time college student currently obtaining her bachelor's in social work. She aspires to open her own community center one day. Her goal is for people of all ages, ethnicities, and socioeconomic statuses to be able to come together, interact, and engage with each other. Zaria also is the owner and founder of Blossom Beauty, her online self-care shop where she sells her handmade beauty care products.
Zaria founded Youth of The Future in March of 2024 in hopes to create a community to inspire and empower youth to reach their full potential in the business world. Zaria is a well-known young women in the community as she continues to show leadership skills, and to be an influential individual. She is a great mentor for the upcoming youth and she is excited to see what the future holds for herself and the people she impacts!
Zaria joined the podcast to discuss her journey as a BSW student, starting a non-profit, being an entrepreneur, and practicing self-care. Zaria also did a Q&A and asked questions that up-and-coming Social Workers may have!
You can learn more about her on instagram @big_curlzzz and her website www.blossombeautyz.com.
For podcast updates follow @healingcornerwithnat
Tai-Isha Watson-Jack is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 16 years of experience in the social work field. Tai-Isha’s educational background includes an Associate degree in Human Services Mental Health from the City University of New York’s - LaGuardia Community College, a bachelor’s degree in social work from the City University of New York’s – York College and a master’s degree in social work from Fordham University School of Social Service in New York.
Tai-Isha has extensive experience working with children and families within the child welfare system (foster care, adoption, independent living), teenagers, young adults, school social work, adult women who have experienced the criminal justice system, and providing therapy to young adult women who have experienced trauma, anxiety, and depression. Tai-Isha’s work and passion for Social Work is heavily rooted in her own lived experience as a teen in NYC’s foster care system. She is honored and grateful to pursue her passion in the important human services field of social work and strives to help her clients become the best and healthiest versions of themselves.
Tai-Isha joined the podcast to discuss the struggles of navigating the child welfare system, both as an individual within the system and from the standpoint of a Social Worker working within child welfare. Tai-Isha also discussed aging out, trauma among foster care youth and the importance of supporting and advocating for youth involved with the child welfare system. You can follow Tai-Isha on instagram @taiishaj_lcsw
For podcast updates follow: @healingcornerwithnat
Zuleyka Ayala, LMSW, is a first-generation Latina social worker from the South Bronx, committed to serving individuals and families across New York City, with a focus on the South Bronx and East Harlem. As a School Social Worker and Bilingual Mental Health Therapist, she draws on her own lived experiences to provide culturally responsive support and advocacy. Zuleyka is the founder of AtréveteNow, an initiative dedicated to empowering her community, and is a proud mother to her son, Eladius. She earned her MSW from Fordham University in May 2021 and is currently an aspiring Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and a Doctor of Social Work candidate at LIU, Brooklyn Campus.
Zuleyka joined the podcast to discuss navigating single motherhood, the challenges that come with being a single mother, cultural expectations around parenting in the Latinx community and breaking generational cycles with parenting.
To connect with Zuleyka you can follow her on Instagram @atrevetenow or visit her website:
For podcast updates follow @healingcornerwithnat
Maribí is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, currently practicing as a full-time psychotherapist in FL. She is passionate about supporting Gen Z in their mental wellness journey. Together with her client's she focuses her work on building self-esteem, bettering communication skills and navigating relationships authentically in a healthy manner. Maribí is a daughter of immigrants and a first-generation college graduate with nearly a decade of professional experience in higher education and college access work. She utilizes her personal and professional background to provide mentorship to young people exploring life during and after their schooling experiences.
Maribí joined the podcast to discuss her passion for working with youth, and the pressures of navigating higher education as a first-generation student such as experiencing microaggressions, imposter syndrome and mistrust of higher education institutions. Maribí shared from her perspectives as a Social Worker, a former higher education academic advisor and as someone who was a first-gen student. Maribí also shared things that she wished she knew along her own journey as a first-generation student.
To connect with Maribí you can follow her on ig @projectchula
For podcast updates follow @healingcornerwithnat
Rosita Marinez has over two decades of experience specializing in operations management, fiscal management, project management, program development, and executive leadership. Her focus areas are mental health, substance use disorder, HIV/AIDS, and housing. Rosita is the Senior Vice President of Supported Housing at the Institute for Community Living (ICL). She oversees the nation's most extensive NY OMH housing portfolio for individuals with Serious Mental Illness and co-occurring disorders in supportive housing. Throughout her career, she has been part of different initiatives in housing, HIV/AIDS, and workforce development, which include Robin Hood: AIDS for AIDS International: New York Immigrant Program and Robin Hood: SEEDCO: Single Stop Initiative- Earn Benefits.
Rosita is a published award-winning author for Latinx/e Social Work Vol 2. She has received awards from the Latino Social Work Coalition Scholarship Funds, Marquis Who’s Who, and Manchester’s Who’s Who. She is a board member of Siembra Today and Housing Solutions of NY. Since 2022, Rosita has been an executive mentor of the Supportive Housing Network -RELISH Program. Rosita has a Master of Science in Non-profit Leadership from Fordham University and a Master of Social Work from The Silberman School of Social Work. She also has a postgraduate degree in advanced clinical Social Work from Silberman and a SIFI from Columbia University. She is a distinguished George and Belle Strell Executive Leadership fellow at Silberman. She is also a John Hartford Scholar from the Silberman School of Social Work, a nationally recognized geriatrics program.
Rosita joined the podcast to discuss the importance of accessibility of mental health services, the impact that poverty has on access to therapy, mental health needs of BIPOC communities, and how the mental health field can be more accessible to the needs of marginalized communities.
You can connect with Rosita on Instagram @rosita.marinez and LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rosita-marinez-a1443966.
For Podcast updates follow @healingcornerwithnat
Dr. Ashaad Hipps is a Licensed Master Social Worker whose professional and personal goal is to address and reduce trauma experienced by youth with child welfare involvement. He is a Certified Youth Mental Health Specialist, which enables him to utilize his knowledge and skills in the treatment children and teens with mental health concerns. He is the owner of Gears of Change, which is an agency that offers consulting, workshops and trainings on various mental health topics. Dr. Hipps works as a full-time professor and part-time as a psychotherapist. His current research interest includes youth in foster care, sports social work, Autism and more. He believes you can truly make a difference by taking a unique perspective to working with individuals in need. Dr.Hipps joined the podcast to discuss being an educator in Social Work, his research, and his journey to obtaining his doctorate.
To connect with Dr. Hipps and learn more about Gears of Change: https://www.instagram.com/gearsofchange24?igsh=NXNuMHRxZWZhcTB6
https://www.facebook.com/share/71fEzz2fff5cWfrG/?mibextid=qi2Omg
https://www.tiktok.com/@gears.of.change?_t=8osAakQ7Obj&_r=1 For podcast updates follow: @healingcornerwithnat on instagram