MCCOUNSELING - Key Persons

Job Titles:

• Skills Counselor

Adriana was born in Veracruz, Mexico, and moved to Utah at the age of four. She graduated from the University of Utah with a B.S. in Social Work in 2020. As an undergraduate, Adriana interned with the Multicultural Counseling Center's Case Management Department and gained invaluable experience in the mental health field. Since early 2022 she has been working full-time as a Skills Counselor. In her free time, she enjoys reading, gardening, and spending time with family and friends.

Job Titles:

• CMHC - Therapist

Berta was born in the city of Concepcion in southern Chile, where she grew up and began her studies at the San Sebastian University to later move to Santiago de Chile to finish her Master's Degree in Psychology at the Bolivarian University in April, 2002, mainly motivated to follow this career, since her mother was one of the first university social workers in Chile, which was her great example of service. After 10 years of experience in her country, and for personal and professional reasons to increase her knowledge, she decides to travel to the United States in 2012 with her two children and husband.

Job Titles:

• AMHC - Therapist

I am from Las Vegas, Nevada and I got my Bachelors in Psychology with a minor in Child and Family Studies at Weber State University. I got my Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. During my internship experience in graduate school, I interned at the site for two years where I worked primarily with the Latin X population who were uninsured and undocumented. This is a population that I am truly passionate about because I have seen firsthand the challenges and obstacles that this population faces when it comes to mental health services. I also think that this population is underserved when it comes to the mental health field and I would love to make a positive difference in this community. During my free time, I enjoy being in the outdoors spending time with my 5-year-old son and family. During winter I enjoy skiing and snowboarding, and during the summer I like being at the lake and hiking.

Job Titles:

• Gestionamiento De Casos / Trabajadora Social
• Social Services Coordinator

Claudia Gonzalez is originally from San Luis Potosi, Mexico. She has lived in the USA for 29 years. She is married to Ciro Jimenez and has two handsome and talented kids Dani 16 and Jose 25 years old. Claudia came to Utah 20 years ago, arriving to Midvale City where she remains to be a loyal resident. Claudia has always had the spirit of serving her Hispanic community and Midvale City gave her that opportunity by becoming not just a proactive volunteer but a strong advocate in different issues that effected her community. I am from Las Vegas, Nevada and I got my Bachelors in Psychology with a minor in Child and Family Studies at Weber State University. I got my Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at University of Nevada, Las Vegas. During my internship experience in graduate school, I interned at site for two years where I worked primarily with the Latin X population who were uninsured and undocumented. This is a population that I am truly passionate about because I have seen firsthand the challenges and obstacles that this population faces when it comes to mental health services. I also think that this population is underserved when it comes to the mental health field and I would love to make positive difference in this community. During my free time I enjoy being in the outdoors spending time with my 5-year-old son and family. During winter I enjoy skiing and snowboarding, and during the summer I like being at the lake and hiking. Claudia González es originaria de San Luis Potosí, México. Ella ha vivido en los Estados Unidos por 29 años. Está casada con Ciro Jiménez y tiene 2 hijos guapos y talentosos, Dani 16 y José 25 años. Claudia llegó a Utah hace 20 años, llegando a Midvale City, donde sigue siendo una residente leal. Claudia siempre tuvo el espíritu de servir a su comunidad hispana y Midvale City le brindó esa oportunidad al convertirse no solo en una voluntaria proactiva sino en una fuerte defensora de los diferentes problemas que afectaron a su comunidad. Ivonne was born in salt lake city. She is half Guatemalan and half Venezuelan. She is 20 years old and has a little baby that's just a few months old. She loves to help others and go out. Mario is bilingual in English/Spanish with strong communication skills. He is highly motivated and disciplined person. Good character, integrity, easy going. Always willing to give a helping hand and reach out to others. He loves to listen and counsel according to the assessed needs of the individual and possesses qualities to teach and share knowledge with others Amy was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah by parents who immigrated from Guanajuato, Mexico. Amy began volunteering at a young age which sparked her interest in helping others. Amy has volunteered for Comunidades Unidas, Neighborhood House, The Children's center, and other organizations through her sorority, Kappa Delta Chi. Amy graduated with a Bachelors in Social Work (BSW) with a minor in Sociology from the University of Utah in 2020. During her undergrad Amy was a mentor and a co-coordinator for Mesitzo's Arts and Activism (MAA), a team leader for TRIO's Upward Bound summer program, and a Student Navigator for TRIO's Student Support Services program. All of these experiences has led Amy where she is today, helping others by sharing her experiences. On her free time, Amy likes to listen to Bad Bunny and Bruno Mars; dance banda, cumbia and norteñas; spend time with family and friends; and eating lots of food! Andrea was born in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. She immigrated to San Francisco, CA at the age of five with her family. Growing up in the Bay Area she gained a love for working with children from low-income neighborhoods and volunteered for the Boys and Girls Club as well as worked in many Summer Programs in the area. Andrea then moved to Utah with her family and recently Graduated from the University of Utah with a B.S. in Social Work and a minor in Criminology. She is now in the MSW program and hopes to finish her degree and attend law school in the future. Her goal is to help immigrant families and all other minorities receive the resources and access to mental health services they need.

Job Titles:

• Skills Counselor

Fanny loves to garden, go bike riding, and spending time with family and friends

Job Titles:

• Executive Director & Therapist
• Therapist

Letter to a Hero: I met a beautiful, graceful woman at the age of three that I began to call grandma. I recall her sweet voice calling my name to come to supper or to put my coat on to go to the park. Gently she stroked my hair and cared for me. She taught me to pray and read the scriptures and constantly reminded me that my heavenly father was there to teach me and carry me on thru life. She walked me to school and helped me learn my time's tables by sitting by me and teaching me a song to help with retention because it was difficult for me to remember. The peaceful sound of her voice always kept me company in the hardest times. She became the stepping-stone in my life that kept me from being led astray. Memories pour into my heart remembering her teachings and I laugh and cry as I recall anecdotes that we shared. She was my protective factor the one that pulled me together when she was not there. When I looked in the mirror and saw the bruises and pale color on my face since then I learned that even though my present was bleak I could change my future, then I knew, I was called to serve and help others like me these are my deep ties to social work. Since then, now grown women I have kept her example close to my heart by doing what I do today as an MSW graduate and CSW I have stamped my path to help others that share similar experiences I lived. Grateful for all that I have been given and for all the mentors and supporters I have and had along the way. To do what you love and have passion for, it takes courage and dedication, to see beyond what is in front of you. Thank you to my loved ones and my guardian angel for their support on this journey.

Job Titles:

• Therapist

Grizel was born and raised in Miami, FL by her Dominican/Cuban family. After her mother remarried, Grizel traveled and lived in various locations that had one main community--access to Nature. After completing her bachelor's in science, majoring in Biology and psychology, as well as receiving her Masters in Science and Counseling at Milligan University in 2015, Grizel briefly practiced as a therapist in TN before realizing there were a few unchecked dreams that she craved to complete. Over the last 4 years, Grizel has worked in social media marketing to amplify mental health issues in the outdoor industry, as well as destigmatize mental health illnesses in hopes that more and more people will get the resources they need to live their life without fear or shame. Her favorite activities include creating music, mountain biking, exploring the desert with her husband and 3 dogs, and dancing in the kitchen while cooking maduros. As a therapist, Grizel utilizes a Client-Centered and Trauma-informed approach, using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and mindful-awareness methods for both Spanish and english speakers.

Job Titles:

• Behavioral Services Program Manager

As a BSW graduate, I have always had the passion to help people live healthy lifestyles and enforce the importance of mental health in diverse communities. I started my professional journey at the Multicultural Counseling Center in April 2020, as a BSW intern where I learned how to do my current role as a skills counselor. As a skills counselor, I work with families and youth to reinforce the therapy that they receive from our amazing therapist, by teaching them skills that aid in their mental health like, mindfulness, healthy copping skills, practice interventions, education on healthy lifestyle, communication skills, psychoeducation etc. In my free time, I love to spend time with my loved ones, be in nature, travel, try new food, hike, ride my bike (spring and fall) and practice yoga.

Job Titles:

• Family Support Specialist

Ivonne was born in salt lake city. She is half Guatemalan and half Venezuelan. She is 20 years old and has a little baby that's just a few months old. She loves to help others and go out.

Job Titles:

• Therapist

Javier received his Master's in Social Work from the University of Utah with an emphasis in Mental Health and Global Social Work. He also received his Bachelor's in Social Work and a Bachelor of Arts in Teaching Spanish. He works as a Mental Health Therapist and teaches at Salt Lake Community College and the University of Utah. His goal when he finishes his PhD is to continue working and serving diverse communities in need. During his academic career he had the opportunity to travel to Ghana and Mongolia to participate in social work research and present to university students as well as local and governmental organizations. For the last fourteen years he has been working with nonprofit organizations as an instructor and coordinator serving disenfranchised communities in the areas of Glendale, West Valley, Kearns, Rose Park, and North Salt Lake. He has developed curriculum and delivered programs centered around increasing protective factors and decreasing risk factors for youth and families. Mr. Campos has also served rural communities as an ally with other agencies presenting and delivering workshops and trainings on domestic violence and sexual assault. He has collaborated with state, private, nonprofit, and local institutions on multiple prevention programs. He is certified in the State of Utah as a 40 Hour Sexual Advocate. He is trained in Couples Counseling and Trauma FocusedCognitive Behavioral Therapy. He is a certified Children's Mental Health Case Manager. He has completed the UADVT Survivor and UADVT Offender trainings. He is also trained in the C-SSRS and Danger Assessment tools. He was born and raised in Colombia, South America. During his spare time, he loves to cook, write poetry, and spend time with his biggest treasure, his family.

Jeannette was born in Guatemala and have been living in Salt Lake City for 20 years now. She has worked as a Community Wellness Coach for the Hispanic Healthcare Task force and Cancer Program Coordinator for Alliance Community Services. She studied Business Administration in Guatemala City, Certified as a Case Manager, Peer Support Specialist and Health Coach by the University of Utah. Certified as a Victim Assistance Advocate by the Office of Victims of Crime. Certified as Sexual Assault Advocate by Utah Coalition Against Sexual Assault. Graduated from Humanities course Westminster College, Humanities in Focus Filming, and Westside Leadership. She is an active member of the Community working as a Community Health Worker for over 18 years and constantly learning new things for the sake of being able to teach the people around her and for that effort she was a recipient of the Trailblazer Award by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Utah

Job Titles:

• Rural Services Supervisor
• Rural Services Supervisor & Therapist

Joanna is from Alaska, but after living in Montana, Argentina, Oregon, and Ecuador has found her home in Utah's desert and the small community of Moab. Before becoming a therapist, Joanna graduated from Montana State University majoring in philosophy, political science, and Spanish. She then served the community as a certified medical interpreter and advocate. In 2020, Joanna earned a Master of Social Work degree from USU-Moab and began working at the Multicultural Counseling Center. When she's not working, you can find her in nature: mountain biking, snowboarding, or spending time with her dogs. As a therapist, Joanna is guided by approaches that are trauma-informed, client-centered, strengths-based, and empowerment-focused. Joanna utilizes a generalized practice model influenced by techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness. Joanna creció en Alaska, pero encontró su hogar en el desierto de Utah. El 2014, se mudó a Utah para trabajar como voluntaria de Americorps VISTA. Desde entonces, Joanna ha trabajado como defensora de la comunidad, profesora de Inglés como segundo idioma, intérprete médico certificada y coordinadora del alcance comunitario para el Centro Multicultural de Moab. Estudió en Montana State University de Bozeman, Montana; Buenos Aires, Argentina y Quito, Ecuador. Tiene especializaciones en filosofía, ciencias políticas y español. Actualmente es estudiante de Maestría de Trabajo Social en Utah State University-Moab. Hace un año, Joanna tiene el honor de servir como terapeuta para ayudar y empoderar a las personas de todas las edades para que tengan una mejor vida y vivan más felices. Cuando ella no está trabajando, puedes encontrarla disfrutando de la naturaleza, practicando ciclismo de montaña, escalando rocas, snowboarding o pasando tiempo con sus perros.

Job Titles:

• Forensic Coordinator
• Forensics Coordinator

Jocelyne Lopez was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah, but her family originates from Guanajuato, Mexico. In 2020, Jocelyne received a bachelor's degree in Psychology and Ethnic Studies from the University of Utah. Jocelyne's own personal struggles with mental health and the stigma seen within her community influenced her to pursue a career in the mental health field. Jocelyne is passionate about breaking barriers between education and resources within the Latinx community. Her career goal is to become a bilingual psychologist who specializes in helping minority and underrepresented communities. Jocelyne decided to pursue this goal due to the lack of representation within the mental health field. Jocelyne was recently admitted into Westminster's Clinical Mental Health Counseling masters program, where she will begin in Fall 2022. As the Forensics Coordinator, Jocelyne is responsible for coordinating services for clients seeking psychological evaluations for their immigration cases and connecting clients with resources. Jocelyne is additionally responsible for conducting interviews for the biopsychosocial portion of the assessments. Jocelyne enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading, listening to music and drinking coffee.

Job Titles:

• Clinical Director
• Founder
• Founder & Therapist
• LCSWI - Directora / Fundadora

Karla Arroyo was born and raised in Mexico City where she earned her Bachelor's Degree in Economics from the Universidad Autonoma Metropolitana (UAM). Karla moved to Provo, Utah in June of 1999 and earned a Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Utah in 2006. Her clinical practice has focused on trauma survivors, specifically, domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking victims. Karla enjoys working with children and their families. Karla Arroyo nació y creció en la Ciudad de México, donde obtuvo su Licenciatura en Economía de la Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM). Karla se mudó a Provo, Utah en junio de 1999 y obtuvo una Maestría en Trabajo Social de la Universidad de Utah en 2006. Karla actualmente está inscrita en el programa de doctorado en la Universidad de Utah, Facultad de Trabajo Social. Karla ha pasado los últimos 10 años trabajando con la comunidad latina en el condado de Salt Lake y algunas áreas rurales dentro del estado de Utah. Su participación en la comunidad ha sido práctica clínica directa, organización comunitaria y, más recientemente, se ha centrado en desarrollar y expandir programas piloto que ofrecen asesoramiento y apoyo de pares a través de la telesalud. Su práctica clínica ha enfocado a los sobrevivientes de traumas, específicamente a víctimas de violencia doméstica, agresión sexual y trata de personas.

Lupita Shober nació y creció en Venezuela, pero vivió la mayor parte de su vida en Utah. La principal fuente de felicidad de Lupita implica pasar tiempo con su esposo y sus tres hijos. En su tiempo libre, a Lupita le gusta pasar tiempo al aire libre, ir de excursión, andar en bicicleta y esquiar. Sin embargo, su actividad diaria es caminar. Le gusta cocinar y ser ama de casa.

Job Titles:

• Intern

Job Titles:

• LCSW - Bilingual Mental HealthTherapist / Field Clinical Supervisor

María Margarita Miller was born in Bogotá D.C, the capital city of the Republic of Colombia in South America. Her willingness to serve and help others led her to study a professional career that would allow her to achieve her goal and for that reason she chose Clinical Social Work where through psychotherapy it is possible to give support to those who require it, allowing them to improve their quality of life. Maria Miller studied at the University of Utah, an institution that awarded her a professional degree in Social Work on 2008 and a Certified license as Social service Worker in the State of UT. Subsequently, María studied at Boise State University in Idaho, an institution that granted her a Master Degree in Clinical Social Work in 2015, and a Clinical Social Worker license. Subsequently, Maria Miller obtained a Licensed Clinical Social Worker License in 2017. She also has an Associate of Science and Social Work from Salt Lake Community College, obtained in 2005. On the other hand, Maria is also certified as a Provider for treatment of offenders in domestic violence, 2018, as a Sexual Assault Counselor in 2018, and she was also fully trained on EMDR therapy 2021.

Job Titles:

• MSWI Intern
• Skills Counselor

Maria Morris was born and raised in Bogota, Colombia. She moved to Utah as a teen and fell in love with the mountains. She enjoys reading, watching movies, and cross-stitching. She lives with her husband and multiple pets. Her passion for helping others and curiosity about the human brain and its workings led her to get a B.S in psychology from the University of Utah. Currently, she is in graduate school, working on her MSW. She hopes to help the Latinx population in their language and bring mental health resources to our community

Job Titles:

• Customer Service Director
• Servicio Al Cliente

Job Titles:

• Agent
• Receptionist

Job Titles:

• Family Support Specialist

Mario is bilingual in English/Spanish with strong communication skills. He is highly motivated and disciplined person. Good character, integrity, easy going. Always willing to give a helping hand and reach out to others. He loves to listen and counsel according to the assessed needs of the individual and possesses qualities to teach and share knowledge with others

Job Titles:

• Family Support Services Program Manager
• Licensed Substance Use Disorder Counselor

Michelle is a Licensed Substance Use Disorder Counselor. She earned her B.S in Human Development and Family Studies, including her substance use disorder training from the University of Utah in 2017. She has eight years of experience working in a variety of settings including private practice, outpatient specialty clinics, domestic violence shelters, substance abuse and mental health residential treatment programs and large non-profits. She is certified in the Medicine Wheel and 12 Steps curriculum, Community Leadership in Education, Children Behavioral Health, and Adult Behavioral Health.

Job Titles:

• Skills Counselor

Patricia was born and raised in Ventura, California. At young age, she moved to Utah with her family, who is originally from a small town in Jalisco, Mexico. She is fluent in English and Spanish. Patricia quickly gained a passion in social work and helping and giving back to the Latinx community. She went on to receive her Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) at Utah Valley University in 2017. Since then, Patricia has gained experience working with young children and teenagers in a school setting through an internship at Alpine School District in Utah County. Patricia has also worked as a case manager for Wasatch Mental Health where she works with individuals who suffer from severe mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia, depression, and bipolar disorder. She is certified as an Adult Case Manager by the Utah State Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health. Patricia graduated with her Master of Social Work (MSW) from Boise State University in December 2020 and has begun working at MCC as a full-time therapist since then. Patricia finds pleasure in helping others, giving back to the community, and is a strong advocate for women's rights. She enjoys music, hiking, reading, and traveling.

Pricilia Rios was born and raised in Agua Prieta Sonora Mexico with her parents, where she studied high school and two years of computer programming. At 18 years old, she arrived loaded with dreams and goals to Salt Lake City, where she has lived since then, which she most enjoyed about her. nature is the greatness of mountains outdoor activities, music, animals, encounters with family and friends ... it was in a life training and self-improvement at the US action institute where I discovered my vocation to support my community and the human being and serving as a volunteer for casa del pueblo, community voices and community services of the alliance, working as a health promoter for the Obama care program I came to this great multicultural counseling center where I can give my experience away from life and surviving life's difficulties to motivate and support other people.

Job Titles:

• Family Support Specialist

Job Titles:

• Forensic Department Director
• Forensics Department Director & Therapist

Roberto has been part of the Multicultural Counseling Center team since August 2019, when he started as a therapist intern. Currently, Roberto is the Forensic Department director and clinician at MCC. Before joining MCC, Roberto spent more than a decade working in the adventure travel and guiding industries through the majority of Central and South America. He led large and small client groups focused on culturally immersive service work. He spent ten years working with adolescents and emerging adults in wilderness therapy as a field instructor, mentor, and program director in Southern Utah. In addition, Roberto has worked at a psychiatric hospital on an inpatient unit with individuals who have schizophrenia and other thought disorders and mood disorders such as bipolar disorder, depression, and suicidality. In his current position as the Forensic Department Director, Roberto is responsible for overseeing the overall operations and outgoing development of this department. In addition, he is responsible for evidence-based practices for the different immigration assessments services we offer to our clients and maintaining a collaborative partnership with several immigration attorneys within the SLC area and across the state of Utah, for that matter. Importantly, Roberto is one of the two clinicians conducting the immigration psychological assessments. As a therapist, Roberto has experience helping individuals struggling with life transitions, family dynamics, interpersonal conflict, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, identity, attachment, and adult ADHD, as well as individuals dealing with unresolved adverse childhood experiences, intergenerational trauma, and survivors of intimate partner violence and other forms of abuse. As a trauma-informed clinician, Roberto assists his clients with making connections between their past and present experiences as they gain awareness in their journey of self-discovery. His passion is working with those in the Latino community and serving as a resource for those seeking support. Roberto es un intern terapeuta que actualmente realiza su RSU en la Universidad de Utah. Se graduó de Prescott College con un título en Psicología de Consejería. Antes de mudarse a Utah, Roberto pasó más de 12 años trabajando en las industrias de viajes de aventura y guía en Cusco y la cuenca del Amazonas en Perú, donde nació y creció. Más tarde, su trabajo como guía lo llevó a través de la La mayoría de América Central y del Sur, así como en el extranjero a Europa y partes de África, liderando grupos de clientes grandes y pequeños centrados en el trabajo de servicio culturalmente inmersivo.

Job Titles:

• Therapist

Tania was born in Peru and she moved to Utah 22 years ago. Tania has graduated with a bachelor's degree in psychology from Weber State University and with a master's degree in social work from the University of Utah. While Tania pursued her education her areas of focus were on mental health and women and gender studies. Tania has experience working with kids, teens, adults, and seniors. Tania has been trained in EMDR therapy modalities to help people with issues related to trauma. Tania enjoys helping people of all ages and she can adjust her therapy sessions to your convenience through online teletherapy. Tania uses therapeutic exercises and research-based practice. Tania's innate motivation to help people is what brought her to the social work field. Tania enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and reading.

Job Titles:

• Customer Service

Job Titles:

• Skills Counselor

Yesenia was born and raised in Fillmore, Utah by parents who immigrated from Michoacan, Mexico. She is fluent in both Spanish and English. Yesenia has always been passionate about helping minority populations. She received her Bachelor's of Social Work from Weber State University in 2020. Her dream is to work with lawmakers to advocate for minorities and environmental change. Yesenia has experience working with victims of domestic violence through an internship with the YCC Family Crisis Center. She has also worked as a Youth Counselor at Benchmark Behavioral Health and has experience working with teens with behavioral issues.