I understand the struggle.
I know what it is like to feel weighed down by self-doubt, overthinking, and the relentless pressure to hold it all together
For years, I pushed myself relentlessly -over-preparing, running on caffeine, and striving to be productive at all times in school, work, and even social settings. Stress and exhaustion were constant, but I feared slowing down because I thought it meant I was falling behind. I was my own harshest critic.
I kept waiting for the moment when I would finally feel like I was enough…
In 2002, I moved from my home in Bogota, Colombia to the United States to pursue advanced degrees in behavior analysis and clinical psychology. As an international student and immigrant, I found myself constantly navigating cultural clashes and systemic expectations as a woman of color.
But today, I have a much different relationship with myself.
I have built a life that reflects who I truly am, not who I thought I needed to be. Self-doubt, overwhelm, and lack of confidence no longer push me around in the same way they once did, and I am honored to support my coaching clients to do the same.
I often felt lonely and misunderstood, and like I had to prove my worth and belonging.
What I learned through my personal and professional journey
The kinds of struggles we have with self-doubt and overwhelm are not about our flaws or lack of willpower. They come from the stories we carry about who we need to be to feel worthy, safe, and connected.
They come from the stories and systems that have shaped how we see ourselves- not as we actually are, but who we should be.
And when we see ourselves only through the lens of "shoulds" and "not enoughs," we
become disconnected from the most important relationship we have -the one with
ourselves.
And the relationship we have with ourselves is at the heart of everything.
How grounded we feel
How we belong
How we connect with others
How we navigate living our most authentic and meaningful lives
Changing the relationship we have with ourselves transforms how we move through the world, and we do that by learning to embrace all parts of ourselves with compassion
and curiosity.
Some behind the scenes of what my
Authentic Self looks like today
Now, I live in Florida, where I feel more connected to my cultural roots and can be a caregiver to my father, who has dementia, and support to my mother. This chapter of my life has taught me the importance of slowing down, being present, and making space for what truly matters.
I have a mission to create meaningful change that continues to inspire and ground me. For a long time, there were few professionals who truly understood the experiences of Latinos and their families, and my work naturally filled that gap. This has been a deeply meaningful part of my journey, and I share this mission with my partner and best friend, a fellow Colombian and behavior analyst. While this remains at the heart of what I do, my work has expanded to support people across identities—including other people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, immigrants, expats, first-generation professionals, and those who navigate multiple cultural or social worlds. I work with those who have experienced feeling ‘othered’ and are seeking a deeper sense of belonging and self-trust.
And when I’m not working with clients or teaching master’s students in behavior analysis, you can find me:
Starting my mornings with fresh coffee, buttery croissants, and fresh fruit, the simple joys that ease me into the day.
Exploring nature with my dog, Blue, who never fails to remind me to slow down, savor the present, and approach life with curiosity while taking up space with authenticity. Blue is always present in my space, not just in my life, but also in the photos covering my back wall. In my virtual office, he’s always there embodying curiosity, presence, and exploration.
Playing the piano and dancing, to nourish my soul, connect to my inner world and give me space for self-expression.
The way I live, feel, and move through the world
is intimately connected to how I hold space for others. My work is rooted in 25 years of experience in psychology and behavior analysis, and shaped by my upbringing, culture, education, and the ongoing process of returning to myself.
I approach this work with deep respect for your lived experience. It honors your body's wisdom and invites gentle curiosity about the beliefs, adaptive strategies, and unmet needs that shape how you relate to yourself and others, so you can begin to gently loosen what no longer serves you.
If you’re curious about my academic and professional background, you can learn more about my experience, roles, and publications
