Arlyn (she/her/ella) is a bilingual Associate Clinical Social Worker fluent in both Spanish and English. She is dedicated to empowering others through compassionate support. As an undocumented Latina from Mazatlán, Sinaloa, she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of California, Riverside in 2022, and earned her master’s in social work with a concentration in community mental health from California State University, Fullerton in 2024.

Driven by her experiences and the trauma associated with migration, Arlyn advocates for improved access to mental health resources for undocumented individuals and students. She emphasizes person-centered care, fostering healing and understanding within the community. Arlyn enjoys learning from everyone she meets and is eager to connect with new individuals. With her background in mental health, she aims to create specialized tools that provide comprehensive support for those she serves, which she considers her ultimate passion project. Her commitment to personal empowerment and community well-being reflects her dedication to fostering generational healing and resilience.

Born and raised in Manila, Philippines, Julia (she/her/siya) moved to Los Angeles at the age of 13. She received her bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of California, Los Angeles, and recently graduated from California State University, Dominguez Hills with her master’s in social work with an emphasis in community mental health.

Having been shaped by her experiences as an unDACAmented Asian immigrant, Julia recognizes that one’s material conditions have a direct impact on a person’s mental health experience. She prioritizes meeting clients where they are at and believes that they are the experts in their own lives. She also hopes to destigmatize mental health in her community by fostering healthy and open conversations. During her free time, she likes to explore flea markets all over Los Angeles and has been trying to expand her Sonny Angel collection over the years!

Julio (he/him/él) is the oldest of seven siblings and a first-generation Latino therapist to complete a master’s degree. He was brought to the United States by his mother at the age of nine. Throughout the years, Julio and his siblings became translators and communicators for their parents during hospital and school visits, and between other English-speaking individuals. As the eldest son of primarily Spanish speakers, he had to navigate his education with little guidance or support and self-advocate, motivating him towards a better future for his family. AB 540 and CA Dream Act’s implementation opened a pathway for Julio to complete his bachelor’s degree. He graduated from the University of California, Riverside with a bachelor’s degree in Spanish and psychology. Furthermore, he earned a Master’s in Counseling from the University of La Verne. As a therapist, Julio draws from various approaches to best support his clients. Two of his favorites are the human-centered and storytelling methods, which he finds particularly effective in fostering connection and personal growth. Julio loves spending time with his two furkids, Calian and Buddy. They explore different hike trails together.

Laurie (she/ella) is a bilingual (English/Spanish) Associate Marriage and Family Therapist starting her road to licensure through the Mental Health Career Program. After moving to California from Guatemala with her mother and two brothers at the age of 14, she earned an associate degree in social and behavioral sciences from Santa Barbara City College and a bachelor’s degree in child development from Cal State LA. Later, Laurie attended Azusa Pacific University for a master’s in marriage and family therapy.

After graduation, and having encountered many roadblocks due to her status, Laurie decided to take some time off from that career path to become a full-time nanny. It wasn’t until she learned about the Mental Health Career Program that she found herself feeling hopeful about the possibility of pursuing the road to licensure.

Laurie is passionate about helping people become the best version of themselves and providing mental health support to those in need. She feels strongly about making mental healthcare more accessible to the undocumented community and to young adults struggling with entering the adult world. Laurie’s goal is to create an environment, in which people from all walks of life feel welcome and embraced.

Nayeli (she/her/ella) is a first-generation/Xicanx. She was born on the Kumeyaay land on the northern border of Baja California, Mexico, and migrated to Watsonville when she was five. Nayeli graduated with a master’s in social work from California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB). Nayeli maintains a deep connection to her Indigenous roots, as it fosters a sense of belonging and recognition of her identity as an Indigenous person on this land. This connection enriches her life, allowing her to engage with her community through traditional medicine, ceremonies, and local gatherings celebrating Indigenous culture and providing essential support. Through community, knowledge, and a focus on family, Nayeli continues to honor her heritage.

Through a trauma-informed approach, Nayeli aims to eliminate the stigma around mental health and create an inclusive environment where individuals — especially undocumented adults and young adults — feel welcome, and where equality between physical and mental health is encouraged. In her free time, Nayeli enjoys spending time with her dog, Kahleo, listening to music, taking photos, dancing in an Aztec danza group, and enjoying the company of family and friends.

Nicol (she/her/ella) is an undocumented, non-DACA, empowered Latina who is a product of Torreon, Coahuila, Mexico.

Nicol proudly graduated from California State University, Dominguez Hills in 2020 and immediately entered her MSW graduate program at California State University, Los Angeles where she graduated in May 2023. Nicol is an advocate for the undocumented community and hopes to create space for people of color to be represented in policy-making. Through her experience in clinical work, she has witnessed an urgent need for mental health services among immigrants in this country, and her vision is to help her community heal through knowledge and collective empowerment.

Nicol’s hobbies include walking her dog, Milo, spending time with family and friends, listening to podcasts, and going to Dodger games—she’s an LA girl at heart. She is all about balance and manifesting good things in life!