Biography

Andrea is a proud alumna of CIIS, where she developed a strong foundation in community mental health. Throughout her career, Andrea has been deeply committed to serving diverse populations with compassion and cultural sensitivity.

With a profound understanding of mental health issues within a sociocultural context, Andrea is committed to fostering a holistic approach to mental health treatment.

Originally from Mexico, Andrea moved to California in 2015 and obtained her license as a Marriage and Family Therapist. Her academic background includes specialized training in psychodynamic psychotherapy and trauma from a relational perspective.

Andrea has shared her knowledge and insights with students through courses such as "Introduction to Community Mental Health" and "Trauma, Crisis, and Recovery". Her teaching is informed by her extensive experience in various community mental health settings, including high school wellness centers, welfare programs, domestic violence shelters, outpatient community clinics, and as a mental health consultant for city employees, as well a working in clinical private practice.

Grounded in social theory and psychodynamic principles, Andrea emphasizes the importance of considering identity and social context in mental health treatment. She integrates a sociocultural lens and a psychodynamic relational perspective to empower clients to navigate their mental health challenges with resilience and self-awareness.

As an adjunct faculty member, Andrea is dedicated to shaping the next generation of mental health professionals, instilling in them a deep appreciation for the complexities of mental health within diverse communities. 

Education

M.A., California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS)

B.A., University of San Luis Potosí, México