My Story
I grew up in a multicultural home, moving every few years as part of a military family. I’m the daughter of a Cuban immigrant family who fled the communist dictatorship when Castro took over, leaving behind their land, home, and everything they had built. Another part of my family is rooted in Atlanta, Georgia. Those two very different histories shaped me into a third culture Latina kid—someone who never quite fit into just one box.
I was also surrounded by family members who embodied an entrepreneurial mindset. They believed in doing what is right, even if you are the only one, and they championed creative thinking as a way to solve problems and uplift others. Their example instilled in me a sense of purpose, courage, and possibility from a young age.
Throughout my life, I’ve experienced the weight of assumptions. I’ve been asked if I clean houses. I’ve been mistaken for the nanny of my own children, especially when they were little and we didn’t “look like” we belonged together. These experiences, while painful, taught me how important it is to stay curious, not make assumptions, and have deep empathy for anyone trying to figure out their identity.
As a child, I learned to code-switch to fit in. Only later did I realize that sometimes it was a strength—and sometimes it distanced me from my true self. Traveling the world at a young age taught me to embrace differences, stay open, and find beauty in both the cultures I came from and those I encountered. Art became the thread that wove all of those experiences together.
When I became a widow after losing my husband to addiction, art became more than just a creative outlet. It became a lifeline. It helped me process grief, continue to reconnect with my daughters in a present, grounded way, and begin the slow, brave journey of stepping out of the shadows and into the light. That journey shaped me into more than just an educator—it led me to become an Art Therapist and addiction specialist.
Today, I use art and creative expression to support others navigating grief, trauma, and identity. I believe in the power of mental health support, in the importance of being truly seen, and in the healing potential of creativity. Whether someone feels lost, overwhelmed, or simply ready for growth, I’m here to walk with them as they take their next step.
This is what it means to
Design a Life You Love.
